The Best Local Farmers Markets and What to Buy in Season

San Francisco farmers markets this week feature ripe stone fruit and early tomatoes at prices that reflect the height of local harvest season.

July marks the start of consistent supply for apricots, nectarines and cherry tomatoes from Central Valley farms that truck produce into the city each weekend. Wellness-focused residents track these cycles because fresh, minimally processed items support steady energy levels during long days of trail runs in the Marin Headlands or bike commutes along the Bay Trail. The timing aligns with UCSF nutrition guidance that emphasizes seasonal vegetables to maintain vitamin intake without relying on imported goods.

Markets drawing steady crowds

Shoppers head to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market along the Embarcadero for its Saturday setup that opens at 8 a.m. and features more than 50 stalls. The Heart of the City Farmers Market at United Nations Plaza operates every Wednesday and Sunday, drawing residents from the Tenderloin and nearby Mission District who line up for direct purchases from growers. Both sites sit within walking distance of Golden Gate Park trails, allowing runners to combine workouts with grocery stops.

Local data from the San Francisco Department of the Environment shows a 12 percent increase in market attendance between May and July 2025, with average spend per visit reaching $28 on produce alone. Apricots sell for $4 per pound at multiple stalls, while bunches of rainbow chard hold steady at $3.50.

Items to select now

Buyers should prioritize Blenheim apricots and Santa Rosa plums that ripen fully on the tree before transport. Early Girl tomatoes from coastal plots offer better flavor than greenhouse varieties priced at $5 per pound. Corn from Brentwood farms arrives in limited lots each Saturday and sells out by noon.

Check the Ferry Plaza website the night before for updated vendor lists, then arrive early to avoid lines that form after 10 a.m. Rinse all items at home and store stone fruit in a single layer to prevent bruising. Residents can track weekly availability through the city’s open data portal before heading out.