A great meal starts with great ingredients: California extra virgin olive oil, fruits and vegetables harvested that morning, artisan cheese and a crusty loaf of freshly baked bread. You can find all of these at local farmers markets in the Bay Area. But the best are about more than just food. They’re about art, music, supporting small businesses and bringing people together.
If you’re searching for your next day trip, these Bay Area farmers markets are worth the drive.
Modesto Certified Farmers Market
The rich farmland surrounding Modesto produces a dazzling array of fresh foods including almonds, stone fruit, olives, walnuts, dairy and more. It’s not surprising, then, that the year-round Modesto Certified Farmers Market has been regarded as one of the finest markets in the Bay Area for decades. Handcrafted cheese, local Sciabica’s California olive oil and fresh produce are offered alongside handcrafted goods like artisan soaps and textiles. The market also offers free family-friendly activities like children’s crafts, live music, raffles and giveaways. As an added bonus, downtown Modesto is home to over 100 works of public art, so be sure to take a walk around to check out the sculptures and murals once you’ve had your fill of all the goodies on display at the market.
The Modesto Certified Farmers Market accepts CalFresh/EBT via a coin exchange system — find it at the information booth. There is a $5 minimum. The market also matches up to $10 through the MarketMatch program. Vendors at the market also accept checks from WIC, FMNP and SFMNP programs.
The market is open on Thursdays (summer only), 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; Saturdays, (year round), 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Find it: Modesto Certified Farmers Market, 16th Street between H and I streets, Modesto, CA 95354; 209-390-9098
Sunday Marin Farmers Market
The 200 farmers, artists and specialty food makers that come to San Rafael, CA every weekend help make the Sunday Marin Farmers Market one of the largest in the state. If you’re on the hunt for something, from hemp seeds to Argentinian sweets, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. One must-stop booth is Star Route Farms, where you can buy herbs, leafy greens, edible flowers and seasonal vegetables from the oldest continually certified organic farm in California. To make a day of it, after you leave the market head to China Camp State Park, where you’ll find gorgeous hiking trails and what remains of a Chinese shrimp-fishing village dating back to the 1800s.
The Sunday Marin Farmers Market accepts CalFresh/EBT via a token exchange at the information booth. The MarketMatch program will provide up to $10 of matching tokens. You can also use your CalFresh/EBT card towards a purchase of a Rollin Root box or Bounty Box of fresh produce. To reserve a box, enter in your EBT card number into the website in advance; you’ll receive a $10 discount (just be sure to bring your physical card so they can swipe it when you arrive for pickup). Sunday Marin Farmers Market vendors accept checks from WIC, FMNP and SFMNP programs.
The market is open every Sunday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Find it: Sunday Marin Farmers Market, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903; 415-472-6100
An array of peppers on display at the Healdsburg Farmers Market.
Courtesy of Healdsburg Farmers MarketHealdsburg Farmers’ Market
Fans of Healdsburg’s world-renowned dining scene will find it no surprise that this little town is host to some of the most delicious produce in the state. At the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market you’ll find fragrant flowers, cheese, honey, ranch-raised meats and fresh seafood, among other things. Seek out Fidel’s Gourmet Growers for a mixed basket of fresh mushrooms, then linger in front of the stage for live music or a cooking demonstration. Afterward, walk over to the Banshee Winery tasting room to pick up a bottle of their famous pinot noir to accompany whatever you’ve got planned for dinner.
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market accepts CalFresh/EBT. Bring your card to the information booth to receive up to $20 in matching funds. Vendors also accept WIC, FMNP, and SFMNP checks.
The market is open Saturdays, mid-April through the end of December, from 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., one block off the Healdsburg Plaza in the West Plaza Parking Lot. From mid-May through the end of September, the market can be found on the Healdsburg Plaza itself, which is at the intersection of Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Be sure to check the website to confirm the locations and dates.)
Find it: Healdsburg Farmers’ Market, Healdsburg, CA 95448; 707-824-8717
Fresh vegetables for sale on market stall Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nikada/Getty ImagesOld Oakland Farmers’ Market
The Old Oakland Farmers’ Market has been going strong for more than 25 years. The market is a feast for the eyes with brightly colored flowers, produce and artworks offered in Oakland’s charming historic district. Oakland is a lively city, and live music at the market lends to the party-like atmosphere. The market borders Oakland’s Chinatown and many of the vendors stock ingredients used in Asian cuisine. While you’re in The Town, build in time to stroll the waterfront around Jack London Square, or make a whole day of it to check out the best places to eat and drink in Oakland.
The Old Oakland Farmers’ Market accepts CalFresh/EBT. Head to the information booth to receive up to $10 in matching funds. Vendors also accept VeggieRx prescription vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables and checks from WIC, FMNP and SFMNP programs.
The Old Oakland Farmers’ Market is open every Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for Native American Heritage Day.
Pro tip: Oakland has several farmers markets dotted throughout the city. To explore all the best local produce and cuisine, why not string a few together? Other favorites include the Grand Lake Farmers Market and Temescal Farmers’ Market.
Find it: Old Oakland Farmers’ Market, at the intersection of 9th Street and Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Davis Farmers Market
This farmers market is a bustling social hub in the university town of Davis. The surrounding Central Valley is a top producer of tomatoes, almonds, grapes, rice and other produce — you can find all that and more at the Davis Farmers Market. Each Wednesday, the market throws a “Picnic in the Park,” a celebration of community with live music, children’s entertainment, pony rides and plenty of food trucks. Wine is available from Heringer Estates, or you can bring your own and enjoy it with a picnic on the grass.
The Davis Farmers Market accepts CalFresh/EBT at the information booth and offers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10. Vendors also accept checks from WIC, FMNP and SFMNP programs.
The market is open every Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Its Picnic in the Park series is open Wednesday, 4-8 p.m., mid-May through mid-September and 3-6 p.m. mid-September through mid-May.
Find it: Davis Farmers Market, Central Park, intersection of 5th Street and B Street, Davis, CA 95616
A woman picks out grapes at a farmers market stand.
Jupiterimages/Getty ImagesBerkeley Farmers’ Markets
The East Bay community of Berkeley makes fresh food accessible with three year-round farmers markets dotted across the city, where you’ll find potted plants, fresh cut flowers, honey, jam, baked goods, produce, meat, tofu and more. What really makes the markets special are its unique community events, which include everything from live music to outdoor yoga classes. After sampling pastries and fresh fruit and veggies, be sure to save room to check out some of Berkeley’s best restaurants.
All of the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets accept CalFresh/EBT. Present your card at the information booth and receive up to $10 in matching funds. Vendors also accept checks from WIC, FMNP and SFMNP programs.
Find it: Berkeley Farmers’ Markets, Berkeley, CA, 510-548-3333
Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Downtown, 1947 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
Thursday, 3–7 p.m., North Berkeley, at the intersection of Shattuck Avenue and Vine Street, Berkeley, CA 94709
Tuesday, 2–6:30 p.m., South Berkeley, at the intersection of Adeline and 63rd streets, Berkeley, CA 94703
Downtown San Jose Farmers Market
If you know the way to San Jose, reward yourself with a visit to one of the best farmers markets in the Bay Area. Located in the city’s SoFA District, the Downtown San Jose Farmers Market offers fresh produce and prepared meals like soups, pies and hummus to take home. There are also a number of vendors offering hot foods to be enjoyed on site while you listen to live music or watch a cooking demonstration. While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to take a leisurely stroll through San Jose’s colorful and fragrant Municipal Rose Garden.
The Downtown San Jose Farmers Market accepts CalFresh/EBT. Bring your card to the information booth and receive up to $10 in matching funds through the MarketMatch program. Vendors also accept checks from WiC, FMNP and SFMNP programs.
The market is open on Wednesdays, the beginning of May through mid-November, from 3–7 p.m. Check the website for details.
Find it: Downtown San Jose Farmers Market, 350 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95110; 408-279-1775
This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].
