Shop in the Sunshine! The Best Farmers Markets in San Diego

By Kimberly Stahl
produce from hillcrest farmers market san diego Hillcrest Farmers Market
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San Diego is known for its year-round growing season and the best way to access the very plentiful seasonal truckloads of produce is to scope out the nearest farmers market. Farmers markets provide access to fresh, locally grown foods but are also a great way to teach your kids about where their food comes from and the importance of supporting local farms and businesses. You may also learn some new recipes and preservation techniques, and even hacks for growing your own veggies, but most importantly, they are fun for the whole family!  Many feature activities for kids and live music, and most markets are open, rain or shine. Scroll down to find the best farmers markets in San Diego.

Little Italy Mercato

This is San Diego County's largest market filling six city blocks! Shop from California farmers and score fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, pastured eggs, meat, poultry, nuts, honey, and more. Shop for olive oil and bread from local food makers, and don't forget to pick up some gifts from the resident artisans. 

Open Saturdays 8 AM - 2 PM and Wednesdays 9:30 AM-1:30 PM.
600 West Date St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Website: littleitalysd.com/mercado

North Park Thursday Market

Locals love this charming two-block market filled with activities for kids, live music, and farm-fresh produce! Shop for fresh-baked bread, bao buns, eggs, avocados, and other goodies and meet some of the artists who also sell their wares under the tents. Come out this Thursday and find everything you need to stock your healthy home.

Open Thursdays 3-7:30 PM.
2900 North Park Way & 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
Website: northparkfarmersmarket.com

Hillcrest Farmer’s Market

This is San Diego's original farmers market and one of the largest, with over 175 vendors. Find fresh veggies, clothing, artwork, salty lemonade, and get your green smoothie fix! You’ll find plenty to eat and drink at this market, so head out this week and load up on your seasonal favorites!

Open Sundays 9 AM -2 PM.
3960 Normal St. (Hillcrest DMV Parking Lot)
San Diego, CA 92103
Website: hillcrestfarmersmarket.com

Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market

This eclectic and lively market offers gluten-free baked goodies, fresh fruits and veggies, kombucha, flowers, and spreads. In addition, artisan vendors offer American, Filipino, Japanese, Mexican, and Mediterranean prepared food items. Enjoy the market and then walk a few blocks to the beach for a picnic!

Open Wednesdays 4-8 PM
4900 Newport Ave.
San Diego, CA 92107
Website: https://oceanbeachsandiego.com

Kid at Carlsbad Farmers Market
Leah Singer

Carlsbad Farmers Market

The Carlsbad Farmers Market considers itself an open-air grocery store where you can find unique items. With limited packaged food, you will be sure to find the highest quality ingredients and freshest food possible. Whether it’s artisan goat cheese, organic cheese, or cheesecake in a cup – we’re in! You’ll also find nut butter, fruit jams, organic herbs, farm-fresh produce, Indian cuisine, honey, and more. Hot food vendors vary by week. Join the fun on Wednesdays!

Open Wednesdays 2:30-7 PM.
State St. between Grand Ave. & Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Website: carlsbad-village.com/farmers-market

La Jolla Open Aire Farmer's Market

This market is different than others in that 100% of the proceeds benefit the La Jolla Elementary School and help fund art, music, library, and technology programs. In addition to farm-fresh produce, eggs, and local honey, you’ll find prepackaged items like organic bone broth and soups, kombucha, yogurt, raw organic smoothies, tamales, freshly-made bread, superfoods, quiche and cookies, cold-pressed juice, hummus and pita, Indian food-to-go, a Mexican food truck, and a coffee cart. So shop till you drop, knowing that you are supporting a good cause!

Open Sundays 9 AM - 1 PM.
7335 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: lajollamarket.com

Vista Farmers Market

With over 600 free parking spaces, the Vista Farmers Market is arguably the easiest to access and it's one of the oldest in San Diego county, in operation since 1981. The event consists of five marketplaces featuring food makers, farmers, gardeners, world cuisine, and artists. The hot food vendors represent 14 different countries' food cuisines and sell breakfast and lunch to keep you fueled up while shopping. 

Open Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
345 South Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92083
Online: vistafarmersmarket.com

RELATED STORIES:

15 San Diego CSAs Delivering Farm Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Cream of the Crop: 7 Family-Friendly Farms You Must Visit in San Diego 
The Best Meal Delivery Services in San Diego

Search more like this
  • farmers market
  • social distancing
  • fresh air
  • live music
  • baked goods
  • cold pressed
  • elementary school
  • face mask
  • fresh baked
  • fresh made
  • gluten free
  • goat cheese
  • locally grown
  • market
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