A visit to a Farmers Market is more than just an opportunity to pick up the best in local and fresh produce and specialty foods. It’s an opportunity to take a walk, catch some rays, listen to music and learn about your community, or even a community across town. Check out this list of Farmers Markets in Orange County where you will certainly find a Farmers Market near you on a day of the week that works for you. (Remember these markets usually run rain or shine too – so no excuses!). Also, be sure to download our Southern California crop calendar so you know when your favorite produce is in its prime: http://www.scribd.com/full/3290271?access_key=key-14rppdksvaql2evv107s.

Tuesdays…

…in Irvine

If you haven’t been to Historic Ranch at Irvine you’ll want to stop by this Tuesday affair at least once - on-site, the ranch harvests organic lemons, oranges and avocado in their organic orchards.

[Where: Historic Park at the Irvine Ranch, 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602]

When: 9am – 1pm

…in Brea

Make your Tuesdays a very green day by getting around town on Brea’s trolly system (which is free during lunch!) and buying fresh and local at Brea’s downtown market.

[Where: Birch St & Madrona Ave, Brea, CA 92821]

When: 4pm – 8pm

…in Dana Point

About 20 farmers rally together on Tuesdays to bring the community fresh produce in a very quaint setting.

[Where: Pacific Coast Hwy & Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92692]

When: 9am - 1pm

Wednesdays…

…in Tustin

For whatever reason, there seems to be a plethora of breweries (Tustin Brewing Co, Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co, Pal's Brewing Co, BJs, Deans Brothers Brewing Co) in close proximity to the Tustin Farmers Market. You know what that means…you can top off a day strolling the market on a sunny OC morning with a cold one for lunch.

[where: El Camino Real & 3rd Street, Tustin, CA 92780]

When: 9am - 1pm

…in Fullerton

Not only is the Fullerton Farmers Market large, but it’s also old – which would make it a wise choice for a Wednesday visit to the market. And attention students: do yourself a favor and make mom proud, by grabbing some fresh greens for dinner tonight – we’re sure you are lacking your vitamins.

[Where: 450 W Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832]

When: 8:30am - 1:30pm

…in San Juan Capistrano

The vendors at this market make sure to bring unique foods – if you are looking for something special, makes sure you stop by.

[Where: Yorba St & Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675]

When: 3pm - 7pm

Thursdays…

…in Costa Mesa

As if you're not already in this 'hood shopping at South Coast Plaza!

Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626]

When: 9am - 1pm

…in Orange

Peruse the vendors at the market then peruse the shops in Village at Orange – where you’ll conveniently be able to check off a few more items on your ‘to do’ list.

[Where: The Village at Orange, 1500 E Village Way, Orange, CA 92865]

When: 9am – 1pm

…in Anaheim

Add a little music to a Farmers Market and you got a party, right? Well, maybe not a party – but definitely an occasion. The Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market is the perfect lunch spot for those looking to escape the office – grab a piece of fruit and some prepared food and settle down to some tunes.

[Where: 205 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805]

When: 9am - 1:30pm

…in Fullerton (again)

Students, seriously, take note – this is your last chance this week to get your greens in Fullerton.

[Where: Wilshire Ave & Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832]

When: 4pm - - 8:30pm

Fridays…

…in Laguna Hills

You can bring your horse!

[Where: Laguna Hills Mall parking lot, 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA 92653]

When: 9am – 1pm

…in Huntington Beach

Surf, sun and sweet produce!

[Where: Pier Plaza, Main St & Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648]

When: 1pm - 5pm

Saturdays …

…in Laguna Beach

Step 1 - Bring your swimsuit, Step 2 - buy a picnic lunch at the market, Step 3 – Hunker down on the beach. Step 4 – relax, now this is the real OC!

[Where: 384 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651]

When: 8am – 12pm

…in Yorba Linda

Never fear north Orange County residents, Yorba Linda hosts a wonderful Farmers Market every Saturday. No need to head to the coast (unless of course you want to).

[Where: Main St & Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda, CA 92866]

When: 9am - 1pm

…in Corona del Mar

What could be better than a Saturday stroll through the market in idyllic Corona del Mar? Be careful what you wish for though: One glance down Inspiration Point and you may never want to leave, but you may not be able to afford to stay either!

[Where: Pacific Coast Highway & Marguerite Ave, Corona del Mar, CA 92625]

When: 9am – 1pm

…in Irvine (again)

Located near UCI Take a tour of the campus and the shops then grab some home-grown grub at the Farmers Market.

[Where: Campus Dr & Bridge Rd, Irvine, CA 92612]

When: 8am – 12pm

Sundays…

…in Laguna Niguel

The Laguna Niguel Farmers Market takes place at Plaza da la Paz shopping center – so you can take a cue from Old School and plan a nice little Sunday with a visit to the market followed by a visit to Home Depot for some wallpaper.

[Where: Plaza de la Paz, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677]

When: 9am - 1pm

…in San Clemente

The San Clemente Farmers Market is the perfect market for those looking for a lazy Sunday activity – you could lose yourself for hours browsing the vendors of this large and diverse market.

[Where: 200 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672]

When: 9am – 1pm