WHY Because the city of Torrance loves its farmers, and you can feel the love.

WHAT The jewel of the South Bay, this market runs on two days, Tuesday and Saturday. Saturday is bigger, but both have a tasty mix of seasonal produce, plus a strong Asian selection—Hmong grower Vang Thao’s stand, for instance, is popular for such items as fresh peanuts, bird chiles and bitter melon, as well as beautiful eggplants, basil and garlic. The community-focused offerings—breakfast, lunch (including Big Mista’s great barbecue) and entertainment—are plentiful.

WHO A diverse crowd, ethnically, culturally and age-wise. On Tuesdays it’s mostly seniors, mommies with strollers and summer-camp groups doing farmers’ market scavenger hunts; Saturdays it’s a grand mix.