There's no lovelier time than spring in the Bay Area to shop for fresh produce at our many farmers' markets—especially on the heels of the pandemic, when we're all ditching our masks and gulping for fresh air.
So skip the grocery store and use our guide to find the market nearest you. You'll be supporting local ag and saving money all while chomping on the most mesmerizing produce of the season. Though some vendors might pick your produce for you—and live music at some markets may be on hiatus—SF's endless markets are sure to provide you with a healthy dose of normalcy and neighborhood social time while you shop.
Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Cuesa)
Ah, the Ferry Plaza—epitome of class and style. Hit up Swanton Berry Farms for a punnet of the most exuberantly pure strawberriest-tasting strawberries you've ever popped into your mouth. Afterwards, slowly stroll past RoliRoti and find yourself swimming in saliva as the fat drips off those spinning chickens onto potatoes and Brussels sprouts. When you're done rooting through the countless stalls, meander into the Ferry Building itself and taste every kind of olive oil on offer at Stonehouse California Olive Oil. Whether you're a chef piling produce onto a cart or just a now-very-happy person biting into a fresh, juicy peach, this market will blow your mind no matter how many times you've seen it. // Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 2pm, Saturdays 8am to 2pm; Ferry Building Marketplace (Embarcadero), cuesa.org
Outer Sunset Farmers' Market & Mercantile
(Courtesy of @sunsetmercantile)
Created mid-pandemic, the Outer Sunset Farmers' Market & Mercantile has quickly become a Sunday hub for the neighborhood's foodies, families, creatives, and small business owners. Aside from the bounty of fresh fruits and veggies, the market's live music, maker offerings, and focus on Sunset-based food vendors like Avant Baker (you might remember Matthew Jones' loaves from Outerlands) and Marinucci's Pasta Shop sets it apart. Don't want to wait a whole week to visit the Outer Sunset Mercantile? Stop by the Wellness Mercantile for outdoor workout seshes and snacks Monday through Saturday. // Sundays from 9am to 3pm; 37th Ave. between Ortega and Quintara (Outer Sunset), sunsetmercantilesf.com
Alemany Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Caleb in the City)
The Alemany Farmers' Market was the very first farmers' market in all of California, and it remains the only city-run market in San Francisco. Often referred to as the "people's market" for its affordability and as the "grandaddy" of farmer's markets for its history, Alemany—long a leader in the movement for the availability of sustainable and affordable produce—is a perfect place to explore the fruits of our small farms' labor. // Saturdays from dawn to dusk; 100 Alemany Blvd. (Bernal Heights), sfgov.org
Thrive City Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of @chase_center)
Every Sunday, vendors flock to the Warriors' new community gathering space. Fuel up with a pastry or two from Native Baking Company and a cup of joe from Airborne Roasting, then peruse booths offering fresh eggs, fruits and veggies, prepared foods, and flowers. Weekly entertainment includes outdoor yoga sessions, live music, and kid-friendly scavenger hunts. If you can't get enough of Thrive City, try and snag tickets to a game after. // Sundays from 9am to 1pm; 1 Warriors Way (Mission Bay), chasecenter.com
Inner Sunset Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Inner Sunset Farmers' Market)
This year-round community market has fewer than 20 vendors, but you'll still find local folks doing their weekly shop here for the best California produce around. Grab some pasture-raised eggs from Shelly's Farm Fresh for a breakfast hash; stock up on as much hummus as your heart desires at Hummus Heaven; and don't miss Triple Delight's juicy, in-season blueberries. While you're on the block, you may as well head across the street to get some freshly baked Arizmendi treats, too. // Sundays 9am to 1pm; 1315 8th Ave. (Inner Sunset), pcfma.org
Castro Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Castro Farmer's Market)
The Castro market's evening time slot makes it the perfect place to get inspired for tonight's dinner or tomorrow's breakfast. Amble through the ample stalls and wait for California-grown ingredients to catch your eye—perhaps some asparagus to roast with fresh lemon, or plump, crimson cherries for a clafoutis. Twenty vendors bring produce, meat, fish, mushrooms, soap, baked goods, and even fancy cheese. // Wednesdays 2:30pm to 7pm (first hour dedicated to seniors and those at risk); 290 Noe St. (Castro), pcfma.org
Clement Street Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of David Toshiyuki)
The Clement Street Farmers' Market is run by the Agricultural Institute of Marin, which means it's sure to be fresh and fancy. And with more than 50 vendors (golly!), they'll have everything you could possibly dream of: honey, bread, locally grown organic produce, local seafood, grass-fed meats, nuts, hot food, fresh-cut flowers, and much more. This market spans two long blocks and is always buzzing with activity. If you're in a hurry (or overwhelmed by the endless offerings), order a Bounty Box filled with a selection of fruits, veggies, and herbs for curbside pickup. // Sundays 9am to 2pm; 244 Clement St. (Inner Richmond), agriculturalinstitute.org
Divisadero Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Divisadero Farmer's Market)
Once located just off of Divisadero Street, then in the DMV parking lot, and now temporarily housed in the John Adams Library parking lot, the Divis market is community-minded, with options for classics such as berries, stone-fruit, and vegetables, as well as eggs, seafood, and cheese. Visit Achadinha Cheese for fresh, unique goat cheeses and consider whipping up some roasted summer carrots and early-season apricots with California honey and earthy goat cheese crumbled over the top. Summer never tasted so good. Arrive early to beat the crowd and don't forget a bouquet from Sunrise Nursery. // Sundays 10am to 2pm; 1820 Hayes St. (NoPa), pcfma.org
Fillmore Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Fillmore Farmer's Market)
The Fillmore market fills out with about 15 vendors who provide the essentials (berries, nuts, veg), but also sneak in a few surprises—think smoked salmon from Coastside Farms and Specialties and probiotic drinks from Drink LaVie. If you're really trying to impress your sweet, or just need to liven up your kitchen, wake up bright and early for a stab at the most beautiful flowers from Santa Rosa Flowers. // Saturdays 9am to 1pm; 1730 O'Farrell St. (NoPa), pcfma.org
Fort Mason Center Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Fort Mason Center Farmer's Market)
Hosted by the Golden Gate National Park Service and situated right on the water, the Fort Mason market has so much to offer. With more than 35 vendors, you can buy for just about any occasion, be it a special dinner or your weekly shop. The market is made all the more magical with a stroll along the water—and perhaps a breakfast sandwich from Boffo Cart too. For a sweet summery snack, don't miss cherries from Resendiz or blueberry jam from Triple Delight. Be sure to check out their website for seasonal recipes and farmer spotlights. // Sundays 9:30am to 1:30pm; Fort Mason Center (Marina), cafarmersmkts.com
Heart of the City Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of the Lofts at 7)
Heart of the City is the only independent, farmer-operated nonprofit market in town. Heart of the City aims to bring healthy, affordable food to a food desert in SF, while supporting small, local, sustainable farming practices. This huge market sets up in UN Plaza every Wednesday and Sunday for 10 whole hours—for the best selection of produce, get there before 3pm; for the cheapest prices, go later in the day. The market works with over 50 vendors, including purveyors of specialty Asian produce, so you won't have a problem finding what you need. On Wednesdays, keep your eye out for Ferry Building and Oxbow Public Market empanada favorite, El Porteño's booth. // Wednesdays 7am to 5:30pm and Sundays 7am to 5pm; United Nations Plaza (Civic Center), heartofthecity-farmersmar.squarespace.com
Mission Community Market
(Courtesy of Mission Community Market)
This is much more than a farmers' market. Head over on Thursdays to support the small businesses of the Mission and engage in a community effort against economic insecurity and hunger. With a variety of vendors, street food, community programming, and art, you won't want to miss this veritable street fair. Stop by the CUESA Food Shed to try a new market-driven recipe sample and pick up tips for seasonal and wallet-friendly cooking. In non-COVID times, enjoy live music. If you're not in the mood to turn your market haul into dinner yourself, rest assured that ready-made options—think potstickers from Papa's Dumplings and rainbow tortillas and salsa from market newcomer Bolita Masa will keep you happy. // Thursdays 3 to 7pm; Mission and 22nd (Mission), cuesa.org
Noe Valley Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Airbnb)
This neighborhood farmers' market has been operating since 2003, providing fresh produce, honey, cheeses, bread, oil, vinegar, dried fruits, and nuts from local, small farms. With ten farm vendors and six food vendors offering plenty of takeout-friendly options, Noe Valley Farmers' Market is a small-scale operation making a big community impact. Check out the scene every Saturday to support their mission to provide healthy, sustainable food. // Saturdays 8am to 1pm (first hour reserved for seniors and immunocompromised shoppers); 3861 24th St. (Noe Valley), noevalleyfarmersmarket.com
San Francisco Farmers' Market at Crocker Galleria
(Courtesy of Bartable)
This tiny, cramped market is packed with flavor—swing by on your lunch break for produce and specialty, gourmet foods perfect for a quick, delicious meal downtown. The market also offers heirloom varieties of many fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of berries and summer produce, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up at work. Much better than paying big bucks for a mediocre sandwich. // Thursdays 10am to 2pm; Crocker Galleria, 50 Post St. (FiDi), cafarmersmkts.com
Stonestown Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of @sarahzuhlsdorf)
The family-friendly Stonestown Farmers' Market has been serving SF's Westside for over a decade. One of the Agricultural Institute of Marin's nine markets, this rain or shine market offers all the usual farmers' market staples, seasonal produce like summer squash from Kay Lee Farm or strawberries from Williamson, and eats like vegan tacos from Vacos and wontons from Sowl Bowls. // Sundays from 9am to 1pm; 501 Buckingham Way (Lake Merced), agriculturalinstitute.org
North Beach Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of @northbeachfarmersmarket)
The North Beach Farmers' Market just reopened for its fourth season in a brand new location nearly two times the size as before—and the infamous Chef Martin Yan and Tony Gemignani even did the ribbon-cutting honors. At the volunteer-run and organized market, pick up your weekly produce along with gourmet items like Obour Foods' hot curry hummus or a fresh loaf from Saltwater Bakeshop. Don't skip California Kahve, a vintage caravan serving organic coffee alongside Dynamo Donuts. // Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, Columbus Ave. and Greenwich St. (North Beach), northbeachfarmersmarket.com
