Santa Cruz County’s rich sandy soil combined with warm sunny days and cool foggy nights create one of the most distinctive geographical areas in California for fruits and vegetables. And there’s no better place to see it all at once than at a weekly farmers market, where fruits and vegetables are the stars of the show. Bringing together local organic farms, small food producers, and an enthusiastic public, Santa Cruz farmers’ markets are festive, community affairs. Tote-bearing shoppers buzz about transformed lots sampling the latest seasonal offerings, chatting with local farmers, and enjoying homemade meals while toe-tapping to live music. From pop-up breakfasts to rare apple varieties, there’s always something new to discover. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite finds to seek out on your next trip to the market.
Want to know where and when all the amazing farmers’ markets are around Santa Cruz County? Jump down to the bottom of this page for a quick list and get shopping!
Blue House Farm
From succulent tomatoes to crisp, leafy greens, this farm stand boasts a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables. Yet, what’s likely to catch your eye is their dazzling display of organic flowers. From May through October, you’ll find brilliant dahlias, sunflowers, tulips, and seasonal bouquets that have been sustainably grown and plucked from their coastal, 50-acre farm.
Where to find them: Westside Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market
Companion Bakeshop
Locally renowned for their soulful sourdough loaves, this bakery got its start baking bread for local farms to include alongside the fresh fruits and vegetables in their CSA boxes. Although they now have their own Westside storefront-which shares a space with Odonata Winery-they’re still a regular at Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets. In addition to gorgeous, deep-hued loaves, you’ll find pastries such as tea cakes, scones, and sourdough croissants.
Where to find them: Each of the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets (see schedule below).
Live Earth Farm
You’re not likely to miss this vibrant stand with overflowing bushels of colorful fruits and vegetables. The farm also welcomes visitors to their Green Valley property with a seasonal farm stand as well as numerous educational programs and workshops for all ages.
Where to find them: Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market; Westside Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market; Felton Farmers’ Market, Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market
Prevedelli Farms
Well-regarded for their apples and berries since 1945 this family-owned Watsonville farm produces over 40 varieties of organic apples. Ever tried a Gold Rush? It looks like a Golden Delicious, but is much more crisp, tart, and sweet. Stop by the downtown market, chat with farmers Chaise or Sam, and discover a favorite, new variety to sink your teeth into.
Where to find them: Seasonally found at Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets
Windmill Farm & Vasquez Farm
Santa Cruz County strawberries are legendary, and these two farms (and others in the area) showcase how special our berries really are. Seek out their market stand for baskets of plump, organic berries. For another, more hands-on strawberry experience, head to the coastal Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport, where an incredibly charming farm stand tempts visitors with fresh fruit cobblers, jams, homemade soups, and delicious berry pies.
Where to find them: Windmill Farms: Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market and Live Oak Farmers’ Market; Vasquez Farms: Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market; Westside Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market; Felton Farmers’ Market
Ashby Confections
It’s not all kale and Brussel sprouts at the market! Ashby Confections lures shoppers with the wafts of its sweet, handmade confections. Owner Jennifer Ashby is happy to offer tastes of fresh truffles, flavored marshmallows, and chocolate bars. Try one of her unique ‘pates de fruits,’ a fresh candy made from local fruits from the market.
Where to find them: Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market
Garden Variety Cheese
A little piece of Basque Country comes to Santa Cruz thanks to this farmstead cheesemaker. Owner Rebecca King studied cheesemaking in the Basque region before founding a 40-acre ranch filled with East Friesian sheep, who munch on pasture grass and spent grain from Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. At the market, you can sample fresh cheeses like feta and fromage blanc, as well as an array of aged raw-sheep- milk cheeses each named after flowers found on the ranch. Be sure to ask for a spoonful of their rich, tangy yogurt!
Where to find them: Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market
Find a Farmers’ Market
Aptos Farmer’s Market
Saturday, 8am-noon, year-round
Location: Cabrillo College; 6500 Soquel Drive
Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, 1-5pm, year-round
Location: Cedar Street and Lincoln Street
Felton Farmers’ Market
Tuesday, 1:30-5:30pm, May-October
Location: 120 Russell Avenue
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Certified Farmers Market
Friday, 8am-4pm, year-round
Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds; 2601 East Lake Avenue
Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 9am-1pm, May-November
Location: Scotts Valley Boys and Girls Club; 5060 Scotts Valley Drive
Watsonville Farmers’ Market
Friday, 2pm-7pm, year-round
Location: Watsonville Plaza; Peck Street and Main Street
Westside Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 9am-1pm, year-round
Location: Mission Street Extension and Western Drive