RAT Beach Torrance
RAT Beach, a local gem meaning 'Right After Torrance,' offers scenic coastal walks, stunning sunsets, and a more relaxed vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
RAT Beach Torrance
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
RAT Beach, a local gem meaning 'Right After Torrance,' offers scenic coastal walks, stunning sunsets, and a more relaxed vibe.
"This spot may be a hidden gem, perfect for a scenic view and a relaxing walk."
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach is rocky, so bring water shoes for comfortable walking and swimming.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Along the coastline
Catch breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Scenic Coastal Walks
Paved path along the shore
Enjoy a refreshing jog or a leisurely stroll along the paved path bordering the beach.
Ocean Views & Overlooks
Roessler Point
Hike to Roessler Point for epic ocean vistas and a unique perspective of the coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'Right After Torrance' Vibe
Rocky Terrain & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach is rocky, so bring water shoes for comfortable walking and swimming.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays.
💧 Pack Your Own Refreshments
While there's a kiosk, bringing your own drinks and snacks is often more budget-friendly.
🚶♀️ Great for Walks & Jogs
The paved path is perfect for scenic walks, jogs, or even a light run.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach is rocky, so bring water shoes for comfortable walking and swimming.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider weekdays.
💧 Pack Your Own Refreshments
While there's a kiosk, bringing your own drinks and snacks is often more budget-friendly.
🚶♀️ Great for Walks & Jogs
The paved path is perfect for scenic walks, jogs, or even a light run.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
This spot is renowned for its stunning sunset views, perfect for photographers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
RAT Beach is appreciated for its scenic beauty, particularly its stunning sunsets and coastal walking paths. Visitors enjoy the more laid-back atmosphere compared to neighboring beaches. However, the rocky terrain can be a drawback for some, and amenities like showers might be limited or require payment.
"The beach it was a bit rocky for my liking, but the water, it was clear and invited. It was very popular with swimmers and sunbathers. There's a restaurant there but also, a small kiosk selling cold drinks and ice creams. I have found the umbrella and sunbeds a bit expensive at 7 euros for a sunbed and 3 euros for an umbrella. There's also a massage place there too. For the showers you need to pay for at 50 cents and you get a coin from the kiosk too."
Kypriopoulla
"Nice beach with some easy access to water. You can rent long chairs but also just lie on the stone. There is a nice restaurant nearby and an ice cream stand/kiosk. There is also small cabin for changing the clothes. No shower though.
The sun is mostly on the other side so there is a lot of shade."
Olga Ivashenko
"A lovely walk round the coast of Cavtat or walk up to the church and graveyard
Plenty of places to eat and drink along the way and especially in Cavtat itself
Get the number 10 bus from Lapad bus station"
Catherine Mitchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
RAT Beach is located between Malaga Cove and Redondo Beach, accessible via a paved path from the beach parking lot. You can also park at Roessler Point for hiking access. 
Yes, there is a beach parking lot available. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
Yes, RAT Beach is situated at the border of Torrance and Redondo Beach, and you can walk along the shores between them.
For hiking, you can park at either RAT Beach or Roessler Point to access the trails with beautiful ocean views.
The beach has a winding ramp for access to the sand from the parking lot, making it relatively accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee for RAT Beach itself, but parking fees may apply depending on the lot.
Beaches in the area are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific parking lot hours may vary.
While some reviews mention rental options, it's advisable to check with local services as availability can vary. Bringing your own is a good backup.
Some reviews indicate a lack of showers, while others mention paid shower facilities. It's best to confirm on-site or bring your own rinsing supplies.
As a public beach, no tickets are required for entry. Parking is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons and evenings offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, especially during sunset.
Roessler Point provides an elevated overlook with stunning panoramic views of the coastline, ideal for landscape photography.
RAT Beach is excellent for landscape, sunset, and lifestyle photography, capturing the essence of the South Bay coast.
Occasionally, marine life like whales can wash ashore, offering unique, albeit somber, photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for distant marine life or surfers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants nearby, and some reviews mention a nice restaurant close to the beach.
A small kiosk selling cold drinks and ice creams is often available, but it's best to pack your own snacks.
Many visitors find it enjoyable and cost-effective to bring their own food for a picnic on the beach.
The South Bay area offers a variety of dining options, from casual beachside cafes to more upscale restaurants.
Exploring the nearby Redondo Beach and Torrance areas will reveal diverse culinary choices, from seafood to international flavors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more family-friendly beach experience with softer sand, you might consider nearby Torrance Beach or Redondo Beach. However, if your family enjoys exploring and doesn't mind the rocky environment, RAT Beach can still offer a pleasant outing with its scenic walks and ocean sounds.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
For those seeking more elevation and panoramic views, hiking up to Roessler Point is highly recommended, providing epic overlooks of the South Bay coastline. Swimmers will also find RAT Beach appealing, with local groups often seen enjoying the water. Remember to wear water shoes due to the rocky shore, which can also make for interesting tide pooling opportunities if you look closely.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
Roessler Point offers a unique vantage point for capturing sweeping panoramas of the ocean and surrounding areas. Don't forget to bring your wide-angle lens for those expansive shots and be prepared for the rocky terrain which adds texture to your compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'RAT' Nickname
+1This positioning also influences the beach's character. Being 'right after' the more developed Torrance Beach, RAT Beach often feels a bit more secluded and less crowded, appealing to those seeking a quieter coastal experience. It’s a place where you can find a bit more personal space to relax and enjoy the ocean.
+1Navigating the Rocky Terrain
This rocky nature also affects the water entry. While the water is generally clear and inviting, the seafloor can be uneven. There isn't a significant shallow area, and the depth increases relatively quickly. This makes it a popular spot for swimmers and those comfortable with deeper water, but perhaps less ideal for very young children who prefer wading in shallow zones.
Despite the rocks, the beach offers a unique natural beauty. The textures and colors of the stones, combined with the crashing waves, create a rugged and appealing landscape. It’s a different kind of beach experience, one that emphasizes natural elements over soft sand.
Activities Beyond Sunbathing
For those who enjoy a more vigorous workout, the beach is also a popular spot for swimmers, particularly members of local open-water swim clubs. The clear, albeit sometimes cold, water provides a refreshing challenge.
Beyond physical activity, the beach offers opportunities for relaxation and reflection. Many visitors come here to simply sit, recharge, and listen to the soothing sound of the waves. The scenic overlooks, like Roessler Point, are perfect for those seeking a moment of peace and stunning vistas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit