Torrance is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, and is named after its founder, oilman Jared Sidney Torrance. The area serves globally through its myriad of thriving businesses. Torrance concentrates on living up its motto as a balanced city. It was founded in 1911 as an industrial and residential city, and was developed early on as a planned industrial city.
With close proximity to Los Angeles, it has large aircraft, electronics, and oil industries. Among the many other manufactures are aluminum products, iron, steel, chemicals, and oil-field equipment.
The current mall was created when Del Amo Center, built in 1958, merged with Del Amo Fashion Square, built in 1970. Once located on opposite sides of Carson Street, a gigantic expansion of the mall spanning Carson Street joined the two centers. By 1982 it became the longest mall in the world at the time. In 2005, the east end of the original mall north of Carson Street was demolished to make way for a new open-air shopping center
Accommodations The Marriott Hotel, a 17-story elegant showplace, offers spacious accommodations and convenience. The hotel features an indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sundeck, sauna, and fitness room. The Garden Court is a family-style restaurant overlooking the pool.
The Staybridge Suites hotel is located in the heart of Torrance. It’s location near the freeway, makes it just minutes from the LAX Airport - Redondo and Hermosa Beach, downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood.
Restaurants Aioli Restaurant is an elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean food. The decor is artistic and unique, with elegant marble floors and handmade iron chairs and features French oak and hand painted murals.
The phone-free dining hall of the Christine Restaurant is small, lively place in warm colors and has wood decor. A four course meal is served and desserts are a specialty.
Shopping The Del Amo Fashion Center holds a special spot in Southern California. The massive complex ranks tops as far as fashion is concerned. As an expansive shopping destination, apparel and all kinds of goods are presented. In addition to the dozens of clothing stores, there are numerous department stores and a Warner Brothers Studio Store.
For the book lovers, the Book Again specialty book shop has new, used and hard-to-find books, both hardcover and paperback.
Major Attractions Attractions in the area include surrounding beaches and the shopping centers. Some of the key attractions include: Knotts Berry Farm, MovieLand Wax Museum, the J.Paul Getty Museum, and Hollywood Bowl and numerous other attractions that suit every taste.
Due to having great ocean waves, crowds follow to the Torrance State Beach to capture the view and for surfers to capture the best activity.
The DuBunne Day Spa is a calming place to visit where a nurturing and a peaceful environment exist. They offer soothing skin treatments and spa facilities, along with outdoor or indoor spa activities.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
