Find Local Produce at the Best of Bay Area Markets
Written By: Nicole Fera Fresh Farmers Markets in San Francisco
Whether you are a Farmers market junkie or just getting into the idea of visiting one, there is no shortage of ones you can attend in the Bay Area. SF has some of the best Farmers markets all around the city, which provide their locals with fresh produce, local ingredients and dishes, beautiful flowers, and much more! You can walk around and discover new things to try, munch out on some deliciously prepared food, and get a sense for all of the great things that are going on in the communities that host them.
Castro Farmers Market
The Castro Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday night at 4 p.m. and has all you need to stock up a pantry full of goodness in your home. They sell produce from over 25 local farms around the Bay Area, with most of them being organic. They also sell some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in the city; brought straight out of the sea and to the market for your buying pleasure. Decadent cheeses from the Achadinha Cheese Company and smooth, rich honey from City Bee are also some of the products that you can indulge in while there. As you’re walking around you will also have the pleasure of being serenaded by talented and unique musical artists every week. Great food, live music and free samples–you can’t beat that.
Market Street and Noe Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
Alemany Farmers Market
When the Alemany Farmers Market began it was mostly a wholesale outlet for grocery stores, restaurants, and other food industry businesses. However, it has transformed into a place where any and everyone can find cheap, fresh produce and tons of it. They have everything you can imagine and then some: flowers, fruits, veggies, flowers, ethnic foods, etc. It is also one of the largest markets in the area so people come from all over to enjoy it. With that being said, try and find parking on the street, as the small lot tends to fill up quickly!
100 Alemany Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94110
415.647.9423
Heart of the City Farmers Market
This farmers market is not only amazing, but it is the only market in San Francisco that is run and operated strictly by the local farmers themselves. It has been around since 1981 and is an absolute favorite in the city for many reasons. Their goal is to bring healthy food to the public at affordable prices, something they feel lacks in most grocery stores around the country. For the past 35 years they have done just that and the locals and visitors in this area are lucky to have such an amazing place in their grasps. You can visit this market every Sunday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.—rain or shine! Move over mailmen.
1182 Market Street Ste 415
San Francisco, CA 94102
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
This next market, located at the Ferry Plaza building, is run by CUESA, the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture. Their mission is to not only sell farm fresh ingredients and products, but to educate people on why it is so important that they do. It’s all about supporting local businesses and farmers and also the health benefits that farm fresh produce has on our bodies and lives. You can visit them to stock up on great food and fill up on some knowledge every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
1 Ferry Building Ste 50
San Francisco, CA 94111
415.291.3276
Fort Mason Center Farmers Market
The Fort Mason Center Farmers Market is not only a great place to find all your grocery needs, but it is also held at a pretty amazing spot in the city. The market takes place at a former U.S. Army Headquarters and is run by the Golden Gate National Park Service. Doesn’t really get more official than that. Not only do they have over 35 local vendors who attend every week, but while you’re shopping you will have some amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful Bay. This has all the makings of a perfect Sunday morning, which is when the market takes place from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Marina Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94109
925.465.4690
Mission Community Market
The Mission Community Market is similar to the other markets in the sense that they have tons of local and fresh ingredients for sale, but unique because they emphasize on bringing the community together. The market is not only a great place to shop, but it’s a place where everyone can get together and improve their neighborhood and showcase what they love about it. Diverse food and components found at the market bring a number of cultures together and ultimately help thread us all together. Join them on Thursday nights from 4-8 p.m. and see why this market is such an amazing staple in town.
84 Bartlett Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Attention all Savvy SF Produce Shoppers
Nicole is a New Jersey native who studied English and Journalism at Monmouth University, Long Branch. She moved to sunny San Diego to enjoy all that it has to offer, including the beach, the music scene and the opportunity to share her love of Journalism with others. She hopes to continue writing by making a career of her first true love: words.
