There's something gratifying about walking through tables of fresh produce and goods. It evokes a sensory experience that ties us to the soil and earth. Farmers' markets are the bridge that connects the farm and the fork. Here you come across a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that aren't found in supermarkets, making it an amazing place to buy and appreciate the bountiful blessings of nature.
Visiting the best farmers' markets to score locally grown fruits and vegetables while giving your lungs a break from the city fumes is therapeutic for the body and the mind. Lucky for us, there is no shortage of farmers throughout the Orange County region, with stalls racked with California Grown vegetables, gourmet meals, desserts, and local handmade crafts.
The experience of farmers' markets is unlike any other grocery store, and we want to make sure every Orange Countian and visitor has that experience! Check out our list of some of the weekly farmer's markets in Orange County for you and your family to enjoy.
(We've started with weekend locations because we understand weekdays can be tight for most people. Note: There are no farmers' markets on Mondays )
For the Weekend Shoppers:
- Laguna Beach farmers market (Saturdays)
The Laguna Beach farmers market is affiliated with Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmers' Markets. It nestles in the dreamy suburban coastal ambiance of Laguna Beach and opens every Saturday from 8 a.m to 12 p.m. The pretty flowers, local honey, fresh-picked veggies, culinary delights, and more from 40+ vendors are delectable and worth a try. Hop there early to energize your day with an aromatic cup of organic coffee!
Location: Lumberyard Parking Lot 12 located at 521 Forest Avenue
- Great Park Certified Farmers Market (Sundays)
It's open in OC Great Park, Irvine, on Sundays from 10 a.m to 2 p.m, and it's a mainstay of the farmers markets in Orange County. Watch out for delicious organic seasonal fruits and veggies, baked goods, flowers and plants, and local handmade crafts. There is live music and entertainment if you're in the mood for a melodious or fun time while shopping for food. Don't worry if you get hungry while there, the market serves breakfast and lunch for those willing to buy themselves hearty, homemade meals!
Location: The Great Park in Irvine, Marine Way off Sand Canyon
For The Weekday Shoppers:
- Placentia Farmers Market (Tuesdays)
A mundane space just off Yorba Linda Boulevard, like magic, turns into a gourmet wonderland every Tuesday from 4 pm to 8 pm. during summer and 3 pm to 7 pm in the winter. From fresh produce to local honey, teas, Mediterranean food, crafts, and more, the displays from 30 vendors are exceptional. While there, don't forget to look out for kettle Popcorn– a delicious signature that has been known to entice shoppers!
Location: 130 E Yorba Linda Boulevard
- Fullerton Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
The Fullerton Farmers Market, which is open every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m, is thought to be the oldest in Orange County. Run by the nonprofit Fullerton Certified Farmers Market Board, it promotes the best of fresh produce, including an extensive selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, plants, and flowers. A winning bonus in this market is you get to bag items at low costs. It may not have face painting and unique ice cream stalls, but it's heaven for those looking for a great selection of affordable nutritious food options!
Location: Fullerton Community Center, 340 West Commonwealth Ave.
You must have seen this one on Instagram— one of the bigger markets with an incredible variety of offerings including fruits, vegetables, fresh made-to-order meals, crafts, entertainment, and even clothing items. The market also hosts fantastic events that are mostly pet-friendly. Shoppers get 2 hours of free parking--- enough time to shop for foods that heal and explore the vibrant boutiques and retail shops. Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers' Market & Craft Fair is open every Thursday from 11 A.M to 3 P.M. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk more than usual to explore all the vast, amazing offerings of the market!
Location: Center St. Promenade & Lemon Sts.
- Farmakis Farms (Fridays)
This is a certified farmers' market hosted by a family-owned Christmas tree farm on Fridays between 9 a.m to 1 p.m. A variety of locally manufactured artisan items, bread, dips, OC Wild Seafood, chocolates, jams, 100% grass-fed meat, and food from numerous farms in the area (and, of course, Christmas trees) are just a few examples of the best of farm fresh you'll find here. The weekly market not only meets expectations but also lends a homey vibe, making a shopper truly feel they are purchasing from one big family.
Location: 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Click here for the full list of Orange County Farmers Markets. Happy farm fresh shopping!
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