Visits to LA farmers’ markets are among the greatest ways to enjoy the fresh produce and regional cuisines of our city, famed for its eclectic culinary scene. Farmers’ markets are a great way to support sustainable agriculture practices while also making it easier than ever to lead a greener life. Best of all, they allow you to swap single-use plastics from the grocery store for fresh products at the stalls of a farmer’s market!

To help you on your journey into the world of farmers’ markets we’ve assembled this guide to some of LA’s must-visit farmer’s markets:

1. Hollywood Farmers’ Market

  • Location: Ivar Avenue (between Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard)
  • Operating Hours: Every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Highlights: A variety of local products, gourmet cuisine, and crafts are available at this market. It’s a fantastic location for discovering distinctive handmade goods. As a bonus, this market lives up to its namesake by frequently featuring live entertainment. 

2. The Original Farmers’ Market

  • Location: 6333 West Third Street
  • Operating Hours: Open every day; individual stalls’ hours of operation vary.
  • Highlights: This market, founded in 1934, is a famous landmark in Los Angeles. Many different food vendors, fresh vegetables, specialized stores, and restaurants may be found there. It’s a fantastic location to sample local cuisine.

3. Studio City Farmers’ Market

  • Location: Ventura Place (between Radford Avenue and Laurel Canyon Boulevard)
  • Hours of Operation: Every Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Highlights: This market is smaller than others but offers a warm, neighborhood-focused vibe. There are plenty of handmade products, artisanal meals, and fresh fruit available.

4. Larchmont Village Farmers’ Market

  • Location: 209 N. Larchmont Blvd
  • Hours of Operation: Every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Highlights: This market is renowned for its welcoming merchants and a wide variety of organic vegetables, prepared dishes, and gourmet snacks. It’s the ideal location for a calm Sunday morning.
     

5. El Nido Farmers’ Market

  • Location: 11243 Glenoaks Boulevard, Pacoima, CA 91331
  • Hours of Operation: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Highlights: In addition to produce, this smaller farmers’ market features homemade goods from local artisans such as clothes, soaps, handmade decorations, and more.

6. Old LA Farmers’ Market

  • Location: Avenue 58, Marmion Way, Los Angeles, CA 90042
  • Hours of Operations: Every Tuesday 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Highlights: This weekday market is an awesome option for those that can’t make the weekends work. Freshly vendor-cooked foods and fresher produce abound at this evening farmers’ market.

Tips for Traveling to LA’s Farmers’ Markets:

  • Arrive Early – When the market opens, come early to obtain the greatest variety and avoid crowds at their peak.
     
  • Bring Cash – Although some merchants now take credit cards, Venmo, and Zelle, many still prefer cash. ATMs are often accessible within walking distance, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
     
  • Bring Your Own Bag – To store and pack all the goods you find, consider bringing your reusable bag. Some markets charge for bags due to their environmental impact, so bringing your stylish tote bag is perfect for this occasion!
     
  • Try Samples – A lot of sellers provide free samples of their wares. Don’t be afraid to explore new dishes and flavors!
     
  • Be Receptive to Seasonal Produce – The freshest seasonal produce is available at farmer’s markets. Based on what is available and in season, be willing to try different fruits and vegetables.

Farmers’ markets have always been an unbeatable combination of high quality at low prices. However, they’re also a far cry from our usual routines of simply taking products off the shelf at a grocery store. If you’re looking to lessen your environmental impact this is a great step to take. We appreciate how difficult it is to get out of one’s comfort zone – but we guarantee that if you go out on a limb and try heading down to a farmers’ market for some delicious food, fresh-grown produce, and a festive atmosphere you won’t regret it.

We hope that this guide has inspired you to go out and sample the best of what our local growers have to offer. We want to hear about your farmers’ market experiences – share them with us at lastormwater@lacity.org.