RAT Beach, Sandy beach near Redondo Beach and Torrance, United States

RAT Beach is a sandy beach in Palos Verdes Estates, located along the southern end of Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles County. It sits between Torrance Beach and the rocky shores of Malaga Cove, backed by wooded cliffs that screen it from the surrounding neighborhoods.

The name RAT Beach comes from an acronym standing for Right After Torrance, describing where the beach sits in relation to the neighboring city of Torrance. This informal nickname was coined by locals and stuck over time, even though it never became an official designation.

Local surfers and families share the water here, and dolphins appear regularly along the shoreline. The beach draws people who want a direct connection to the ocean and is regarded by locals as a quieter alternative to the more crowded shores nearby.

Access to the beach is via a steep paved path, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before heading down. A snack shack near the main entrance sells refreshments, so there is no need to bring everything with you.

Offshore kelp forests make this beach a favorite among divers and spearfishers, who find underwater conditions here that are hard to match along this stretch of coast. The dense kelp draws a wide range of marine life close to shore, making each dive feel different.