A local's guide to the Hillcrest Farmers Market — the city's largest, every Sunday with 175+ vendors and amazing international food.
Overview
If you ask me where to spend a San Diego Sunday morning, this is my answer. The Hillcrest Farmers Market is the big one — over 175 vendors, more than 10,000 people a week, and a reputation as the best farmers market in the county. But what keeps me coming back isn't just the size; it's the food. This is hands-down the best international street-food grazing in the city, set right in the vibrant heart of Hillcrest, with live music and that easy Sunday-morning energy. Come hungry and give yourself a couple of hours.
Quick Facts
- What: San Diego's largest farmers market — produce, international street food, flowers, arts and crafts, and live music
- When: Every Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., year-round, rain or shine (and on holidays)
- Where: University Ave between Herbert St and Park Blvd, Hillcrest (map to 1601 University Ave)
- Cost: Free to wander
- My pro move: Eat your way through the prepared-food stalls first, then shop for produce on the way out so it's not sitting in the sun
What Makes It Special
Two things set Hillcrest apart from every other market in town. First, the scale — it opened back in 1997 with just 27 vendors and has grown into the city's largest, drawing well over 10,000 people every single Sunday. Second, and my favorite, the prepared food, which leans hard into international cuisine. Wandering the stalls is basically a low-key food crawl through a dozen countries: you'll find everything from coconut pancakes and baklava to fresh-pressed juices and global street eats, and grazing your way down the rows is half the fun.
It also just feels like Hillcrest — welcoming, lively, and a little eclectic, with local musicians playing throughout and a crowd that's pure San Diego. A lot of the participating California farmers grow organically or without pesticides, so the produce is genuinely good, too.
What You'll Find
- Locally grown produce — in-season fruit and vegetables, much of it organic or pesticide-free
- An international food court — the prepared and hot-food lineup is the headliner, with a global spread you can make a whole brunch out of
- Fresh flowers and plants — a Hillcrest market staple
- Arts, crafts, and gifts — handmade goods, clothing, and finds from local makers
- Live music — local performers setting the Sunday tone
- Market Bucks — the market's own gift certificates ($5 and $10), named for two Hillcrest pioneers, available at the Info Booth if you want to gift the experience
Good to Know
- It's in a temporary spot right now. While the new Normal Street Promenade — the market's future permanent home — is built, the market has relocated to University Ave between Herbert St and Park Blvd. Map to 1601 University Ave and you'll find it.
- No pets. California health code classifies farmers markets as food facilities, so leave the dog at home (service animals are welcome).
- Parking is free on Sundays on the streets around Hillcrest, plus the DMV lot at Normal St and Lincoln Ave, the area south of University off Robinson Ave, and the post office lot on Cleveland St.
- Transit works well — the 1, 7, 10, 11, and 215 bus routes all pass nearby.
- Bring a tote and some cash — you'll want both.
It's one of the most quintessentially San Diego ways to spend a Sunday morning. For more around town, browse our full event calendar. And if a morning in Hillcrest has you curious about one of the city's most walkable, vibrant neighborhoods, our Hillcrest neighborhood guide is a great place to start.