Los Angeles farmers markets: which to visit and how to shop them

Los Angeles has farmers markets every day of the week, and the two best known are the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sunday mornings and the Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings. Neighborhood markets fill in the rest of the week, and two historic food halls with "market" in the name, the Original Farmers Market and Grand Central Market, are open daily. Market days and hours change, so always check with the organizer before you go.

What is a certified farmers market?

In California, a certified farmers market is one where farmers sell produce they grew themselves, under rules set by the state. Some markets go further and are "grower-only," meaning almost everything for sale comes straight from the farm. Many LA markets also have food stalls, prepared food vendors and bakers, which is part of the appeal but is not the same as farm produce. If you want to buy from the grower, look for the stall's certificate or ask where the farm is.

What is the Hollywood Farmers Market like?

The Hollywood Farmers Market runs on Sunday mornings on Ivar and Selma avenues, between Hollywood and Sunset boulevards, rain or shine. It is organized by Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA). With many farmers, producers and food artisans from across California, it is one of the largest markets in the city. Go early for the best produce and the shortest lines.

Why is the Santa Monica market so well known?

The Wednesday Downtown Farmers Market on Arizona Avenue in Santa Monica is described by its organizers as the largest grower-only certified farmers market in Southern California. It is famous as the market where local chefs shop for their menus, so Wednesday morning is a good time to see what is in season. Santa Monica also runs a Saturday market downtown and a Sunday market on Main Street. The Metro E Line ends a few blocks away.

Which neighborhood markets are worth knowing?

A few examples from around the city:

Market	When it usually runs
Hollywood	Sunday morning
Santa Monica Downtown	Wednesday and Saturday morning
Santa Monica Main Street	Sunday morning
Silver Lake	Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning
Echo Park	Friday afternoon

Most LA neighborhoods have a weekly market, often run by a community group or a nonprofit organizer. Schedules can change with the seasons and holidays, so check the organizer's own listing before you go.

Are the Original Farmers Market and Grand Central Market farmers markets?

Not in the modern sense, but both are worth a visit. The Original Farmers Market at Third Street and Fairfax Avenue opened in July 1934, when local farmers parked their trucks on a field owned by Earl Gilmore to sell their produce. It grew into a permanent market of stalls, grocers and restaurants, open every day. Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles opened in October 1917 on the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building and has been in operation ever since, with food stalls alongside grocers. Both are better for lunch than for farm shopping.

How do you shop a farmers market well?

A few habits help:

• Walk the whole market first before buying, to compare quality and see what is in season.
• Go early for the best choice, or late for the occasional end-of-day deal.
• Bring your own bags, and a cooler if you are driving and buying fish, meat or cheese.
• Carry some cash, though many stalls take cards.
• Ask for a taste. Many growers are happy to cut a piece of fruit.
• Ask the farmer how to cook something unfamiliar. They usually know best.
• Plan your route home. If you are taking the Metro, bring a sturdy bag; if you are driving, check where the market's parking is, since many markets close streets to traffic.

Markets are also a good place to eat. Many have prepared food stalls and bakers, and an early morning visit with breakfast from a stall is a fine way to start a weekend in Los Angeles. Try to arrive before the busiest midmorning hour, when popular stalls can sell out.

Can you use CalFresh at LA farmers markets?

Many markets accept CalFresh EBT. Usually you go to the market's information booth, swipe your card and get tokens or vouchers to spend at the stalls. Many markets also offer Market Match, California's program that adds extra money for fruits and vegetables when you shop with CalFresh. Ask at the booth what is offered.

What should you buy at an LA farmers market?

Southern California has a long growing season, so the stalls change through the year rather than emptying out in winter. The best guide is the market itself: walk it, see which fruit and vegetables most stalls are selling that week, and ask the growers what is at its best. Prepared food stalls, bakers and flower sellers make many markets worth a visit even if you are not cooking.

How do you remember the stalls you like?

A good market becomes part of your week once you know which stalls to visit. On Mosey you can rate the places you ate at and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep lists of the markets and food stalls worth returning to, to share with friends.

More guides to read next:

• Koreatown Los Angeles food guide: barbecue, soups and late nights
• LA County restaurant letter grades: what A, B and C really mean
• San Gabriel Valley Chinese food guide: where and what to eat

More in the US food guides and the ranked lists of places.