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THINGS TO DO IN TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA: TERRIFIC IDEAS!

Have you heard of Torrance?

This city, located in Los Angeles’ South Bay, is known for its cultural and ethnic diversity.  As a consequence, it is an exciting place to explore (think beaches, eateries, and markets) when visiting Southern California.

This comprehensive guide will give you all the reasons to start planning a visit to Torrance.

THINGS TO DO IN TORRANCE

As a city of more than 147,000 residents, believe me when I say Torrance has a plethora of attractions, facilities, and open spaces available to the public.  What follows is my local perspective on the best things to do in Torrance.

STROLL AROUND OLD TOWN

In the early 1900s, a real estate mogul called James Sydney Torrance took the chance to develop a community south of Los Angeles.

His investment paid off since the area incorporated as the City of Torrance in 1921 and grew in size through annexing different pieces of land.

The original planned community survives in what is known as Old Town.  The quiet streets are sprinkled with businesses, residences, trees, parks, and monuments to local heroes.

I visit the area mainly to eat.  My husband and I love By Brazil, a churrasqueria known for its home cooking and flavorful meat, chicken, and pork cuts.  We save money by taking advantage of the lunch special (about $20 per person).

We were beyond excited when Madre Oaxacan Restaurant opened in the area.  We adore Oaxacan food and it is great to have tlayudas, mole negro, and tasajo close to home.

For breakfast, we go to Eat at Rudy’s. For pastries (and donuts, ahem), we go to the Torrance Bakery.  We meet with friends at Red Car. For something different, I recommend visiting the Chado Tea Room.  Try one of their blossoming teas.

After lunch or dinner, stroll around the streets or pay a visit to Del Prado Park.

JOIN A WALKING TOUR

Every 4th Sunday of the month, the Torrance Historical Society offers a free tour of Old Town Torrance.  The 90-minute tour will take you to several landmarks and expand your knowledge about the city.

Note:  The tour is offered from May to October.  Confirm details a couple of days before the tour date.

VISIT HOF HUT TORRANCE

The reputation of Hofburgers spread and business boomed. In those days Hofburgers cost 15 cents and cheese dogs a dime.

In 1947 my father married my mother, Donna, and with the need for a year round business opened the first Hof’s Hut in Belmont Shore. My mother, who was waiting tables during opening day, gave birth to me later that night, September 16, 1951. So I guess you could say I was born to be in the restaurant business.

Looking back over those early years, I attribute Hof’s success to 2 things: my father’s insistence on using only top quality ingredients to make the best breakfasts, burgers, chili, onion rings and fresh home-baked pies in the county and his unwavering focus on providing truly great service. Though they’ve grown a lot in the decades since, with Hof’s Hut restaurants now located throughout Southern California.

For more information related to hot huf torrance visit their shop now!

VISIT A POPULAR FILMING LOCATION

TV and movie fans will be interested in knowing that Torrance High School has been featured in several well-known productions.

The building gained notoriety for serving as the high school on the popular Beverly Hills, 90210 series.  In addition, its facade and patio have been part of TV shows such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Medium and movies such as She’s All That and Bruce Almighty.

ENTER BIVALVE PARADISE AT THE JOLLY OYSTER MARKET

When I told my husband, I was writing an article about things to do in Torrance, he told me not to forget about The Jolly Oyster.  Then, he repeated the same thing 20 times.

Per my husband’s mandate, I am suggesting you visit this market specializing in oysters, clams, and crab claws.  They have a big local following and excellent reviews.

Actually, this brand started with a truck at the San Buenaventura State Beach (in Ventura, 70 miles north of Los Angeles).  We used to stop when driving back from Santa Barbara.  My husband was elated when they opened a market in our backyard.

Note: They also serve oysters at Smorgasbord LA, an eating extravaganza taking place every Sunday in Downtown Los Angeles.

GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE AT THE MADRONA MARSH PRESERVE

The Madrona Marsh showcases the marshland that used to cover the coastal plains of Southern California.  Most of these areas were drained in order to develop living and business complexes.  Therefore, this marsh is a rare example of how things used to be.

The place provides a habitat for birds, insects, frogs, reptiles, and small mammals.  In addition, it is a stop for migrating birds.

The preserve is open to the public every day (except Monday) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An on-site nature center provides information about the creatures calling home the area and facilitates different types of activities (hikes, workshops, etc.)

SPEND THE DAY AT THE BEACH

A lot of people mention the beach cities of Los Angeles County (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach) but they do not realize Torrance has 1.5 miles of beachfront.

The long stretch of sand between the Redondo Pier and the Palos Verdes Peninsula is shared between Redondo Beach and Torrance.  The Torrance part starts south of Miramar Park (where Esplanade meets Paseo de la Playa).

This beach is less hectic than others in the South Bay so, it is a good place to spend the day without having to share your space with hundreds of people.  In season, there is a cafe and beach rental shack on-site.  The other nice thing is that the Riviera Village, an area with more than 20 restaurants, is located a couple of blocks away.

Also, keep in mind Torrance Beach is the terminus of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.  This 22-mile paved way starts at Will Rogers State Beach and continues through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, and other beach cities.  Since you are on Torrance Beach, you can use the trail to bike to nearby beach cities. I love to ride along this trail!

ENJOY A BIT OF JAPAN AT MITSUWA MARKETPLACE

Mitsuwa is a supermarket chain with one of the largest selections of imported Japanese goods in the United States.  However, this place is more than a supermarket.  They sell electronics cosmetics and pharmaceutical goods.  And, we cannot forget to mention the food court serving everything from ramen to tempura.

You can spend a decent amount of time browsing the halls and taking advantage of the samples (usually during the weekends).  If you feel hungry, you either can grab something at the prepared food section (the selection is mind-blowing) or pick a stall at the food court.  I always take several things home to eat later.

The other cool thing is that Mitsuwa has different “fairs” featuring dishes from the different prefectures of Japan or a specific ingredient.  This is a good opportunity to learn more about the culture of the country.

STOP BY THE BEST FARMERS MARKET EVER

Many farmers’ markets in the Los Angeles area get tons of rave reviews.  I am not sure if it is local pride but, in my opinion, they are not as good as Torrance Farmers Market.

This market is huge! They have products from 60 farms plus flowers, honey, baked goods, nuts, candy, fish, eggs, prepared food, an international food court, and live music.  You have the opportunity to sample a lot of different things and try things you have never tried before.  Come hungry because you will need space in your stomach to tackle all the offerings.

HUNT FOR AN ANTIQUE TREASURE

If you enjoy browsing for antiques and unique objects in a lively environment, then you have to stop by the Torrance Antique Street Faire.

This monthly event (4th Sunday) gathers 200 vendors and attracts thousands to Old Town Torrance.  The fair has been going strong for 20 years and it is a South Bay favorite.  Bring the entire family to this fun event. Admission and parking are free.

SHOP AT THE ROADIUM OPEN AIR MARKET

The Roadium can be described as a swap meet or flea market (even though it is “officially” an open-air market). I am pretty sure you are familiar with the concept but, if not, this is a place where used objects are sold or exchanged.  Offerings can be new or never used.  The idea is to acquire a good at a lower price than usual.

The Roadium covers a big space and it is well organized.  You can find cosmetics, perfumes, clothes, shoes, and bags as well as automotive, gardening, locksmithing, and hardware store items.

The market is opened daily but the biggest number of vendors set up stalls during the weekends.  Admission is $1 – $2.  Additional parking can be found at a lot, located at the intersection of Redondo Beach Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard.  A free shuttle transports shoppers to the market’s entrance.

VISIT A MUSEUM

If your preferences are along with the art, history, and culture subjects, it is possible to sharpen your knowledge of those areas by visiting one of the museums in the city of Torrance.

You have the following options:

Torrance Art Museum – focuses on the contemporary art of Southern California. Admission is free.

California Museum of Fine Art – museum and gallery showcasing works of global artists.  Opened from Wednesday to Saturday (afternoons)

Torrance Historical Society – offers local exhibits and archives. Open from Wednesday to Saturday (afternoons).

Western Museum of Flight – aviation museum located at Torrance’s Municipal Airport.  Opened Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is $5.

Chen Art Gallery – houses one of the most important Chinese art collections in the United States.  Opened Tuesday to Friday. Admission is free.

GO BREWERY HOPPING

Torrance is one of the leaders of the craft beer movement in Los Angeles.  I am not sure if another city in the area has as many breweries as Torrance.

These breweries are usually located in an industrial zone and facilities are warehouse style.  Most places are “bring your own food” (or snacks).  Sometimes, a food truck makes a stop or a taquero is serving delicious morsels.

I am not a beer drinker, so I cannot really tell you which place is better.  You will need to find out for yourself.  But, let me tell you that the places I am mentioning below are alive, thriving, and expanding.  Therefore, they must be good.

Smog City Brewing, Monkish Brewing, Cosmic Brewery, The Dudes’ Brewing, and The Strand Brewing are located very not that far from one another (less than a mile).

Not far away, in Old Town Torrance, you have Red Car Restaurant & Brewery and Yorkshire Square Brewery.  Absolution Brewing Company and Scholb Premium Ales are located west of the other breweries.

Standing by itself, next to a 99 Cents store, you will find Hop Saint.  The food here is phenomenal.

GET TRANSPORTED TO GERMANY (OR CENTRAL EUROPE)

If you have visited Germany, Hungary, Austria, Czechia, and other countries in Central Europe, you wonder how you will survive without sausages, sauerkraut, and goulash once you get back home.

Well, in my case, I almost cried with happiness when I entered the Alpine Village.  The market sells about 30 types of sausages (some prepared on-site), potato dumplings, spaetzle, pickled items, and much more.  They also have a bakery, cafe, and deli.

Those looking for a more involved experience can visit the restaurant bratwurst, beef goulash, Weiner schnitzel, cold salads, hot dishes, and desserts.  I cannot recommend this place enough!