Best Farmers Markets in San Diego
Most towns have a farmers market, if not a bunch of them. The farmers market San Diego has is…well…it’s not just one. We have a lot of awesome markets around town and all over San Diego county! The farmers market says a lot about the town you’re in and the diversity of markets here speaks to a lot about San Diego. We are a very diverse community that LOVES food and that definitely shows in our San Diego farmers markets.
Farmers markets aren’t just about the fresh produce and healthy options (it is a good deal of it though). There are a lot of benefits to shopping at these locally run markets. You get to find out more about the community while making some better life choices regarding your health. And it can fit whatever busy schedule you may have. San Diego farmer’s markets run from Tuesday to Saturday at various times but there will most likely be one every day of the week.
Now, allow me to break down the best farmer’s markets around including the San Diego Farmers Market schedule.
San Diego Farmers Market Schedule
San Diego has a at least one Farmer’s Market a day, except Mondays. Take a look a the schedule below for more details.
Tuesday: Coronado, UCSD
Wednesday: Little Italy, Ocean Beach, La Mesa (Grossmont Center), Santee
Thursday: North Park
Friday: La Mesa Village, Rancho Bernardo, Borrego Springs
Saturday: Little Italy, Pacific Beach, Seaport Village, City Heights
Sunday: Hillcrest, La Jolla, Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego Farmers Markets Down By The Beaches
Coronado Certified Farmers Market
1201 First Dr. at B Ave., Ferry Landing, Coronado, CA 92118
Tuesday: 2:30 to 6:00 PM
Being near the Ferry Landing provides this farmer’s market with arguably the best view/venue. The regular vendors you’ll see sell locally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, and a few hot food options. The market favorite is the apple stand where the vendor sells fresh apples and a variety of apple ingredients.
A cozy pleasant atmosphere accompanies your visit as it’s not exceptionally crowded and easily accessible. This is a fairly small farmer’s market so many visitors pair their shopping/browsing experience with a serene waterfront stroll or a lovely lunch.
Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market and Wednesday Night Out
4900 Newport Avenue between Cable & Bacon St., Ocean Beach, CA 92107
Wednesday: 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Ocean Beach is known for its free-spirited funky vibes and the same can be said for their farmer’s market. Vendors come in all styles from fresh produce and ready to eat meals to arts and crafts, each showcasing their distinct style and energy. If the awesome vendors weren’t enough, live music plays, showcasing underground artists. I recently went with my sister and it was vivacious and brilliant! It may have been a touch loud but I really enjoyed myself.
Pacific Beach Farmers Market
4150 Mission Blvd between Reed & Pacific Beach Blvd., Pacific Beach, CA 92109
Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Much like the Coronado market, the Pacific Beach farmers market is very farmer-focused. You’ll only find local farmers trying to sell their reasonably priced items. For a mere $40USD, you can get over 10 organic items (I’m not including bundles of things). The friendly farmers are very helpful, eager to tell you about their farm fresh products and prices. You can tell they’re very proud of their crop. Enjoy your San Diego farmers market Saturday here!
La Jolla Certified Farmers Market and Open Air Market
7300 Block of Girard Avenue at Genter Street, La Jolla, CA 9203
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
This market filled with fresh produce, local artisan products, and delicious food. The proceeds go to the La Jolla Elementary School to fund the underfunded programs and school departments. They work to minimize class sizes and maximize learning. It’s filled with like-minded friendly just trying to make their community better. The farmer’s market really brings a wholesome atmosphere worked by helpful volunteers and artisans.
UCSD/La Jolla Certified Farmers Market
9500 Gilman Dr. Next to the UCSD bookstore on Lyman Lane and Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (September-June)
Closed July-August
It’s always the season at the UCSD La Jolla Farmers Market. Fresh seasonal produce is sold in almost every stall. But there are also fresh cookies, crepes, and other specialties offered throughout the campus market. The vibrancy from the students makes it an event to look forward to. They seem to be very eager to help and provide great food and products to the public.
Downtown Area Markets
Dockside Fish Market
Fish Harbor Pier (near Tuna Harbor, between the USS Midway & Seaport Village), San Diego, CA 92101
Saturday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The pride of the San Diego Port provides chefs and shoppers with an opportunity to get the freshest seafood around. The sustainable fishing practices and their effort to minimize their carbon footprint is impressive and noble on their part.
This market not only creates awareness of the functioning harbor but also inspires the public to participate in good practices while raising awareness and understanding of locally caught seafood. It’s our very own Pike Place Market. They even provide recipes for some of the things you might buy there. Check it out here.
City Heights Certified Farmers Market
On Wightman St. between Fairmount and 43rd Street, San Diego, CA 92125
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Open rain or shine with a shine on everyone’s face, the City Heights Farmers Market continues to provide fresh ingredients, interesting local art, and a foodie paradise. The friendly atmosphere makes for a great shopping experience. The variety of vendors and the ever-changing stalls keep things fresh. Regularly, though, they have a farmer who sells duck products such as meat and eggs. Definitely worth a visit.
Gaslamp Artisan Market
On Fifth Avenue Between Market Street and J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This market is the best way to describe the vibe of the Gaslamp. Rather than selling produce, they’ve chosen to highlight the local artists. Their stalls range from wacky handmade items to graphic shirts and accessories.
The artistic unique vibe summarizes visiting the Gaslamp every other day. With some of the best San Diego restaurants in easy access, it makes for a pretty great day. There’s even shaded seating nearby if you want to rest while you sip on a beer.
Little Italy Wednesday Certified Farmers Market
501 West Date Street- From Kettner Blvd. to Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Like many farmer’s markets, you can buy directly from the source and it won’t cost you as much. This is one of the most popular markets in San Diego and holds some of the best products. Not only do the farmers get a chance to sell but small food crafters and artists can also have their moment in the spotlight.
The atmosphere is very welcoming and calm, people strolling around without much of a care. Live music plays in the middle of the market for all to enjoy and on-street restaurants and shops warmly welcome you to visit.
North Park Thursday Certified Farmers Market
2900 North Park Way from 30th St. to Granada Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Thursday: 3:00 to 7:30 pm
With over 80 booths offering a variety of farm-fresh produce, artisan foods, and hand-crafted items, the North Park farmers market is one of the largest in San Diego. The welcoming vibe will keep you coming back week after week. You can enjoy the ambiance and the regular shops on the streets. There are also a few restaurants you can try out in the North Park area like Original 40 Brewery or North Park Breakfast Company.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
Sunday: 9 AM to 2 PM
This market is what I like to call San Diego Farmers Market Sunday Funday! The Hillcrest Farmers Market has roughly over 175 vendors every week selling their local produce, clothing, gifts, crafts, etc. It’s a huge local party! There’s also a large variety of hot food vendors mainly focusing on international cuisines as well as live local musicians we can all enjoy.
Farmers Market San Diego: East County
Borrego Springs Certified Farmers Market
Christmas Circle – 700 Palm Canyon Drive and Borrego Springs Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Friday: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM (November – April)
Friday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM (May- October)
The desert climate is not something to be fooled by. This farmers market San Diego has is chock-full of fresh produce and flowers from local farmers. But the piece de resistance is the homemade fudge that the event is famous for. If you want to get some quality healthy products, stop by the Borrego Springs Farmers Market.
La Mesa Farmers Market
Between Palm Ave. and Allison Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942
Friday: 3:00 to 7:00 PM
The La Mesa farmer’s market is a family-friendly event in the heart of the village. You’ll find anything from fresh seasonal produce and flowers to a variety of food vendors and packages ingredients. On top of that, the local shops and restaurants are also open for you to explore. Like with many markets, the La Mesa Village location is a great way to get the local healthy products.
Grossmont Center Farmers Market
Address: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Wednesday: 2 PM – 7 PM
in 2019, La Mesa added a second Farmer’s Market, this one conveniently located at the Grossmont Center. Perfect to stock up on local fresh fruits and veggies mid-week. You can also sign up for a CSA box, which is usually a great value for your money.
Santee Certified Farmers Market
9608 Carlton Hills Blvd. (corner of Mast & Carlton Hills Blvd), Santee, CA 92071
Wednesday: 3:00 to 7:00 PM (March – October)
Wednesday: 2:30 to 6:00 PM (November – February)
The Santee farmers market believes that this is the best possible way to get your ingredients: fresh and local. They promote the free exercise visitors get while walking around the market. Every Wednesday local businesses and organizations come out to make a name for themselves and bring awareness to their cause and products. While most vendors accept card payments, I would bring cash as well just in case. At the Santee Farmers Market, you can spend the day getting to know the local people and businesses while you get healthier, locally made products.
Benefits of Farmers Market Shopping
- Fresh Products – Farmers Market produce is usually recently picked, it’s way more delicious
- Locally Grown Products – Items in San Diego Farmers Markets haven’t traveled very far (that would take away the freshness). You can count on the items being from in or around the area.
- Nutritional Value – Fresh locally grown products have a higher nutritional content than store-bought items.
- Better Tasting – Not only are they healthier, you can taste the freshness. The flavor explodes when produce is picked at its peak.
- Safer and Cleaner – These items are usually grown organically and really taken care of. On top of this, you know exactly which farm it’s all coming from.
- Customizing and Control – You have the power to customize the amount you’re getting AND you can inspect everything before you decide to buy anything.
- Keeps the Community Healthy – This is supporting local farms and small businesses which is awesome for your community! It’s preventing huge corporations from taking over patches of land.
- Free Exercise – You aren’t just driving to the store and heading straight to the department you need to go to. You walk or bike around while getting fresh air and vitamin D!
- It’s Fun and Educational – Talking to the farmers and business owners, you and your family can learn about where things come from and you can even get tips/trick/recipes straight from the source.
The farmers market is super important not just for you but for the local community. It’s also not just for fruits and veggies, you can find a lot of interesting natural products and handmade trinkets to get too. The farmers market says a lot about the town you’re visiting or live in so try to give it a visit at some point.
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Farmers Market San Diego: By Neighborhood was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here. Follow them on social media here.
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