Breath of Fresh Air

Breath of Fresh Air

Ready to hit the refresh button and reenergize with a spirited yet safe adventure? Think you have seen it all in SoCal? Welcome to Southern California done differently. Welcome to Torrance. From our uncrowded beach to an island of wilderness in the heart of the city, we’re overflowing with authentic outdoor experiences that offer a breath of fresh air.

First Stop: Surf & Sand

Enjoy the salty breeze in your hair at Torrance Beach – a 1.5 mile stretch of pristine coastline with amazing views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Play in the sand, start an impromptu volleyball game or take a bike ride – after all, it is the starting point for The Strand, SoCal’s coastal bike path that leads all the way to Will Rogers State Beach in Malibu. Or maybe you just want to grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view while watching local surfers hone their craft. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy the uncrowded vibe here.

Oh, and speaking of that lunch, stop by Urban Plates on your way to the beach and pick up a made-from-scratch, fully prepared meal to go. Their cuisine features grass-fed beef, sustainably sourced seafood, free-range chicken and the freshest produce available.

Next Stop: A Walk In the Garden

After you’ve brushed the sand off from in between your toes, slip your shoes back on and head about four miles up Palos Verdes Drive to South Coast Botanic Garden. This 87-acre site features 13 specialty gardens, including a banyan grove, desert, water-wise, Mediterranean and children’s gardens, a garden for the senses and areas devoted to fuchsias, dahlias and roses. The Japanese garden and koi pond are worth the trip alone and you can catch a glimpse of more than 300 bird species that come for the year-round variety of fruits and flowers.

You most likely deserve a treat after all that walking or maybe a mid-afternoon caffeine pick-me-up. Rev up with a visit to Clutch and Coffee, an off-road racing inspired café, where you can enjoy tasty brews and a selection of pancakes, oven faced toasts and other breakfast treats.

Last stop: Check In

This is a good time to take a break and recharge. With an assortment of lodging options and styles, it’s easy to find a place to stay in Torrance that checks off all your boxes. From more boutique and hip places like the Bluestem Hotel, to larger suites with kitchens, creating your ideal vacation is a breeze. And rest assured that all our properties have your health and safety in the forefront and are following all CDC guidelines.

Day Two: Check Out Madrona Marsh

Let the outdoor Zen continue at one of the last remaining vernal wetlands in Southern California. Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center is an island of wilderness in the heart of the city. This lush and beautiful 43-acres of wonder was a former site of oil wells and is one of the few natural areas remaining within an urban landscape. Some residents don’t even know this peaceful sanctuary is here, tucked right near the Del Amo Fashion Center — which is a great place to get your shop on.

Sunset Stop: Park With A View

Catch the sunset and out-of-this-world views of the LA basin from Los Arboles “Rocketship” Park. On a clear day, you can see as far as the south end of the Santa Monica Bay to the Getty Center, the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. If you have kids, they’ll love the chance to play and climb the four-level rocket ship.

To end your perfect day out in the fresh air, head to Gaetano’s for fresh, homemade pastas, pizza and seafood. This family-owned Italian restaurant has been a staple in Torrance since 1993 and features a charming outdoor patio as well. And their desserts are pretty sweet too. So, grab a glass of vino, kick back and relax. Until next time, buona notte (goodnight)!

Are you in?