On June 4, 1985, former Mayor Katy Geissert welcomed just 20 family farms to Charles H. Wilson Park for Torrance’s first certified farmers’ market. The Tuesday market flourished, and by 1992, a Saturday edition was added to meet demand. Four decades later, more than 60 California farms roll in twice a weekrain or shinewith peak‑season produce, flowers, honey, seafood, baked goods, and artisan fare. The city‑run market remains one of the largest and most beloved open-air food halls in the South Bay. Just a short trip from Torrance, visit the fresh fields of the Garden Fresh Farmers Market for seasonal goodness.
Find Your Way & Plan Your Visit
Address: 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501 (inside Wilson Park)
Hours: Tuesdays & Saturdays, 8 AM – 1 PM, year‑round, rain or shine
Parking: Free lots on both the west & east sides of Wilson Park
Transit: Torrance Transit Route 3 stops on Crenshaw; bike racks near the Splash Pad
Phone: (310) 781-7520
Location https://maps.app.goo.gl/VuEbMsrbppAJ9H9u9
Market Snapshot
| What You’ll Find | Details & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Farm‑Fresh Produce | 60+ growers selling seasonal fruits, veggies, nuts & specialty greens. |
| Meat & Seafood | Hook‑and‑line fish, pastured poultry, grass‑fed beef & pork. |
| Artisan Foods | Small‑batch breads, salsas, jams, honey, nut butters & kombucha. |
| Flowers & Nursery Stock | Farm‑cut bouquets, succulents & starter herbs for home gardens. |
| Hot Foods & Coffee | Tamales, crêpes, Thai BBQ, vegan bowl,s plus local‑roast espresso. |
| Community Booths | Master Gardeners, composting tips, city recreation & non‑profits. |
Seasonal Highlights to “Rank Up” Your Kitchen
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Spring: Albion strawberries, snow peas, tender lettuces.
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Summer: Heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, stone fruit & live‑fire BBQ demos.
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Fall: Apple‑variety showcase, pumpkin patch pop‑up, chile‑roasting.
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Winter: Citrus bonanza (cara cara, pomelo, yuzu) and wild mushroom days.
Signature Events That Keep Visitors “Clicking Up”
| Event | When | Why It Engages Shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| World‑Famous Pie Contest & Pie‑Eating Showdown | Early October | Home‑bakers battle for bragging rights; spectators sample slices. |
| Strawberry Celebration | May | Live music, berry parfait station, kids’ crafts. |
| Armed Forces Day Market | Parade Saturday in May | Vendors decorate stalls; veterans receive market‑wide discounts. |
| Holiday “Snow in the Park” Drive | December | Toy & food donations with free cocoa from market vendors. |
Five Ways Torrance Market Stands Apart
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Farmer‑Direct Transparency – chat with growers about cultivation methods.
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Certified Organic & Conventional Side‑by‑Side – clear signage lets you choose.
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Kid‑Friendly Park Setting – playgrounds, treehouse & picnic lawns step away.
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Live Chef Demos – local chefs turn market haul into quick meals you can replicate.
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Year‑Round Rain‑or‑Shine Commitment – tents are up even during SoCal drizzles.
Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market Photo
Pro Tips for First‑Time Visitors
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Arrive before 10 AM for the widest produce selection and easier parking.
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Bring a cooler bag—many vendors sell fresh fish and goat cheese.
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Cash is quickest, but most stands now accept cards or tap‑to‑pay.
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Follow @originaltorrancefarmersmarket on Instagram for mid‑week crop alerts.
FAQs
Q1. Is the market dog‑friendly?
Yes, leashed and well‑behaved dogs are welcome on the paved paths.
Q2. Do vendors provide samples?
Many produce stands offer in‑season tastings—just ask politely.
Q3. Can I use CalFresh EBT tokens?
Absolutely. Visit the information booth to swipe your card and receive market‑wide tokens.
Q4. Are there ATMs on‑site?
Yes, one near the park’s west restroom and another by the splash‑pad entrance.
Q5. Does the market close on holidays?
Only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; otherwise, it operates rain or shine.
Final Bite: Experience South Bay Freshness Firsthand
With four decades of history, 60+ dedicated farmers, and a lively park atmosphere, Torrance Certified Farmers Market delivers a ranked‑up grocery adventure that keeps shoppers clicking back week after week. Swing by Wilson Park this Tuesday or Saturday and taste why locals call it the freshest tradition in Torrance. Or head into LA to explore the coastal charms of the Marina Del Rey Farmers Market.
