Del Amo Fashion Center is one of the nation's biggest malls, and it's a serious presence. Down the street, the Madrona March Nature Preserve, one of the few remaining urban wetlands, is well maintained by the local nature society. Across the marsh is King's Hawaiian which has the best French toast in town. And the family-owned Torrance Bakery makes mean sandwiches and gorgeous wedding cakes, as well as a panorama of pastries.

Landmarks

• Buffy’s House • 1313 Cota Drive
Is that? Yes, that’s actually Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s house.

Nightlife

• 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro • 1321 Sartori Ave
310-618-1321
Hip, cute decor and a wide selection of craft beers.

• The Crest • 1625 Cabrillo Ave
310-320-9347
Pool tables and a million TVs to watch any game.

• Keegan’s Pub • 1434 Marcelina Ave
310-328-3750
Recently renovated with a great patio.

Restaurants

• Angara Indian Restaurant • 2170 Torrance Blvd
310-320-9090 • $$
Lots of curry variety.

• By Brazil • 1615 Cabrillo Ave
310-787-7520 • $$
Great grilled meats, and they always have the soccer game.

• Depot • 1250 Cabrillo Ave
310-787-7501 • $$$$
Broad range of chef Michael Shafer’s culinary creations.

• Eat at Rudy’s • 1340 Post Ave
310-533-0752 • $
Cute half-diner, half-cafe indoor/outdoor breakfast spot.

• Get Shaved • 1790 Carson St
310-293-2523 • $
Crowds love nothing better than shaved ice on a hot day.

• In-N-Out Burger • 24445 Crenshaw Blvd
800-786-1000 • $
Top California burger joint.

• King’s Hawaiian • 2808 W Sepulveda Blvd
310-530-0050 • $$
Famous for sweet rolls which they use for French toast.

• Koji BBQ Buffet • 1725 W Carson St
310-787-1820 • $$
Cook your own Korean-style BBQ; over 100 menu items.

• Lazy Dog Cafe • 3525 W Carson St
310-921-6080 • $$
Everything from fish ‘n’ chips to wok dishes & hand crafted drafts to boot.

• Red Car Brewery and Restaurant • 1266 Sartori Ave
310-782-0222 • $$
A beer-soaked seed of hope in Old Torrance.

• Santouka • 21515 S Western Ave
310-212-1101 • $
Hands down LA’s best ramen at this mall food court.

• Snax • 4535 Sepulveda Blvd
310-316-6631 • $$
Burgers and Mexican? Yes please.

• Yogurtland • 24631 Crenshaw Blvd
310-534-9572 • $
Self-serve yogurt, cheap dessert with fewer calories.

Shopping

• Mitsuwa Marketplace • 21515 S Western Ave
310-782-0335
Japanese snacks and knick-knacks.

• Road Runner Sports • 25359 Crenshaw Blvd
310-326-8530
Not cheap but worth the money. These guys know their stuff.

• South Bay Brewing Supply Co. • 1311 Post Ave
310-328-2133
Everything you need to make your own beer. Even classes!

• Torrance Bakery • 1341 El Prado Ave
310-320-2722
Family-owned bakery plus wedding cakes.