Guidebook for Torrance
Food Scene
Greater Los Angeles area has food for every body and every palate. You can find Oaxacan, Schezuan, and Pakastani food and everything in between. Here are a few locally-owned places we have enjoyed that you may give a try.
Small cozy space. Reservations a must. Also do takeout. French comfort food.
20 locals recommend
Dominique’s Kitchen
522 S Pacific Coast HwySmall cozy space. Reservations a must. Also do takeout. French comfort food.
Approachable menu for those wanting to try Japanese small plates. Nice atmosphere.
10 locals recommend
Japonica
1304 1/2 S Pacific Coast HwyApproachable menu for those wanting to try Japanese small plates. Nice atmosphere.
Small bistro tucked away in a strip mall. Standard Southern Italian fare done right. Early bird menu.
Scardino's Italian Restaurant
4803 Torrance BlvdSmall bistro tucked away in a strip mall. Standard Southern Italian fare done right. Early bird menu.
Georgio's Pizzeria
4964 W 190th StGood locally-owned Pizza that delivers!
Fancy Mexican food in great atmosphere. Margaritas are rico and you can't go wrong with the shortrib chile relleno!
6 locals recommend
Ortega 120
1814 S Pacific Coast HwyFancy Mexican food in great atmosphere. Margaritas are rico and you can't go wrong with the shortrib chile relleno!
Great takeout rotisserie chicken with Mediterranean twist. Lentil Soup also worth trying.
29 locals recommend
Chicken Maison
2709 Manhattan Beach BoulevardGreat takeout rotisserie chicken with Mediterranean twist. Lentil Soup also worth trying.
Standard seafood and steakhouse. We like happy hour and sitting on the patio for a view of the waves. Try the lobster bisque!
Kincaids
500 Fishermans WharfStandard seafood and steakhouse. We like happy hour and sitting on the patio for a view of the waves. Try the lobster bisque!
Casual spot on grounds of Terrenea Resort, which offers a beautiful view amidst beautiful surroundings.
47 locals recommend
Nelson's
100 Terranea WayCasual spot on grounds of Terrenea Resort, which offers a beautiful view amidst beautiful surroundings.
Moon Donuts
1000 Torrance BlvdBest donuts around!
Wildflower Cafe
600 S Pacific Coast HwyBreakfast/lunch spot with nice patio and fresh OJ.
Drinks & Nightlife
Hermosa Beach Pier usually has the liveliest night scene near here.
Hey 19 Public House
4525 C. MayorCHEAP happy hour with retro, neighborhood vibe.
Popular, small gastro-pub. Good for happy hour and meeting up and chatting.
44 locals recommend
Hudson House
514 N Pacific Coast HwyPopular, small gastro-pub. Good for happy hour and meeting up and chatting.
Hermosa Beach location. View is great for people-watching or just catching a fantastic sunset.
72 locals recommend
Hennessey's Tavern
8 Pier AveHermosa Beach location. View is great for people-watching or just catching a fantastic sunset.
Dive bar on the pier with over 100 beers on tap. They often have live music on the weekends.
25 locals recommend
Naja's Place
154 International BoardwalkDive bar on the pier with over 100 beers on tap. They often have live music on the weekends.
Essentials
Need some groceries? Be sure and take tote bags or you will need to pay for bags. Here, we list some places that offer a bit of interest.
Tuesdays and Saturdays before 1:00 p.m. Also adjacent to a nice park. Other nearby cities, (i.e. Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, etc.) offer Farmers' Markets on different days.
18 locals recommend
Torrance Certified Farmer's Market
2200 Crenshaw BlvdTuesdays and Saturdays before 1:00 p.m. Also adjacent to a nice park. Other nearby cities, (i.e. Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, etc.) offer Farmers' Markets on different days.
Grocery store with a focus on health foods at a lower cost than Whole Foods.
11 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
4230 Pacific Coast HwyGrocery store with a focus on health foods at a lower cost than Whole Foods.
Grocery store that sells goods from all over the world at fair prices.
8 locals recommend
JONS International Marketplace
4848 W 190th StGrocery store that sells goods from all over the world at fair prices.
Sightseeing
Here are some local, at times off-the-beaten path, suggestions.
Designed by Frank Wright, Frank Llyord Wright's son. Beautiful view through a glass chapel.
62 locals recommend
Wayfarers Chapel
5755 Palos Verdes Dr SDesigned by Frank Wright, Frank Llyord Wright's son. Beautiful view through a glass chapel.
Whale-watching museum. Look for whales migrating to Sea of Cortez December-April! Beautiful view and picnic area next to a lighthouse that is open once a month to visitors.
48 locals recommend
Point Vicente Lighthouse
31550 Palos Verdes Dr WWhale-watching museum. Look for whales migrating to Sea of Cortez December-April! Beautiful view and picnic area next to a lighthouse that is open once a month to visitors.
Of course you can look up everything the LA metro area has to offer and there is so much! If you are looking for something off the beaten path, try one of LA Conservancy's walking tours. They are great for history and architectural buffs! Reservations required.
15 locals recommend
Los Angeles Conservancy
523 W 6th StOf course you can look up everything the LA metro area has to offer and there is so much! If you are looking for something off the beaten path, try one of LA Conservancy's walking tours. They are great for history and architectural buffs! Reservations required.
XMAS LIGHTS
Neighborhood area known as Sleepy Hollow is decorated for the holidays. Festive, neighborly atmosphere. Streets get very busy, so parking and walking is suggested.
Seaside
XMAS LIGHTS
Neighborhood area known as Sleepy Hollow is decorated for the holidays. Festive, neighborly atmosphere. Streets get very busy, so parking and walking is suggested.
Nobody knows about this place! Be sure and check hours of operation.
Chen Art Gallery at Sunrider International
1625 Abalone AveNobody knows about this place! Be sure and check hours of operation.
Parks & Nature
Botanical Garden featuring many California native plants, as well as desert landscape. There are many family-friendly activities, including family movie nights and a special Fairies vs. Trolls event through August 31st. Check website for more details.
37 locals recommend
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw BlvdBotanical Garden featuring many California native plants, as well as desert landscape. There are many family-friendly activities, including family movie nights and a special Fairies vs. Trolls event through August 31st. Check website for more details.
Only beach close by where you can light campfires legally.
144 locals recommend
Dockweiler Beach Charging Sta
12000 Vista Del MarOnly beach close by where you can light campfires legally.
Nice little area just a few minutes walk around the corner. The park has a few ponds with Koi fish and ducks you can feed. It's a favorite spot for young children.
17 locals recommend
Hopkins Wilderness Park
1102 Camino RealNice little area just a few minutes walk around the corner. The park has a few ponds with Koi fish and ducks you can feed. It's a favorite spot for young children.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Marvin Braude Bike TrailRide bikes from Torrance Beach to Santa Monica! Bike rentals are nearby.
Check out the numerous hiking trails on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
33 locals recommend
Portuguese Bend Reserve
Burma RoadCheck out the numerous hiking trails on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Entertainment & Activities
Be sure and check out free concerts during the summer most days of the week!
https://www.southbayevents.com/summer-concerts-south-bay/
Bad news: the shopping center is empty...Good news: the shopping center is empty. No lines, reclining chairs, ample parking? Yes, please!
10 locals recommend
Regal Promenade
550 Deep Valley DrBad news: the shopping center is empty...Good news: the shopping center is empty. No lines, reclining chairs, ample parking? Yes, please!
Seasonal spot for swimming, open during summer, with a sandy beach, snack bar & a play area.
20 locals recommend
Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino WaySeasonal spot for swimming, open during summer, with a sandy beach, snack bar & a play area.
All your favorites super close! Brio and Frida are great restaurants to try.
234 locals recommend
Del Amo Fashion Center
3525 W Carson StAll your favorites super close! Brio and Frida are great restaurants to try.