These Are the Best Farmers Markets in Los Angeles
Here’s where to find the freshest produce, cheese, prepared foods, and more.
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My family spent nearly every weekend at a farmers market somewhere in Los Angeles. I would be dragged out of bed before I was fully awake, we would load up our collapsible produce wagon and an assortment of collected reusable tote bags and spend a couple of hours eating and shopping around a market. Over the years, the farmers came to know us by name, remembered what we liked, and would hand over samples before we even had a chance to ask.
Kids ride through L.A. farmers markets in their parents’ produce wagons, munching on berries; dogs roll through in strollers; chefs walk around with cases upon cases of food for their restaurants. Most of the city’s markets have many of the same farmers, but each market has its own vibe, specialties, and regulars. Fresh seafood, prepared foods, and ethically sourced produce are part of what makes the L.A. farmers’ market scene special, but the farmers and regulars are just as memorable.
Hollywood Farmers’ Market: Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Courtesy of Ash Shah
Hollywood is one of L.A.’s biggest and busiest farmers’ markets, with live musicians, rows of prepared food vendors, and some of the best produce in the city. It’s easy to spend an entire morning here.
When you get to the entrance, start with breakfast. Dave’s Korean BBQ is known for its sticky rice, tempeh, and healing broth, while Delmy’s Pupusas has been one of my favorite market traditions for as long as I can remember. If you see Bub and Grandma’s Bread, get in line fast: it sells out quickly, though they usually restock throughout the morning.
Grab chips and salsa from El Machete and enjoy breakfast at one of the picnic tables covered in bright floral oilcloth tablecloths before continuing through the market.
Don’t skip the artisan alley, where local makers sell jewelry, ceramics, candles, wooden home goods, and other small gifts and trinkets. As you keep walking, the market opens up into four different directions. Split left toward Hollywood Boulevard to visit the nursery stand and perhaps pick up a potted plant for your windowsill or garden.
Ken’s Top Notch Produce is a great stop in the summertime for stone fruit and hybrid fruits—and don’t be afraid to let your kids take advantage of all the free samples along the way. Murray Family Farms is known for its finger grapes, tangerines, and cherries, while Finley Farms is a go-to for beautiful greens, rainbow carrots, Sungold tomatoes, and other seasonal vegetables. Rocky Canyon Farms is where I always stop for free-range eggs, whole chickens and other cuts of meat. Underwood Family Farms and Frecker Farms are also great stands to browse through while you’re making your way around the market.
Oysters early in the morning may sound super questionable, but they’re incredibly fresh, sitting on a bed of ice, and you get to pick exactly which ones you want before watching them shuck each one right in front of you.
Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market: Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This was the farmers’ market my family went to most when I was younger, and it’s still one of my favorites. It’s smaller than Hollywood but has a great mix of prepared foods, produce, and local vendors.
Jyaan Isaac Bread is a must, but like many of the market’s most popular stands, it sells out quickly, so it’s worth getting there early. Harry’s Berries is another non-negotiable. You’ll find them at several farmers’ markets around Los Angeles, but their strawberries are nationally famous for a reason—they’re unbelievably sweet.
Kenter Canyon Farms is one of my favorite stops for herbs, tomatoes, and avocados, while Cuyama Orchards is where I always buy apples. The people working the stand are incredibly kind and happy to talk through the different varieties if you’re not sure what to choose. If you’re visiting with kids, there’s often a small petting zoo, as well.
Larchmont Village Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 1 to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Smaller and much more laid-back than some of Los Angeles’ larger markets, the Larchmont Village Farmers Market is easy to wander through in under an hour. Crispy Parmesan cheese crisps from ThinKrisps are a neighborhood favorite. They may seem like a random purchase, but they were in every one of my friends’ pantries growing up.
Nicholas Family Farms is one of the market’s busiest stands and can get pretty crowded and chaotic, but their fruit is worth the wait—especially the grapes and stone fruit. The market is also a great place to pick up fresh seafood.
Santa Monica Farmer’s Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
One of the biggest farmers markets in Los Angeles, with over 60 vendors, the downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market is an amazing place to shop for produce. Windrose Farm is my favorite stand in the market. Their greens are organic and delicious, and they have an incredible variety of produce.
Apricot Lane Farms is a must for organic fruits and free-range eggs, and John Givens Farm has some of my family’s favorite berries and tomatoes.
Fat Uncle Farms is worth stopping at for its different flavors of almonds, and Finley Farms, which is also at the Hollywood Farmers Market, is another fan favorite. Like the Hollywood and Larchmont markets, it’s also a great place to pick up fresh seafood,
Santa Monica also has two other farmers markets: Pico Farmers Market (open on Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Main Street Farmers Market (open on Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
