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.