Ever really feel such as you’re losing time planning a visit, as if you happen to’re following the gang doing the identical curated experiences?
Right here at Journey Off Path, we notice journeys to locations reminiscent of Cancun, New York Metropolis, and Paris can all be phenomenal experiences, however oftentimes lack the component of shock.
The reality is one of the best locations may be proper below your nostril, and all it’s important to do it’s merely look.

That is the case for one under-hyped seashore city on LA’s outskirts, extra recognized for iron-pumping bodybuilders of Venice, quintessential SoCal vibes of Santa Monica, and laid-back luxurious of Malibu (earlier than one more wildfire bought uncontrolled)…
The purpose being is that few point out Torrance as their subsequent seashore escape, whether or not it’s a day journey for fellow Californians like myself, or an prolonged getaway that is simple to succeed in from one among SoCal’s plethora of airports.
However there is not any doubt those that’ve centered on LA’s glitzier and (dare we are saying) overexposed seashores have been lacking an extremely underrated hideaway brimming with vibrant shores and unsuspecting tradition.
Uncover SoCal’s Crowd-Free Seaside Escape

Journey + Leisure not too long ago featured Torrance as one among California’s most underrated foodie scenes, however fully missed how good and uncrowded the seashores are right here, particularly throughout winter.
Not that Torrance is a worldwide hotspot like aforementioned seashores, however summertime does welcome extra locals within the know who love protecting Torrance as their very own slice of paradise.
Boasting an extended stretch of golden shores from Torrance Seaside to RAT Seaside (an acronym for Proper After Torrance), vacationers who’ve been weaving by way of crowds and gridlock site visitors may’ve been stress-free seaside with out a care on this planet.

Most notably, lies the Palos Verdes peninsula, a spot deserving of a seat on the desk with Malibu by way of sheer magnificence.
RAT seashore lies under Palos Verdes’ postcard rolling bluffs. Hardly anybody exterior the ‘burbs of LA and Orange County is aware of it is the right spot for a crowd-free getaway, in contrast to LA’s well-known buzzing seashores.
And if you happen to’re fortunate, you might even spot breaching whales from shore this time of 12 months. If not, higher your probabilities by reserving a tour with Redondo Seaside Whale Watch close by — skilled guides since 1956.
Heat Up In The ‘Ramen Capital’ Of California

If there’s one factor vacationers who’ve by no means visited California earlier than ought to know, it is that our seashores could also be lovely, however they’re usually too chilly for a pleasing swim, therefore surfers in wetsuits.
As we end the ultimate chapters of 2025, temps are nonetheless heat with the famend California solar nonetheless beaming, however as soon as the solar units, it is nonetheless sweater climate throughout SoCal.
What higher solution to heat up than with a steaming sizzling bowl of completely crafted ramen?
Torrance is the undisputed ramen king regardless of extra in style Asian enclaves in LA’s metropolis limits, reminiscent of downtown’s pint-sized Little Tokyo and ever-so-trendy Okay-City, the place it is almost inconceivable to discover a unhealthy meal right here both.

However it’s Torrance that takes the (inexperienced tea) cake. Actually, this metropolis is so beloved for ramen that they’ve their very own ramen trail to take a look at the highest spots, reminiscent of top-rated Hakata Ikkousha.
Ever since German-inspired Alpine Village closed its doorways lately, Torrance has showcased a stunning array of cultural delights given its numerous neighborhood, whether or not it’s a burgeoning craft beer scene, genuine izakayas or local-favorite Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival held every spring.
As Journey + Leisure put it, Torrance (and close by Gardena) have “the biggest Japanese American populations within the U.S. exterior of Hawaii”, so you recognize you may at all times be consuming good!
Day Journey Or Mainstay?

Most Southern Californians come to Torrance to feast on sensational worldwide delicacies or store at one among America’s largest purchasing facilities, Del Amo Fashion Center.
You will not discover flashy resorts right here, simply the same old onset of in style chain resorts.
As such, if you happen to have been to make day journeys, Los Angeles is infamous for headache-inducing site visitors.
That being mentioned, there are quite a few airports to fly into so you’ll be able to attempt to decrease site visitors if you happen to’re bought on Torrance being your mainstay.
That is proper — you’ll be able to keep away from the chaos of LAX if you happen to so select, although it’s the closest airport mileage-wise to Torrance.

In fact, anybody who has sat in LA site visitors is aware of a 10-mile drive can simply be an hours-long rush hour nightmare.
Different arrival choices:
- Lengthy Seaside (LGB) – approx. 25 minutes away
- Santa Ana (SNA) – approx. 45 minutes away
- Ontario (ONT) – approx. 55 minutes away
- Carlsbad (CLD) – approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes away
Regardless of the way you arrive, beforehand talked about Palos Verdes is residence to one among California’s most underrated 5-star resorts a brief, scenic drive from Torrance — Terranea Resort.
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