Torrance is still conspicuously suburban, with its tract homes and big-box retail outlets, but it, too, is feeling the residential push from the west. If you're looking for a mall-style chain retailer, you'll likely find it in the South Bay Galleria. El Camino isn't just a bitchin' ride, it's also a local community college that's worth a gander for recent North High grads or those wishing to rejoin the educational world.

Restaurants

• Flossie’s • 3566 Redondo Beach Blvd
310-352-4037 • $
The fried chicken is legendary.

• Pitalicious • 20527 S Western Ave
310-328-7482 • $
Amazing cucumber dip; popular with the local working crowd.

Shopping

• Pleasure Island • 18426 Hawthorne Blvd
310-793-9477
All the sexy stuff you’ll ever need.

• South Bay Galleria • 1815 Hawthorne Blvd
310-371-7546
Galleria means mall in California speak.