Sunny skies, warm air, and fresh fruit, what could be better? Farmers markets were made for a place like San Diego.
More than just a few stands selling California’s succulent produce, tour the markets of the city to add a festive local element to your trip filled with food, crafts, and music.
+Hillcrest Farmers Market – Sundays 9-2
Many consider Hillcrest to be the crown jewel of the SD farmers market scene, and it’s easy to see why.
Every Sunday morning over 175 vendors sprout up in the neighborhood creating the most wonderful smells and sights.
You will find a stunning array of all your favorite fruits and veggies to take home, and also some exotic produce you may never have heard about before visiting.
Gorgeous flowers beckon shoppers to come closer and take a sniff or a snapshot.
Some prepared foods are equal in splendor, using the bountiful rainbow colors nature has to offer.
Visiting early for breakfast, the allure of the Stuffed Hashbrown stand was strong, they also come in a sweet potato and cassava variety.
Though if I were feeling healthier that day, the coconut cream yogurt looked absolutely divine.
Find separate stands for both local almonds and freshly made almond milk. Thirsty? Try a unique fermented drink like kefir soda on tap in a great variety of flavors.
Sample flavors from all around the world from the Philippines, to East Africa, and El Salvador.
Pro tip: A free parking lot is located nearby, visit early to snag a spot.
+Little Italy Mercato – Saturdays 8-2
Explore the largest farmers market in the city with a whopping 200 tents of local goodness.
You never know what, or who, you will discover walking around the streets of this market!
Open up your senses and obtain some Vitamin C while nibbling on some California citrus samples.
Find rustic artisanal breads, the cuisine of Mozambique, and cookies with wild flavors like wine and cheese & strawberry cotton candy.
Stumble upon some of the most wildly beautiful and vibrant bouquets ever seen.
I was so excited to see one of my favorite street foods from Thailand at a stand, kanom krok (coconut pancakes), along with a more popular and equally delicious dessert mango sticky rice.
If you are a seafood lover don’t pass up the vendor who sells the freshest, as in cracked right in front of you, local sea urchin.
Pro tip: Two hour free parking in lot, fills up fast.
+La Jolla Open Aire Market – Sundays 9-1
For those in La Jolla, or people looking a great excuse to head there, experience this lovely local market with 150 vendors.
Walk around with a bright and bubbly cup of kombucha as you peruse the stalls.
Pass by glistening golden local honey and ruby red pomegranate seeds.
Are you tempted by the aroma stemming from a vat of paella or the scent of the empanada stand?
Maybe it’s the sweet smell wafting away from the mini-donuts that grab your attention.
One great element about this market is the large covered seating area where you can relax with a meal.