Your Guide To Shopping The Best Farmers Markets In Santa Barbara County
When it comes to food, the farmers’ market delivers memorable culinary adventures and provides the high quality you deserve.
The weekly markets are the perfect spots for those looking to learn, savor and explore the region’s abundant selection of organic agricultural products and appealing farm-fresh produce.
The lively outdoor markets give visitors a chance to see booths overflowing with delicious veggies and fruits, plus, you’ll be eating organic and buying local.
The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market Association run these popular markets and each spot has its own unique character, selection, and size. The farmers’ market is the ideal daytime place for foodies visiting the area.
Fun fact: Santa Barbara’s first-ever farmers’ market was held at the Santa Barbara Mission in 1979, making it one of the first 20 farmer’s markets in the State of California.
Here’s the farmers’ market selection to add to your Santa Barbara travels, and don’t forget your reusable bags — bigger is better because you can fit more goodies inside!
Photo courtesy of Instagram user @farmbelly
Downtown Santa Barbara
Saturday
This farmers’ market offers an appealing collection of homegrown eats, farm-raised meats, artisan bread, and other mouth-watering choices. SPOILER ALERT: the pies and jams are to die for, and perfect for the holiday season. The food market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday on the corner of Cota and Santa Barbara streets in Santa Barbara.
Fishermen’s Market
Saturday
Delicious crab, halibut, shrimp, lingcod, rockfish, black cod, urchin, abalone and other quality catch of the day items are debuted at this open-air fish market in Santa Barbara. You don’t want to miss this weekly event. The market has fresh, responsibly-caught seafood right off the boat. Commercial Fishermen Of Santa Barbara host the market from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday on the City Pier in the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Camino Real Marketplace
Sunday
There are several reasons why locals call Goleta the “Goodland,” and this farmers’ market is just one slice. Goleta is a flourishing agricultural district, ripe for year-round produce and many agricultural producers only travel less than 10 miles to get here. It serves up everything. The gathering occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Sunday at the Camino Real Marketplace, 7004 Market Place Drive in Goleta.
Santa Barbara Old Town
Tuesday
This food market is nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. It’s energetic and conveniently located near various bars, as well as Santa Barbara’s best outdoor dining. You’ll see people of all ages pulling their wagons on the street and more than 50 different agricultural offerings. This farmers’ market is the perfect place to spend a Tuesday afternoon. The market runs 4 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday along the 500 and 600 blocks of Santa Barbara’s State Street.
Solvang
Wednesday
Some of the freshest produce is available at this friendly attraction. It’s a destination spot for colorful flowers, bread, muffins, pasta, pies, and a variety of fruits and veggies. Solvang is a place to cultivate relationships with your food sources. The Solvang Certified Farmers’ Market takes place from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Copenhagen Drive and 1st Street.
Carpinteria Market
Thursday
This laid-back grocery shopping experience features an abundance of food that will add freshness to your life. If you’re in Carpinteria, stop by — just imagine blueberries the color of the deep ocean. Cherimoyas, avocados, and citrus are plentiful in this cute beach town. The market is open between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. every Thursday in downtown Carpinteria along Linden Street.
Montecito Market
Friday
This farmers’ market is serving up big flavor and you’ll definitely get hands-on experience with local farmers. I know, it’s Friday, and the last thing you probably want to do is wake up early. But, this market is worth it! The market runs 8 to 11:25 a.m. every Friday along the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Coast Village Road.