Where do you buy your produce? If the answer isn’t from any California farmers markets, you’re missing out on some real quality produce.
California has amazing farmers’ markets because they operate year round. If you live in the Golden State, why wouldn’t you take advantage of this opportunity to have farm fresh produce and dairy all the time?
Check out one of these top farmers’ markets in California and see what you’ve been missing.
The Top 13 California Farmers Markets
The experience of shopping at a farmers’ market is much more exciting than picking up some vegetables at your grocery store.
The owners of the farms are right there at the stand, and are always willing to talk to you about their company. If you attend farmers’ markets regularly, you can build relationships and friendships with the vendors, making for a pleasant overall experience.
Local dairy farms sell their milk at local farmers’ markets, allowing you to get farm fresh milk at your convenience and straight from the farmer. Buying directly from the farm helps keep money directly in your community’s economy and supports local businesses.
If you’re not an experienced farmers’ market visitor yet, here’s some advice. Make sure you come prepared with cash and a reusable grocery bag.
If you were planning on bringing your dog for a stroll through the market, you might want to check ahead of time. Most farmers’ markets do not allow pets on the premises due to California health and safety laws.
Now, what are you waiting for? Visit one of these outstanding California farmers’ markets now!
Find Organic Milk at Santa Rosa’s Farmers’ Market
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers’ Market: Santa Rosa
All of the vendors at this certified farmers’ market are registered with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. This is done to keep customers safe and ensure that everyone knows exactly where their food is coming from.
Healthy options are endless at this market, with fresh, organic choices in all departments. While you’re here, check out Straus Family Creamery for certified organic, non-GMO milk.
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30am to 1pm.
The Best Places for Local Produce in the San Francisco Bay Area
Moraga Farmers’ Market: San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay Area’s farmers’ markets are popular destinations for those who love fresh, organic produce and dairy. This one has about 40 local California farms, flower stalls, food vendors, and seafood merchants to choose from at Moraga Farmers’ Market.
Many events take place here throughout the year, such as Halloween costume contests and Easter egg hunts. Some ethnic selections are also available to add some variety to your shopping bag.
Open Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
Fort Mason Center Farmers’ Market: San Francisco
This is one of the East Bay’s best spots on Sunday mornings.
Located right on the harbor, this farmers’ market offers 35 farm stands with local produce. It’s surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
This is a smaller market that is mostly frequented by locals. However, it offers a fantastic experience of California living and you can get all of your grocery shopping done at once.
Open Sundays from 9:30am to 1:30pm.
Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market: Walnut Creek
This market hosts 40 of California’s best local farms from the Brentwood area. It’s located in the Shadelands of Walnut Creek, so there is plenty of shade to keep you nice and cool.
Sample all the local fruits and vegetables, breads, and ready to eat products available. Then, check out the coffee stands and dessert tables.
Families can enjoy all of the kid-friendly activities at this market, including a Kid’s Craft Corner. There is live entertainment as well.
Open Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
California Avenue Farmers’ Market: Palo Alto
This farmers’ market is a non-profit weekly event run by volunteers, with all the proceeds going to local charities. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, this market hosts about 6,000 visitors every Sunday.
There are about 40 local farms that bring their produce every week, among tons of other types of vendors. You can stroll through the crowd of young professionals, techies, and families as you sample all the local fruit.
Steve Jobs used to be a regular at this market, and Mark Zuckerberg has been spotted here a few times.
Be sure to check out some sweet, creamy goat’s milk from Evergreen Acres Dairy while you’re there.
Open Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market: Los Altos
Heading South through the San Francisco Bay Area on a Thursday evening? You might want to stop at the downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market for a fresh bite to eat and some delicious local produce.
Since this market is open Thursday evenings, you’ll get a change of pace from your regular Sunday market routine. It’s a gathering of local farmers, food trucks, artisan vendors, and gourmet food all in one spot.
Children also love this market because there is always a craft station for them. There is also a special annual “kid’s day at the market” for them to enjoy.
Open Thursdays from 4pm to 8pm, May through September.
Los Gatos Farmers’ Market: Los Gatos
Los Gatos is located in the southern part of the Bay Area, in Santa Clara County. This market features Asian produce as well as seasonal vegetables, honey, eggs, and much more.
This market is located at the Town Park Plaza, providing ample picnic space. Grab something delicious from one of the fresh food vendors and find your perfect spot to enjoy it. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a picnic lunch.
If you’re in Los Gatos, Evergreen Acres Dairy is here every week as well. Other local dairies, such as Real Food Raw Milk, are located nearby for fresh milk options.
Open Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
Local Produce in Silicon Valley is Easy at These San Jose Farmers’ Markets
Blossom Hill San Jose Farmers’ Market: San Jose
This market, while hosting over 40 farm stands, has a large selection of ready-to-eat foods. Everything from Thai cuisine to kettle corn are available here.
Lots of organic options are available, and it’s located in a convenient and easy to access area. It’s the perfect place for a Sunday stroll. The prices at this market are also very competitive and agreeable, so a trip here won’t break the bank.
Open Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market: Sunnyvale
Sunnyvale is in Santa Clara County, just outside of San Jose. This urban market has all of the modern amenities you could think of, with the tradition of local farm stands.
The upbeat and exciting atmosphere makes this market feel like more of a fair. Street vendors, cafes, and shops surround the area. Live music provides non-stop entertainment here.
There is even a “pooch parking” dog daycare where you can leave your beloved pet while you shop.
Open Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
Fresno’s Best Farmers’ Markets
Vineyard Farmers’ Market: Fresno
This farmers’ market is the place to go for the best local produce in Fresno. There are tons of different kinds to choose from, and some kinds you might have never even heard of.
From local dairy milk to honey, jams, and pre-cooked meals, there is something here for everyone. Step through the beautiful arches and discover everything Fresno’s local farmers have to offer.
Open Wednesdays from 3pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 7am to 12pm.
Old Town Clovis Farmers’ Market: Clovis
Clovis is conveniently located just 6 miles from Fresno.
In addition to delicious fresh produce, meats and seafood, eggs, and more, this market also provides entertainment and special events. Tons of food venders are available for an on-the-spot meal in between your grocery shopping.
There is also a kid zone for children to play in, offering fun for everyone in the family.
Open Saturdays all year round from 8am to 11:30am.
Seasonal Friday night farmers’ market is open May through September from 5:30pm to 9pm.
Enjoy the Sunshine at These Los Angeles Farmers Markets
The Original Farmers Market: Los Angeles
Since 1934, the Original Farmers Market has been a Los Angeles landmark for tourists and locals alike.
This massive market hosts a variety of vendors, including restaurants, local farms and dairies, coffee shops, merchants, and shops. You can sample food from many different ethnicities and cultures all in one spot.
There are also tons of live events on a regular basis, including movie nights and live music. There are enough things to do that you could easily spend the entire day here.
Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm, Saturdays from 9am to 8pm, and Sundays from 10am to 7pm.
Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market: Santa Monica
This exciting event covers 4 city blocks right in downtown Santa Monica, Los Angeles County’s beautiful beachfront town. This market hosts about 1 million visitors every year. It’s a popular destination for family fun and delicious food.
All produce is from local farmers, and local artisans bring their best crafted products. 60% of the farms that attend the market are certified organic, making it easy to find the best organic options here.
Cooking demonstrations and live entertainment also take place in the market regularly.
Open Wednesdays from 8:30am to 1pm and Saturdays from 8:30pm to 1pm.
Shop Local and Support Local Dairy Farmers in California
You can support local dairy farms by choosing home milk delivery in glass bottles. Your milk will be fresher, tastier, and the best quality possible. When you get your milk delivered in glass bottles, you are benefiting yourself as well as your local farmers, who work hard to bring you the best quality products.
To find a local dairy in your area, check out our directory of local dairies.