Farmers Market Spotlight: San Diego
Who doesn’t love a good farmers market? Not only is shopping at these open-air destinations an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, but it’s a safer and socially distant way to shop. Plus, hitting these bustling bazaars is a great way to live like the locals during your visit. As an added bonus, you always know that buying direct from the folks who produce what you need helps them out, and is also a big money-saver for you!
San Diego’s legendarily mild weather means our farmers markets are year-round community staples. And thanks to our large number of local farms, orchards, and greenhouses, the quality of what you’ll find is second-to-none. Produce, floral arrangements, fresh herbs, art, honey, crafts, and more — if you’re looking for it, you’ll find it here.
Hungry for a great day out? Here’s our overview of what we feel are some of the best farmers markets in San Diego.
Hillcrest Farmers Market (2.2 miles from the hotel)
(Photo: @hillcrestfarmersmkt)
Hillcrest is San Diego’s longest-running farmers market, so it occupies a special place in this vibrant neighborhood. More than 175 vendors offer products here, with an emphasis on produce, local art, crafts (and crafting supplies), flowers, gifts, and even clothing. The vast majority of the sellers here offer certified organic, pesticide-free foods. Visitors will also discover grab-and-go hot-food options and weekly live entertainment.
Sundays, 9am–2pm
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
Little Italy Mercato (4.7 miles away)
(Photo: @littleitalymercato)
This exceptional market is located in Little Italy, which has long been praised for its excellent restaurants. And since it’s where countless numbers of these eateries source their ingredients, you know the quality is off the charts. Little Italy Mercato is home to more than 200 individual vendors, so there’s always something for everyone. Expect fresh-baked bread, artisanal cheeses, candies, honey, eggs, and produce (of course), all available farm-direct to you.
Saturdays, 8am–2pm
600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
North Park Thursday Market (4.8 miles away)
(Photo: @shopnorthparkmarket)
The hip North Park neighborhood is home to a unique market that offers some standout items you may be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Looking for mushrooms, nuts, and ranch-raised meats? You’ll find them here. You can also browse Mediterranean specialties like hummus and dolmades, plus loose-leaf teas, CBD products, vegan and gluten-free ice cream, and even a kiosk that offers “tinctures and tonics” for natural wellness. Take a step off the beaten path here!
Thursdays, 3–6:30pm
3000 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
Ocean Beach Farmers Market (5.4 miles away)
(Photo: @straighttothedeepend)
Ocean Beach hosts this convenient weekday marketplace every Wednesday throughout the year. Specialty ready-to-eat hot-food vendors share space with purveyors of fruit, just-picked vegetables, fresh-cut and potted flowers and plants, and unique home decor. Visitors enjoy live music and llama rides for the kids, as well as breathtaking sunsets. Bring a sense of adventure and expect to leave with quite a bit more than you might initially have planned to.
Wednesdays, 4–8pm
4900 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Tuna Harbor Dockside Market (5.8 miles away)
(Photo: @tunaharbordocksidemkt)
Tuna Harbor is admittedly less a traditional farmers market and more a place for local fishing crews to offer their catches. Right here is where San Diego goes for the freshest seafood available, all sustainably sold by the same folks who caught it. Expect to find jumbo shrimp, halibut, crab, lobster, and the eponymous tuna, all for far less than specialty shops charge. Don’t forget to grab some of San Diego’s best fish tacos before you go!
Saturdays, 8am–3pm
598 Harbor Ln, San Diego, CA 92101
Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers Market (7.8 miles away)
(Photo: @pacificbeachmarket)
Pacific Beach’s market runs on Tuesday afternoons, making it a convenient weekday stop. Note: While most farmers markets are cash-and-carry, PB’s lets you swipe a card upon arrival and purchase non-expiring credits before you shop. The goods available here run the gamut from the expected produce, prepared food, and preserved goods to smoothies, gourmet tamales, and even on-tap kombucha. Enjoy the beauty of the area when you stop.
Tuesdays, 3–7pm
900 Hornblend St., San Diego, CA 92109