As someone who loves to cook, I know that the perfect meal begins with fresh, quality ingredients that tantalize the taste buds. Fresh vegetables, spices, and sauces take a bland meal and turn it into a sensual experience that makes your mouth water.
In Orange County, we are at the center of countless local farms and businesses that focus on providing families with the freshest ingredients in the state of California.
Not to mention, who doesn’t love supporting local businesses?
As the weather heats up and we get ready for summer, it’s time to get outside and enjoy every piece of the outdoors that Orange County has to offer.
In every corner of the county, you can find a farmers market that gives you a farm-to-table experience, without the hassle of traveling hours in your car to find it. Six days a week, you can visit a farmers market for the perfect homemade salsa, tastiest avocados, and an endless supply of spices to take your meals from “welp” to “wow!”
Here are 6 farmers markets in Orange County, each on a separate day of the week, so you can plan your trip to fresh food nirvana.
Irvine
Every Sunday at Great Park, the city of Irvine hosts the Certified Farmers Market, featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables for sale.
But they don’t just stop at produce.
If you’re a weekend gardener in Orange County, this is the farmers market for you.
Irvine’s market has a Farm + Food Lab, where you can get home gardening tips from master gardeners in the area. These master gardeners hail from the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California. They know their stuff.
And best of all, the Farm + Food Lab is free.
Who knows? You might even find enough tips to start your own vegetable farm in your backyard and become a master gardener yourself.
Huntington Beach
We do things a little differently here in Orange County. The picturesque weather year-round allows us that luxury.
On Tuesday Nights, Huntington Beach hosts “Surf City Nights”, a farmers market and community street fair right in the heart of downtown.
Right on the beach, Main Street shuts down across three blocks to host this weekly party celebrating the community. Bustling lanes fill with vendors, local artisans, games for kids, and live music. You’ve got fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, fish, and bread all for sale at the farmers market. Merchant tents carry artwork from all walks of life, handmade candles, and handcrafted wood displays.
It’s an extravagant collection that celebrates the brilliance of Surf City all in one night.
And since this community event is from 5-9pm every Tuesday, you can catch a gorgeous California sunset while sipping on a margarita. Win-win.
Fullerton
Believed to be the oldest farmers market in Orange County, get a taste of tradition at the Fullerton Certified Farmers Market at the Fullerton Community Center every Wednesday morning from 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Beginning in 1981, this farmers market carries a vast array of produce not found in your local supermarket. Everything from fruits and vegetables, to orchids and nuts, Fullerton does a wonderful job of showcasing what each local business has to offer.
There’s even farmers and vendors here that travel all the way from Fresno and Brawley to show off their goods, giving you an even larger taste of the great food available in the entire state of California.
Costa Mesa
Love food trucks?
Then go visit Costa Mesa’s Farmers Market, open every Thursday from 9am-1pm at the Orange County Fairgrounds.
Every week, this market hosts a food truck hub within the fairgrounds, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal while perusing all of the fresh produce to take home.
Here you’ll find plenty of greens, potatoes, and Orange County’s specialty of citrus fruits. And since everything is housed within the famous Orange County Fairgrounds, you’ll have plenty of room to relax before heading home to prepare dinner for the family.
San Juan Capistrano
How about a farmers market hosted by an actual farm located in Orange County?
Farmakis Farms in San Juan Capistrano has you covered.
Every Friday from 9am-1pm, Farmakis hosts their farmers market. Not only do they have fresh fruit and vegetables sourced right from their farm, but they also invite plenty of local vendors and businesses to showcase their goods. That includes fresh fish, artisan breads, and small-batch foods.
Plus, 4 times a year, Farmakis hosts a craft fair, offering a variety of jewelry, candles, soaps, and more for sale.
And, in the winter, you can cut down your own California Monterey Pine Christmas Tree at their Christmas Tree Season.
Year-round fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Cypress
Our farmers market spotlight could not be complete without highlighting the city that we call home.
Every Saturday from 9am-2pm, Cypress hosts their Certified Farmers Market at Cottonwood Church on the corner of Katella and Lexington.
Yes, of course, they have plenty of fresh produce to choose from. But the real highlight? Award-winning and absolutely delectable tamales and honey.
With over 20+ vendors every week, you can find everything you need for your next cookout or family dinner. Grab some hummus for an appetizer, sliced meats for the barbecue with locally crafted hot sauce, and european-style yogurt for dessert.
As one of the more eclectic mixes of vendors, you get a taste of so many different cultures that make our community diverse and special.
Recap
And if these six farmers markets aren’t in your area or too much of a drive, be sure to visit Orange County’s register of farmers markets, where you can find every market in the county at your disposal.
The best part of living in Orange County is the breadth of opportunity and recreation at your disposal, and our farmers markets showcase that bounty for all to share together.
So bring your grocery bags and appetites, and explore all of the local produce to take your cooking to the next level. We can’t wait to see you out there!
