Costa Mesa’s SoCo Farmers Market
Located in the SoCo Collection at 3315 Hyland Avenue, this is the place to spend a casual Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm. The market carries an impressive variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, eggs, meat and poultry. Food trucks and handmade ice cream vendors are also usually in attendance to appease any hangry spouses or kids that need a snack. The SoCo Collection center is known as Costa Mesa’s “destination for inspiration” and offers up gorgeous stores that feature home décor, women’s fashion, and more. The adjacent OC Mix is also a great place to grab a cup of coffee, check out some artisanal cheese and olive oil shops, and bask in the glory of all the local boutique items you could ever desire.
Fullerton’s Certified Farmers Market
This Wednesday morning market runs every week from 8 am to 1 pm, and is believed to be the oldest farmers market in Orange County. Located at Independence Park at 801 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton’s favorite farmers market is famous for the fresh produce and extensive variety of fruits, vegetables, potted plants and flowers for sale. Many of the goods are brought exclusively to the market from vendors and farmers across the state, and cannot be found in neighborhood stores. Operated by the nonprofit Fullerton Certified Farmers Market Board, this market has many long-time customers that rely on it to fill their fridge each week.
Irvine’s Great Park Farmers Market
Every Sunday between 10 am and 2 pm, families flock to Irvine for the Great Park Certified Farmers Market located at 6950 Marine Way. This dog-friendly market features organically grown fruits and veggies from the Great Park Farm and other local farms, live entertainment, handmade artisan goods, and gourmet food trucks. The Farmers Market also features health clinics, nutritional seminars, and author meet-ups on a monthly basis. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Carousel rides are available for $2 each, and check out breathtaking views of Orange County for miles in every direction while soaring 400 feet above the ground in the Great Park Balloon. This extremely popular attraction is only $10 for adults and free for kids with an adult, but is run on a first come, first served basis.
Newport Beach Farmers Market
If your weekend plans are beach-centric, make sure you stop by the Newport Beach Pier on Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm to check out the unbelievable sights, sounds, and smells of the Newport Beach Farmers Market! This market features all the usual characters; locally grown produce, fresh baked breads, nuts, sauces, artisan goods, etc. What really sets this market apart (besides the ultimate Southern California beachfront scenery) is the famous Dory Fleet Fish Market just a few steps away. The freshest seafood imaginable has locals and visitors lining up as early as 5:30 am at this historical landmark. Everything you need to supply a feast fit for a king is waiting for you at the Newport Beach Farmers Market!
Tustin Certified Farmers Market
This market is located in the quaint area of Old Town Tustin on the corner of 3rd Street and El Camino, and runs Wednesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. This popular farmers market has been going strong for over 20 years, and features locally grown produce, honey, bread, eggs, and plants. Grab some tamales or kettle corn to munch on while you shop for produce or peruse the crafty section stocked with unique, handmade items that make great gifts. Although this market is of a modest size in a busy downtown area of Tustin, the variety of goods is all-inclusive and free parking is easy to find.
Note: All of our featured markets run all year and are also California Certified Farmers Markets.
