There's no lovelier time than late summer and early fall to shop for fresh produce at one of San Francisco's many farmers' markets.
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.
Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Cuesa)
Ah, the Ferry Plaza—epitome of class and style, and arguably the best farmers' market in the city packed with dozens of vendors hawking everything from honey and baked goods to flowers and produce. 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
The Outer Sunset Farmers' Market & Mercantile is a 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 all-ages art and family friendly fun make this a can’t miss Sunday stop.
// Sundays, 9am to 2pm; 37th Ave. between Ortega and Quintara (Outer Sunset), sunsetmercantilesf.com
Alemany Farmers' Market
The Alemany Farmers' Market was the very first farmers' market in all of California. 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, 7am to 2pm; 100 Alemany Blvd. (Bernal Heights), foodwise.org
Heart of the City Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of Airbnb)
Heart of the City is the only independent, farmer-operated nonprofit market in town. It 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 eight 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 more than 50 vendors, including purveyors of specialty Asian produce, so you won't have a problem finding what you need.
// Wednesdays and Sundays 7am to 4pm; United Nations Plaza (Civic Center), heartofthecity-farmersmar.squarespace.com
Fort Mason Center Farmers' 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 50 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. Don't miss the summer stone fruits. 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
Thrive City Farmers' Market
Every Sunday, vendors flock to Thrive City. Fuel up with a pastry and a cup of joe, 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.
// Sundays, 9am to 1pm; 1 Warriors Way (Mission Bay), facebook.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 fungi from Mushroom Adventures for a breakfast hash; stock up on as much hummus as your heart desires at Hummus Heaven; and don't miss the fresh fish and seafood at Dragon Baby. 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
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 fresh tomatoes to eat with burrata, or berries for a summer tart. Around twenty vendors bring produce, meat, fish, mushrooms, soap, baked goods, and even fancy cheese.
// Wednesdays, 3pm to 7pm, only open April through November; 290 Noe St. (Castro), pcfma.org
Clement Street Farmers' Market
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.
// Sundays, 9am to 2pm; 244 Clement St. (Inner Richmond), agriculturalinstitute.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 garlic naan from Roti and tamales from The Tamale Fiesta. 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
Divisadero Farmers' Market
Located in the DMV 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. Summer never tasted so good. Arrive early to beat the crowd and don't forget a bouquet from Sunrise Nursery.
// Sundays, 9am to 1pm; 1820 Hayes St. (NoPa), pcfma.org
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. 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 empanadas from Nucha Empanadas will keep you happy.
// Thursdays 3pm to 7pm; 22nd and Bartlett Sts. (Mission), foodwise.org
Noe Valley Farmers' Market
(Courtesy of the Lofts at 7)
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 farm vendors and 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; 3861 24th St. (Noe Valley), noevalleyfarmersmarket.com
Stonestown Farmers' Market
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, it operates rain or shine, offering all the usual farmers' market staples, including seasonal produce and ready-made eats.
// Sundays, 9am to 1pm; 501 Buckingham Way (Lake Merced), agriculturalinstitute.org
North Beach Farmers' Market
At the volunteer-run and organized North Beach Farmers’ Market, pick up your weekly produce along with gourmet items like pesto from Bolani or a fresh loaf from Portside. Don't skip the coffee at Triple Coffee.
// Saturdays, 9am to 2pm, 725 Greenwich St. (North Beach), northbeachfarmersmarket.com
