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. If you’re looking for a farmers market in the Los Angeles area, you can’t miss Santa Monica’s. Here’s the scoop on each of Santa Monica's farmers markets.
DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA FARMERS MARKETS
Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Markets on Wednesdays 8am to 1pm
Arizona Avenue, between 4th & Ocean
Chefs from all over Los Angeles County converge on Wednesday's Market for first pick of the goods. And with 75 farmers spread out over four blocks, the selection is vast. 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 farmers market opened in 1981.
If you come hungry, you can find food from local downtown Santa Monica restaurants which make weekly appearances. (Tip: Free 90-minute parking is available in the structures on Second and Fourth Streets, and bike stands are plentiful.)
Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market on Saturdays 8am to 1pm
Arizona Avenue, between 4th & 2nd
Claiming the title “Organic Market,” Downtown Santa Monica's farmers market started in 1991 and on Saturdays 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 PARK/PICO BOULEVARD FARMERS MARKET
Virginia Ave. Santa Monica Farmers Market on Saturdays 8am to 1pm
Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave
The park setting, adjacent to a public library, adds a tranquil, family-friendly vibe at the Santa Monica farmers market located at Santa Monica's Pico Farmers Market. Seek out Wild Local Seafood, which draws both celebrated chefs and home cooks. Live music, prepared food and free parking add to the quaint community vibe of this market.
MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET
Main St. Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sundays 8:30am to 1:30pm
2640 Main St
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.
SANTA MONICA FARMERS MARKET TIPS
Bring Your Own Bag (or Basket)
Chances are you will find many different delicious foods or maybe you will find a hand-crafted work of art that 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 is not. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen or wear a hat. Spending a few minutes thinking about this now will save you hours of pain.
Bring Your Appetite
Some people say don’t shop on an empty stomach, but if you come to one of these farmers markets full, you will be missing out on some amazing fresh produce and seasonal favorites to take home.
Bring Cash
Even though many local businesses take debit/credit cards, cash at the farmers market will make your trip seamless. In the event where you can’t use your card to buy that pound of fresh seafood, you will be glad that you don’t have to change your dinner plans just because you didn’t have bills on you.
Farmers markets are a fantastic place to pick up organic and fresh ingredients, and many restaurants in Santa Monica use produce from the local Santa Monica farmers markets. If you are looking for restaurants that used locally-sourced food, check out our guide on farm-to-table restaurants.
Santa Monica Farmers Market Hours and Holiday Closures
The Santa Monica Farmers Markets are open no matter the weather all year, however, the Saturday market in Downtown Santa Monica closes the weekend after Thanksgiving each year.
