From Farm to Market: Fresh Ingredients in Your Neighborhood

Every week, farmers line the streets of San Diego neighborhoods, bringing the freshest produce from farm to market. Artisans gather around with their handmade products, small business ventures, and vulnerable creations to share their talent with those they call neighbor. From candle businesses to poetry to scarves and more, gather around the people who are bringing art and healthy eats to your local streets.

Due to San Diego’s incredible climate, farms in the area are able to grow over 200 different types of crops on a commercial level. Local farmers markets support the San Diego County Farm Bureau, allowing market attenders to support the farmers in our own backyard. 

With over 30 markets in the County, we won’t have an opportunity to highlight them all, but here’s a list of some of our favorites that we encourage you to check out!

Hillcrest 

Photo Credit: RionCM, Flickr-Creative Commons (edited)

Start your Sunday off right, with the “fresh and fabulous” Hillcrest market, open every Sunday from 9AM-2PM. With 175 vendors, this market has everything you want from flowers, handmade jewelry, and the best organic fruit. Over 300 free parking spots have been opened up for the market off of Campus Avenue, only an 8 minute walk from the market’s center.

Ocean Beach

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the farmers market of Ocean Beach. A block of Newport Ave. is coned off and filled with dozens of vendors who are ready to feed you, welcome you into the OB vibe, and fill your ears with local music. Join them every Wednesday from 4-7PM (4-8PM in the summer), but come prepared for limited parking and crowded streets.

Little Italy

Two hundred tents line the streets of Little Italy every Saturday from 8AM to 2PM. Grab everything from spices, coffee beans, crepes, green smoothies, and just-caught sea urchins. This farmers market is a great attraction for visitors who want to enjoy walking through the little neighborhood that borders Downtown.

El Cajon

Support the efforts of Traveling Stories, a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids improve their reading comprehension skills, at the StoryTent booth at El Cajon’s Farmers Market. Every Thursday from 3PM-6PM (3PM-7:30PM in the summer), head to El Cajon for the support local vendors, engage in community activities, and enjoy delicious samples!
Choose a different market every week, and explore new areas of San Diego all year long!

Photo Credit: SD Farm Bureau