This year, San Francisco was rated the “Healthiest City in the United States” by Women’s Health and Men’s Health Magazines. Congratulations to the City by the Bay!
We are not surprised to hear of this new accolade. San Franciscans walk throughout their city, enjoy hiking and biking on the weekends, and have access to the beautiful produce from Northern California. And what better way to continue a healthy lifestyle than by visiting a local San Francisco Farmer’s Market? To help our CISL students eat and shop healthy while studying English in San Francisco, we have provided a list of San Francisco’s Farmer’s Markets. Every day of the week, CISL students have an opportunity to enjoy the local produce, meats, fish, cheeses, honey, and flowers from Northern California . . . and visit many SF neighborhoods in the process!
CISL GUIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO FARMERS’ MARKETS
Alemany Farmer’s Market (Mission/Bernal Heights)
Founded in 1943, this market is the first farmer’s market in California. It is known affectionately as the “people’s market” because of its low prices and its rich history in the area.
Saturdays: Dawn to Dusk
100 Alemany Blvd.
415-647-2043
Bayview Hunters Point Farmer’s Market (SOMA/Potrero Hill)
BBQ chicken and ribs? Tortillas and carne asada? Two dollar tacos? Perhaps Bayview is more than just a farmer’s market: locals agree that this is the place to get a delicious lunch! After lunch, make sure to grab some meats and produce to make a tasty dinner.
Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bayview Opera House/Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre
4705 Third St.
415-824-0386
A Wednesday night market is the perfect place to grab produce for some mid-week meals. The Castro Market has over 30 vendors selling local produce, meats, cheeses, honey, flowers, and even soap!
March 14-December 19, 2012
Wednesdays: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Noe St. at Market St.
Crocker Galleria Farmer’s Market (Union Square/Financial District)
Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Crocker Galleria Farmer’s Market. In the nearly two decades since its inception, the market has become one of the best markets in SF: in fact, it was voted the Number One Favorite Farmer’s Market by San Franciscans!
Year-round, Thursdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 7-September 27, Tuesdays: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Crocker Galleria
50 Post St.
415-393-1505
Live bands, local produce, a small market with 20 vendors . . . Divisadero is a great place to stroll around before a delicious American brunch!
Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Grove St. at Divisadero
Enjoy an intimate experience at the Fern Alley Farmer’s Market. It is one of the newest in San Francisco and each month it is growing in its number of vendors!
June 30, 2012-September 15, 2012
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fern St. and Polk St.
Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market (Embarcadero)
In addition to being a great market for local produce, the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market plays a very important role in the San Francisco community. The market is operated by the nonprofit called the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture and has an impressive educational program, including in-market talks and cooking demonstrations, farm tours, cooking classes, and panel discussions.
Year-round
Tuesdays: 10 a.m-2 p.m.
Thursdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturdays: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ferry Building
1 Ferry Plaza
415-291-3276
Are you looking for a small, neighborhood farmer’s market that is tourist-free? Check out the Fillmore! The market is known for two things: being an attraction for locals, and having outstanding prices.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
O’Farrell at Fillmore, and Fillmore Center Plaza
Fort Mason Farmer’s Market (Marina)
Fresh, local products AND the close proximity to the ocean make the Fort Mason Farmer’s Market a favorite of locals. Like the Fillmore Market, many tourists avoid this location: check it out and feel like a real San Franciscan!
Year-round
Sundays: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Fort Mason Center, Marina and Buchanan
Hop on the BART and end up here! This market is located in the BART parking lot of Glen Park, which makes getting to and from the market a snap!
April 1-November 25
Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Glen Park BART Station parking lot at Bosworth and Arlington
Heart of the City Farmer’s Market (Civic Center)
Since 1981, this market has been serving up local produce for San Franciscans. Over 30 years later, it is still a market that is adored by many. The market is known for its many 100% organic produce stands and assortment of Asian produce.
Year-round
Sundays: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesdays: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Fridays: 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
United Nations Plaza, Market St., between Seventh and Eighth Streets
415-558-9455
Inner Sunset Farmer’s Market(Inner Sunset)
Are you looking for something to do on Sunday morning? Stroll down to the Inner Sunset Farmer’s Market for a delicious and relaxing Sunday experience. Local musicians are always present at this market. so it is a great place to relax and people watch.
Year-round
Sundays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
8th Ave., between Judah and Irving St. in the parking lot between 8th and 9th Avenues
Urban Table Farmer’s Market (Downtown)
Urban Table Farmers’ Markets is a nonprofit organization based in California. Its purpose is to establish certified farmer’s markets in the Bay Area, and the organization supports locally-grown produce and local farmers. In addition, the organization supports local chefs and entrepreneurs: throughout the week, when the vendors are not selling produce, this market has a great selection of food trucks! Follow them on Twitter for updates on who will be serving up delicious foods.
Year-round
Fridays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
66 Mint St. at the corner of Fifth and Mission Streets
*Food trucks available Monday-Friday year-round, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (follow them on )
Mission Bay locals had long wanted a market, and they got their wish when the Mission Bay Farmer’s Market opened at the University of California, San Francisco. Tour the campus and do some shopping all in one trip!
April 11, 2012-December 12, 2012
Wednesdays: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Gene Friend Way between 3rd and 4th Streets
Mission Community Market / Mercado Comunitario De La Mission (Mission)
Like many of the other markets in San Francisco, the Mission Community Market is more than just a place to buy local goods: the market is designed to celebrate the colorful Mission District’s diversity through vendors, youth activities, and interactive art displays. Come prepared to involve yourself in this vibrant community!
Thursdays: 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Bartlett St. at 22nd St.
Noe Valley Farmer’s Market (Noe Valley)
This entire market is run by volunteers! Join in with a group of people who love locally-grown produce and good music by San Franciscan artists. Or better yet . . . become a volunteer yourself! It is a great way to practice English (and perhaps get some free, fresh fruit!)
Year-round
Saturdays: 8 a.m -1 p.m., live music at 10 a.m.
3861 24th St. between Vicksburg and Sanchez Streets
415-248-1332