santa monica farmers market

Santa Monica Farmers Markets

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.

What Time Are the Farmers Markets in Santa Monica?

City of Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Markets
City of Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Markets
Wednesdays: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Arizona Ave. and 2nd St.
City of Santa Monica Saturday Pico Farmers Market
City of Santa Monica Saturday Pico Farmers Market
Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 2233 Pico Blvd.
City of Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Markets
City of Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Markets
Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Arizona Ave. and 2nd St.
Main Street Farmers Market
Main Street Farmers Market
Sundays: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 2640 Main St

How to Prepare for Santa Monica Farmers Markets

B-Y-O-Bag (or basket)

Chances are you’ll find many different delicious foods–or maybe a hand-crafted work of art you can’t live without. Bring a bag, basket or a wagon to carry around your items, 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? Not so much. Don’t forget to put on good-quality sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat. Spending a few minutes thinking about this now will save you hours of pain later. Not sure what else to bring for your Santa Monica trip? Check out our guide to what to pack for Santa Monica.

Bring cash

Though many local businesses take cards, cash at the farmers market will make your trip seamless. In an event where you can’t use your card to buy that pound of fresh seafood, you’ll be glad you don’t have to change your dinner plans just because you didn’t have bills on you. Good to know: all four markets accept Cal Fresh EBT and WIC-Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks.

Find Parking

Don’t stress about parking! Santa Monica offers a variety of options, including street meters, private and public surface lots, and City parking structures. We’ve got you covered with parking options, plus plentiful bike stands. For a hassle-free experience, consider using public transportation or biking.

Double Check Your Date

Santa Monica has four weekly farmers markets, each with its own distinct charm. The Downtown Farmers Markets, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are the largest and most popular, attracting local chefs and foodies alike. On Saturdays, you can also explore the Pico Farmers Market, where you’ll find fresh produce and a family-friendly atmosphere. Sundays feature the Main Street Farmers Market, offering a unique blend of fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music.

Leave The Pets at Home

Unfortunately, to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors, pets (except service animals) are not allowed at Santa Monica’s farmers markets.
However, there’s no shortage of other pet-friendly options for you and your furry friends. Check out our list of other pet-friendly things to do in Santa Monica.

flowers at farmers market
Eat good in the neighborhood

Downtown Farmers Markets

The Downtown Santa Monica farmers market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., chefs from all over Los Angeles County converge on Arizona Avenue for the first pick of the goods. And with dozens of farmers spread out over four blocks, the selection is huge. Roots also run deep: a few growers have been selling here since the market opened in 1981.

Local Downtown Santa Monica restaurants make weekly appearances.

Claiming the title “Organic Market,” Downtown Santa Monica’s farmers market started in 1991. On Saturdays, it 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/Pico Boulevard Farmers Market

Virginia Avenue Park, adjacent to a public library, sets a tranquil, family-friendly vibe at the Santa Monica Pico Farmers Market. Stock up on fresh produce that draws both celebrated chefs and home cooks, and enjoy live music, prepared food and free parking. This quaint community market takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. next to Pico Boulevard.

santa monica fresh fruit
vegetables and fruit at santa monica farmers market

Main Street Farmers Market

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. Catch this market every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Main Street.

farmers market on main street
Main Street Farmers Market

Hungry? Try Farm-to-Table

Don’t want to shop on an empty stomach? In Santa Monica, you never need to worry about missing out on amazing fresh produce and seasonal faves. Many restaurants in Santa Monica use produce from farmers markets. If you’re looking for eateries that use locally-sourced food, check out our guide on farm-to-table restaurants.

Farm-Fresh Eateries

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More Good Eats

Santa Monica farmers markets are open rain or shine all year. Note that the Saturday market in Downtown Santa Monica closes each Thanksgiving weekend.

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