The Los Angeles Farmers Market is a massive marketplace with more than 100 shops. Known for its friendly and festive atmosphere, the market is one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing more than 3 million visitors annually. Despite its popularity, prices remain reasonable and the market retains a down-to-earth charm. Spot employees from the nearby CBS Television City complex and other Hollywood locals enjoying lunch or shopping for meats and produce.
The market was established in 1934 by a group of farmers who began selling produce from their trucks on the site. This informal market later moved into permanent buildings and today consists of dozens of shops and stalls connected by a network of passageways. Look for the distinct 10-story clock tower, which was built in the 1940s.
Although the market sells kitchenware, candles, souvenirs and other goods, most visitors come for the food. Browse the stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, freshly pressed peanut butter and meats, in addition to ready-to-eat items like hot doughnuts, Louisiana-style gumbo and corned beef sandwiches. Snack while investigating wares in the stalls or head to one of the market’s fine dining venues for a complete meal.
Ride the green streetcar to the neighboring Grove at Farmers Market, a 575,000-square-foot (53,000-square-metre) retail and dining complex. A distinctive double-decker electric streetcar offers free rides between the two venues, taking passengers along a simulated main street. The Grove is a pleasantly kitschy complex, where the architectural inspirations range from Italian Renaissance to art deco. In addition to diverse restaurants and shops, the Grove has a 14-screen theatre.
If you visit during summer, check out the music performances that take place every Friday night. Genres of performers range from Brazilian and Latin jazz to swing and world beat. The stage is on the west end of the market.
The Los Angeles Farmers Market is open daily, although the atmosphere is typically most exciting on weekends. Find the market a mile north of the La Brea Tar Pits. Use the on-site parking, available for a fee, or ride the metro to the Gilmore station.
