The idea that fresh food is better than stuff loaded with preservatives isn't that complicated. Finding fresh food, especially in the city, can seem complex, though. If you're on a tight budget, affordable health foods, including fresh fruits and veggies are especially hard to come by.
That's what Farmers Markets are for! The fresh foods you can find at farmers markets are great for most diets that help with weight loss and healthy living.
You can seasonal fresh foods in Farmers Markets in LA year-round.
The Best Farmers Markets in LA
Farmers Market #1: Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market
Location: 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Days and Times: Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
Months Open: Year-round.
What's Here: There are 35 farmers, all the produce is grown locally and picked the day before. This market has been going strong since 1992.
How to Get There: Park near Cloverfield Blvd. and Pico Blvd.
Farmers Market #2: Motor Avenue Farmers Market
Location: Motor Avenue & National Boulevard (Accessible for Palms, Cheviot Hills, Beverlywood)
Days and Times: Sundays from 9am to 2pm.
Months Open: Year-round.
What's Here: The produce is locally grown by farmers who strive to use fewer pesticides and other polluting agents. There’s live music every week, a weekly raffle, and more.
How to Get There: Free parking at the IMAN Center around the corner at 3376 Motor Avenue.
Farmers Market #3: South Pasadena Farmers Market
Location: Meridian Ave. and El Centro St. next to the Metro Gold Line South Pasadena Station.
Days and Times: Thursday from 4pm to 8pm (Except during fall and winter, when it closes at 7pm.)
Months Open: Year-round.
What's Here: The food is freshly grown in California. The market is located in a historic area.
How to Get There: Free public parking in the Mission Meridian Parking lot, just north. Parking is sometimes available in the school district parking lot.
Farmers Market #4: Burbank Certified Farmers Market
Location: E. Olive Ave. and S. Glenoaks Blvd.
Days and Times: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Months Open: Year-round.
What's Here: Several growers offer certified organic produce. Items like honey and potted plants are also available. To help you get the protein you need to build muscle, check out the grass-fed meat offerings too.
How to Get There: There’s free parking at Small Lot at Olive & Glenoaks, but that gets crowded. You can also park in the Fire Station Lot at Orange Grove & Glenoaks, or the City Hall Parking Lot at Third & Orange Grove, or find Street Parking.
Farmers Market #5: The Downtown Manhattan Beach Farmers Market
Location: Metlox Plaza behind Shade Hotel.
Days and Times: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5:00 p.m. during the summer months.)
Months Open: Year-round.
What's Here: There are more than 200 farmers and businesses at this market, many of which offer organic, gluten-free, plant-based, international foods.
How to Get There: There are multiple lots nearby. Click here for more information.
Make the Most of Farmers Markets in LA
You can find a complete list of farmers markets in LA here. Make the most of any market you try by remembering to bring:
- Cash- some growers can’t take credit cards
- Your own bags
- An umbrella or sunglasses- many markets are rain or shine
- Questions and a sense of adventure
Want to branch out your diet and your fitness plan? Try our 28 Day Adventure Guide!
