San Diego Farmers Markets - Fresh Finds and Local Treasures
San Diego has one of the most diverse and thriving farmers market scenes in the country. Every week, San Diego farmers markets bring together local farmers, artisans, and local communities to celebrate fresh produce, high-quality food, and handcrafted goods. Strolling through the markets, you will find rows of fresh produce, from local avocados to heirloom tomatoes. The odds are that you will be chatting with the person who harvested your strawberries or baked the bread.
San Diego farmers markets: 2026 updates
Hillcrest Farmers Market: Hillcrest continues to run from its temporary University Avenue location while the Normal Street Promenade project moves forward. This will likely carry into 2026 and may affect layout and vendor spacing.
More year-round markets: Several San Diego farmers markets continue to operate year-round. This includes Little Italy and Chula Vista. This is helpful for visitors planning trips outside peak summer months.
Vendor rotation is normal: Vendor lineups change from year to year. In 2026, expect new farmers, food vendors, and makers to rotate in while some longtime vendors step back.
EBT and Market Match remain important: Many San Diego farmers markets continue to accept EBT and Market Match. This keeps markets accessible and supports local farmers.
More neighborhood-focused markets: Community-based and smaller neighborhood markets continue to grow. These often focus on essentials like produce, bread, and prepared foods.
Seasonal programming keeps changing: Markets continue to add seasonal touches like holiday vendors, live music, and themed weekends. This makes repeat visits feel fresh in 2026.
Flexible schedules: Some markets adjust hours slightly depending on daylight, heat, or community events. It helps to check schedules before visiting.
Supporting Local Markets and Businesses
Supporting farmers’ markets isn’t just a feel-good activity. It is a way to make a real impact. According to the San Diego County Farm Bureau, 92% of farms in the region are family-owned, and many rely on direct sales to thrive. When you shop at San Diego farmers markets, you’re getting fresh produce, contributing to the local economy, and creating a sustainable food system.
The Best Seasonal Finds at San Diego Farmers Markets
Looking for the best San Diego farmers markets? You can explore you can explore the many markets filled with fresh produce year-round!
Why San Diego Farmers Markets Are a Must-Visit
San Diego farmers markets are year-round, thanks to our mild, Mediterranean climate. While other parts of the country have seasonal limitations, we have an almost endless growing season, making fresh, locally grown produce available no matter the month. They will be stocked with juicy winter citrus mandarins, grapefruit, and oranges, to sweet strawberries and melons in Summer. The local San Diego markets offer an ever-changing selection that showcases the best of what’s in season.
San Diego farmers markets are a place to shop, to chat over coffee, listen to live music, or watch vendors use seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re a foodie, a supporter of small businesses, or someone looking for a fun morning outing, San Diego’s farmers markets are a favorite.
San Diego farmers market schedule
Cardiff Farmers market
Saturday
- 3333 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff, CA 92007
- 10:00 am-2:00 pm
- They have lots of parking and are located in a parking lot on the Mira Costa College San Elijo Campus
- Kid/family friendliness: The first Saturday of the month is always kids day with face painting, bubbles, little buds nature collective.
- Helpful tips when visiting San Diego farmers markets – they have a dog of the month. Dogs are allowed on the parking lot at Mira Costa. There is live music every week, and offer reusable bags people can take when shopping (to avoid one-time use plastics. They accept SNAP/EBT
Carlsbad farmers market
Wednesday
- 2900 State St- Carlsbad, California 92008 (between Carlsbad Village Dr & Grand)
- 2:30 pm- 7:00 pm (March to October)
- 2:30 pm- 6:00 pm (November to February)
- Where to park: Free street parking and nearby public lots throughout the Village. The Village Faire shopping center has a large parking lot just one block away.
- Approximate number of vendors: 60 rotating weekly
- Kid/family friendliness: The market is steps from the beach, playgrounds, and an ice cream shop. Great midweek San Diego farmers markets outing for families.
- Helpful tips when visiting: Arrive early for the best produce and minimal crowds; Follow @carlsbadfarmersmarket on Instagram for vendor updates; Bring your reusable bags as they are single-use plastic-free; Many vendors accept card, but cash is helpful; Enjoy dinner while shopping (hot food, snacks, and desserts available)
Chula Vista farmers market
Sunday
- 300 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (Park Way from Third Avenue to Fourth Avenue)
- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- FREE Parking (unusual for city markets) in two adjacent lots: one at 4th Avenue just north of Park Way, and the other in the garage at Madrona and Third Avenue, just across Memorial Park
- Approximate number of vendors 85+ each week
- Kid/family friendliness – Very kid and family (and even pet) friendly, since they’re located adjacent to Memorial Park, perfect for making a day of it and picnicking after you grocery shop
- Helpful tips when visiting San Diego farmers markets – Take advantage of free parking in the garage next to the park; find the Certified Farmers with fruit and veggies, eggs and flowers, ranchers and fresh fish nearer to the east end of the market near Third Avenue, packaged groceries in the core of the market and additional food and beverage and crafters nearer to Fourth Avenue. If you are using EBT, visit the Welcome booth just past the farm section.
coronado farmers market
Tuesday
- 1201 First St Ave B Ave, Coronado, California 92118
- 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- A well known stop among San Diego farmers markets.
Del Mar farmers market
Saturday
- 1050 Camino Del Mar- Del Mar, CA 92014 (at Civic Center)
- 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm
- Be sure to visit some of the best restaurants in Del Mar
- A small but solid choice for San Diego farmers markets fans.
Escondido farmers market
Monday – Welk Village
- 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr, Escondido, California 92026
- 3:00-7:00 pm
Tuesday
- 200 E. Grand Avenue – At Juniper & Kalima, Escondido, California 92025
- 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm (October to May)
- 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm (June to September)
Sunday: (Hidden Farmers Market)
- 123 Woodward Ave, Escondido CA 92025
- 9:00 to 1:00 pm
- local favorite within San Diego farmers markets.
Fallbrook farmers market
Saturday
- 100 S. Main Ave- Fallbrook, CA 92028
- 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Hillcrest farmers market
Sunday
- 3960 Normal Street at Lincoln – San Diego, California 92103
- 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- One of the easier San Diego farmers markets to visit.
La Mesa farmers market
Friday
- 8300 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, Ca 91942
- 3:00 – 7:00 pm
La Jolla farmers market
Sunday
- 7300 Girard Ave, La Jolla, California 92037
- 9:00 am -1:00 pm
- Be sure to visit some of the best restaurants in La Jolla
- A classic example of San Diego farmers markets.
Leucadia farmers market
Sunday
- 185 Union St – Encinitas, California 92024 (Paul Ecke Elementary)
- 10:00 am -2:00 pm
- A go to spot for San Diego farmers markets.
Linda Vista farmers market
Thursday
- 6931 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111
- 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- A relaxed option among San Diego farmers markets.
Little Italy farmers market
Wednesday
- 600 West Date Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (West Date Street & India Street)
- 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Saturday
- 600 West Date Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (West Date Street & India Street)
- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Where to park: Street parking, both metered and unmetered, as well as market-adjacent pay lots scattered through the neighborhood. The trolley stop on Cedar Street is one block from the Mercato. Find more tips for parking in Little Italy here.
- Approximate number of vendors: Wednesdays: 100+, Saturdays: 190+ (the largest farmers market in San Diego County)
- Kid/family friendliness: Very kid and family-friendly. Shop and stroll to the Waterfront Park 2 blocks away to enjoy the playground and have a picnic. (Pets are not permitted at the Mercato)
- Helpful tips when visiting San Diego farmers markets: Arrive early to beat some crowds, or come mid-day to enjoy the busy buzz. Bring reusable bags. The certified farmers market section can be found on the south side of West Date Street from State Street to Kettner Blvd. Most other vendors offer packaged grocery foods. Find some prepared foods on each block, and non-food vendors at the east and west ends. Step into a local cafe or enjoy seating at one of Little Italy’s piazzas around the neighborhood before or after shopping.
- EBT is accepted at the bright yellow Welcome Booth tent on India and Date Street, and your EBT can be matched up to $10 or $15 for more fresh fruits and veggies.
Mission Valley farmers market
Saturday
- 7960 Civita Blvd. -San Diego, CA 92108 (Cross Street: Russell Park Way)
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
MIRA MESA farmers market
Tuesday
- 10510 Reagan Road- San Diego, CA 92126 (Mira Mesa High School)
- 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (February to October)
- 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (November to December)
North Park farmers market
Thursday
- 2900 North Park Way- San Diego, California 92104
- 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm
- Be sure to visit some of the best restaurants in North Park
Ocean beach farmers market
Wednesday
- 4900 Newport Ave-San Diego, CA 92107 (between cable and bacon st.)
- 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
OTAY RANCH farmers market
Tuesday
- 2015 Birch Rd and Eastlake Blvd- Chula Vista, California 91915
- 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oceanside farmers market
Thursday
- 500 Pier View Way & Coast Hwy, Oceanside, California 92054
- 9:00 am -1:00 pm
Pacific Beach farmers market
Tuesday
- 4500 Bayard St, San Diego, CA 92109
- 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Point Loma farmers market
Sunday
- Liberty Station – 2306 Cushing Rd (Lot K), San Diego 92106
- 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Tons of parking in the parking lot, street, and nearby
- Approximate number of vendors – regularly 100 vendors and rotating another 20
- Kid/family friendliness – Extremely kid and family friendly, safe area. They offer a free kids area with inflatables and kids’ games, and activities.
Poway farmers market
Saturday
- 14134 Midland Rd., Poway, California 92074
- 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Rancho Bernado farmers market
Friday
- 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, California 92128 (Southwest corner of Bernardo Winery)
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Rancho Santa Fe farmers market
Sunday
- 16079 San Dieguito Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, Ca 92091
- 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
San Marcos farmers market
Tuesday
- 250 North City Drive – San Marcos, CA 92078 (between Campus Way and Redel Rd.)
- 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
SANTEE farmers market
Wednesday
- 9600 Carlton Hills Blvd & Mast Blvd Santee, CA 9207
- 2:30 pm- 6:30 pm (November to February)
- 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm (March to October)
Scripps Ranch Farmers market & Family Festival
Thursday
- 10045 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego 92131
- 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Plenty of parking at the Lower level of the National University parking lot across the street from the market
- Up to 60 vendors. 30+ hot food vendors from around the world, bakeries, sweet treats & ice cream. Arts and crafts, Newtopia Cyder Brewery & Hunters Coffee shop
- They encourage shoppers to bring their children and walk their dogs (water and treats for the dogs)
- The best time to come is early, when families are still at work. Gets really busy from 5:00 pm
- They hide a stuffed animal mascot at a different booth each week. When the kids find it, they get a free toy at the information booth.
- This is one of the San Diego farmers markets i come back to when i want variety and local flavor.
Solana Beach farmers market
Sunday
- 444 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, California 92075
- 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Vista farmers market
Saturday
- 355 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, California 92081 (South of Hacienda)
- 8:00 am -12:00 noon
- The Vista Farmers Market is the longest-running farmers market in the county (going since 1981).
- Where to park: 600 free parking spaces at the County Courthouse (where the market is located)
- Approximate number of vendors: 100 farmers and makers
- Kid/family friendliness: free books, free bags, a nature table, free live music, face painting, and balloon animals
- Helpful tips when visiting San Diego farmers markets: They are open every Saturday (all weather, all year). It’s the only market in the county that stayed open through the pandemic. They have eliminated free plastic bags (and much plastic packaging), so bring your shopping bags. You can purchase most items in glass or paper to avoid plastic.
- Among San Diego farmers markets, this one stands out for its laid back vibe and friendly vendors.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of San Diego Farmers Markets
Arrive Early for the Best Picks
Some San Diego farmers markets vendors will sell out of their most popular items before the end of the market. This is always the case with fresh produce in San Diego. The vendors plan to have enough inventory to last the day as they want shoppers to have the same experience whether they arrive at the opening or in the last 30 minutes of the market. Arriving early is always recommended, especially if there’s a product or vendor that is important to you. Generally, the earlier you arrive, the less people there will be. Arriving early also means you’ll have a better shot at getting parking close by.
Bring Cash and Reusable Bags
Most San Diego farmers markets vendors can accept electronic payment or you may pay by cash. At the Little Italy Saturday market, of the 200 vendors, only three are cash only. Most farmers markets don’t offer plastic shopping bags so bring your own – whatever reusable bags you prefer.
Sample and Explore
San Diego farmers markets vendors offer samples of their products, especially fresh produce that is in abundance, to allow customers to try before buying. You’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh oranges, local jams, etc. Be respectful as this is not an opportunity to get free food – every sample is a cost to these small farmers and vendors.
How can you sell at a farmers market?
In order to sell at a San Diego farmers markets, farms need to be inspected and have a certificate issued by the County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) office. This Certified Producer Certificate (CPC) assures the public that the market seller has grown the products being sold. Call AWM at (858) 694-2739 to schedule an inspection and arrange for certification.
San Diego farmers markets food vendors need permits from the health department. Everyone needs liability insurance. Prep food and non-food vendors need seller’s permits. The Farmers Market Pros offer an online Vendor 101 class to get you started.
New farmers markets can only be opened by a recognized non-profit organization, certified producer, or a local government agency. Onsite managers control the market operations and decide who can participate as a seller. Farm Bureau suggests prospective sellers visit the market(s) of their choice and speak with the manager.
