Torrance Beach

Los Angeles County

Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, California
Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, California

Torrance Beach

Los Angeles County


Torrance Beach

Torrance County Beach can be overlooked by those who naturally migrate to its more famous neighbors to the north like Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach. Torrance Beach is a southern continuation of Redondo Beach, extending 1½ miles before reaching Malaga Cove at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Torrance Beach map, Los Angeles County, CA

Without all the excitement of piers, marinas, and boardwalks, Torrance Beach is simply a nice place to spend the day, whether its surfing, sunbathing, playing in the waves, or strolling along the shore. Parking lots are on a bluff overlooking the beach along Paseo de la Playa. Numerous ramps lead down the bluff to the beach. Lifeguards are on duty. A concession stand and restrooms with showers are nearby.

Surfside Grill

The Surfside Grill concession stand is located right on the beach at the southern end of the bike trail and close to the Lifeguard Headquarters. Wooden tables are set around the little family-run restaurant. Their menu includes hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and breakfast burritos. The grill is open every day through the summer from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Miramar Park

Miramar City Park is located next to the Torrance Beach parking lots. This little 1.6-acre park has restrooms on the beach, a nice scenic view of the ocean, paths, and grass. A Fido Fountain, a low water fountain designed especially for dogs, is located in the middle of the park along with a drinking fountain for people. There is a metered parking lot and parking available along the street. Its hours are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

RAT Beach

The beach immediately south of Torrance Beach is known as RAT Beach - Right After Torrance. There is no direct access to the beach. Most visitors walk along the sand from Torrance Beach. Kelp tends to gather in the cove at RAT Beach, often washing up on the shore. The beach is popular with divers and spear fishers who find an abundance of marine life in the kelp forest. The beach is also a favorite of intermediate and advanced kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Torrance Beach, Los Angeles County, California

Torrance Beach



Marvin Braude Bike Trail

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail reaches its southern end at Torrance Beach. The full Bike Trail extends 22 miles north to Will Rogers State Beach, passing through all of the Santa Monica Bay beaches along the way. Cyclists enjoy exploring their way from beach to beach along the bike trail's course, stopping here and there to sample the fares at the various beaches.

Distances on the Bike Trail from Torrance Beach

  • Redondo Beach - 1.9 miles
  • Hermosa Beach - 4.1 miles
  • Manhattan Beach - 5.8 miles
  • Dockweiler Beach - 9.3 miles
  • Marina del Rey - 12.9 miles
  • Venice Beach - 15.6 miles
  • Santa Monica Pier - 18.4 miles
  • Will Rogers Beach - 22.3 miles


Surfing at Torrance Beach

The best waves at Torrance Beach are usually found at the southern end where the beach break usually goes right. A storm drain empties into the ocean at Torrance Beach, creating a sandbar that produces great waves. The location is known as Burn Out, picking up its name from the Hollywood Riviera Beach Club building that burned there in 1959. Waves are best when there is an offshore wind from the east. When it gets too big (or too crowded) at Torrance some surfers move south to RAT Beach. Strong rip currents are a danger.


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety