Throughout the week, Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Markets take place in several neighborhoods, featuring produce and products from local farms and small-scale food producers. The setup varies by location, but most markets include fresh fruits and vegetables, regional specialties and prepared foods made with ingredients grown nearby.
Stalls line walkable streets and sunny plazas, surrounded by live music and unique boutiques. Browse bunches of flowers wrapped in brown paper, stacks of fresh bread or coolers filled with small-batch cheeses and grass-fed meats. Some stands focus on pantry goods — like pickled vegetables, honey or nut butters — while others serve live mussels harvested right from the shores or cups of fresh-pressed juice. What’s available changes throughout the year, with something new in every season.
Tuesday | Old Town Santa Barbara
600-800 blocks of State Street
3-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday | Solvang
400 block of 1st Street
2:30-6 p.m.
Thursday | Carpinteria
800 block of Linden Avenue
2:30-6 p.m.
Friday | Montecito
1100-1200 blocks of Coast Village Road
8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Saturday | Downtown Santa Barbara
00 W. and 00 E. blocks of Carrillo Street & 900-1000 blocks of State Street
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday | Camino Real Marketplace
7004 Marketplace Dr., Goleta
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What to Expect at Santa Barbara Farmers Markets
Markets are held outdoors and vary in size, from larger weekend events to smaller weekday gatherings. All are easy to visit while exploring the city, and each reflects the agricultural diversity of Santa Barbara’s farms. Spring and summer tend to feature berries, tomatoes, herbs and leafy greens. Fall brings apples, squash and root vegetables. And citrus, avocados, eggs and handcrafted artisan goods are usually available year-round. Find vendors that focus on organic or sustainably grown produce and learn all about where and how their products are made.
U-Pick Farms & Roadside Stands
In addition to farmers markets, Santa Barbara is home to several farms that welcome visitors during the harvest season. These U-pick experiences typically focus on one or two crops — like apples or berries — and give you the chance to pluck your own produce straight from the field or orchard. U-pick is usually seasonal and weather dependent, so it’s worth checking ahead for availability and timing. Some farms also operate small roadside stands where you can purchase what’s in season without walking the fields. These often include farm-grown veggies, fruit, herbs, flowers and artisanal items like ice cream, jams or olive oil.
Planning Your Visit
Days, times and vendor offerings can vary, so check out the upcoming markets listed below to see what’s happening while you’re in town. Whether you’re looking to pick up ingredients for a picnic, browse regional specialties or just see what’s growing here in the Central Coast, farmers markets and Santa Barbara farms are an easy way to connect with local food during your visit.