Looking for a break from LA’s hustle and bustle? Torrance offers the perfect blend of relaxation and charm just 20 minutes away. Photo / Unsplash
Looking for a break from LA’s hustle and bustle? Torrance offers the perfect blend of relaxation and charm just 20 minutes away. Photo / Unsplash
Just 20 minutes south of Los Angeles, the small California city of Torrance punches above its weight, writes Ivy Carruth
You’ve landed in Los Angeles, the swarming metropolis you’ve seen before, maybe even several times. It’s a constant background of chaos, albeit beautiful and sun-soaked. But what if you’re looking for a change of pace, a place with a slower rhythm and a more intimate feel? That’s where Torrance comes in.
A welcome change of pace to LA
Picture this: Torrance is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. It pulls the chair out for you and says, “Listen, honey. Sit right here and relax for a minute, kay?” And so you do. You take a breath and smile at people, maybe even offering a nod and a hello because it’s a friendly spot, and it seems the way of the world here. The city is tucked into South Bay alongside its neighbours Manhattan, Redondo and Hermosa Beaches, a region stretching along Santa Monica Bay’s shore and a world away from the scramble of Los Angeles. It’s not what you’d expect.
I decided to hire a car for a few days and check it out myself, eager to see a different side of LA. A quick 30 minutes down the I-405, and I’m in a place where immaculate pavements are lined with pedestrian walkways, dogs in jumpers, and a main street that looks like it has to be from an episode of a TV show called Nostalgia Lane. Catching my eye? A swathe of sky-blue awnings with the words Torrance Bakery emblazoned across them; I pop inside and treat myself to a slice of cherry pie (because America) and a blueberry buttermilk doughnut and snickerdoodle cookie to go. All right, and a crookie, I have to have a crookie; they’ve gone viral. It’s chocolate chip cookie dough baked inside a squishy croissant. Don’t judge me and my Fomo.
Torrance is part of the scenic South Bay region, alongside famous beaches. Photo / Getty Images
The local legend, loved by Hollywood
After a strong coffee and carrying my sweets for later, I head off to see a few of the sights. The quaint Torrance Historical Society is close by, so I enjoy a sunny stroll to catch up on some of the memories. The undisputed favourite son here is Olympian and ex-POW Louis Zamperini, famed for his survival tale in the Hollywood movie Unbroken. Among a rotating collection of treasure, visitors can see the notebook he kept secret in his two years of brutal captivity and his training gear from the 1936 Olympic Games, where Adolf Hitler congratulated him personally after his 5000-metre race.
Torrance is home to the historical society celebrating Olympian Louis Zamperini. Photo / Getty Images
Revisit the glory days
Still on foot, I continue to Torrance High School, a familiar icon to anyone who watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Beverly Hills, 90201, the quintessential, must-see shows of the 90s. Tourists come to recreate their favourite scenes with the school serving as a backdrop, and it’s impossible not to feel a bit of yearning for the days spent tuned into Dylan and Brandon fighting over Kelly’s affections.
Torrance High School set the scene for Beverly Hills, 90201 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Photo / Ivy Carruth
Feed your soul
After a full day of it, I head to my accommodation to shower before venturing out for dinner. The three-star boutique Bluestem Hotel is an oasis off a busy street, and the centre courtyard, with its firepits and plush seating, is where I’ll choose to have a glass of my favourite California chardonnay later tonight. Instead of driving, I leave the car parked and book an Uber for the five-minute ride to Miyabi Uni, the buzzy eatery everyone’s talking about. Their specialty, of course, is uni, the orange, butter-textured delicacy that is the edible portion of the spiky sea urchin. It’s perhaps an acquired taste not for everyone, but one that diners are willing to drive distances for. I sample many things on the menu, the hand rolls and the agedashi tofu, but the most surprising and delicious dish to me is the pescatore pasta… I’ll leave the uni to the true gourmands. For breakfast (am I always thinking about food?) I’ll grab the French toast at the legendary King’s Hawaiian restaurant and bakery, the only one outside Hawaii.
Try before you buy these organic California oranges. Photo / Ivy Carruth
Fresh and ready
On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the Torrance Farmer’s Market is in full swing, and I’d be remiss if I neglected to suggest picking up some Lion’s Mane Mushroom tincture, fresh squeezed greens juice, and trying several bowls of ramen. Torrance is the self-proclaimed ramen capital of Southern California, so you’re right here in the thick of it.
Torrance is the self-proclaimed ramen capital of Southern California. Photo / Unsplash
Buying and birding
Lastly, and let’s be honest, I’m here for some shopping, too: these American malls are a wonderland of choice under one (huge) roof. Del Amo Fashion Centre is one of the largest shopping centres in the United States, and it’s on your doorstep in Torrance. If you can tear yourself away, the Madrona Marsh Preserve is within walking distance of the mall. It’s a haven for wildlife and one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in Southern California, you won’t believe the tranquillity and teeming wildlife around you. A stroll through its serene trails is the perfect way to bid farewell to Torrance, your detour for lingering and exploring.
You just might find this unassuming little town has more than a few surprises up its sleeve.
The Madrona Wetlands house local flora and fauna. Photo / Unsplash
Checklist
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
GETTING THERE
Fly non-stop from Auckland to LAX with Delta and Air NZ. Torrance is a 20-minute drive from LAX.
