Take a Road Trip Through Torrance

On your next Southern California road trip, be sure to add Torrance for a restful pause. This peaceful beach city is in the heart of LA and has much to recommend it.

  • Near all of Los Angeles and Orange County’s major league sports arenas and amusement parks
  • Boasts 400+ eateries including 10 breweries
  • Offers 15 hotels just 15 minutes from LAX
  • Has its own 1.5 miles of uncrowded shoreline

Torrance’s Road Trip Stats

To help you plan your road trip, take a look at how far Torrance is from other CA cities. We also added our picks for Torrance’s top stops below.

  • Disneyland (Anaheim) – 1 hr, 28 miles
  • San Diego – 2 hrs, 116 miles
  • Palm Springs – 3 hrs, 117 miles
  • San Francisco – 6 hrs, 395 miles

DAY 1

Photo: King’s Hawaiian Restaurant & Bakery

First Stop: A King’s Breakfast

Get powered up for your day with a big breakfast at KING’S HAWAIIAN® Bakery & Restaurant. Known for its famous King’s Hawaiian Bread, this spot is straight out of Hilo, Hawaii and serves a mix of local Hawaiian and classic American cuisine. Their King’s Hawaiian French Toast is a favorite, which you can order by itself or as part of their Big Island Breakfast.

Your next stop is Torrance Beach, so if you’re in need of some beach staples, stop by the Target just down the road on your way.

Second Stop: Torrance’s Pristine Shore

About 4 miles west of King’s Hawaiian Restaurant, you’ll find Torrance Beach with 1.5 miles of uncrowded shoreline and plenty of parking. Pick your spot on the sand, relax and take in the view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

If you’d like to rent some gear, head over to Perry’s where you can rent bikes, boogie boards, chairs, umbrellas, strollers, baby seats and just about any beach-friendly thing you can think of. You can also coast along The Strand, a paved 22-mile bike path.

When you’re done at the beach, use the outdoor showers to clean off the sand and then head to dinner.

Third Stop: Dinner Time

For lunch or dinner, some of your closest options include Bettolino Kitchen (0.7 miles away) for pizza or pasta, Rock & Brews (0.9 miles away) for classic American fare, or Riviera Mexican Grill (0.9 miles away) for AH-mazing tacos, burritos, and more. Once you’ve finished feasting, head to your hotel for a rest.

Last Stop: Check-In

Torrance has 15 hotels to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that works for you, whether it’s a luxurious suite or a more budget-friendly room.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance – South Bay is right near the Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the largest malls in America. Check in, grab your welcome chocolate chip cookie, admire the colorful aquariums and then head to your room. Stop by Andre’s Restaurant for a nightcap or dessert to end the day in a sweet way.

All of the rooms at Extended Stay America are studio suites with a king bed, queen bed or two queen beds and include fully equipped kitchens. It’s also located right near the Del Amo Fashion Center with lots of great shopping and entertainment to explore.

The Miyako Hybrid Hotel Torrance has single rooms and suites, and all rooms include deep Japanese soaking tubs for relaxing at the end of the day. Their restaurant, the Ise-Shima, serves refined Japanese cuisine and hosts a full buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 2

First Stop: Madrona Marsh

After breakfast at your hotel, treat yourself to a morning nature walk in Torrance’s own Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center. Recognized as one of the last remaining vernal wetlands in Southern California, the site is lush and beautiful, expanding over 43 acres. This urban oasis hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, small mammals and insects. Over 100 species have received a protected Special Status.

Second Stop: Ko Ryu Ramen

Fresh air and walking tend to work up an appetite, and with 400+ eateries, Torrance has lots of options. You can download the Ramen Trail Map for our top nine spots. A fan favorite is Ko Ryu Ramen because they have two Torrance locations.

They serve flavorful bowls of Hakata-style tonkatsu ramen, and if you defeat their famous spicy ramen challenge, you get FREE toppings for life! See if you have what it takes.

Third Stop: Western Museum of Flight

After a hearty lunch, it only feels right to visit a site that pays homage to another Torrance great – Louis Zamperini – at the Western Museum of Flight. Mr. Zamperini was an American World War II veteran and an Olympic distance runner. He’s one of the many heroes this museum honors.

A non-profit, educational institution, this Air Museum offers a chance for kids and adults alike to see and touch completed and in-progress aircraft restoration projects. The Western Museum of Flight’s collection includes numerous Warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and jet aircraft engines, aircraft components, aircraft ejection seats, World War II instruments, aircrew accessories and an extensive model aircraft collection.

Last Stop: Craft Brewery

After a full day, it might be a good idea to head back to your room for some rest. If you’re ready for more, then we recommend checking out one of Torrance’s 10 craft breweries. We couldn’t pick a favorite as they’re all excellent for different reasons, so you’ll have to try them and decide for yourself. Be sure to download our handy Beer Map to consider all your options.

Take Your Time in Torrance

There truly is so much to enjoy here, so don’t be surprised if you need a few more days to explore. We’d be happy to offer personal tips for your Torrance trip. Just swing into the Del Amo Fashion Center and stop by the California Welcome Center Torrance on the main level of this three-story mall. You can plan more of your getaway through our interactive kiosk, shop locally sourced merchandise, get custom activity planning and more.

Don’t wait. Book your trip to Torrance today!