Looking for farmers markets in Santa Monica? This beachside city is home to some of the most famous, chef-favorite farmers markets in the country. This local guide covers Santa Monica’s farmers markets, what to buy, when to go by season, and how to find the freshest, most current details from people who shop them every week.
Santa Monica’s farmers markets
The Santa Monica Farmers Markets are legendary — especially the Wednesday downtown market, one of the most celebrated chef-focused markets in the nation, plus popular Saturday and Sunday markets (including a family-friendly Sunday market at Main Street). They showcase Southern California’s outstanding year-round produce.
What to buy at Santa Monica farmers markets
Expect California’s exceptional year-round produce — citrus and avocados, strawberries and stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes and exotic fruits — plus flowers, local honey, artisan goods, and prepared foods, at markets renowned for their quality.
Seasons & when to go
Thanks to the climate, the markets run year-round with fresh produce every season — winter citrus, spring strawberries, and summer stone fruit and tomatoes. The Wednesday market’s quality draws chefs from across LA. To pair a market run with a walk, see our guide to the best parks in Santa Monica.
What to know about Santa Monica farmers markets
The Wednesday downtown market is world-famous (and where many LA chefs shop) — go early for the best. The Sunday Main Street market is more family-and-festival-friendly. The Expo Line connects to DTLA; bring a bag.
What Santa Monica locals recommend
Market days, seasonal hours, and the best vendors change constantly — and locals know which stalls are worth the trip. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Santa Monica community, real Santa Monica neighbors share their favorite markets and vendors, and what’s in season right now. For more, see our guide to the best things to do in Santa Monica. Join your Santa Monica neighbors free and get real local market recommendations →
Getting the most out of Santa Monica
Each market has its own rhythm, vendors, and best-early hours worth learning. If you are planning a morning at the market in Santa Monica, it helps to build it around the parts of town you already love. Spots like the Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park anchor the areas locals gravitate to, and the best plans tend to pair one of those with a stop from this guide. Neighbors also point to the beach bike path when they want something a little quieter or off the usual path. Knowing those anchors makes it far easier to line up a morning at the market that actually fits the day you have in mind, whether you have a couple of free hours or a whole afternoon in Santa Monica.
More Santa Monica guides worth bookmarking
Part of what makes Santa Monica rewarding is how much it packs into a small footprint. If you found this useful, these companion guides cover the same neighborhoods from different angles: Best restaurants in Santa Monica, Things to do in Santa Monica, Parks in Santa Monica. Between them you can plan an entire day — or an entire weekend — without ever leaving town.
Ask a Santa Monica neighbor first
Guides get you started, but the freshest tips always come from people who live here. Hours change, new spots open, and locals know which places are worth it right now. The Santa Monica community on Neighborhood Nurturers is where residents swap honest, current recommendations — ask Santa Monica neighbors what they would do, or join your town community free and get answers from real people who actually know Santa Monica.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the farmers markets in Santa Monica?
The celebrated Santa Monica Farmers Markets — especially the chef-favorite Wednesday downtown market, plus Saturday and family-friendly Sunday markets.
What is sold at Santa Monica farmers markets?
California’s year-round produce — citrus, avocados, strawberries, stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and exotic fruits — plus flowers, honey, and prepared foods.
What do locals recommend at Santa Monica markets?
Santa Monica neighbors share their favorite market days, vendors, and seasonal picks in our community.