The Santa Monica Farmers Market runs year-round on Wednesday and Saturday mornings

The Santa Monica Farmers Market operates two days a week: Wednesday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both markets are held at the same location — the parking lot at 1550 Main Street, between Maple and Ocean Park Boulevard, one block south of the pier. The market runs every week throughout the year, though vendor selection and what's in season changes with the months.

This is a certified farmers market, which means the vendors selling produce grew it themselves on farms they own or operate. You won't find resellers or imported goods marked as local. The market draws roughly 50 to 70 vendors on a typical Saturday and fewer on Wednesday, so Saturday mornings tend to be more crowded and have a wider selection.

Parking is available in the same lot where the market operates, though it fills quickly on Saturday mornings. Street parking along Main Street and nearby blocks is also an option. The market is accessible by the Big Blue Bus (lines 1, 2, 3, and 8 stop nearby), and the Santa Monica Pier Bike Path runs directly to the location if you arrive by bicycle.

Key Takeaways

  • The market meets Wednesday afternoons (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturday mornings (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at 1550 Main Street, year-round.
  • All vendors are farmers who grow their own produce, so you're buying directly from the source rather than from middlemen.
  • Saturday mornings have the most vendors and the biggest crowds; Wednesday afternoons are quieter with fewer choices.
  • Cash and cards are both accepted, though some smaller vendors may prefer cash or have a card minimum.
  • Seasonal produce is cheaper and fresher than out-of-season items, so asking vendors what's at peak ripeness saves money.

What produce and products you'll find

The vendors change week to week depending on what's growing, so what's available in January looks different from what's there in July. In spring and summer, you'll find stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots), berries, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and leafy greens. Fall brings apples, pears, grapes, and root vegetables. Winter offers citrus, avocados, kale, and storage crops like potatoes and onions.

Beyond produce, many vendors sell eggs, honey, nuts, baked goods, jams, olive oil, and prepared foods like tamales or fresh juice. A few farmers bring flowers and plants. The exact mix depends on which farmers show up that week — there's no master list of vendors, so part of the experience is discovering what's available when you arrive.

Prices are typically higher than a supermarket for the same item, but the produce is fresher and often picked within the last day or two. Vendors will tell you when something was harvested. If you're looking for the best value, arrive near closing time (6:45 p.m. on Wednesday or 12:45 p.m. on Saturday), when some vendors discount items they don't want to take home.

How to navigate the market and get the most from your visit

The market is laid out in rows across the parking lot, with no fixed vendor positions — farmers set up in different spots each week. Arrive early on Saturday if you want the full selection; by 11 a.m., popular items like berries and tomatoes may be sold out. Wednesday afternoons are less crowded, so you'll have more time to talk with vendors without a line behind you.

Bring cash if possible, though most vendors now accept cards via Square or similar systems. Some smaller farmers still prefer cash or have a $5 or $10 minimum for card purchases. Bring your own bags or boxes — the market provides some bags, but they run out quickly on busy Saturdays. A rolling cart or wagon is useful if you plan to buy a lot.

Talk to the farmers about what's ripe now and what's coming in the next week or two. They know their own harvest schedule and can tell you whether to buy something today or wait a few days for better flavor. Many vendors offer recipes or cooking tips for items you're unfamiliar with. If you see something you like, ask if they'll have it next week — some farmers take special orders.

Parking, accessibility, and getting there

The market lot itself has parking spaces, but they fill by 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Street parking is available on Main Street and the surrounding blocks, though you'll need to check time limits and meter requirements. The lot is flat and paved, so it's accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms are not available at the market itself.

Public transit options include Big Blue Bus lines 1, 2, 3, and 8, which stop within a few blocks. The Santa Monica Pier Bike Path runs directly past the location, making it a natural stop if you're cycling. The address — 1550 Main Street — can be entered into any mapping app for directions from your location.

When to shop for specific items

Berries and stone fruits are best from May through September. Tomatoes peak from July through September. Citrus is at its best from November through April. Root vegetables and storage crops like potatoes, carrots, and squash are available fall through spring. Leafy greens are available year-round but are most abundant in spring and fall.

If you're shopping for a specific item and it's not in season, ask a vendor when they expect to have it. Some farmers grow multiple crops on different schedules, so they may have what you're looking for even if it's not peak season. Asking also helps you plan future visits around what you want to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog to the farmers market?

Leashed dogs are allowed at the market. Keep them close to avoid blocking vendor booths and other shoppers, and be mindful of the heat on warm days — the parking lot has no shade, and pavement gets hot quickly in summer.

Do vendors take EBT or SNAP benefits?

Some vendors accept SNAP/EBT cards, but not all. Look for the "We Accept SNAP" sign at individual booths. The market also participates in the California Nutrition Incentive Program, which doubles the value of SNAP dollars spent on produce at certain farmers markets — ask at the information booth whether Santa Monica participates that week.

What if I want to buy in bulk or order ahead?

Some farmers take orders for larger quantities if you ask them directly at their booth. Get their contact information and call or text ahead of your next visit. This works especially well for items like eggs, honey, or seasonal produce you want in volume.

Is the market open on holidays?

The market typically closes on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Check the Santa Monica Farmers Market website or call ahead if you're planning a holiday visit.

Can I return produce if it goes bad quickly?

Return policies vary by vendor. Some will replace items that spoil within a day or two if you bring them back; others won't. Ask the vendor about their policy when you buy. Storing produce correctly — in the refrigerator for most items, at room temperature for tomatoes and avocados — helps it last longer.