Guide to San Diego’s Farmers Markets
San Diego, CA, is home to thousands (5,100) farms. They range from full to part-time and small to large. Some are urban, others are rural; some use traditional farming methods, while others are certified organic. You can find fresh goods from these farms and other vendors daily at a farmer’s market in San Diego.
Sundays & Mondays
Sunday farmer’s markets include the Solana Beach, Chula Vista, Rancho Santa Fel Del Rayo Village, Hillcrest Certified, Leucadia Certified, La Jolla Open Aire, Santa Ysabel Certified, and Murrieta Farmers Markets. Each market offers unique foods, goods, and services.
For example, peruse the food vendors, produce, and unique artisan products on Sunday morning at the Hillcrest Farmers Market, or drive over to the La Jolla Open Aire Market, where you can find fresh produce, cut flowers, jewelry, clothing, and other goods at this seaside location along with free dog-sitting, live music, massage services, and lawn games. Then, enjoy lunch at the food court, where your money will support the local elementary school.
Monday is the perfect day to visit the Welk Farmers Market. Its natural mountain views provide an incredible setting for your weekly certified-organic seasonal produce and other ingredients. You can also enjoy artisanal goods while participating in scavenger hunts or weekly raffles.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
If you want incredible views of San Diego Bay, consider crossing the bridge to Coronado Island and visiting the Coronado Farmers Market on Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, you can also visit Otay Ranch, Pacific Beach, Mira Mesa, San Marcos, Downtown Escondido, and Vail Headquarters farmers markets.
Wednesday, you can explore the farmers’ markets of Ocean Beach, South Bay, Little Italy, Carlsbad State Street, Temecula, and Santee. Test some kefir soda and shop for boutique clothing at Little Italy. Find incredible macarons at Santee, and try authentic Kenyan food at Carlsbad State Street. You can enjoy live bands and find unique art vendors Wednesday evening at the Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market. Consider visiting the Little Italy Certified Farmers Market on Wednesdays as well.
Thursday’s & Friday’s
If you have time on a Thursday, check out the farmers’ markets at Linda Vista, Mainstreet Oceanside, North Park, and Scripps Ranch. On Thursday afternoon, you can look for a San Diego farmers market in one of the trendiest neighborhoods. Check out the North Park Farmers Market, which offers grass-fed beef, local produce, pastured chickens, and an eclectic mix of shoppers, from artists to innovators.
Friday markets include La Mesa Village Certified, Borrego Springs Certified, and Rancho Bernardo Certified farmers markets. Although fewer markets exist, you can still enjoy various products and services, from fresh fish and cheeses to Christmas tree broccoli.
If you are up and about early on Friday morning, you will find baked goods, hot food vendors, fresh produce, and handmade crafts at the Rancho Bernardo Certified Farmers Market. Also, enjoy some homemade fudge at the Borrego Springs Certified Farmers Market. Don’t forget to try the food vendors.
Saturdays
Spend your Saturday shopping and eating at the Tuna Harbor Dockside, Del Mar Certified, City Heights Certified, Vista Certified, Little Italy Mercato, Poway Certified, Fallbrook Main Avenue Certified, and Temecula–Old Town farmers markets. You will find international gourmet treats, handmade goods, canned goods, fresh-baked bread, artisanal foods, and other unique goods and services at these markets on Saturdays.
Therefore, as you plan your Saturday visits to San Diego farmers markets, consider Little Italy Mercato, where you can search the five-block market for fresh-caught fish, artisan-cured meats, and local produce while sipping an espresso. You can even take fitness classes while enjoying an ocean view at the Del Mar Certified Farmers Market.
You can shop at farmers’ markets every day in San Diego. Spend time in these markets, and you will find a few favorites.