This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DiscoverTorrance #CollectiveBias The following content  is intended for those 21 older. 

Photoshoot in Old Town Torrance

Sometimes all you need is a getaway. Sometimes all you need to get away is to go a little further than usual. Rather than explore our own county, Fred & I ventured up to Torrance, California for a 24-hour trip. Torrance is in the heart of Los Angeles County's South Bay, just 15 minutes south of LAX & close to many of Southern California's most popular attractions.

Flowers in Old Town Torrance

Whether you want to shop until you drop, head to the beach, or sample as many beers as your heart desires, Torrance has a range of things to do. You can easily spend a full 24 hours or weekend in town, so if you're wondering how to spend 24 hours in Torrance, you came to the right place!


12 PM

Grab a quick lunch. There are a ton of delectable eateries nearby. Torrance has a variety of international food stops like Mitsuwa Marketplace (Japanese), Habana Vieja Cuban Cuisine & Cafe (Cuban), King Mediterrano (Greek), & plenty of ramen too. 

Afternoon Stroll at El Prado Park

1 PM

Enjoy the exceptional Torrance weather & stay outside. There's no shortage of soothing views. Check out El Prado Park, Los Arboles/Rocketship Park, Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Wilson Park, & more. The South Coast Botanic Garden is nearby & worth a trip. We particularly loved the Garden for the Senses section.

Two Taster Flights at The Dudes' Brewing Company

3 PM

Torrance has a popping craft beer scene. We visited The Dudes’ Brewing Company & HopSaint Brewing. I recommend getting a flight so you can test out flavors. Get a feel for a range of a brewery's beers without committing to a whole pint. There's also Monkish Brewing, Smog City Brewing, & many, many more!

View of Del Amo Fashion Center

5 PM

If you want to get your shop on, visit Del Amo Fashion Center. It's absolutely enormous. Fred & I may or may not have gotten lost. Okay, we totally got lost. It's that big. It's also very pretty. I've never said a mall was pretty before, but it is. I did a mini photoshoot by a full plant wall. 

Dinner & Drinks at Brio Coastal Bar

7 PM

After you're done shopping, explore more of the food options Torrance has to offer. We enjoyed a patio dinner & drinks at Brio Coastal Bar as the sun set. Pure bliss! Or go for Great Maple right next door. Other highly rated options: Ramen Yamadaya, Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, & STACKED.

Residence Inn Los Angeles Torrance/Redondo Beach Lobby

8:30 PM

The night is yours. After all, you're within driving distance to many popular Southern California hot spots. Want to stay local? Browse the Torrance events to see what's happening. Watch a movie at AMC. Take an evening walk at Torrance Beach. Maybe you're tuckered out & simply want to rest in your hotel room, watching TV in bed. That's cool too!

A Goodie Bag from Torrance Bakery

9 AM

Sleep in, then enjoy some freshly baked goods. Stop by Torrance Bakery. Prepare to wait in a line & make sure you get a number! Taste something different & go for the Hawaiian Paradise Three layer cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery — made of guava, passion, & lime chiffon cake filled with whipped cream & topped with guava, passion & lime fruit glaze. Heavenly.

Island of Mauritius Tea with Milk at Chado Tea Room

10 AM

Wash down your sweets with a hot cup of tea at Chado Tea Room. We randomly stumbled upon it & thought it was too cute to pass up. We got a pot of Island of Mauritius, a black tea with a pop of vanilla, but they have a thick booklet of teas to choose from.

Bee at South Coast Botanic Garden

11 AM

Got some time to spare before you head out? Spend a couple hours visiting the Chen Art Gallery, Western Museum of Flight, Torrance Art Museum, South Coast Botanic Garden, or maybe lurk around to find the film locations in Torrance. Torrance has been featured in movies like American Beauty, Bruce Almighty, & She's All That.

Hawaiian Paradise Three Layer Cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery

Whether I was munching on fresh pastries, getting lost at the Del Amo Fashion Center, or relishing in the warm temperatures, I truly had a fantastic time discovering Torrance. It has a variety of things to eat, drink, see, & experience. Are you in? Explore Torrance!

Enjoying Life at South Coast Botanic Garden

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser. As always, all opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]