You can’t beet a San Diego farmers market. They’re colorful, flavorful + take advantage of the SoCal sunshine. Here’s our pick of six that you shouldn’t miss.
San Diego has dozens of farmers markets on almost any day of the week (pesky Mondays). The markets offer a fun place to buy local produce and remind us that San Diego is home to over 5,000 farms. Often, you’ll also be able to explore local restaurants + vendors, that highlight our region’s rich cultures + culinary diversity.
Likely, there is a farmers market close to your home, and most are open year-round. If you want to explore, lettuce introduce you to some neighborhood markets worth a visit.
Little Italy Mercato
Saturday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 From 501 W. Date St., Kettner Boulevard, Front Street
Open year-round, the Little Italy Mercato is always in season. | Photo via @cattfieldswhite
Home to hundreds of vendors, Little Italy’s Mercato lies in the middle of the neighborhood. You can find everything from pet food to mushrooms, but it seems appropriate to pick up some ingredients for an Italian dinner. On Columbia Street you can find Bread Bar + Daniel’s Artisanal for bread, goat cheese, or pasta.
North Park Certified Farmers Market
Thursday: 3-7:30 p.m.
📍2900 North Park Way from 30th Street-Granada Avenue
In North Park, you’ll find plenty of vendors selling more than produce. We recommend finding a fun dip for your fruits + vegetables. Cashew Later offers nut-based dips while Baba Foods has a great selection of hummus. Ruth’s No. 5 turns the veggies into salsas — the perfect addition to your next taco night.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 3960 Normal St. from Lincoln to University avenues
The colors you will find in Hillcrest | Photo via @tronephotoworks
If you’re looking for a huge selection, you’ll find that with the 175+ vendors in Hillcrest. In December, you’ll find apples, pears, clementines + brussel sprouts are in season. Of course, this means a trip to Caramel Apple Co. is also in season.
La Mesa Village Certified Farmers Market
Friday: 3-7p.m.
📍La Mesa Boulevard from Palm Avenue - Allison Avenue
Head east to La Mesa and find a vibrant market filled with music, food + decorations. Yasukochi Family Farms will keep your kitchen colorful, but it never hurts to make your living spaces greener. BB Knotz is a recent addition selling house plants, decorative pots + hangers.
Pacific Beach Certified Farmers Market
Tuesday: 2-6 p.m.
📍 4500 Bayard St., Garnet Avenue, Hornblend Street
See what you can find in Pacific Beach | Photo via @pacificbeachmarket
Farmers markets are great for fruits + veggies, but donut miss the chance to treat yourself at Crumb Donuts. If you’re looking for a healthier snack, you’d be nuts to pass on the almonds. In PB, you can find local almonds from Hopkins AG + Smit Farms.
Leucadia Certified Farmers Market
Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 Paul Ecke Elementary, 185 Union St.
Head north and you’ll find a fun farmers market in Leucadia. In addition to the produce, you’ll find a food hall, music + a playground for the kids. Being by the ocean, seafood vendors like Poppa’s Fresh Fish give you a taste of the coast. Pro tip: if you can ride your bike you’ll get a “Bicycle Buck” worth $1 off any purchase.