Ocean Beach Farmers Market
4900 Newport Avenue
Parking
Free street parking, but it may be hard to get a spot that’s close to the market.
Best Things to Buy
This market sells a lot of fresh flowers and sweets, and the hot empanadas at the Paraná Empanadas Argentinas stand are popular.
Pro Tip
Get there closer to 4 p.m., look for parking along Ebers Street instead of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. After shopping, walk a few blocks to OB Pier and watch the sunset.
When to Go
Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m.
Little Italy Mercato
600 West Date Street littleitalymercato
Parking
Paid parking structures at 610 West Ash Street, Piazza della Famiglia, and 1536 Kettner Boulevard. Visit littleitalysd.com for more parking info.
Best Things to Buy
The produce stands sell everything from kale to radishes, peaches, and zucchini flowers. Don’t miss the hot food, like 500°F Gogi Korean BBQ.
Pro Tip
On Saturdays, circle through the whole market first because it’s so large, then head back to make purchases.
When to Go
Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
3960 Normal Street hillcrestfarmersmkt
Parking
Free street parking throughout the neighborhood. Free parking in the school district lot on Campus Avenue or at the Hillcrest DMV on Normal Street.
Best Things to Buy
Stop, try, and buy some fresh, live uni at Dry Dock Fish Co.
Pro Tip
Get there when it opens and have breakfast to fuel up for shopping—there’s fresh coffee, smoothies, pizza, crepes, and breakfast sandwiches.
When to Go
Sundays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Carlsbad Farmers’ Market
2907 State Street carlsbadfarmersmarket
Parking
Free street parking.
Best Things to Buy
The market carries fresh produce from farms in Escondido and Perris, like J. R. Organics Farm and Gaytan Family Farm.
Pro Tip
Go around 3:30 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to shop and then walk up to Carlsbad State Beach to watch the sunset.
When to Go
Wednesdays, 3–7 p.m.
City Heights Farmers Market
4325 Wightman Street cityheightsfm
Parking
Free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Best Things to Buy
Fresh vegetables like black kale and squash flowers, and tropical fruits like passionfruit and dragonfruit from Eli’s Farms.
Pro Tip
Take reusable bags for all the fresh produce available.
When to Go
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
La Mesa Farmers’ Market
4878–4898 Nebo Drive
Parking
Free street parking on surrounding streets. Paid lots and paid street parking closer to the market.
Best Things to Buy
Unique gifts not seen at the other markets, like Peruvian kids’ sweaters, and alpaca and guinea pig keychains from Llama Llamita.
Pro Tip
Get there well before 6:30 p.m., because a lot of the stands start closing early.
When to Go
Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m.
Find Your San Diego Farmers’ Markets
Little Italy Mercato | Photo: Priscilla Iezzi
