Local Food Halls & Public Markets
San Diego’s famously accommodating weather means that we spend a lot of time outdoors here. And while sometimes that means spending the day at one of our famous beaches or theme parks, one activity that’s all-too-often overlooked by area visitors is exploring the city’s food-hall and public-market scene. These bazaar-style spaces offer visitors a dizzying array of dining opportunities, unique goods, and a real immersion in the culture of the city. Whether you’re visiting the area, or you’re a local who has never experienced this particular aspect of the region for yourself, here are some great places to get started.
Farmers Markets
Thanks to our extremely hospitable SoCal climate, San Diego’s farmers markets aren’t just overflowing with produce, flowers, and other items, but they’re able to offer them around the calendar. In addition to the fruits of California’s famously fertile earth, many of these markets also include art, crafts, and lots of fun surprises. It would be impossible to go wrong when visiting any of them, but we’d definitely recommend starting with the following:
Ocean Beach Farmers Market (3.1 miles from the hotel)
This laid-back, beach-adjacent Wednesday market features ready-to-eat hot food, delicious fruits, just-picked vegetables, fresh-cut and potted flowers and plants, unique home decor and live music. The surrounding area is also a destination unto itself.
4900 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Photo credit: @islandlifefoods
Little Italy Mercato (4.5 miles away)
Located near Little Italy, this magnificent market is home to more than 200 individual vendors offering everything from fresh-baked bread to artisanal cheeses to candies, honey, eggs, and of course produce — all fresh and farm-direct.
600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hillcrest Farmers Market (6.7 miles away)
San Diego’s longest-running farmers market is located in a diverse and vibrant neighborhood. Visitors will find produce, local art, crafts, crafting supplies, flowers, gifts, and even clothing. Look out for weekly live entertainment, too.
3960 Normal St #3960, San Diego, CA 92103
Pacific Beach Tuesday Market (7.4 miles away)
The oceanside neighborhood of Pacific Beach is home to this upbeat spot. The goods available here run the gamut from the expected produce, prepared food, and preserved goods to smoothies, gourmet tamales, and even on-tap kombucha.
901 Hornblend St, San Diego, CA 92109
Photo credit: @pacificbeachmarket
North Park Thursday Market (8.6 miles away)
A unique market that offers some standout items, such as mushrooms, nuts, ranch-raised meats, loose-leaf teas, CBD products, vegan and gluten-free ice cream, and even a kiosk that offers “tinctures and tonics” for natural wellness.
3000 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
Food Halls
San Diego’s dining halls are one of the best ways to get a taste of San Diego. With an abundance of dining options all sharing one environment, visitors aren’t locked into choosing one restaurant. Guests are welcome to stroll and graze to their hearts’ delight, sampling a bit of this and a bit of that from anything that strikes their fancy. And since vendors enjoy reduced overhead costs in sharing the space, the prices tend to be pretty tasty, too. We highly recommend trying any or all of these for yourself:
Nolita Hall (4.3 miles away)
With a decor and vibe inspired by Europe’s iconic beer halls and food markets, this dynamite dining-and-drinking destination is perfect for meeting friends for a beverage, enjoying a casual meal, taking in a sporting event, and even playing a game of shuffleboard.
2305 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Photo credit: @nolitahall
Little Italy Food Hall (4.9 miles away)
This stop on your food tour was recently named one of the top ten food halls in the country by USA Today, so you know you’re in for an exquisite experience. Several superb restaurants surround a piazza-style central fountain at this must-visit spot.
550 W Date St Suite B, San Diego, CA 92101
Embarcadero Markets (5 miles away)
One of the prettiest spots in San Diego is also home to some fantastic markets. Make sure to browse the fresh catches at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and sample the hot food at Ruocco Park Market. The area is home to a wide array of amazing offerings.
598 Harbor Ln, San Diego, CA 92101
Sky Deck (18.5 miles away)
One of the newer additions to the San Diego food scene, featuring nine eateries, a central bar, three tap stations, and beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces perfect for any occasion. Style and sophistication blend with incredible choices for unbeatable taste.
3790 Townsgate Dr, San Diego, CA 92130
Windmill Food Hall (31.1 miles away)
Located just outside of town in Carlsbad, Windmill Food Hall consistently proves why they’re worth the trip. With 14 different vendors, a full-service bar and a rotating event space, there’s always something for everyone at this locals’ favorite.
890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Photo credit: @windmillfoodhall
Public Markets
A public market is truly a treasure. Often equal parts restaurant, produce market, florist, tavern, butcher shop, town square, and meeting place, a lively market can be the central hub of any neighborhood lucky enough to be the home of one. San Diego has the good fortune to host several, each full of made-to-order food, grab-and-go options, and specialty shops that allow you access to the same ingredients that the professionals use to create magic on a plate. While here, don’t miss out on stopping into these spectacular spots:
Liberty Station (2 miles away)
Following in the steps of Seattle’s well-known Pike’s Place Market and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Liberty Station Public Market is a local landmark in San Diego’s blossoming food scene. Arguably the most popular market of its kind in town, Liberty Station is located on the site of a former U.S. Navy training base, which has been converted to a public market that’s home to restaurants, unique shops, and lots of special events throughout the year.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Photo credit: @libertystation
Lane Field Park Street Food Market (4.9 miles away)
If you want to pair street food with bay views, head to Lane Field Park Street Food Market at the Embarcadero. Here you’ll find arts and crafts and tasty treats from all around the world, as well as live music every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 – 2:30pm.
1009 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Photo credit: @culinarycharisma
Del Barrio Market (8.6 miles away)
This traditional market makes an appearance every second Saturday of the month to coincide with Barrio Logan’s Art Crawl. And since Barrio Logan is the city’s nexus for Latino culture, food, and art, Del Barrio always offers a heaping helping of all of the above.
2101 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Valley Farm Market (10.4 miles away)
Located in lovely La Jolla, Valley Farm has offered fresh produce, seafood, local craft beers, and much more since opening in 1956. This market is especially well-known for exceptional meats, in honor of its decades-old roots as the neighborhood butcher shop.
6902 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla Open Aire Market (12.9 miles away)
It might be tempting to categorize Open Aire as a farmers market — but this La Jolla destination stands out, since all proceeds benefit La Jolla public schools. So you know your purchases are helping local kids get a great education.
7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Photo credit: @lajollaopenairemarket
Encinitas Bazaar (26 miles away)
Nearby Encinitas is home to this hidden gem of an open-air market that maintains a bit of a counterculture vibe. Original art, unique clothing, personal accessories, jewelry, and an ever-revolving array of food options are always on hand here.
459 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Plan Your Stay
There’s truly no end to the incredible experiences you’ll find at San Diego’s many markets and dining halls, nor any limit to the treasures you’ll discover. Planning a visit? Take a look at our Specials & Offers page, select the travel package that’s right for you, and book your stay! We’re looking forward to being your hosts as you explore all that San Diego has to offer.