Irvine Farmers Market

Thirty years after it first opened, and 10 years after it relocated from the University Center near UC Irvine to a spacious parking area at Mariners Church, the Irvine Farmers Market remains one of the county’s very best outdoor markets. Even in colder months (say, November) when farmers markets elsewhere in the country are non-operational, this location offers the community access to tons of fresh, locally-grown produce, as well as vendors selling everything from flowers, tamales, and honey to musubi, aguas frescas, crepes, and coffee.

Considerably larger than the Great Park Farmers Market, which operates on Sundays, the Irvine Farmers Market is officially open for four hours on Saturday mornings: 8am to 12pm. Parking is free, and though you’ll likely pay higher-than-supermarket prices for produce purchased here, the quality and variety of specific fruits (particularly citrus) and nuts (including numerous glazed versions) tend to be comparatively excellent. Bring cash, a reusable bag or two, and an empty stomach.