The City of Torrance reaches down to a soft sand beach framed by the hills of Palos Verdes south of Redondo Beach. The one and a half miles of smooth sand is lifeguard patrolled and offers swings for kids, volleyball nets, bathing facilities and public parking for a small fee. You must park on a hill above and walk down sets of stairs or a ramp to gain access to the beach, where you can swim, surf, play and wander along several coves.

It's not on the beaten path, and is overshadowed (literally) by the hills that tower to its south and by Southern California's better known neighboring haunts of Redondo, Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches. There's an easy going feel on this laid back beach where the sloped grounds and fenced yards of houses on the hill line the beach, creating an atmosphere more of a neighborhood than a tourist attraction.

Best known for its friendly atmosphere that makes doing business easier, the City of Torrance is home to corporate offices for numerous companies from computer firms to auto manufacturers. Commuters who drive daily to Torrance, enjoy its convenient location near the 405 San Diego Freeway and a few miles south of Los Angeles International Airport.

RESTAURANTS

American ~ Californian

Misto Caffé & Bakery 

Californian & Eclectic ~ $$

Patio is a great place for a casual business lunch or catching up with a friend.
Hillside Village, 24558 Hawthorne Blvd., between Newton Street & Via Valmonte, Torrance, CA 90505

310.375.3608 ~ www.mistocaffe.com

 

Tempest 

Californian ~ $$$

Country Hills

2933 Rolling Hills Road @ Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505

310.891.0148

 

Asian ~ Sushi

 

Musha 

Japanese ~ $$

1725 W. Carson Street @ Western Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501

310.787.7344

 

Mishima 

Japanese & Noodle Shop ~ $

East Gate Plaza, 21605 S. Western Avenue @216th Street, Torrance, CA 90501

310.320.2089 ~ www.mishima.com

 

Toyo Japanese Grill 

Sushi ~ $$

1441 W. Knox Street @ Normandie Avenue, Torrance, CA 90502

310.533.8500

 

Yuzu 

Japanese & Sushi ~ $$

1231 Cabrillo Avenue @ Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501

310.533.9898

  

Italian

 

Green Patio Café

Italian & Californian ~ $$

24002 Vista Montana @ Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90277

310.378.0229

 

Mexican ~ Latin ~ Spanish

 

Poquito Más 

Mexican ~ $

Rolling Hills Plaza, 2625 Pacific Coast Highway, @ Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505

310.325.1001 ~ www.poquitomas.com

 

Seafood ~ Steaks


     Let us know if you have a referral!

 

Other ~ Ethnic

 

Christine 

Mediterranean & Pacific Rim ~ $$$

Hillside Village, 24530 Hawthorne Blvd., Via Valmonte, Torrance, CA 90505

310.373.1952 ~ www.restaurantchristine.com

 

The Depot

Eclectic & International ~ $$$

1250 Cabrillo Avenue @ Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501

310.787.7501 ~ www.depotrestaurant.com

 

The Loft

Hawaiian ~ $

23305 Hawthorne Blvd. @ Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505

310.375.4051 ~ www.loft.d2g.com