Photo Credit: Gemma Billings via Flickr

Looking for the best way to feed your health food addiction? Well, why not check out some of the local farmers markets?

Marina Del Rey

The Marina Del Rey farmers market is held Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm on the corner of Via Marina and Panay Way.  The weekly farmers market is a waterfront street fair where you can buy fresh fruits and veggies, as well as enjoy handmade crafts and homemade food from the local vendors. 

Marina del Rey Farmers' Market is held at 14101 Panay Way in parking lot 11; the lot adjacent from the Cheesecake Factory. Parking is available for $1 per hour. For a full list of vendors schedules check out the Marina del Rey Farmers' Market’s Facebook page!

 

Venice Beach 

The Venice Beach farmers market is open every Friday morning from 7 am until 11 am! It is a smaller market but that just enhances the community feeling that Venice Beach is known for. Each week you will see familiar faces and neighbors chatting over their morning coffees—it is truly a friendly experience. Also unlike the bigger markets, this one truly focuses on local produce instead of the prepared food and crafts. And to really top it off the early timing keeps the market from being a zoo. Check it out at 499 S. Venice Blvd!

 

Santa Monica 

This farmers market was established in 1981, and it has been successful ever since! It is open year round, rain or shine, at three different locations-- Arizona Avenue, 2200 Virginia Ave, and 2640 Main St.

The Arizona Ave location takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. The Wednesday market is known as the place where all of the local chefs get their produce. Seventy-five farmers over 4 blocks provide a vast selection for all who come to visit. The Saturday farmers market has claimed the title of the “Organic Market,” because it offers the largest percentage of certified-organic growers of any market in the city. 

The Virginia Ave location is open from 8 am until 1 pm every Saturday. As opposed to the Arizona Ave market, Virginia Ave market takes place at a tranquil park across the street from a library. This friendly market offers local food the entire family will enjoy!

The Main Street market takes place on Sundays from 9:30 am until 1 pm. Set between the historic Victorian House and the California Heritage Museum, this farmers market in Santa Monica is a favorite for local families. To aid the early morning rush, Groundwork Coffee Company provides fresh-roasted coffee. And as a little extra aid for the parents, activities like face painting and children-friendly live bands can keep the kiddos busy. 

 

Swing by any of these markets for a taste of California. 

Author: Mariah Terry