‘Tis the season for weekend getaways! A couple of weeks ago, CJ and I headed to Torrance, CA for a fun weekend away. Both of us had never been there, despite visiting LA many times individually (CJ actually used to live there). If you’re wondering where Torrance is, it’s in So Cal, in the South Bay area of LA. The city was incorporated in 1921 and is named after Jared Sidney Torrance. He wanted to develop a city that was residential yet industrial between LA and the San Pedro Harbor. Today, Torrance is one of the safest areas in LA and still has that balance with beautiful homes, families and thriving businesses. It was such a fun weekend away, one that we definitely ate our way through!

Here’s how we spent our time in Torrance.

Getting to Torrance

Getting to Torrance is super easy.  You can call it a road trip down to So Cal, or you can hop on a plane! It’s located conveniently between LAX and Long Beach Airport so you can decide the best flight option for you. We flew into Long Beach from Sacramento because the rates were a bit lower but it totally depends on where you’re coming from and the time of year so check both! I loved flying into LGB because it’s a small airport and we didn’t have to worry about long lines or crowds.

Places We Visited and Things We Did

• We stayed at the Marriott Torrance/Redondo Beach and it was perfect! Their onsite restaurant  21 Square has the most beautiful bar inside and lounge areas with fire pits outside. You also have a Starbucks and Hertz on-premise, too!
• The hotel was also right across the street from the Del Amo Fashion Center, which is a shopping paradise. It is a beautifully designed center with a store for everyone. I spent a lot of time in Banana Republic, Uniqlo, NYX and Nordstrom.
• You have to spend a day at Torrance State Beach. Walk along for a little bit, then find the perfect place to sit down and chill. You’ll see all kinds of people gathering: friends, families, singles, some playing and some not.
• We did not make it this trip, but if you have time, check out the Torrance Art Museum. Definitely on the list for my return trip!
• Did you know that Torrance High School is the setting for so many 90s TV shows and movies? 90210, Buffy and She’s All That are just a few. I took a picture in front of it and you should, too!
• The King’s Hawaiian brand has an actual restaurant and bakery IN TORRANCE! It is not cheesy at all. It is downright delicious. Don’t miss the opportunity to have some French Toast made with King’s Hawaiian bread! Trust me.
• A friend recommended a meal at Madre, and I’m so glad they did. The flavors are incredible and the cocktails are refreshing. You definitely want to try one of the moles!
• Torrance has over ten breweries! We spent some time at Zymurgy Brew Works, and by spent time, I mean, we drank beer and played Uno for a couple of hours. It just so happened that a UC Berkeley Alumni group was there too. At first, I was wondering why there was so much blue and gold everywhere, but it made sense soon after. 🙂
• In the same center, you’ll find Pop Boba. I love an establishment with a clear theme, and theirs is pop art! Go for the design details but stay for the amazing milk teas! We bought a White Chocolate Matcha cookie (the last one) because we heard they were good. I have no idea because CJ ate it and didn’t even leave a crumb! 😉
• Ramen fan? Hit up Izakaya Ajido. That broth tho…. so good! Don’t believe me? Check the reviews.

 

Food + Drink

On the low, Torrance has some of the BEST FOOD! The options are endless. From Mexican to Asian, CJ and I did our best to take advantage of all of the flavors. We are plotting our return to eat our way through the city.

Even if you can’t spend an entire weekend in Torrance, you have to experience it yourself.  If you’ve been to or live in Torrance, please share your recommendations in the comments so we can keep the good and tasty vibes going!

Thanks for reading!

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Thank you to the Discover Torrance team for inviting us to discover some new favorite places. Thoughts and opinions are my own!