TORRANCE:

  

Torrance is a medium-sized beach city with a small town atmosphere.  The city is the center of automotive (national headquarters for both Toyota and Honda) and bio-tech industries.  The strong Asian presence is reflected in lodging and dining décor.

TIME ON YOUR HANDS IN TORRANCE:

  

The Toyota USA Automobile Museum amazes visitors with a display of over 300 vehicles.  The museum is located at 19001 South Western Avenue and can be reached by calling 310-468-4728.

Nearby in Carson is the International Printing Museum, a small but extremely interesting venue.  The museum is located at 315 West Torrance Boulevard in Carson and can be reached by calling 310-515-7166.

  

Bird watchers flock to the hiking trails of the Madrona Marsh Wildlife Preserve, with its vernal marsh and wetlands.  The preserve is open Tuesdays through Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and closed holidays.  The Madrona Marsh Wildlife Preserve is located at 3201 Plaza del Arno and can be reached by calling 310-782-3989.  There is a gift shop on premises.

There’s no shortage of whale boat charter companies along the coast.  Unusual, however is whale watching by aircraft.  The costs are reasonable and comparable to a boat trip.  A 45-minute flight is $65.00 per adult and 1-1/2 hours for $165.00 per person, with a two person minimum.  Depending on weight, the aircraft can hold up to five passengers.  Torrance Airport is located at 3301 Airport Drive and can be reached by calling 310-614-0759.

WINDOW SHOPPING IN TORRANCE:

  

Del Amo Fashion Center is one of the nation’s largest shopping malls.