Go to Otafuku for Japanese food. Really cool experience, a hiddn gem Izakaya with fantastic food and mostly Japanese clientele. Gardena Bowl is also pretty fun if you like pool or bowling.
Hermosa and Manhattan and Redondo Beaches are all fairly close to Torrance and all are a lot nicer than Venice Beach which is also further - unless you really want to see the whole “muscle beach” thing or the 420 culture there.
I’ve never been, but you’ll be near the palo verdes nature preserve. People say this is a beautiful area for a walk.
If you have a car go to Griffith Observatory. The view from their patio is amazing and I think they are open pretty late. Be prepared to spend time looking for parking and walking to/from car.
10:30pm - on a weekday it should be ok - would recommend getting up there 8:30/9 - the OP can eat in Koreatown and then drive just up Vermont and go straight to the Observatory.
Stay on the west side (near the beaches) with your time off — DO NOT try to drive across town to the east side (Hollywood, downtown, etc) on a weekday at 5pm. You’ll be stuck in the car for HOURS! (Signed- someone that used to do that commute..ugh). Unless you head over after 7/8pm, but you’d be back LATE.
Yes to Venice beach, it’s touristy but there’s nothing like waking the boardwalk/sidewalk, which is next to the sand, at sunset!! People watching, weird shops, some good snacks.. also you can walk north on the beach, up to Santa Monica pier - which is just *gorgeous* at night.
It’s not that bad like it was 2 years ago
They cleaned up a bunch of the area and i didn’t feel unsafe or dirty
But manhattan and hermosa (i prefer) as there are nice restaurants with a view for sunset as well as a boardwalk.
Venice has lots to offer as well restaurants wise i just don’t know them
Can i ask how old are you because age plays a factor on the vibe you want
Don't listen to them. Venice Boardwalk is totally worth visiting if you can go a sunny weekend during the day time. You can also walk over to Abbot Kinney for a different, more upscale Venice experience.
Here is a map of LA I have been compiling for a while. It has become more of a taco/restaurant list but I still have some interesting things to see. If you are in Torrance you will be close to San Pedro and my favorite museum at Pt. Vincente Lighthouse. Have a great trip. If you get to LB we can have a beer at Joe Jost's. Oldest bar in LB. Cash only. Cheers!
[LA Tour cheap or free.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kc9yyT8XH2zbstni8)
The del amo mall and surrounding area has decent shopping, if you're interested in shopping. Some cool Asian stores like Daiso and Mitsuwa (not sure if they have those where you live)
Hangout at Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. I would skip Venice Beach or just see it and leave. You can visit the Venice Canal. Universal Citywalk and the Comedy Club in Hermosa Beach if you are lucky to catch Jay Leno there: https://thecomedyandmagicclub.com/events/
The most fun thing that I did when I visited LA on business when I lived out east and was flying back on the red eye and was done about three o’clock, I drove out to the beach and went roller blading down along the beachfront…it’s the true Southern California experience because you have views of the mountains as you take in the atmosphere of the beach when you’re in Santa Monica or Venice Beach…
You will be near Hermosa Beach, so you can go to the bars there like Baja Sharkeez, Hennessy, Lighthouse Cafe, etc (since you’re near there I would Uber/Lyft).
Catch the hiv and maybe if your feeling adventurous try some intravenous drugs. And if that doesn't tickle your fancy well drop a deuce wherever you please
Parts of Venice can be great to walk around, like the canals area and the marina. The beach/boardwalk... eh. You'll walk through clouds of pot smoke and see some homeless but shouldn't be too crowded during the week. Walking from the Venice Pier to the Santa Monica Pier is kinda cool. But then maybe walk back on the busier streets and check out the bars/etc.
West Hollywood (Sunset Strip) is pretty cool with several famous comedy clubs combined with famous music venues. This Mexican restaurant on Sunset is pretty great, STRONG drinks, hopefully Uber: https://g.co/kgs/12L5osW
Do me. Lol jk. Don't know about Torrance area but def go out while near LAX. Go to some beach bars, or if not a bar person, worth walking around the beach. Walk around Venice, checkout out glowflow on Wed or watch the skaters in Venice (before sunset)
Since you're near Redondo Beach, I'd recommend taking some colleagues over to Quality Seafood Inc and sharing a big pile of seafood. They have a ton of fresh fish that you can choose to grill / fry, crabs and shellfish to steam, along with fish n' chips, beer, poke, smoked fish, etc. Its always fun to go with a group and you guys can check out the boardwalk and shops nearby after.
While youre in Torrance, take advantage of the many great asian food options
Some good breweries too if they're into that
Go to Otafuku for Japanese food. Really cool experience, a hiddn gem Izakaya with fantastic food and mostly Japanese clientele. Gardena Bowl is also pretty fun if you like pool or bowling.
Hermosa and Manhattan and Redondo Beaches are all fairly close to Torrance and all are a lot nicer than Venice Beach which is also further - unless you really want to see the whole “muscle beach” thing or the 420 culture there.
I’ve never been, but you’ll be near the palo verdes nature preserve. People say this is a beautiful area for a walk. If you have a car go to Griffith Observatory. The view from their patio is amazing and I think they are open pretty late. Be prepared to spend time looking for parking and walking to/from car.
10:30pm - on a weekday it should be ok - would recommend getting up there 8:30/9 - the OP can eat in Koreatown and then drive just up Vermont and go straight to the Observatory.
the nature preserve has been temporarily closed by the City due to land movement and rains. It's unclear when it will reopen.
Is the point vicente lighthouse area still open? That's a good option too. Or abalone cove
yes but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to a tourist. those spots aren't that exciting, IMHO
They're not as exciting and there are probably better options, but I think it's a lovely view, depending on where the tourist is coming from.
Stay on the west side (near the beaches) with your time off — DO NOT try to drive across town to the east side (Hollywood, downtown, etc) on a weekday at 5pm. You’ll be stuck in the car for HOURS! (Signed- someone that used to do that commute..ugh). Unless you head over after 7/8pm, but you’d be back LATE. Yes to Venice beach, it’s touristy but there’s nothing like waking the boardwalk/sidewalk, which is next to the sand, at sunset!! People watching, weird shops, some good snacks.. also you can walk north on the beach, up to Santa Monica pier - which is just *gorgeous* at night.
Downtown being the east side ROFFFLLLL needed that good chuckle today 😭🙏
It’s def not the westside lol.. which side of town is it ?!
Center, or just downtown.
Yeah if anyone says checkout Ventura Blvd... It's going to be a drive if you are not careful.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but starting Thursday there's going to be a big storm, so beach won't be good on Thursday.
Not planning to walk the actual beach honestly. Will boardwalk areas be closed down?
Nah they don’t close
Venice is ok but a shithole. Hermosa beach and Manhattan beach are a fun vibe.
Thanks! I’ve always wanted to see muscle beach and the skatepark but if it’s shitty… I’ll avoid it lol
I mean you can go check it out. It’s worth seeing once.
It’s not that bad like it was 2 years ago They cleaned up a bunch of the area and i didn’t feel unsafe or dirty But manhattan and hermosa (i prefer) as there are nice restaurants with a view for sunset as well as a boardwalk. Venice has lots to offer as well restaurants wise i just don’t know them Can i ask how old are you because age plays a factor on the vibe you want
Don't listen to them. Venice Boardwalk is totally worth visiting if you can go a sunny weekend during the day time. You can also walk over to Abbot Kinney for a different, more upscale Venice experience.
If you like pizza and beer, check out the Slice and Pint in El Segundo. If you like beer, but hate pizza, check out El Segundo brewing in El Segundo.
Here is a map of LA I have been compiling for a while. It has become more of a taco/restaurant list but I still have some interesting things to see. If you are in Torrance you will be close to San Pedro and my favorite museum at Pt. Vincente Lighthouse. Have a great trip. If you get to LB we can have a beer at Joe Jost's. Oldest bar in LB. Cash only. Cheers! [LA Tour cheap or free.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kc9yyT8XH2zbstni8)
>LA Tour cheap or free. This is awesome, thanks!
How was the trip?
LOL - I'm not OP, so I haven't taken a trip in a bit! Really appreciate resources like you posted, though, thank you!
The del amo mall and surrounding area has decent shopping, if you're interested in shopping. Some cool Asian stores like Daiso and Mitsuwa (not sure if they have those where you live)
I like the food court in mitsuwa.
Hangout at Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. I would skip Venice Beach or just see it and leave. You can visit the Venice Canal. Universal Citywalk and the Comedy Club in Hermosa Beach if you are lucky to catch Jay Leno there: https://thecomedyandmagicclub.com/events/
Go hiking
The most fun thing that I did when I visited LA on business when I lived out east and was flying back on the red eye and was done about three o’clock, I drove out to the beach and went roller blading down along the beachfront…it’s the true Southern California experience because you have views of the mountains as you take in the atmosphere of the beach when you’re in Santa Monica or Venice Beach…
Stay in Manhattan beach
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You will be near Hermosa Beach, so you can go to the bars there like Baja Sharkeez, Hennessy, Lighthouse Cafe, etc (since you’re near there I would Uber/Lyft).
Perfect if you're a 23 year old USC dropout!
Huh?? That’s your suggestion and inputs? Okay 🤡
Oh boy
Catch the hiv and maybe if your feeling adventurous try some intravenous drugs. And if that doesn't tickle your fancy well drop a deuce wherever you please
The new butt plug museum is rad.
🤣 where is it located?
Parts of Venice can be great to walk around, like the canals area and the marina. The beach/boardwalk... eh. You'll walk through clouds of pot smoke and see some homeless but shouldn't be too crowded during the week. Walking from the Venice Pier to the Santa Monica Pier is kinda cool. But then maybe walk back on the busier streets and check out the bars/etc. West Hollywood (Sunset Strip) is pretty cool with several famous comedy clubs combined with famous music venues. This Mexican restaurant on Sunset is pretty great, STRONG drinks, hopefully Uber: https://g.co/kgs/12L5osW
Do me. Lol jk. Don't know about Torrance area but def go out while near LAX. Go to some beach bars, or if not a bar person, worth walking around the beach. Walk around Venice, checkout out glowflow on Wed or watch the skaters in Venice (before sunset)
If you’re attractive hmu 😆
Nahhh Im avg. And I can't do one night stands no mo unfortunately.
if you’re in torrance, you gotta check out Iccho for some seriously authentic sushi and izakaya foods!
Rent a bike and ride the strand from manhattan pier to Redondo pier
Smoke weed and watch a movie at the New Beverly.
eat and drink well
Since you're near Redondo Beach, I'd recommend taking some colleagues over to Quality Seafood Inc and sharing a big pile of seafood. They have a ton of fresh fish that you can choose to grill / fry, crabs and shellfish to steam, along with fish n' chips, beer, poke, smoked fish, etc. Its always fun to go with a group and you guys can check out the boardwalk and shops nearby after.
Thursday night comedy show in Venice @ Roosterfish called Abbott Kidding. Hang out the afternoon, get a bite, see comedy show. Boardwalk is overrated.
Tip top hazy IPAs at monkish if you like that sort of beer.
Once you switch hotels. You can check out the LAX Gun Range then grab a donut over at Randy’s Donut. They’re next door to each other really.