One of my favorite weekend activities is to go to a farmers market. I love being outside in the fresh air walking around and stopping by a variety of vendors, in addition to picking up fresh produce for the week. The food doesn’t get any fresher than shopping at a farmers market! I have gone to my fair share of farmer’s markets, and an ideal market in my eyes is one that has a variety of stands to choose from. I have been to some that only have about 4 or 5 stands, but the ones I have listed below will have many more to choose from. These markets I have listed all take place on the weekend.
Locations of farmers markets in Southern California
San Diego County
Little Italy Mercato, San Diego (Saturday 8am-2pm)
600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
This outdoor market is my all time favorite. I spend at least 2 hours there every time and make a nice morning out of it picking up a breakfast along the way. The market runs across 4 blocks spanning from the main street of little Italy down to practically the waterline of PCH….this gives you an idea how much there is to offer. I usually get a warm pastry to munch on while I stroll down picking up the freshest flowers and juiciest of berries. There is also a coffee stand, juice booth, or kombucha if you’re looking for a beverage to start your morning. There are several booths selling meat, fish, and eggs, in addition to pastas and tamales you can take home to prepare for the week. I also like the market due to the artist vendors there. There is a diversity of crafts ranging from wind chimes to wall art to pottery. In fact, I had purchased a unique spoon dish made out of a flattened wine bottle. There is always something I purchase to go home with!
La Jolla (Sunday 9am-1:30pm)
7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
When I think of the La Jolla farmers market, artisans come to mind. There are many more artists here than other markets I have been to. There is a lot of handcrafted gifts, homemade soaps, paintings, and woodwork. I also recall there being a delicious bread stand, selling fresh loaves of bread and pastries.
Rancho Santa Fe (Sunday 9:30am-2pm)
16079 San Dieguito Rd, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
This is not the largest farmers market, but it does have the best food, hands down. It has at least 10 food vendors that are all so delicious. There is a paella stand, dumplings, crepes, rotisserie chicken, and pasta that they make right in front of your eyes! These food vendors are only to name a few. The food booths are arranged in a semicircle with chairs and tables on the inside where you can sit down to enjoy a meal. There is also a cheese stand where you can buy from an assortment of cheeses, some even imported from Switzerland. If I ever want to make an Italian dinner al fresco, this is the place to come since I can get fresh pasta noodles and cheese to top it off.
Orange County
Ladera Ranch (Sunday, 9am-1pm)
28275 Avendale Blvd, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
One of the reasons why I love the Ladera Ranch farmers market is because of the amazing food trucks it has. From burgers to mexican to a firetruck converted pizza oven- all of the smells will make your mouth water! There is also my favorite juice stand, Vita Juice, that sells 100% raw freshly squeezed juice that I will purchase for the week. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, this market has a fish stand selling a variety of fresh seafood from tuna to salmon to octopus. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays, there is a bike maintenance booth that will help you with tuning up your bike. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays, there is a knife sharpening truck to assist you if you want to sharpen up those dull knives.
Dana Point (Saturday 9am-1pm)
34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629
Since I grew up here, Dana Point farmers market will always hold in a special place in my heart since I was going here from when I was small. It has a large produce selection to pick from, including pomegranate juice which is my favorite to take home. There is also a few jewelry stands if you are looking to buy some handcrafted bling! The parking is limited, so be sure to arrive early.
Laguna Beach (Saturday 8am-noon)
521 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Laguna Beach is in walking distance to the famous downtown main street, so I like to make a full morning out of it by strolling down the streets after I go to the market. Laguna Beach market does not have many food vendors, but it makes it convenient to walk down the street to grab brunch at one of the many restaurants Laguna has to offer. I like Laguna Beach farmer’s market for the natural granola stand and the hummus dips it sells.
Newport Coast, Irvine (Saturday 8am-noon)
5001 Newport Coast Dr, Irvine, CA 92603
This Irvine farmers market is a large market with a selection for everyone. From potted plants, to produce stands, to fresh baked goods, and ready-to-eat hot food, this market has you covered. I think they have the best selection for flowers and will not go home empty handed! This is probably the best market I have been to in regards to finding parking easily, as there is a large church parking lot right next to it.
Do you have any favorite farmers markets that you have gone to? I am always on the lookout for a new market to check out!
2 Comments
[…] of freshly cut flowers. For any residents in Southern California, check out my other post on my favorite farmer’s markets selling flowers. Another place that will sell flowers is your local grocery store. A majority of […]
My favorite Farmers Market is Newport Coast, Irvine !
They have a Bolivian food vendor, who sell Saltenas!
I will have to try the others that you have mentioned!