Pso de la Concha, Torrance

If you follow Calle Mayor down to the ocean, you find the small stretch of beach that makes up Torrance’s one connection to the Pacific. The beaches are very nice sandy stretches, nowhere near as crowded as their more famous northern neighbors—here it really is more about the sand and surf than the other entertainments that sometimes accompany California breakers. There are ample parking spaces as well, making this a convenient spots for those outsiders who decide to venture this far.

On the northern end of the beach you will also find Miramar Park—basically a green space right by the ocean. There is not much to it, not even a swing set. It is just some statues of a dolphin and frog and nice views all the way down to the bluffs of Palos Verdes and up to Redondo Beach.

The smaller two story homes just beyond the lots stare out onto the blue of the ocean from second story balconies. There are also a number of older, somewhat scruffy-looking apartment buildings and attractive palms interspersed here and there. Overall, you do not get the overwhelming feeling of wealth that you get from Manhattan Beach or Hermosa, this feels more organic and less planned to attract those with the means for seaside living. There is a feeling of authenticity here—a bit of an overlooked spot, perhaps.

Overall it is as close as you can come to an affordable beach area in this part of So Cal.