San Diego County is a major producer of flowers, mushrooms, strawberries, citrus, eggs, poultry, and tomatoes, all coming from over 5,000 farms. San Diego has a year-round growing season, which means sweet, ripe produce is available at any time.
Meeting with farmers at the local farmers market is a wonderful way to learn where your food comes from and meet the people who help put dinner on your table. Bring the kids to one of the San Diego farmers markets, follow your nose to the most enticing aroma, and check out the local artisans and their wares, from clothing to jewelry. There are some marvelous artistic treasures to be found between the avocadoes and cucumbers.
Farmers markets in San Diego also prepare ready-to-eat meals using farm-fresh products. Get a meal, find a park, and enjoy a picnic.
Our Favorite San Diego Farmers Markets
Table of Contents
Tuesday Markets
1. Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers’ Market
Where: 901 Hornblend St, San Diego
When: Every Tuesday year-round from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
This farmers market has just about everything and is an outdoor grocery store offering farm-fresh goodness, meats, cheeses, prepared meals, dips, and artisan crafts. A troubadour entertains as he wanders around while singing Gordon Lightfoot songs … “If you can read my mind …” The abundance of fresh herbs tickles the nose. The soup vendor offers different types of vegan soups, from lentils and ginger carrots to freshly baked bread.
Further down, the Greenfix has green brews filled with kale, lettuce, collard greens, and other greens sweetened with apple juice. These are excellent for those looking for more green. The Beach Eatz truck has spicy crab sandwiches for $10.00. Few can resist the $1.50 taco on Taco Tuesday.
The Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers Market makes shopping a breeze by accepting EBT. No cash? No problem. The Pacific Beach Farmer’s Market is one of the few San Diego farmers markets that allows visitors to use their debit or credit card to swipe for Market Money for use with all vendors.
Saturday Markets
2. Cardiff Farmer’s Market
Where: Mira Costa College, San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
When: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
Cardiff Farmers Market is a certified farmers market just celebrating its first anniversary. Seventy vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, as well as handmade crafts and live entertainment. The vendors are all an intricate part of the Cardiff community and provide a place to gather and meet neighbors. Fun activities at the market include games of bingo and henna tattoos, and it is the only farmers market in the area that accepts EBT, making access to fresh produce and local craft items easier.
3. Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market
Where: West Date Street from west of Kettner Blvd to Front Street, San Diego
When: Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. year-round.
Why Visit:
Little Italy Mercato fills up six blocks with farm fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. They also sell bread, fish, chicken olive oils, and nuts, all fresh. At the far side of the market, shoppers will find gift items and art items created by local artists. It would be cruel to expect shoppers to arrive early without offering coffee, and the large, orange coffee truck, Joe’s on the Nose, provides needed steaming sustenance in the form of expresso, hot chocolates, smoothies, lattes, smoothies, and other beverages.
The market is a part of Little Italy, where shoppers, puppies, and strollers stroll on a Saturday morning while following the intoxicating aroma of stalls such as Masala Cottage’s Indian food filled with curry. Shoppers will find fresh produce, bread, sauces, seasonings, fish, or artisan gifts. The Welcoming Booth will answer any questions.
4. Playa Vista Farmers Market
Where: 12775 N. Millenium, Playa Vista
When: Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
This is one of the farmers markets near San Diego that visitors just want to stroll through and take it all in. French pastries, Guyanese samosas, and Oaxacan Mocha (prepared with handmade chocolate) are all part of the fine dining available. Then, of course, there is the fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, and artisanal handmade creations.
Listen to the live music or take the kids to the KidZone to revel in some interactive artistic freedom. A unique feature of the Playa Vista Farmers Market is its compost hub. Visitors can bring their toss-away food scraps for the compost and become a part of a better green life with better soil for growing better food.
Also Check: Best Farmers Markets in California
5. Poway Farmers Market
Where: 14053, 14065 Midland Rd, Poway
When: Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
Poway Farmers Market is a delightful outdoor shopping experience. Be aware that traffic is detoured between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and additional parking is available. Sixty-five vendors offer certified fresh produce, honey, jellies, bakery items, dairy, and more. Ready-to-eat meals are also available. Visitors can take a dish to Old Powar Park and enjoy a picnic.
Sunday Markets
6. Hillcrest Farmers Market
Where: 3960 Normal St #3960, San Diego
When: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
This is San Diego’s oldest and largest outdoor market, with 175 vendors selling local produce, artisan items, crafts, clothes, flowers, and more. Most of the local farmers provide pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. Hot food items are available, and entertainment is provided by local artists. Hillcrest even offers a few extras, such as knife sharpening.
Frequent shoppers may win a basket of fresh food by using the market’s punch card and punching in for every visit. When the card is fully punched (rainy days get two punches), you qualify to win a large gift basket filled with goodies.
7. Chula Vista Farmers Market
Where: 360 3rd Ave, Chula Vista
When: Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
The Chula Vista Farmers Market is a part of the Chula Vista community and adjacent to the city of San Diego. More than 60 vendors sell fresh produce, just-caught fish, bath and body products, salsas, flowers, sweet-smelling bread, and cookies, as well as one-of-a-kind craft designs. Another draw to this market is its delicious prepared international gourmet dishes.
The market is across from Memorial Park, which is the second-oldest park in Chula Vista, and contains an amphitheater, restrooms, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium. Perfect for bringing a basket of goodies from the market and enjoying a picnic or just some shade.
8. La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market
Where: 7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla
When: Every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
La Jolla, a high-end suburb of San Diego, prides itself on being a farmers market that supplies products from local farms, gourmet foods, and artisan ware. The proceeds go to La Jolla Elementary School to fund its various programs.
The market began with 15 vendors in 1998 and now has 120 vendors – 30 farms, 45 artisans, and 40 sellers of gourmet foods. Fresh foods include jams, nuts, olive oils, baked goods, seafood, as well as fresh produce. Shoppers will also find clothes and candles for sale. La Jolla Farmers Market is proud to support and benefit children’s education.
Also Check: Best Farmers Markets in Santa Monica
9. Solana Beach Farmers Market
Where: 444 S Cedros Ave #295, Solana Beach
When: Every Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. except if the Sunday falls on a holiday
Why Visit:
Solana Beach Farmers Market was voted one of San Diego’s “Great Farmer’s Markets.” This relatively small market offers farm-fresh produce, bakery items, meats, sauces, hand-made chocolates, and soaps. It also sells flowers. Visitors can check out the five craft booths offering jewelry and other treasures, along with entertainment. The Solana Beach Market is surrounded by consignment stores, art galleries, and an abundance of eateries. It is truly an excursion for the entire day.
Read Next: Best Farmers Markets in Los Angeles
10. Leucadia Farmers Market
Where: 185 Union St, Encinitas, CA 92024
When: Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
Even someone not specifically looking for farm-fresh food can make a day of it here. Leucadia is one of the liveliest markets in the area. A food court serves breakfast and lunch; there is a playground for the youngsters, a face painter, live entertainment each Sunday, and even a balloon artist.
When visitors have had enough fun, 75 vendors offer organic produce, flowers, and plants. Special foods include meats, cheeses, marinades, bakery items, and pastas. Who needs grocery stores while surrounded by all this gourmet freshness?
11. Murrieta Farmer’s Market
Where: 24422 Village Walk Pl, Murrieta, CA 92562
When: Every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
Murrieta Farmer’s Market works hard at reconnecting us to the source of the food we consume. Each Sunday brings shoppers close to authentic seasonal food immediately following harvest time by California Certified Farmers.
The market also offers aromatic fresh breads, desserts, sauces, gift baskets, body care items, and crafts. For anyone in Murrieta who is unable to visit on Sunday, visit 24810 Washington Ave. for Murrieta’s Thursday night events with entertainment, vendors, and food trucks between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Multi-Day Markets
12. Liberty Public Market
Where: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego
When: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Happy Hour from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
The Liberty Public Market is located in Point Loma, where the building was once a Naval Training Camp. Now, it is a meeting place for both locals and tourists. Thirty diverse vendors offer high-end options such as fresh oysters and French pastries. Special prices are available during Happy Hour.
The location is popular and began with an array of food trucks that have been turned into charming restaurants serving lobster rolls (made from genuine Maine lobsters), jambalaya, and crepes. Liberty is a flavor extravaganza. Once visitors have explored the market, they can wander to the neighboring designer shops and art galleries.
Previous visitors said they enjoyed the lively, community-like atmosphere in the market. Its proximity to pottery-making establishments and design stores allows customers to explore the area easily after eating.
13. Santa Ysabel Farmers Market
Where: 21851-21887 Washington St, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
When: Weekly on Sundays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Why Visit:
The Santa Ysabel Farmers Market features local produce, music, prepared food, and information on food sustainability. Its glorious view of the mountains makes it a relevant destination on its own, with a breathtaking hiking trail and a fine taste-test winery. Santa Ysabel Farmers Market is one of the farmers markets near San Diego that provides a lively vacation day.
This small market is known for its local raw honey, amazing citrus fruits, guavas, herbs, and more. Sustainability education is sponsored by Enthrall, Inc. Visitors with a serious awareness of and interest in the environment come for this important information alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest farmers market in San Diego?
On Sundays, Hillcrest’s farmers market features 175 vendors offering farm-fresh products, flowers, crafts, mementos, clothes, and more. The market is an open-air mall where more than 10,000 people can stroll, enjoy great prepared meals, and be entertained by local musicians.
2. What are the good San Diego Farmers Market Saturdays?
Little Italy Mercato is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays—a double bonus. It is known for its farm products, bakery items, sauces, meats, and nuts. Everything you need to plan a delectable meal can be found here, and everything is locally produced.
3. What are the good San Diego Farmers Market Sundays?
While Hillcrest Farmers Market rules Sunday, the La Jolla Farmers Market is an upscale market with 120 vendors selling fresh produce, artisan wares, and gourmet prepared foods. All sale proceeds go to the La Jolla Elementary School to fund important educational programs.
4. What is the longest-running farmers market in San Diego?
Once again, Hillcrest Farmers Market leads the way. It opened in 1997 with 27 vendors and has grown into San Diego’s largest market and is known as the “best farmers market in San Diego County.” Most of their produce is organic.
Wrapping Up
For anyone fortunate enough to live close to one of the many San Diego farmers markets, the great news is that this comes with considerable health benefits. People who get their fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat locally benefit from fresher, healthier food.
Seasonal food coming from a local farm is grown to perfect ripeness and is available for immediate sale, while food being shipped from around the world is usually picked early, lacks complete nutritional value, and doesn’t taste a fraction as good. In addition, the San Diego farmers markets provide the community with an opportunity to support small, friendly businesses and get to know them.