Night Hike at Madrona Marsh Preserve in Torrance

Madrona Marsh Preserve is one of the last remnants of the vernal marsh that once dotted the South Bay, and it looks very different once the sun goes down. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the preserve hosts its monthly guided Night Hike, a slow walk through the habitat as day turns to night. If you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles that get you outside without a long drive or a big crowd, this one is worth a spot on the calendar.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, listed at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Where: 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503 Cost: $5 per person, $10 per family Registration: Required, limited to the first 25 participants

What to expect

The hike is guided, so you are not wandering the marsh alone with a flashlight. The point is to slow down and use your ears as much as your eyes. After sunset the preserve fills with the nocturnal wildlife that stays hidden during the day, and the walk is built around noticing it. Expect a quiet group, soft voices and plenty of stops to listen.

The group is capped at 25 people, which keeps the hike intimate and keeps the noise down. That small size is a big part of the appeal. It feels more like a nature class than a tour.

Registration and age rules

Spots are not first come, first served at the gate. Pre-registration is required through the City of Torrance recreation portal at torrance.rec.us, where you search for "Night Hike" to find the session. The organizer says registrants must be 17 or older, while children 16 and under join free. Because the group is small, sessions can fill quickly, so register before you plan the rest of your evening.

The Night Hike runs on the second Saturday of every month, and the start time shifts from month to month. The listing shows 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM for October. Check the Madrona Marsh Preserve website or the registration page to confirm the time before you go, since the schedule is subject to change.

Getting there and what to bring

The preserve sits at Plaza del Amo in Torrance, in the South Bay, an easy trip from the 405 or Hawthorne Boulevard. Wear closed-toe shoes with decent grip, dress in layers because the marsh cools off after dark, and bring a small flashlight if the organizers allow one. Skip strong perfumes and loud gear.

If you are lining up LA events this weekend, pair the hike with an early dinner in Torrance. Looking further ahead, our upcoming events Los Angeles listings cover more outdoor options through the fall. For more nature outings, browse the outdoor events section.