Nestled in one of the USA’s most abundant agricultural areas, San Francisco is home to some of the nation’s first farmers’ markets. With more local markets across all of the city’s neighborhoods than one could ever hope to patronize, San Francisco’s markets also give back to the community, supporting civic education and local music. Likewise, the Bay Area is no stranger to food trucks, pop-up markets and gourmet food products. Here are 10 farmers’ markets well worth visiting if you’re in San Francisco.
Located inside the Ferry Building across a number of handsomely furnished specialty food stalls and vendors is the Ferry Building Marketplace. With delicacies ranging from locally pressed olive oils (with exotic flavors like mandarin orange and chili pepper) to fresh juices and gluten-free baked goods, the Ferry Building Marketplace gives New York’s Chelsea Market a run for its money as one of the country’s premier urban delicacy markets. After shopping for gourmet cheeses and flowers, visitors can choose from a range of sit-down establishments, including cafés, restaurants, delis and coffee shops, to settle into and watch the passers-by boarding and disembarking the ferries. Located adjacent to the tri-weekly farmers’ market held in front of the Ferry Building, the marketplace is a go-to location for upscale foods and goods.
One of San Francisco’s most colorful neighborhoods also sports one of the city’s more energetic and eclectic markets. Alongside the standard set of fruits and vegetables, the Castro Farmers’ Market also stocks local honey, meats, seafood and local soaps.