Best San Diego Farmers Markets to Visit This Summer
Did you know that San Diego County has more small farms than any county in the U.S.? With such a large variety of locally grown produce, it’s no surprise that daily farmers markets are a way of life for locals. Any day of the week, across San Diego’s various neighborhoods, you can sample farm-to-table produce and tasty treats, mingle with locals, listen to live music and shop handmade goods, from jewelry, to art, handmade soaps and other crafted items. Our guests here at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina are in the perfect location to enjoy our own neighborhood market, and close to some of the best San Diego farmers markets around. So if you’re looking to spend a day in the warm California sunshine, while experiencing all the culture, cuisine and talent the locals have, take a stroll through our handy San Diego farmers market guide!
Ocean Beach Farmers Market, (3.6 Miles to Hotel)
One of the largest in San Diego, Ocean Beach Farmers Market is located on the streets around Newport and leads directly to the beach. Visitors will find over 100 vendors with a variety of food from local chefs, handmade artisan gifts, flowers, plants, llama rides for the kids, and live bands and musicians performing weekly.
Pro Tip: Stop at one of the fun beachfront bars along Newport Avenue for a quick happy hour drink, amazing ocean views, and fantastic people-watching, before perusing everything the market has to offer!
Hours: Wednesday: 4 to 8 PM (April – September)
Wednesday: 4 to 7 PM (October – March)
4900 Newport Ave from Cable St to Bacon St, San Diego, CA 92107
(Photo: @jungleriddim)
Little Italy Mercato (5.0 Miles to Hotel)
(Photo: @littleitalymercato)
This celebrated farmers market offers over 200 vendors with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables and artisanal goods to honey, homemade candies, delicious sauces, olive oil, and more! Located in the popular Little Italy neighborhood, visitors will experience culinary excellence and a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere perfect for experiencing the traditions and food of Italian culture.
Pro Tip – Be sure to check out the Wednesday Mercato Market for a unique shopping experience all its own. In addition to produce, honey, and flowers from local farmers, discover delicious artisan foods and arts/crafts from local makers on the beautiful Piazza Della Famiglia and neighboring blocks.
Hours: Saturday: 8AM to 2PM
Wednesday: 9:30AM to 1:30PM
Six city blocks on West Date Street from west of Kettner Blvd to Front Street, San Diego, CA
Dockside Market (5.7 Miles to Hotel)
(Photo: @tunaharbordocksidemkt)
Located at the Port of San Diego, Dockside Market is an open-air seafood market that offers a variety of different fish each week based on the season and weather. Choose your favorite seafood and have the local fish cutters cut your whole fish so it’s easier for you to prepare and enjoy.
Pro Tip – Grab lunch at Dockside Fish N Chips for a delicious seafood plate of poke, fish n’ chips, and ceviche! You don’t want to miss this amazing local cuisine!
Hours: Saturday 8AM to 2PM
598 Harbor Lane, San Diego, CA 92101
Pacific Beach Farmers Market (7.4 Miles to Hotel)
(Photo: @farmersmarketpros)
This popular beachside farmers market is a great way to spend a warm sunny Tuesday afternoon in San Diego. Visitors will find fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, plants, and flowers, as well as gourmet dining opportunities, handcrafted pieces by local artisans, and a unique outdoor shopping opportunity where you can meet the local farmers and sellers. Not to mention, you are located in the heart of Pacific Beach, just steps from the ocean.
Pro Tip – Grab a bite to-go from one of the vendors, and head down to the beach to enjoy a bite along the boardwalk as you watch the sunset. It’s the perfect way to soak in a summer afternoon and make the most of your trip to San Diego.
Hours: Tuesdays: 2:00 to 7:00PM
4500 Bayard St. from Garnet Ave to Hornblend St, San Diego, CA 92109
Hillcrest Farmers Market (9.3 Miles to Hotel)
Enjoy local food and crafts from over 175 vendors at the Hillcrest Farmers Market in San Diego. Hosting over 10k people each week, Hillcrest is San Diego’s first and largest San Diego Farmers Market for locally grown produce, flowers, unique gifts, clothing, arts, and crafts, and more! This San Diego market also features delicious prepared and hot food items with an emphasis on international cuisine as well as live entertainment from a variety of talented local musicians.
Pro Tip – Be sure to visit the Information Booth at the Hillcrest Farmers Market for a punch card that registers you to win a gift basket of goodies from local vendors when you shop! There is a winner every quarter, so don’t miss your chance!
Hours: Sunday: 9AM to 2PM
3960 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Carlsbad Farmers Market (34.5 Miles to Hotel)
(Photo: @visitcarlsbad, @Flybyphotograph)
Located north of San Diego in downtown Carlsbad in the heart of Carlsbad Village, the State Street Farmers’ Market offers fresh, organic produce, locally prepared foods, handmade crafts, and live entertainment. This popular local farmers market focuses on certified growers and limited packaged foods, so shoppers get the highest quality and freshest food possible. The open-air grocery store offers unique foods and crafts from 20 fresh, local produce vendors, 25 packaged specialty food vendors, six prepared/cooked food vendors, and several local artisan crafters at every market.
Pro Tip – Bring a blanket and grab a picnic lunch from a variety of artisan food vendors at the State Street Farmers Market and enjoy a picnic at Carlsbad State Beach for a great day in SoCal.
Hours: Wednesday: Winter Hours: 2:30 to 6 PM (November – February)
Wednesday: Spring/Summer Hours: 2:30 to 7 PM (March – October 31)
Carlsbad Village on State Street between Carlsbad Village Dr. and Grand Ave.
Plan Your San Diego Adventure at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Our bayfront Shelter Island hotel in the heart of San Diego’s Hawaiian isle, is just minutes away from all the best farmers markets in San Diego. Book your spacious suite or guest room and enjoy a prime location near all of San Diego’s major attractions, like SeaWorld, Old Town, and the San Diego Zoo. Explore the local farmers markets, shops, and restaurants during your stay at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina and enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis courts, pools, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plan your escape with one of our special offers or packages today!
