Twenty minutes south of LAX sits a coastal city most LA visitors have unknowingly driven through. Torrance wraps almost entirely around Redondo Beach, and while it blends into the LA sprawl, it has its own small-town rhythm: farmers' markets, a historic downtown, recognisable film locations (Torrance High starred on screen), and beaches without the celebrity chaos.

Travel site TravelAwaits has rounded up seven Airbnbs in the city, pitched as an alternative to staying in Los Angeles itself — either skipping the big city entirely or using Torrance as a quieter, cheaper base for LA day trips. The trade-off: getting around isn't cheap or fast, so it suits travellers who are happy to drive.

The standouts, by category:

**Best overall amenities** goes to the Cozy South Bay Retreat, a two-bedroom tucked between Redondo and Torrance beaches, with a hot tub, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and a manicured garden — plus proximity to Candy Cane Lane, a famous holiday lights street.

**Closest to the sand** is the Guest House, under a mile from the Pacific on the Torrance–Redondo border. It's compact at 500 square feet, but the one-bedroom comes with a full kitchen, washer-dryer and a free stash of beach gear: paddleboard, chairs, umbrella and cart. There's a covered patio with a grill out back.

**For groups**, the Dream Coastal Getaway sleeps ten — all in real king beds, no air mattresses — across five bedrooms and two living rooms, with vaulted wood ceilings and a spot across from Greenwood Park, which runs outdoor movie nights.

**On a budget?** The Breezy Bungalow is a clean, no-frills two-bedroom for up to seven, handy for Redondo Beach and the freeways. The Cozy Bachelor Converted Garage is the cheapest pick — literally a converted garage, but with a full kitchen, modern bathroom and a small patio. Solo travellers can also look at The Torrance Bungalow (near Wilson Park, high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchenette only) or The SunBreeze Studio, a top-floor studio with workspace, full kitchen and washer-dryer on a quiet street.

Why it matters: Torrance gives you beach-town calm, easy access to the Palos Verdes peninsula and the South Coast Botanic Garden, and rentals at a fraction of westside LA prices — while keeping the whole city reachable by car. It's a smart pick for families, remote workers and road-trippers who'd rather spend their budget on tacos and tank rentals than on a hotel in Santa Monica.