Blog
Plan Your 2024 Trip to Torrance
As the holiday season draws to a close, everyone is busy making exciting plans for the new year. Maybe your 2024 vision board includes specific ideas, such as learning to surf, seeing a favorite artist in concert or trying a new cuisine. Maybe your goals are a little more general and you’re just hoping to experience a few new adventures in the coming year. Torrance, with its rich blend of activities, culture and unique experiences, offers travelers the chance to broaden their horizons and make 2024 a travel year to remember.
Where to Stay in Torrance
No matter what kind of home away from home best suits your vacation, you can find inviting accommodations in Torrance. There are 15 fantastic hotels to choose from, including a few that are pet-friendly, in case you’re traveling with a four-legged companion. The California Welcome Center Torrance, located in the Del Amo Fashion Center, is there to provide you with insight into all things Torrance, so you can be sure you won’t miss any of the exciting happenings while you are there. Discover all that Torrance and California have to offer — and find out what makes Torrance so unbelievable, but true.
Winter (January-March)
Even in Southern California, the air turns chilly enough that cozy vibes are a welcome addition to any trip.
Ramen Trail
Nothing says California cozy like a steaming bowl of this classic Japanese comfort food. Ramen devotees will be thrilled to learn that in Torrance, we take our ramen pretty seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we’ve created an easy-to-follow trail map of eight of our favorite ramen spots. Experience the best of the Ramen Capital of Southern California at these fun and delectable Japanese eateries.
Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center
One of the last remaining vernal wetlands in Southern California, Madrona Marsh is a stunning ecological gem right in the city for nature lovers to escape and wander. In the winter, the wetlands fill with rainwater, before drying in the summer. This cycle creates a unique habitat for wildlife, resulting in brilliant flora and fauna all year round.
South Coast Botanic Garden
Nearby in Palos Verdes, “The Jewel of the Peninsula” boasts more than 2,500 different species of plants from all corners of the world. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find a wide variety of birds throughout all areas of the 87-acre botanic garden. There are also several themed areas within the park, including a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, a Cactus Garden and much more.
HSBC Sevens Rugby Games 2024 at Dignity Health Sports Park
For fans of sports or simply for anyone who enjoys a little high-energy fun, the HSBC Sevens Rugby Games return to Dignity Health Sports Park in March 2024. Spend an unforgettable weekend at the park enjoying live music, food, drinks, immersive experiences and of course, all the international rugby you could want.
Events at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center
The Torrance Cultural Arts Center, or TOCA, offers an action-packed event schedule featuring performers across a wide variety of genres and cultural backgrounds. Enjoy cabaret shows, nostalgia-inducing tribute performances and much more coming up this 2024 season. Explore the full calendar of events here.
Spring (April-May)
As the weather begins to warm, the atmosphere is perfect for taking in all the unique cultural experiences that Torrance has to offer. Stroll through wide-open museums, or take a walk in the sunshine through street markets and festivals. Just don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
Chen Art Gallery & The Western Museum of Flight
Explore the cultural and historical marvels of Torrance at the Chen Art Gallery, featuring a diverse collection of more than 1,000 pieces of art spanning over 5,000 years of Chinese history. Then, delve into aviation history at the Western Museum of Flight, which offers a fascinating glimpse into aerospace history and restoration projects through educational programs, monthly informative speakers and a massive collection of historical aircrafts.
Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market & The Torrance Antique Street Faire
As the largest farmers’ market in the South Bay, the Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market is a local shopper’s paradise. Peruse the usual fresh fruits and veggies as well as handcrafted goods, a tasty selection of prepared foods and freshly baked pastries, all with the soundtrack of Torrance’s local musicians to score the afternoon. The farmers’ market runs every Tuesday and Saturday, rain or shine. If you happen to be in town on the fourth Sunday of the month, the Torrance Antique Street Faire is a must-stop where you can pick up antique trinkets of all kinds from over 200 vendors.
Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival & 49th Annual Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival
Torrance is a melting pot of diverse cultural backgrounds and is home to a large and thriving Asian-American community. On April 7, head to the Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival to celebrate the beauty of spring surrounded by these brilliant flower blossoms. Later in the season, plan a trip around April 20-21 and immerse yourself in the richness of Japanese culture at the annual Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival, a bustling two-day festival featuring Japanese food, traditional dance, music, calligraphy, tea ceremonies and more.
Beachlife Festival
To round out the season, Beachlife Festival in Redondo Beach, which runs May 3-May 5, is one of the biggest music events of the year. While it offers a laid-back, indie kind of vibe to festival goers, the lineups are always star-studded. This year’s headlines include Sting, ZZ Top, Devo and other music legends. You’re sure to find an artist you recognize and love among the performers, so keep an eye on their website to see this year’s artist lineup and ticket availability.
Summer (June-August)
Summers in Southern California are legendary, and for good reason. It’s warm weather, outdoor adventures and good vibes all day, every day.
Torrance Beach & Strand Beach Bicycle Trail
Is it really a trip to Southern California if you don’t spend a day at the beach? At Torrance Beach, you can enjoy all the sun-soaked bliss of a California beach without the crowds. Spend an afternoon surfing, playing beach volleyball or simply unwind and tan a little in the sun. Torrance Beach also functions as the main starting point for the Strand Beach Bicycle Trail, a 22-mile bike path that is a great way to explore the Torrance coast and get some exercise, too. You can rent bikes and grab a bite nearby at Perry’s Cafe, or rent your bikes at Torrance Bikes.
Discover Torrance’s Craft Breweries and Beer Map & Film Map
Sunny summer days make cold, refreshing beverages even more enticing. Explore the city and sample all that Torrance’s craft beer scene offers — a win-win. Follow this self-guided craft breweries and beer map through Torrance and by the end, you’ll be a craft beer aficionado. Or, for film geeks, the Discover Torrance film map offers a self-guided tour through each of Torrance’s iconic film locations. With this map, you can visit film locations such as Torrance High School, which served as the backdrop for shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Photo: Rich Fury
Concerts at SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium has housed both world-famous sporting events and musical superstars (including, recently, Taylor Swift). This upcoming summer, you can catch many incredible talents, including The Rolling Stones, Luke Combs, blink-182, Kenny Chesney and a triple-threat performance by Def Leppard, Journey and Steve Miller Band.
Fall (September – November)
As the weather begins to cool, Torrance offers visitors a laid-back, yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities ahead of the holiday season.
Torrance Beer Run
Every fall, the Torrance Beer Run offers beer lovers the chance to be rewarded for their beer-tasting efforts. Strap on your best walking — yes, luckily there is no actual running required for this event — shoes and embark on the beer run to collect stamps as you tour 10 breweries all around the city of Torrance. At the end of your run, you can redeem your stamps for some sweet Torrance swag.
Sports Events at SoFi Stadium & Dignity Health Sports Park
In the fall, football season officially kicks off. SoFi Stadium, in addition to being a popular concert venue, hosts exciting NFL games all season long. This state-of-the-art football stadium is home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers — even if you normally root for a different team, a Rams or Chargers game at SoFi is a must-do while you’re here. You can also head to Dignity Health Sports Park, home to the LA Galaxy soccer club, for soccer matches, tennis games and more.
Scaredown in Downtown Torrance
No need to be frightened of this spooky event taking place in Old Torrance. This is a great one for families traveling with kids, or for anyone who simply loves to get into the Halloween spirit. Dress up in your best costume and spend an afternoon in Old Torrance playing games, exploring the (potentially haunted) vendor shops, enjoying live music and much more. You can even get a glimpse into your future with a visit to a tarot card reader — if you dare.
Holidays (November – December)
The holidays are a bustling time of year in Torrance, with plenty of opportunities to shop, explore and embrace and the magic of the season.
Holiday Events at TOCA
The Torrance Cultural Arts Center offers shows all year round, and during the holidays, you’ll be able to catch all sorts of seasonal acts to help you get into the festive spirit. Enjoy classic Christmas carols, diverse performances, comedy shows and more.
Del Amo Fashion Center
What’s the holiday season without a little shopping? Splurge on holiday gifts (for your loved ones or for yourself, of course) at the Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the largest shopping malls in the country. This shopping hub offers three levels of luxury shopping, totaling over 200 different stores to browse as well as a wide array of dining options. During these festive months, the holiday decor alone makes the shopping center worth a visit.
Stay Your Way, Any Time of Year
No matter when you plan your next adventure in Torrance, there are plenty of exciting options to fill your trip itinerary. Each season offers dynamic events and outdoor fun to satisfy any kind of traveler. Book your stay today and discover how much Torrance truly has to offer.
