Santa Monica Farmers Markets

Overflowing with colorful produce from California’s rich agricultural land, Santa Monica’s farmers markets are a literal feast for the senses. Better yet, strolling the open-air gatherings is a quintessential slice of genuine Southern California life—which, around here, happens to mean bagging your berries alongside A-list celebs and lauded chefs from top Santa Monica restaurants. And with easy bus access and bike-friendly options like bike valets, arriving is easy with public transportation.

Downtown Farmers Market

Wednesdays: 8 am – 1pm

Pico Boulevard Farmers Market

Saturdays: 8 am – 1pm

Downtown Farmers Market

Saturdays: 8am – 1pm

Main Street Farmers Market

Sundays: 8:30am – 1:30pm

B-Y-O-Bag (or basket)

Chances are you’ll find many different delicious foods–or maybe a hand-crafted work of art you can’t live without. Bring a bag or basket to carry around, and your trip to the farmers market will be so much easier as you hop from stall to stall, exploring everything on display.

Wear sunscreen

Spending the day at a Santa Monica farmers market can be a great time. Nursing a sunburn for the next few days? Not so much. Don’t forget to put on good quality sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat. Spending a few minutes thinking about this now will save you hours of pain later.

Bring cash

Though many local businesses take cards, cash at the farmers market will make your trip seamless. In an event where you can’t use your card to buy that pound of fresh seafood, you’ll be glad you don’t have to change your dinner plans just because you didn’t have bills on you.

Eat good in the neighborhood

Downtown Farmers Markets

On Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., chefs from all over Los Angeles County converge on Arizona Avenue for the first pick of the goods. And with 75 farmers spread out over four blocks, the selection is huge. Roots also run deep. A few growers, including Mike and Sons Egg Ranch in Ontario, and Scott Farms in Dinuba, have set up shop here since the market opened in 1981.

Local downtown Santa Monica restaurants make weekly appearances. Free 90-minute parking is available in the structures on Second and Fourth Streets, and bike stands are plentiful.

Claiming the title “Organic Market,” Downtown Santa Monica’s farmers market started in 1991. On Saturdays, it offers the largest percentage of certified-organic growers of any market in the city. This market also features organic pastries both sweet and savory, as well as many other year-round and seasonal farm favorites.

Virginia Avenue/Pico Boulevard Farmers Market

Virginia Avenue Park, adjacent to a public library, sets a tranquil, family-friendly vibe at the Santa Monica Pico Farmers Market. Discover wild local seafood, which draws both celebrated chefs and home cooks, and enjoy live music, prepared food and free parking. This quaint community market takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Main Street

Set between the historic Victorian House and the California Heritage Museum, the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market in Santa Monica is a favorite for local families. In addition to live music and prepared food, this market features local crafters and artisan booths for those one-of-a-kind items. Catch this market every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Hungry? Try Farm-to-Table

Worried about shopping on an empty stomach? Don’t worry about missing out on amazing fresh produce and seasonal faves. Many restaurants in Santa Monica use produce from farmers markets. If you’re looking for eateries that use locally-sourced food, check out our guide on farm-to-table restaurants.

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More Good Eats

Santa Monica farmers markets are open rain or shine all year. Note that the Saturday market in Downtown Santa Monica closes each Thanksgiving weekend.

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