Free attractions in Torrance

While you might be tempted to take your Southern California vacation in Los Angeles, there are plenty of more affordable locales in the area. Torrance is a delightful destination in the South Bay laid out along the beach, and it has a wide selection of affordable lodging options. It's also home to a Thrifty Car Rental location that offers great Torrance deals on multitude of Torrance rental cars. And while you're in town, you can take advantage of these free attractions for an even more budget-friendly stay:

Chen Art Gallery

With your Torrance car rental, you can explore the thriving art scene of this city. While most museums charge for entry, the Chen Art Gallery is free and open to the public. This non-profit institution displays the extensive private collection of Chinese art owned by world-renowned pharmacist and herbalist Dr. Tei Fu Chen. You can look through more than 1,000 artifacts, such as Buddhist statues, ancient pottery and jade carvings, some of which date back as far as 5,000 years, giving you a glimpse into the many eras of Chinese history starting at the Neolithic period and ending at the Qing dynasty.

Madrona Marsh

To discover the natural beauty of the city, get in a Torrance car rental and drive over to Madrona Marsh located off Plaza del Amo. It's run by Friends of Madrona Marsh, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the site and its wildlife. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds on their own or sign up for a guided tour. As you walk around, you'll see stunning displays of Mother Earth. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, as it's home to red winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, tules and a variety of other fowl.