So Many Ways to Spend a Fun-Filled Weekend in Torrance – Just a 20-Minute Drive from Santa Monica

Welcome to Torrance, California-Where Coastal Beach Vibe Meets City Energy

Located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, just 20 minutes south of the Westside, Torrance is a hidden gem blending breezy beach vibes with vibrant city life. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a full weekend getaway, Torrance delivers the best of both worlds-mid-century charm, a rich cultural history, and a laid-back California feel that's perfect for families.

Many SoCal residents know Torrance as a business hub, thanks in part to automotive powerhouses like Toyota and Honda. While Toyota has since relocated to Texas, both companies played key roles in shaping the city's economic and cultural landscape, and Honda continues to call Torrance home. Add to that a thriving presence in aerospace, biotech, and healthcare, and you've got a city that's not just fun to visit but also full of innovation and opportunity.

Getting there is easy with convenient access via the 405 and 110 freeways, making it a low-stress drive from anywhere in the L.A. area. And once you arrive, the options open wide.

In the summer months, head straight to the 1.5-mile stretch of golden sand at Torrance Beach. It's a local favorite that offers the scenic beauty of the Southern California coastline-without the crowds you'll find in Santa Monica or Venice. It's perfect for families looking to unwind, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy a more relaxed seaside experience.

But the beach is just the start of what Torrance has to offer. The city is brimming with fantastic restaurants, a thriving craft beer scene, and a wide range of family-friendly experiences. Think outdoor concerts, movie nights under the stars, hands-on art events, and historic sites that bring local culture to life. And if shopping is on your list, don't miss Del Amo Fashion Center-one of the largest malls in the country-where you'll find everything from high-end retailers to casual dining and entertainment all under one roof.

It's time to take the family for a weekend escape that's full of fun, easily accessible, and full of surprises. Torrance just might be your next favorite spot.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Kick off your weekend at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, a warm and welcoming spot with a California-casual vibe. Known for its American comfort food, the menu features everything from signature burgers like the Black + Blue or BBQ Ranch Bacon, to hearty sandwiches like the Cuban or Pulled Pork. There's also comfort fare like the pot roast beef dip and a gooey grilled five-cheese sandwich.

Families love the laid-back atmosphere, kid-friendly options, and generous portions - plus, your pup is welcome too! The dog-friendly patio is perfect for dining al fresco with your four-legged friend. Fuel up for a full day of fun or meet up with a larger group; Lazy Dog offers large party reservations, online ordering, and delivery for extra convenience.

🐾 Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

📍 3525 W Carson St., Torrance, CA

🌐 lazydogrestaurants.com

Chanin Victor

Lazy Dog

The Escape Game

For those who like their entertainment with a side of problem-solving, The Escape Game Torrance offers a creative and fast-paced way to spend an hour. Each of its six themed rooms is designed to pull you into a different world-whether that's a space station on the brink of collapse in Cosmic Crisis, a time-traveling train in Timeliner, or a high-stakes breakout in Prison Break, where teamwork is everything.

There's something for every kind of player here. Dive into the unknown in The Depths, hunt for treasure in a Wild West mining town in Gold Rush, or keep things light with Playground, where completing quirky classroom "assignments" is your ticket to escape. The puzzles are clever, the sets are immersive, and the countdown clock adds just the right amount of pressure. Great for families with teens, groups of friends, or anyone looking to do something different-and fun.

🧩 The Escape Game Torrance

📍 21712 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA

🌐 theescapegame.com/torrance

Dave & Busters

Arcade games aren't just for kids-and Dave & Busters proves it. Located in Torrance, this awesome entertainment experience blends nostalgic fun with modern tech, offering everything from old-school favorites to new hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Godzilla VR, and the UFC Challenge. There's even a Human Claw game where you're the one being lowered into the prize pit.

It's a lively spot for a casual night out, whether you're chasing high scores with friends or just grabbing a bite and watching the game. Midweek deals-like half-price games on Wednesdays or date night specials on Thursdays-make it easy to keep things fun without overspending. And with food, drinks, billiards, and constant game updates, it's the kind of place where an hour can easily turn into an evening.

🎮 Dave & Buster's Torrance

📍 21880 Hawthorne Blvd. #360, Torrance, CA

🌐 daveandbusters.com

Chanin Victor

Dave and Busters Human Crane

The Brews Hall @DelAmo

At the heart of Torrance's growing culinary scene, The Brews Hall offers something refreshingly different: distinct food counters and a brewery sharing one lively, communal space. It's the kind of place where one person can dig into crispy Nashville-style chicken while another grabs a slice of wood-fired pizza-no compromise necessary. The setup feels casual but thoughtful, like a food hall tucked inside a brewery, with a menu that ranges from tacos and burgers to poke bowls and comfort food favorites. There's a kids' menu for families, dogs are welcome out on the patio, and regulars know to swing by for $7 happy hour or Taco Tuesday. It's unpretentious, satisfying, and unmistakably Torrance-made for lingering conversations, shared bites, and cold pints under string lights.

🍻 The Brews Hall

📍 21770 Del Amo Cir. E, Torrance, CA

🌐 thebrewshall.com

Chanin Victor

Brew Hall Mexican food and Buzzrock Brewing Co. - A great match!

Torrance Beach

Torrance Beach is one of the South Bay's best-kept secrets-an unspoiled slice of coastline where the crowds thin out and the pace slows down. Tucked between Redondo Beach and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this scenic stretch offers the same Pacific beauty as Santa Monica or Venice but without the noise, traffic, or packed parking lots. It's the kind of place where locals come to breathe easy-whether that means walking barefoot along the shoreline, watching dolphins cruise by from a beach towel, or catching a few mellow waves under a wide-open sky.

The beach is framed by dramatic cliffs on one end and a paved strand that's perfect for biking, skating, or a leisurely sunset stroll. Families love the calm surf and lifeguard-monitored swimming areas, while fitness lovers take to the sand for yoga, volleyball, or jogging along the water's edge. It's also a favorite spot for photographers, thanks to its postcard-worthy views and golden-hour glow. Plan a full day by the ocean or just go to take a moment to reset and breathe in the salty fresh air. Torrance Beach invites you and your family to slow down, soak up the sun, and savor a quieter coastal experience.

🌊 Torrance Beach

📍 387 Paseo de la Playa, Torrance, CA

🌐 beaches.lacounty.gov/torrance-beach

Chanin Victor

Torrance Beach

Old Torrance

Old Torrance is a real treat because it offers a charming slice of the South Bay that feels like stepping into a small-town main street-with history, personality, and an easygoing vibe that's hard to resist. Founded in 1921, the strollable blocks are lined with locally owned shops, cafés, vintage boutiques, and tucked-away gems like tea houses, antique stores, and plant shops. There's a distinct sense of community here, where business owners know their regulars and conversations spill out onto the sidewalk.

Architecturally, Old Torrance still reflects its early 20th-century roots, with historic buildings and tree-lined streets that make even a quick visit feel nostalgic. You'll find everything from cozy coffee spots to old-school diners and inventive restaurants-plus regular events like craft fairs and classic car nights that bring locals together. It's a part of Torrance that doesn't try too hard and yet surprises you around every corner, blending old charm with new energy. Old Torrance is one of those places that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

Chanin Victor

Hammer & Stain

Hammer & Stain

While in the downtown area, make time to tap into your creative side at Hammer & Stain-a DIY craft studio that's as fun as it is inspiring. This hands-on workshop space lets you design and make your own customized home décor, from rustic wood signs and holiday ornaments to modern canvas pillows, chunky knit blankets, etched glassware, and even cornhole boards. It's part art studio, part social hangout-perfect for birthday parties, girls' nights, team-building events, or just a solo escape into something tactile and satisfying. You don't need any prior skills (they guide you through every step), and each project becomes a personal keepsake. The vibe is warm and welcoming, like your artsy friend's cool living room, and you can BYO snacks and drinks to turn your crafting session into a mini celebration. Whether you spend an hour or an afternoon, it's easy to lose track of time once you're sanding, staining, and stitching something you can proudly take home.

🎨 Hammer & Stain Beach Cities

📍 24266 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA

🌐 hammerandstainbeachcities.com

Torrance Bakery

After you've used up all your creative juices, take a short stroll down the street and reward yourself with a visit to the beloved Torrance Bakery. It's a well-known, local favorite that's been serving up sweet indulgence since 1984. Step inside and you're greeted with the warm, comforting scent of fresh-baked goods and display cases filled with temptation. Their signature buttercream cakes are legendary (and often seen at local celebrations), but don't overlook the rows of flaky croissants, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, fruit tarts, and generously frosted cupcakes.

From classic chocolate eclairs to seasonal specialties and made-to-order donuts, there's something here for every kind of sweet tooth. If you're in the mood for something savory, the deli counter also offers sandwiches and salads for a quick bite. Whether you're popping in for a box of goodies to-go or sitting with a treat and coffee in the front window, Torrance Bakery is the kind of place that makes any afternoon feel a little more special-and a whole lot sweeter.

🍰 Torrance Bakery

📍 1341 El Prado Ave., Torrance, CA

🌐 torrancebakery.com

The Local Place

Wrap up your day with a taste of island comfort at The Local Place, a laid-back restaurant from the family behind the iconic King's Hawaiian brand-proudly founded right here in Torrance. While most know the name for its famously fluffy sweet rolls, locals come for the full spread of Hawaiian-style favorites: think savory kalua pork, tender BBQ chicken, golden-fried mochiko chicken, and hearty loco moco topped with rich brown gravy and a fried egg. Of course, no meal is complete without a side of those warm, buttery rolls fresh from the oven. The vibe is easygoing and family-friendly, with plenty of aloha spirit and a menu that feels like a warm hug at the end of a fun-filled day.

Chanin Victor

The Local Place (Kings Hawaiian)

🍍 The Local Place (King's Hawaiian)

📍 18605 S Western Ave., Torrance, CA

🌐 kingshawaiianrestaurants.com/the-local-place

Chanin Victor

The Local Place (Kings Hawaiian)

Torrance's Brewery Scene

Torrance has quietly become a craft beer hotspot, home to a growing lineup of breweries that each bring something unique to the table. From the sustainability-focused and award-winning beers at Smog City Brewing Co. to Monkish Brewing Co.'s cult-favorite hazy IPAs, there's no shortage of standout pours. Absolution Brewing Company brews handcrafted artisan beers and ales using the best of Old World recipes and New World ingredients. Water, grain, yeast and hops – that's it. HopSaint Brewing Company pairs its solid beer lineup with an equally impressive food menu. Looking for something playful? Red Car Brewery and Restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere with delicious casual fare that's the perfect accompaniment to the restaurant's wide selection of beers. Scholb Premium Ales is a small craft brewery and tasting room that features a large variety of craft beer with clean, clear, direct flavors, served in an inviting kid and dog-friendly atmosphere. Buzzrock Brewing Co. keeps the taps flowing from inside The Brews Hall. Add in the small-batch charm of Project Barley, and there's good food and beer at Hermosa Brewing Company. This is a beer trail that's perfect for hopping.

🍻Breweries in Torrance

🌐 discovertorrance.com/eat-drink/breweries/

Extend Your Stay at Sonesta ES Suites

Sonesta ES Suites Torrance Redondo Beach feels more like a neighborhood than a hotel. Designed for extended stays but just as ideal for short getaways, every suite comes with a full kitchen, separate living space, and all the room you need to settle in and feel at home. There's a warm, community vibe here-complete with a daily free breakfast, pool, BBQ area, and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy SoCal's endless sunshine. Visiting for a few nights or a few weeks, because this spot makes it easy to relax, recharge, and explore.

And if you're wondering how to get around without a car, meet Connect Torrance, the city's new on-demand microtransit shuttle. It works like a shared Uber-just $5 a ride-and takes you to local favorites like the beach, Del Amo Fashion Center, Old Torrance, and nearby hotels, including Sonesta. It's an easy, affordable way to explore Torrance like a local.

🏨 Sonesta ES Suites Torrance

📍 19901 Prairie Ave., Torrance, CA

🌐 sonesta.com

🌐 transit.torranceca.gov/what-s-new/connect-torrance

Local Events to Plan Around

Torrance is a vibrant community with events that bring locals and visitors together all year long. This summer, pop culture fans won't want to miss Hellmouth Con (June 13–15), a can't-miss weekend for Buffy the Vampire Slayer devotees, while the Irish Fair's 50th Anniversary (June 14–15) brings traditional music, dancing, and Irish pride to town. From June through August, Torrance summer Nights lights up the season with free concerts and movies under the stars - expect tribute bands covering ABBA, The Beatles, and Tom Petty, plus outdoor screenings of Dog Man, Moana 2, and Sonic 3. Pop-up art shows and poetry readings round out the creative energy, making summer in Torrance the perfect time to visit.

Whether you're chasing waves, crafting a keepsake, gaming with the kids, or raising a glass of local brew, Torrance makes the perfect weekend getaway just minutes from the city. Don't just pass it on the freeway - stop and stay awhile. Coastal & Urban - you get the best of both worlds: sun-soaked beaches and vibrant city life, all wrapped up in a welcoming community that invites you to explore, relax, and make lasting memories.