Ocean Beach Farmers Market

Come here most Wednesdays (only open on Wednesdays) to do some grocery shopping. OB is a pretty hippy/​eclectic area. There’s a lot of local, organic, and hand made items for sale. You can get anything from clothes, a massage, or food. The Indian food vendor is my favorite. Always delicious. I personally enjoy the garlic man’s dips/​pitas as well. Its very dog friendly, but can get crowded. They usually have live music of some kind as well. This one isn’t as big as other local farmer’s markets, but has everything you need. The organic dessert lady is the best. I can never remember the name of her «store», but she sells amazing looking desserts that taste better than they look. Some vendors only take cash, but there is a Wells Fargo ATM nearby.

Literally one of my favorite markets. If you’re looking for a vegan hipster market, you’ve came to the right place! Farmers Markets are usually bright and early in the morning but this one is from 4 – 8 and has so much good food, shopping boutiques, hand made crafts, fruits vegetables and beautiful flowers! I usually come here for boho style boutique stands. They seem to have everything I look for!
Setting: Ocean Beach is definitely not the «cleanest» town and the streets are honestly kind of dirty. It gets extremely crowded, so come early! Everything is first come first served !
Business Owners: As the owners I have met, they all love their job and are passionate about their crafts and food!
Parking: Parking is tough if you come later. You can be circling this area for 30 minutes and not find parking. *Tip: If you don’t mind a nice walk, park in the neighborhoods! If you don’t mind spending $ 5 per hour, you can park in front of cvs. it’s the closest parking and I think its worth it!
Overall: The reason why I give this place a 4 stars is because there could definitely be more fresh vegetables and fruit stands! But what can I expect when it’s a 4 PM farmers market lol!
Definitely come on by and enjoy yourself! Just come early if you don’t like crowds!

WOW! WOW! WOW!
Beautiful handmade jewelry, peace pies, clothing, bodywork, live music, the freshest produce from the farm (hello Suzie’s!), fresh raw almonds, kombucha from Edible Alchemy (love the tangerine coconut!), body care items, all kinds of barbecue/​pizza/​dinner yummies!
The OB Farmers market is quite a marvel!
I had the pleasure of meeting David recently, who organizes the OB Farmers Market and he is one of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet! I have no idea how he manages all the logistics for this beautiful and bustling market.
David kindly allowed a non-​profit I’m working with to have a small table to talk about a campaign we’re working on to end cancer and heart disease. We had fantastic foot traffic, and David even stopped by a few times throughout the afternoon to check in on us — and encourage passers-​by to sign our petitions! He was a wonderful host and we recruited some great supporters for the cause.
After we finished tabling, I had the chance to pick up some of that great kombucha from Edible Alchemy! Yay!
Can’t wait to go back to the OB Farmers market!

We are beach locals and walk the market every Wednesday, soon after they are done setting up. Mostly we come here for the Farmer’s Market aspect. But I have purchased some great unique jewelry here. Love the booths that are off the street and in the parking lot next to the old BofA building. We come early to avoid the over-​crowded party atmosphere that it turns into later. Many come for this, we prefer not to.
Our favorite booth is on the south side; the man who sells apples from SMIT FARMS and two kinds of fresh apple juice; both regular and apple-​cherry. We weren’t sure about the apple-​cherry, yet gave it a try and are hooked now! We had tried a different brand of apple-​cherry before in Julian at the Cider Mill as it was all they had left after the deluge of people from their October Apple Fest… it was just cloying, and adding water (thinking it was too concentrated) did not help. However, Smit Farm’s apple-​cherry blend was perfect.
We have also sampled the pies at CJ’s booth (from CJ’s Catering & Specialty Baking), and they are excellent. Our favs so far are the Peach and the Sweet Potato. Neither were overly seasoned with spices; so as to compete with the main ingredient of the pies. The amount of spice enhanced the flavor of the pies. Perfect. And the crust was perfect. Definitely want to go to CJ’s shop now.
Unfortunately haven’t had much luck with the veggies (mostly organic) sold here. They seem «old». For example, we purchased two bunches of Rainbow Kale and by the next day the stems were rubbery and the leaves had started to become limp. Another example is when we purchased a large avocado that quite pricey. The seller sold my husband on it telling him these were great tasting avocados and this one would be perfect in a couple of days. I cut it open the next day as it seemed ready to me, and sadly, it was brown in the center and the seed already had quite a root system wrapping around the pit. If I had a place to do so, I would have planted it because it was well on it’s way to becoming a tree! Even the «good» parts had that awful medicinal taste when avocados are well past their peak. There went 5 bucks right in the toilet. My husband went back the following week and of course that particular vendor wasn’t there. So much for a deserved refund. Also beware of buying pre-​bagged produce… often the items on the bottom are bruised or spoiled.
For us, our best bet for produce (with the exception of the Apple Guy mentioned above) is still PEOPLE’S.
Why the three stars? I nearly gave it two! Obviously not happy with the majority of the produce. This is a FARMER’S MARKET after all. There are also folks attempting to sell homemade food from small picnic coolers. They stand across from the booths up against the walls of the stores. As you walk buy, they advertise their wares in hushed tones. This is not only very unfair to the vendors who pay to sell their wares, but to the merchants that line Newport Avenue. This really needs to be monitored better by the OB Mainstreet Association (or whomever does this).
Lastly, some of the transients are nasty aggressive TROLLS, more so than the past, and attempt to intimidate Farmer’s Market visitors into giving them money. This is also true on other days as well. Do not feed the trolls.
Leash your dogs, and if your dog is aggressive, please leave it at home. Leashes do not stop dogs from being aggressive in a tight area.
Same for baby strollers… there really isn’t enough room, so please carry your little ones if you take them with you. It’s safer for them too.

We are beach locals and walk the market every Wednesday, soon after they are done setting up. Mostly we come here for the Farmer’s Market aspect. But I have purchased some great unique jewelry here. Love the booths that are off the street and in the parking lot next to the old BofA building. We come early to avoid the over-​crowded party atmosphere that it turns into later. Many come for this, we prefer not to.
Our favorite booth is on the south side; the man who sells apples and two kinds of fresh apple juice; both regular and apple-​cherry. We weren’t sure about the apple-​cherry, yet gave it a try and are hooked now! We had tried a different brand of apple-​cherry before in Julian at the Cider Mill as it was all they had left after the deluge of people from their October Apple Fest… it was just cloying, and adding water (thinking it was too concentrated) did not help. However, this man’s apple-​cherry blend was not. Will add the name of his business to this review after our next visit.
We have also sampled the pies at CJ’s booth (from CJ’s Catering & Specialty Baking), and they are excellent. Our favs so far are the Peach and the Sweet Potato. Neither were overly seasoned with spices; so as to compete with the main ingredient of the pies. The amount of spice enhanced the flavor of the pies. Perfect. And the crust was perfect. Definitely want to go to CJ’s shop now.
Unfortunately haven’t had much luck with the veggies (mostly organic) sold here. They seem «old». For example, we purchased two bunches of Rainbow Kale and by the next day the stems were rubbery and the leaves had started to become limp. Another example is when we purchased a large avocado that quite pricey. The seller sold my husband on it telling him these were great tasting avocados and this one would be perfect in a couple of days. I cut it open the next day as it seemed ready to me, and sadly, it was brown in the center and the seed already had quite a root system wrapping around the pit. If I had a place to do so, I would have planted it because it was well on it’s way to becoming a tree! Even the «good» parts had that awful medicinal taste when avocados are well past their peak. There went 5 bucks right in the toilet. My husband went back the following week and of course that particular vendor wasn’t there. So much for a deserved refund. Also beware of buying pre-​bagged produce… often the items on the bottom are bruised or spoiled.
For us, our best bet for produce (with the exception of the Apple Guy mentioned above) is still PEOPLE’S.
Why the three stars? I nearly gave it two! Obviously not happy with the majority of the produce. This is a FARMER’S MARKET after all. There are also folks attempting to sell homemade food from small picnic coolers. They stand across from the booths up against the walls of the stores. As you walk buy, they advertise their wares in hushed tones. This is not only very unfair to the vendors who pay to sell their wares, but to the merchants that line Newport Avenue. This really needs to be monitored better by the PB Mainstreet Association (or whomever does this).
Lastly, some of the transients are nasty aggressive TROLLS, more so than the past, and attempt to intimidate Farmer’s Market visitors into giving them money. This is also true on other days as well. Do not feed the trolls. Leash your dogs, and if your dog is aggressive, please leave it at home. Leashes do not stop dogs from being aggressive in a tight area. Same for baby strollers… there really isn’t enough room, so please carry your little ones if you take them with you. It’s safer for them too.

Came here to buy sunglasses and magic rocks.
The OB Farmer’s Market is the «hippiest» of the San Diego Farmer’s Markets, and it’s precisely why I love it.
It’s smaller than the Hillcrest and Little Italy Farmer’s Markets, but has all the usual suspects (namely, Bitchin’ Sauce, Green Juice, and the hummus guys).
I do appreciate that there are always people playing musical instruments on the sidewalk, although I do suppose that’s typical OB for you. Also, you are bound to have a moment where you say to yourself, «well I have never seen that before!»
Bottom line: would definitely come here again.
PS– you can find magic rocks at the Philosopher’s Stone gem store

Best farmers market ever in San Diego! They have a wide variety of vendors, tons of organic or vegetarian/​vegan options, and it’s right next to the ocean! The community is wonderful and this is the best time to interact with fellow OBecians. Not to mention, the live music.

What a eclectic and beautiful place. This was one of our stops while vacationing in San Diego. The vibe was great with music and vendors everywhere. I loved how you could sample before you buy. Produce was extremely fresh.
We picked up a pint basket of fresh strawberries. We also tried the elotes and fresh strawberry and raspberry juice. Lastly the food from the African stand was amazing! We got 2 chicken platters. The collared greens were perfectly cooked and we would highly recommend the chicken on a stick or jerk chicken.
The people are great. The food options were amazing. We will be back!

Great farmers’ market! So much enticing food, fruits and vegetables, as well as free samples. Very interesting local art as well. Will definitely be back!

Yummy food and lovely handmade items for sale. An 8lb bag of oranges for $ 5? Pretty amazing if you ask me. The food looked and smelled delicious. I was happy to see many of the vendors had vegan/​vegetarian options.

One of the best weekday farmers markets in san diego. Much bigger than the other ones on the weekdays, but not as big as the Sunday hillcrest. This market has a large variety of produce stands, local specialty foods, prepared food, and crafts. Each and every one of these has wonderful items that are worth the trip.

Fruits and Veggies!
Cooked food, first time shopper left home with a satisfied tummy and bag of fresh avocados, as well as the oh so deliciousness of WHIPPED Garlic!
Lobster roll sold here!

Mash-​up of local food makers, farmers, jewelry and soap makers, bakers, and a good contact buzz. Seriously my «surprise and delight» award goes to Fat Boyz pizza for serving the most MASSIVE piece of pizza we have ever eaten (not to mention delicious). Grabbed a few cookies from the Cravory and a few heirloom tomatoes. Produce is all priced fairly. Good people watching. I even overheard a woman tell her husband, «Oh my god I am so dirty.» Yep, welcome to hippie-​esque OB…

This review is wholly based on the Kenyan/​African food vendor that is there on their Wed farmers market…
I highly suggest their chicken curry! I don’t think I’ve had better! Their collard green are superb, and I’m not usually a fan!
The value is amazing as well! For $ 6 you can get a plate piled high enough to try just a bit of everything! By far though I’d say the curry and greens are my fave, other than those delicious little Samosas. For a light bit try their 6 Samosas for $ 5. The beef is udderly delectable, but it has a bite! Suggest a good amount of water on hand! The coconut pineapple cream cheese somosa is the perfect way to end such a wonderous meal!

This is a very interesting farmers market. It’s quite different than the farmers markets that I am used to in Ventura county. It’s full of gluten free organic everything. The clientele is the most entertaining part of the market. They have a no dog sign but there were dogs everywhere.

I used to come to SD pretty often when I was on school breaks. My friends and I always went down on Wednesdays just to walk around this amazing farmers market. This is a pretty big farmers market with tons of food and activities. What is noticeable is the llamas, the amazing food and tons of crafts. We tried some bread stuffed with pasta which was decent and the huge slices of pizza were pretty good. I haven’t been here in a while so I must come back soon!

This is one is small but one of the funnest in San Diego. Good mix of food vendors and produce options.
Hillcrest has the best produce and the most options but you won’t find the same atmosphere. Everyone always seems to be in a great mood here, and why wouldn’t you be? Scallop tacos, live music, and the sunset over the ocean.

We love this farmers market. Came here recently and we had a great experience. I like that they have it on hump day so there’s something to look forward to before the weekend.
Parking isn’t too bad, if you’re willing to pay. There’s a parking area near the drug store (CVS or Rite Aid?). Street parking can be scarce in OB, especially on the day of the farmers market. I didn’t want to waste time driving around looking for parking.
With a wide variety of vendors that sell food, produce, art work, crafts, drinks, desserts, and more… there’s something for everyone. We ended up getting a barbecue parfait, acai bowls, cupcake pops, and some hummus /​dips for home.
They even had entertainment; a rock band was playing live. They weren’t bad, we enjoyed them. They were playing classic rock.
It can get crowded in certain areas of the farmers market, but people are, generally, mindful of personal space and courteous.
All in all, it’s a nice farmers market and one of our favorite ones in San Diego.

I think this beats other Farmers Markets due to location (you can take your goods to the beach and enjoy the view!) and timing (weekend farmers markets are typically during the day and too hot for my liking).
My girl friend suggested we check this out instead of going to a restaurant. Very glad we did.
We enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches from Mad Munch. BOMB. You need to try this if you love cheese! They have a menu of different types of grilled cheese goodness. You can get bacon, ranch, hash browns, chives, and other God given delights grilled into your sandwich.
The location also makes it that more interesting because of the demographic. Ocean Beach, you know and love the stereotype.
If you go at closing time, you may be able to snag some deals. For example, my girl friend and I got a bundle of rainbow carrots for $ 1 when we were walking back to the car at the end of the night, they were originally $ 2 when we initially walked by.
Minus 1 star due to sucky parking and too cramped and tight with the crowd. I also do notice that «local» products are so much more expensive. I get there is quality in a lot of items and its great to support small local businesses, but I do feel there is a line that needs to be drawn between support and getting ripped off. (Just saying).
ANYWAYS, I hope to come back to enjoy more of what this little market offers while watching the sunset at the pier.

I thought this was going to be more of a produce farmers market but there is a lot more going on than that! There are quite a few places to eat, the tamale stand looked popular. Also a good amount of craft and clothes stands. A few people playing music. The market is nicely set up in two rows, so just walk down both sides of the side walk and you won’t miss anything!
Overall its a fun place to hang out if you happen to be in the area and are looking for a casual bite to eat. I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here again for the produce, there is just not that big of a selection compared to other farmers markets.
Street parking in OB is not too bad but be prepared to have to park a few blocks away.

Great selection and great prices! And can’t beat going to a farmers market with an ocean view!

Ocean Beach! My home town…
Farmers Market every Wednesday from 4 – 7 (4 – 8 during summer). Here are some tips to make your visit to the market (as well as everyone else’s) enjoyable…
Please leave your dog at home (but I know you won’t cause you’re a douche who can’t follow rules)
If you must bring your dog, please make sure it is friendly and please pick up it’s shit. (I have seen my fair share of dogs biting people/​dog shit smeared all over the sidewalk during the market)
Do not bring your guitar/​bongos/​butt whistle etc. Nobody wants to hear your hippy banter
MOST IMPORTANTLY: DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS. DO NOT GIVE THEM MONEY. DO NOT EVEN LOOK AT THEM!
Do: Eat a lobster roll from Wicked Maine Lobster
Do: Get a Vietnamese iced coffee from Saigon Coffee
Do: Visit the mushroom lady. (Fresh morrels!!!)
Do: Get there early– by 5pm you wont be able to walk 10 feet without getting pan handled/​inhailing insence/​stepping in dog shit.
ENJOY!

This farmer’s market isn’t as packed as the Little Italy one. And there aren’t as many fresh produce vendors. Lots of food tho! Good food! And awesome crafts.
It’s maybe a block long. Not that much but you don’t need that much. It’s fun and intimate. There are performers and flowers everywhere! We like to walk over here Wednesday nights and have dinner while catching the sunset. There’s always something new to try.
It’s not shoulder to shoulder so take your time strolling. If you do drive, it’s free parking at CVS for 90 min. Option C.

My first time here and I would come back if in the area.
They start off in early afternoon and take up a few blocks. Quite a few of the booths were Arts & Crafts type stuff and much of the food is driven by the area: lot of «gluten free» and vegan. I even saw chips made from kale.
Much of the regular food was the same. There were several booths selling strawberries, at least three selling their version of flavored hummus. Fresh vegetables were limited as were large assortments of fruits. There were probably five booths with fresh flowers but really nothing special about them. And there were a number of booths selling cooked food anything from BBQ to Indian Food.
Having been to several Farmers Markets, this one is just average. Far better than a few but for my money, nothing beats the Farmers Market in Hillcrest. This one is lacking in variety. Just too much of the same thing over and over again.
Note: I was really shocked at the lack of any recycling containers. So many of the vendors sell their prepared or cooked foods in recyclable containers which is great, but there is no place to dispose of them properly. There are countless trash containers on the sidewalks lining the market, but not one recyclable container. So sad especially since so many of these people seem to want healthy lifestyles. Just remember, healthy lifestyle also includes recycling.
If you’re in the area give them a try. Parking is somewhat of a challenge. But I highly recommend trying the market in Hillcrest on the weekends.

The food choices are amazing. Option overload. Wish I had enough space in my stomach to try everything. Definitely something for type of diet (vegan, gluten free, omnivore. etc).
Try the sea urchin, so amazing and fresh.
Actually try everything. I dare you.