The Bay Area Farmers Markets You Have to Visit

Freshly picked veggies, colorful organic fruits, quality California olive oil, and lots of baked treats—Bay Area farmers markets are the region’s culinary heartbeat for good reason. With dedicated enthusiasts supporting local agriculture, farmers markets have become a coveted tourist destination—visitors flock to try tasty treats, buy fresh produce, and get tips on how to grow their own food at home. 

California’s rich soil and cultural diversity contribute significantly to the markets’ offerings. You can find everything from farm-fresh produce and locally grown blooms to artisanal baked goods and scrumptious street eats. Skip out on mass-produced goods and visit the best Bay Area farmers markets to find healthy alternatives and embark on new culinary adventures. 

The Best Farmers Markets In S.F.

Fort Mason Center Farmers Market

Location: Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco

Hours: Sunday from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

If you’re seeking the freshest ingredients to prepare a healthy brunch, look no further than the farmers market at Fort Mason Center. This is a bustling Sunday market with 35 farm stands selling delicious fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Besides fresh produce, the Fort Mason Center Farmers Market also has a variety of tasty food such as roasted whole chicken, dumplings, breakfast burritos, and gluten-free baked goods. Although this Sunday farmers market in S.F. is smaller than some others in the area, it has all the necessities to make your Sunday outing successful. 

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market 

Location: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco

Hours: Tuesday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Located in the famous Ferry Building and operated by CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture), S.F.’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market serves as a link between city dwellers and local farmers all year long. As one of California’s most iconic farmers markets, S.F.’s Ferry Building farmers market features over 100 vendors selling a large selection of produce, food craft products, and breakfast and lunch options—around 40,000 people shoppers visit the market every week. The certified-organic market and food court also offers everything from gourmet coffee to handcrafted ice-cream.

Inner Sunset Farmers Market

Location: 1315 Eighth Avenue, San Francisco

Hours: Sunday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

This is undoubtedly one of the best farmers markets in S.F. Bringing locally grown fruits and vegetables to Bay Area residents, the Inner Sunset Farmers Market is operated by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association (PCFMA). Whether you’re looking for seasonal fruits, ultra-fresh vegetables, local meats, deliciously golden honey, or artisanal cheese, you’ve come to the right place. 

Fillmore Farmers Market 

Location: 1730 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco

Hours: Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Also operated by PCFMA, Fillmore Farmers Market is small but undeniably charming. Locals come to this San Francisco farmers market on Saturdays year-round to do their shopping for the week ahead—you’ll find in-season fruits and vegetables, freshly baked pastries, a wide variety of cheeses, different flavors of olive oil, fresh seafood, and gorgeous plants to jazz up your apartment. 

Incredible East Bay Farmers Markets

Downtown Berkeley Farmers Market 

Location: 1947 Center Street, Berkeley

Hours: Saturday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Downtown Berkeley Farmers Market provides locally grown produce and freshly made foods to consumers hoping to establish a healthier lifestyle—it is considered one of the best places to find organic and non-GMO in-season produce. Shoppers can find a variety of items at the Downtown Berkeley Farmers Market year-round. This East Bay farmers market not only supports sustainable agriculture, but also local musicians who create a family-friendly environment with their upbeat tunes. 

Concord Farmers Market

Location: 2175 Willow Pass Road, Concord

Hours: Tuesday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Open May through October, the Concord Farmers Market offers a wide array of farm stands, bakeries, and food vendors as well as live music and face painting for kids. You’ll find booths selling homemade bread, cupcakes, kettle corn, tempting pastries, and of course, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visiting this Bay Area farmers market during COVID-19 isn’t an issue, either—the vendors are very clean and respectful of the guidelines. 

Walnut Creek Farmers Market

Location: 1799 Locust Street, Walnut Creek

Hours: Sunday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Operated by Contra Costa Certified Farmers Markets (CCCFM), the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is open year-round. This Bay Area farmers market is a bustling community of farmers and artisan purveyors providing a mouthwatering assortment of locally sourced goods. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll find different types of bread, cheese, dip, honey, jam, meat, and olive oil.

Jack London Square Farmers Market 

Location: Webster Street and Embarcadero West, Oakland

Hours: Sunday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Established in 1989, the Jack London Square Farmers Market is home to over 40 vendors offering local produce, brunch and lunch options, and regionally made crafts. Rain or shine, this East Bay farmers market is open year-round. Stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and handmade food—including tamales and soups. There are tables and chairs outside the farmers market for people to indulge in what they bought.

Must-See San Jose Farmers Markets

Downtown San Jose Farmers Market 

Location: 87 North San Pedro Street, San Jose

Hours: Friday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Everything is always fresh at the Downtown San Jose Farmers Market. Taking place every Friday between May and November, the farmers market provides the season’s freshest fruits and vegetables as well as live music, fun contests, and cooking demonstrations. Vendors from all over NorCal come here to display their all-natural produce and special treats. Here, you’ll also find flaky pastries, sweet cookies, and specialty pies.

Mountain View Farmers Market 

Location: 600 West Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View

Hours: Sunday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

A short drive from San Jose, the Mountain View Farmers Market comprises 80 farm stands offering a variety of fresh produce and artisanal foods such as meats, cheese, and more. The quality of the items at this Bay Area farmers market is practically unmatched. You’ll find fresh pasta, frozen dim sum, a selection of olive oils, different types of nuts and butter, and the healthy drink Californians can’t get enough of—kombucha.  

Saratoga Farmers Market At West Valley College

Location: Fruitvale Avenue and Career Way, Saratoga

Hours: Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Also close to San Jose, the Saratoga Farmers Market at West Valley College boasts over 50 vendors selling Asian vegetables, honey, mushrooms, eggs, fresh roasted chicken, bread, flowers, fresh coffee, and even California-grown rice. Operated by the California Farmers Markets Association (CFMA), this S.F. Bay Area farmers market makes every Saturday outing fruitful (pun intended) and fun. 

North Bay Farmers Markets

Sunday Marin Farmers Market

Location: 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael 

Hours: Sunday from 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Sunday Marin Farmers Market is one of the best Bay Area farmers markets. Featuring nearly 200 local vendors, it has everything from fresh fruit to grass-fed meats to baked goods. All of the items sold at this unique farmers market are organic and delicious—no wonder it’s one of the top places to visit in Marin year-round. 

Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market

Location: 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 

Hours: Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Held at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts year-round, the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market guarantees fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, honey, herbs, poultry, and more to eager shoppers. Everything sold at this Bay Area farmers market is California-grown. Other than farm-raised and -grown goods, you’ll find several vendors selling ready-to-eat items as well as arts and crafts at the largest farmers market in Sonoma County.