Carmel Farmers' Market
A charming weekly market in Carmel-by-the-Sea offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and local flavors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest picks, fewer crowds
Carmel Farmers' Market
Best Time
Freshest picks, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming weekly market in Carmel-by-the-Sea offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and local flavors.
"Small but plentiful, with gorgeous flower stands and delicious Hummus Heaven!"
🎯 Thursday is Market Day!
The main Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers' Market happens every Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking in Carmel can be tough, so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Baked Goods
Various vendor stalls
Indulge in delicious pastries, breads, and pies from local bakeries. Don't miss out on the sourdough coffee cake!
Fresh Seafood Selection
Fish vendor stalls
Discover impeccably fresh, locally sourced seafood. A perfect stop for seafood lovers looking for quality catches.
Vibrant Flower Stands
Flower vendor stalls
Brighten your day with stunning, fresh-cut flowers. A colorful and fragrant addition to the market experience.
Hummus Heaven
Hummus vendor stall
Sample and purchase a variety of delicious hummus. A highly recommended treat for dips and spreads.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Produce
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Thursday is Market Day!
The main Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers' Market happens every Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM. +1
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking in Carmel can be tough, so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
💰 Bring Cash & Bags
While some vendors may take cards, cash is often preferred. Don't forget reusable bags for your haul!
🎶 Enjoy the Vibes
Soak in the local atmosphere, often featuring live music and a friendly community feel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Thursday is Market Day!
The main Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers' Market happens every Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM. +1
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking in Carmel can be tough, so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
💰 Bring Cash & Bags
While some vendors may take cards, cash is often preferred. Don't forget reusable bags for your haul!
🎶 Enjoy the Vibes
Soak in the local atmosphere, often featuring live music and a friendly community feel.
🍰 Sweet & Savory Finds
Beyond produce, explore delicious baked goods, fresh seafood, and unique artisanal products.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally enjoy the Carmel Farmers' Market for its manageable size, vibrant flower stands, and delicious artisanal offerings like hummus and baked goods. However, some have noted that vendors can be unfriendly and prices may be higher than expected. Despite these points, many find the quality and local charm make it a worthwhile experience.
"Loved checking out this Farmer’s Market.
Things I loved:
- not massive so one could take their time exploring all the booths in a little over an hour.
- gorgeous flower stands
- variety of fresh produce
- Hummus Heaven! Seriously, can’t get enough.
- the market flanked two sides of a small park (with a wishing pond complete with a fountain and fish!) so it would be a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the delicious pastries or coffee you get at the market or to pause and let your young kiddos race around before heading back in for more shopping.
- fantastic painted photo ops that added whimsy and charm
- located right near the library which makes for a great morning regardless of your age!
Things I would change:
- I would love to see a Bolani booth but otherwise it was great!"
Melissa Monday
"We so wanted to love this market since we love Carmel. But alas what a huge let-down. We spent money on three stands and interacted with a few more. Everyone was strangely cold and unfriendly. Here’s the most telling episode. We bought a pecan pie from Sweet Elena’s bakery, because our hotel served their croissants for breakfast and they were delicious. The host at the stand listened to this comment patiently and nodded and smiled and made zero effort to engage. Okay that was a bit strange but we bought the pecan pie anyway. Later at the hotel we were told our hotel would serve the pecan pies during the fall and it was very popular. Now imagine our surprise when we tried it later tonight. It was clearly under baked and completely absolutely inedible. My interpretation is that this pie is for one-time tourists while the hotel is repeat business. Another stand I’d warn against is the “humus heaven”. They offered some samples, which were quite mediocre. It probably showed in my husband’s face, the host then completely ignored me (I was asking a question), and just started scrolling his phone with the gloved hands. Needless to say I so regretted taking that sample from his hand! Have to say this is our worst farmer’s market experience."
Jing Li
"Parking is always a challenge but totally worth it. Excellent farmers market, lots of selection of fruits, vegetables, bakery, flowers...such a variety of items. Love this place."
Karen Kivi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carmel Farmers' Market is typically held in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, often located between streets like Ocean Avenue and San Carlos Street, near the library. 
Parking is available in the surrounding streets and public lots in Carmel-by-the-Sea, but it can be competitive, especially on market days. Arriving early is your best bet for securing a convenient spot.
Driving and finding street parking is common, but walking or biking is also a great option if you're staying nearby. Public transportation options might be limited directly to the market, so check local transit schedules if that's your preferred method.
The market is generally held on paved areas, making it accessible. However, crowds can sometimes make navigation tight. It's always a good idea to check with event organizers for specific accessibility details if needed.
While many farmers' markets have pet policies, it's best to check the specific rules for the Carmel Farmers' Market. Some markets allow leashed dogs, while others do not. It's always respectful to keep pets leashed and under control.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Carmel Farmers' Market is free to enter. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the vendors.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers' Market is typically open every Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The Carmel Farmers' Market takes place weekly on Thursdays.
There are no admission fees to enter the Carmel Farmers' Market. It's a public event where you can browse and shop freely.
The Carmel Farmers' Market is a recurring weekly event held every Thursday.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of vendors offering certified organic produce, fresh eggs, plants, flowers, artisanal baked goods, fresh seafood, hummus, and handmade crafts.
Many visitors rave about the 'Hummus Heaven' stall and the delicious baked goods from places like Sweet Elena's. Fresh seafood and vibrant flower stands are also popular highlights.
Yes, the market is often located near a small park with a wishing pond, making it a great spot for kids to pause and play. The variety of goods also appeals to all ages.
The market is described as small but well-organized, with a friendly environment. +1 It's a great place to enjoy local flavors and community vibes.
Absolutely! Beyond fresh produce, you can discover handmade crafts and artisanal products that make for wonderful souvenirs or gifts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market offers a variety of prepared foods and ingredients. You can find delicious baked goods, fresh seafood, artisanal dips like hummus, and fresh produce to prepare your own meals.
Yes, with a wide array of fresh produce, plants, and artisanal products like hummus, vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options.
Often, you can find vendors selling coffee, juices, or other beverages, perfect for enjoying while you shop or relax in a nearby park.
Visitors frequently praise the hummus, artisan pastries, and fresh seafood. +1 Some also mention specific bakeries like Sweet Elena's for their pies.
Some reviews suggest that prices can be a bit high, with one visitor noting that 'everything seemed overpriced.' However, others find the quality and variety to be worth the cost.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant flower stands, colorful produce displays, and unique artisanal products offer fantastic photo opportunities.
It's generally polite to ask vendors for permission before taking close-up photos of their products or them. Most are happy to oblige, especially if you're a customer.
Morning light is often ideal for capturing the freshness and vibrancy of the produce and flowers. Arriving earlier can also mean fewer people in your shots.
The market's proximity to a small park with a wishing pond and fish adds a picturesque element. The charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea itself also provide a beautiful backdrop.
Any camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities will work well. The key is to capture the vibrant colors and textures of the fresh goods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Carmel Farmers' Market
While the market is celebrated for its fresh produce, vibrant flowers, and artisanal products, it's important to note that some visitors have reported less-than-friendly vendor interactions and perceived high prices.
Discovering Local Flavors
Don't miss out on unique finds like 'Hummus Heaven,' which has garnered significant praise for its flavorful dips.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit