This is a sponsored post through Discover Torrance. All opinions, thoughts and photographs are our own.
Recent travels had us to three days in Torrance, California. Located in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles County, Torrance is central to the surrounding areas of LA, Orange County, and the beautiful Southern California beaches. Oh, yes … the beaches!
With 21 square miles of Torrance to explore, we found a variety of things to do and see. And also a variety of foods to feast on. We made it a point to stay within the boundaries of this little gem. But from its central proximity to downtown Los Angeles, the OC, and the shoreline, it’s close to a plethora of other famous and well known activities and places of interest.
Day One
Our first day consisted of traveling to Torrance and settling into our home away from home. Our travels have taken us to many places in the world, which means we’ve stayed in many different hotels. As of late we have to be very particular about where we lay our heads at night. Since I’ve been diagnosed with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), we need to stay in hotels that use unscented laundry products and cleaning products that don’t leave a lot of residual scent behind. We found exactly that with Torrance Marriott Redondo.
The Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach was situated in a perfect location for us. It was an easy drive to all the activities we’d planned. It’s also located directly across from Del Amo Fashion Center. Within walking distance we found a numerous selection of delightful eateries to choose from, and caught a movie we’ve been wanting to see.
We stayed in a King guest room with a stunning view of the mall and surrounding hills. The room was everything we needed, and quite comfortable. See that bed that looks a bit lumpy? That’s the glory of the cozy comforter that made our sleep restful and warm.
Marriott’s cleverly named 21 Square restaurant pays homage to Torrance’s 21 square mile area. The restaurant has outdoor seating on the patio along with the inside dining area. There’s also a gorgeous garden gathering area with seating, a fire pit, as well as hammocks. A great space to kick back and relax in while enjoying the delectable offerings of 21 Square.
After a busy day with a lot of traveling, it was the perfect spot for dinner just downstairs from our room. Just take a look at this delicious charred cauliflower with Vidalia onions, golden raisins, green goddess dressing, toasted hazelnuts. Over the top delicious, I tell you!!
The beaches! After dinner, we took a short drive to the beach to watch the sunset. David and I both grew up going to California beaches. Our kids grew up camping at various beaches. And we still love spending time at the beach. There’s more time and distance between us and the coast now than there once was. So, whenever we do have time to feel the sand beneath our feet and feel the sea rushing around our ankles, we’re all over it!
The salty air, the crashing waves and the colors … the colors! They are beyond description. Especially at sunset as the sun slowly slips beyond the horizon. While the real life experience can never really be fully captured with the lens of a camera, this photo gives just a glimpse of what it was like being there.
We couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous sunset we witnessed at Torrance Beach. Even as the sun set and the air grew cold, we knew we needed to head out, but lingered still a little bit longer.
Day Two
When visiting cities that are new to us, we like to see, do, and eat at places unique to the area. We found exactly that with King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant. The restaurant is busy, but not overly crowed. And the food is fabulous!
The sound of Hawaiian music fills the air. You can truly imagine yourself sitting along the beach in Hawaii eating Hawaiian favorites. It was a wonderful way to start our second day in Torrance. So wonderful we actually returned twice during our stay before heading home. It’s that good!
After breakfast we took in the Western Museum Of Flight. David worked in the airline industry for 35 years so visiting there was a must see.
It’s located at Zamperini Field with delightful docents all of whom we met retired from the Air Force. They were thrilled with our visit and added their own stories to the many exhibits. It’s the perfect hands-on museum for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and even school field trips. It’s an easy-to-see within an hour or so excursion.
Lunch took us to The Depot restaurant which is housed in an old railway station that was built in 1912. It’s fascinating and gorgeous. Our waitress, Suzanne, was a delight. She was willing to adapt whatever she could to accommodate my veganism.
The music of 1940s fills the air as you dine on absolutely delicious fare. Since 1991, Chef Michael Shafer has been creating elegant and classical cuisine to the tables of The Depot.
After our scrumptious lunch we decided to do one of our favorite things, tour a museum. Torrance Art Museum is one of a variety of museums in Torrance. An intimate setting in the city center gives you an opportunity to enjoy each exhibit without getting lost in a crowd. The contemporary art is unique, unusual and ever changing.
Name: A Monumental Conch Shell
Artist: Gioi De Marco
Medium: paper, clay, acrylic and wood – 48 x 48 x 85 inches
Remember we said that the Del Amo Fashion Center was right across from our hotel? Well … it. is. huge. HUGE! In fact, it’s the 5th largest shopping mall in the United States. Soon to be the 3rd largest when the addition of Dave & Buster’s opens soon. You can easily spent an entire day here and still not see and do everything it has to offer. You can sure have a good time trying, though. From shopping to dining and theaters to playgrounds, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. And have fun doing it, too!
We found Pink’s Hotdogs in the Del Amo Fashion Center. And believe it or not, Pink’s was on my bucket list. I actually had given up ever having the chance to eat at a Pink’s since going vegan several years ago. But guess what? Pink’s has a vegan hotdog! The original Pink’s Hotdogs goes way back to 1939 in Hollywood. There are now 15 other locations. Having been by the original Hollywood landmark many times, the line of people going down the street always discouraged me. Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance ticked Pink’s off my to do list!
We’re always game for a good movie at the theater. The perfect location for us was the AMC Del Amo 18. You read that right: 18 theaters. Wow! It was a maze, but amazingly easy to conquer. Comfortable seats and an awesome snack bar that offered everything we were craving. Including … are you ready? Hot caramel corn!
Shopping, dinner and a movie! All within only a shot walk from our hotel.
Day Three
On our third and last day in Torrance, we woke feeling the need to work off some of the delicious foods we’d been devouring. Smack dab in the middle of Torrance is the wilderness oasis, Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center. It’s one of the last vernal wetlands in Southern California. We took a walk on the wild side in the middle of the city. It was refreshing with a plethora of photo opportunities.
After hiking the marshlands we decided to give Historic Downtown Torrance a walkabout. The historic buildings are gorgeous and many have been restored to their original glory. Oh, the stories they could tell! It’s easy to get lost in the architecture. Of course, there’s also shopping and dining.
In 1983, Torrance High School was the first property in Torrance to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It really is a gorgeous building that has become a bit of a Hollywood landmark. You may recognize it from film and television. It has quite the resume.
The Torrance Historical Society is chockfull of artifacts from Torrance’s storied past. When we stepped into the interesting old building, we were greeted by Janet who is a literal walking encyclopedia of everything Torrance. You want to know about Torrance? Go see Janet!
Lunch time! Before we even arrived on our getaway, Torrance Bakery & Deli was on our list of things to see and do.
Believe me when I say it did not disappoint. Family owned and operated, they’ve been creating sweetness since 1984. As you can see, we decided to have lunch before taking in the array of cupcakes and cookies.
When passing under the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge you know it’s something special. Irving Gill designed the historic double-tracked arch bridge in 1913. There are separate arches for traffic, train tracks and pedestrians. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. David and his incredible eye for photography, caught on video this unique view of the bridge during the daytime. And again from the same vantage point at night.
As recommended by Janet, at the Torrance Historical Society, we drove up to Los Arboles Park aka Rocketship Park to watch the sunset. Overlooking the nearly entire 21 square mile area of Torrance, you can see all of Downtown LA in the distance to the north, and west up the coast from Torrance Beach the miles and miles of the beautiful Californina coastline.
Built in 1960, and restored in 1992, Rocketship Park sits up on a hilltop that looks over Torrance. The view is spectacular and the play ground is, too. I love the silhouette of the teenagers watching the sunset from the nose of the rocketship!
There are a variety of restaurants in old downtown, but the Local Kitchen – Tavern caught our eye earlier in the day. Even though the sun had set and we had a long drive home, we wanted to spend more time in historic downtown. Walking the streets at night are just as delightful as doing so during the day. History seeps out of the old buildings, and we felt as if we had taken a step back in time.
Oh my goodness! We loved everything about this gem of a restaurant. Delicious food, great ambiance, and our waiter, Chris was awesome! It was so worth the nighttime drive home.
We loved our three days in Torrance and will look forward to visiting again.
What do you think your favorite thing would be to do or experience in Torrance?
David says: I was surprised by the many varied things to do and see in Torrance. It’s definitely worth revisiting. It’s a true slice of the Calfornia experience. From the hillsides to the sea and the 5th (almost 3rd) largest US mall in-between, Torrance has virtually everything!
Cathi says: When can we go back? We had the best time in Torrance. I’d love to explore historic downtown a bit more and I seriously need another pecan cookie from Torrance Bakery.
~ Bits and Pieces ~
Who: David and Cathi
Why: Southern California Getaway
When: February 13 – 15, 2018
Where: Torrance, California
Website: Discover Torrance
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I could definitely go for some Torrence right now. I can feel myself getting more relaxed just looking at those photos. *sigh*
Kathy says
These photos are so beautiful! Sounds like an amazing place to stay at too. Even the food looks really delicious.
Tara says
Torrance looks like a fabulous place to visit. We do go to California every year. I will have to make a trip here.
Scott says
When we lived out there 20 years ago, Torrance wasn’t exactly the safest place to visit. Glad to see things are a lot better there now!
Lisa Bristol says
Torrance, California looks like a great place for a relaxing getaway. I will be in California for a month next Winter. I will have to see if I can go for a few days.
Jeanette says
We might be going out to California this summer! I hope we hit Torrance when we get there. That food and that view is SOOO worth the drive!
Claudia Krusch says
Sounds like an amazing place! The food looks sooooo yummy! I would love to visit it some day!!
Debra says
Oh goodness! So much to do and see. I remember a beach day at Redondo beach with my aunt and uncle – so fun! The high school does look familiar – what movies?
alicia says
that’s pretty neat that there is a Pink’s inside the Del Amo mall. I have never actually been to Torrance but you make it look like something that should be on my radar. I love museums too.