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Top Sustainable Travel Tips for Your Torrance Getaway
Abounding in natural beauty, California is big on sustainability and clean energy. That’s why traveling responsibly throughout the state is so easy, especially in the Los Angeles region. L.A. has led the way as one of the first cities in the US to become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (there are only five in the US).
A sustainability mindset runs strong in Torrance as well. Many of the businesses here, including hotels, restaurants and outdoor spaces, have several sustainable practices in place. Here’s how Torrance is making it easy to ease your footprint on our beautiful beach city.
City-Wide Recycling
Many of our businesses and residents participate in organic recycling, diverting organic materials away from landfills and to places where they can be used in products like composts, fertilizers and biofuels. It’s a practice that the City of Torrance began on January 1, 2023, to help California reach methane emissions reduction targets.
Torrance is also a member of the LA County Recycling Market Development Zone, which grants businesses technical and financial assistance when they recycle as part of their production process. That means that the businesses that recycle are paid to do their part. While you visit us, please do join in our efforts and sort your organic materials into the proper bins, separate from your traditional recyclables and trash.
Sustainable Travel Tip: Support businesses that recycle and make sure you recycle as well during your stay.
Torrance Hotels’ Sustainable Practices
Among the 15 excellent hotels in Torrance, options range from relaxing suites to more wallet-friendly rooms. Their level of sustainable practices also varies and can include energy-efficient lighting, recycling, using local goods and offering green training programs for employees.
The Miyako Hybrid Hotel is especially committed to being eco-conscious. They were built to be green from the start with sustainable building materials, solar power, energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures. They also have zero tolerance for Styrofoam cups or containers.
Since 2009, Hilton Hotels, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance – South Bay Hotel, has used its award-winning LightStay system to measure, report and improve their environmental impact. From water to watts usage, they use sustainable practices including allowing guests to deny daily housekeeping to receive incentives at the hotel and offer electric car charging stations. The Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach offers guest room recycling for every room and electric car charging on-site as well.
Sustainable Travel Tip: Check out each hotel’s eco-friendly practices as you are making your decision. You can view all Torrance hotel options here.
Dine at Eco-Friendly Restaurants
Finding a sustainable restaurant in Torrance is easy. Just look for the Clean Bay Restaurant decal in the window or our Torrance restaurant pages on the Discover Torrance website. That’s how you know the restaurant is choosing to go above and beyond the standards the law requires to prevent ocean pollution.
The Clean Bay Restaurant Program is one the City of Torrance supports. It officially means that the restaurant received a score of 100% on its most recent inspection and has exceeded its efforts to meet local stormwater regulations.
MB Grille has partnered with Seafood For the Future, an organization dedicated to sustainable seafood purchases, to put their stamp of approval on over 20 seafood dishes on Market Broiler’s menu.
Some restaurants have additional environmental programs in place such as Smog City’s partnership with 1% for the Planet. This craft brewery is donating 1% of its gross sales to environmental non-profits.
Photo: @smogcitybrewing
Sustainable Travel Tip: Pack and use a reusable water bottle when you dine. You can also bring your own growler or crowler when you visit any of our 10 craft breweries.
Sustainable Shopping
Blessed with frequently gorgeous weather, farmers markets tend to thrive in Southern California and Torrance is a prime example. In fact, the Torrance Farmers’ Market is the largest in the South Bay. Rain or shine, it’s open every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm at Wilson Park on Crenshaw.
You should also check out the Torrance Antique Street Faire, an eclectic, open-air flea market held right on the streets of Old Torrance. You’ll find 200+ vendors selling all kinds of antiques, furniture, vintage treasures and more. It’s pet-friendly and there’s a free bicycle valet as well. Both options are a great way to shop local, support the local economy, and get amazing finds and incredibly fresh food.
Make the Most of Madrona Marsh
As one of the last remaining vernal wetlands in Southern California, considerable effort has been made to preserve this bit of wilderness in the middle of a city. Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center is home to several native plants, insects and wildlife, including migrating birds. It feels like home to them and we strive to keep it that way.
Madrona Marsh Preserve is classified as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA), which means that this area contains irreplaceable biological resources. The SEA Program is designed to protect this area as a valuable natural resource where natural wildlife can thrive for years to come.
Sustainable Travel Tip: Join the Friends of Madrona Marsh to help preserve this area for all to enjoy. The preserve also provides eco-friendly ways to enjoy the area with their guided nature walks and tours.
Ride Green
You can confidently choose an EV vehicle as your rental or drive your own in Torrance. It’s an EV-friendly community with the motto “a charger for every mile,” with 132 public EV charging stations in Torrance, 23 of which are free. Most are near popular spots like the Del Amo Fashion Center, but you can use PlugShare to find those near you. A few of the hotels, including the Torrance Marriott and the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance – South Bay Hotel, provide onsite charging, too.
Torrance Transit is another sustainable way to get around the area. It travels from central locations like the Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the 10 largest malls in America, to events at SoFi Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl. Since Torrance Transit is only $2 each way to some locations, including SoFi, it’s cheaper than any ride-share app. You can limit your carbon footprint and save on gas and parking, too.
For a beach drive, you won’t need a car at all. Consider an electric or traditional bike ride on The Strand. This paved beach path starts at Torrance Beach and runs for 22 miles all the way up to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. You can rent a bike at Marina Bike Rentals.
Sustainable Travel Tip: To increase your eco-friendly efforts, pack your own food for the road. Just remember to throw away your trash. You could also bring your own reusable water bottles, keeping in mind that SoFi Stadium requires clear plastic bottles.
Preserve Our Parks
With 33 parks, Torrance is a big supporter of preserving natural spaces. In fact, Torrance is recognized as an official Tree City USA©, one of 146 communities in California and only 3,400 in the United States. To earn this recognition, Torrance must maintain a tree board, have a community tree ordinance, host a community forestry program and celebrate Arbor Day.
Sustainable Travel Tip: Be sure to leave no trace, dispose of your trash in designated receptacles, recycle, and take home what you brought in.
Supporting Local Businesses
Torrance is a fairly tight-knit community with local businesses that started here and have become a core part of Torrance. Red Car Brewery, named after California’s famous Red Car Line, is one of those. It offers casual American fare and a wide selection of beers.
Torrance Bakery is another local staple. You really can’t go wrong there and they’re always creating something new – especially around the holidays when they’re famous for their gingerbread houses and kits.
Photo: @85CBakeryCafe.Torrance
For Mexican food, our hands-down local favorite is La Capilla. They specialize in super authentic, truly amazing Mexican food. As an added bonus, they’re also Clean Bay Certified, which means they’re doing their part to prevent ocean pollution.
Making Sustainable Travel Enjoyable in Torrance
Torrance is a city with an eye on preserving the valuable resources we have for future generations. We know the rare treasures we all share as a community and are grateful for mindful travelers like you who want to share in our sustainable practices.
If you’d like personal suggestions for your stay, stop by the California Welcome Center Torrance at the Del Amo Fashion Center at the main entrance on level 1 – between Express and UniQlo. They can help you plan out your whole vacation on their interactive kiosks. Book your stay and discover everything that Torrance has to offer.
