After visiting one of the Bay Area’s best farmers markets, you’ll never want to go to an indoor grocery store ever again. While there are many farmers markets around the South Bay, we’ve rounded up the ones that stand out from the rest as the cream of the crop. Here are the neighborhoods where you can find them. 

Mountain View

Courtesy of Visit Silicon Valley

The Mountain View Farmers Market is one of the best in the South Bay, hands down. Why? First of all, it’s one of the largest in the entire state of California, so you have plenty of fresh selections when it comes to produce, cooked food, baked goods, fresh flowers, and more. In fact, there are more than 80 farm stands on any given Sunday, and you can visit them between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Second of all, unlike some farmers markets, this one is open throughout the whole year, so you can always get in-season fruits no matter what time of year. If you’re passing through Mountain View or happen to live near the area, it’s a market worth checking out. 

San Mateo

Photo by Jeremy Lee / Courtesy of Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association

The San Mateo Farmers Market is located at the College of San Mateo on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The selection of stands is huge, and you’ll find everything from farm-fresh produce to local honey and cheeses. The prices are also very reasonable, and you’ll likely start replacing your Whole Foods excursions with trips to this farmers market. Plus, a few food trucks stop by here every week, so after shopping for produce, you can grab a bite of lunch. Keep in mind that parking can at times be in short supply, so be sure to plan ahead and visit earlier in the day. Or if you live in San Mateo, skip the car and walk over to the market. 

Sunnyvale

Courtesy of Urban Village Farmers Market Association

Live in or near Sunnyvale? Be sure to visit the Sunnyvale Farmers Market. On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the corner of Washington and Murphy Avenues in Sunnyvale is alive with the excitement of healthy people and happy farmers. In addition to all the fresh produce and free samples, you can enjoy live music, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities. You can also go home with fresh baked goods and cooked food, including delicious options from Acme Bread and Flying Falafel.

Campbell

Courtesy of Downtown Campbell

When the Downtown Campbell Farmers Market comes to town on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the entire downtown area is overtaken by local farmers. People often call this market one of the best in the region because in addition to fresh produce you’ll see live musicians, participate in craft activities, and pick up a huge bag of fresh kettle corn—it’s more like a fun carnival than a farmers market. Plus, parking isn’t as much of a struggle here in Campbell as it can be in other cities. Don’t forget to bring home a tub of Hummus Guy’s organic hummus. 

San Jose

Courtesy of San Jose Downtown Association

There are quite a few farmers markets in San Jose, but many residents would argue that the Downtown San Jose Farmers Market is one of the best. Keep in mind that this farmers market is seasonal, so you can only visit during the summer. But when you do, you’ll find heaping piles of fresh blueberries, tomatoes, beans, bell peppers, squash, figs, grapefruit, and whatever else is in season. Stop by 1 N. San Pedro St. on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., anytime between May and November.