The Original Farmers Market The Grove Travel Guide

The Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax has been a Los Angeles landmark since 1934, when farmers began selling produce directly from their trucks on what was then the edge of the city. Today it operates as a sprawling open-air market with more than 100 vendors offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to international street food, specialty groceries, and sit-down eateries.

The market sits adjacent to The Grove, an upscale open-air shopping center that opened in 2002. Together, the two destinations form one of the most visited commercial areas in Los Angeles. The market itself retains a distinctly local, unpretentious character that contrasts with the curated retail environment next door.

The surrounding Fairfax district has historically been an important center of Jewish culture and commerce in Los Angeles, and traces of that heritage remain in some of the market's long-standing vendors and nearby businesses on Fairfax Avenue. The area continues to evolve, with a mix of longtime locals, tourists, and a younger creative crowd.

Because this is primarily a market and retail destination rather than a city or town, this guide focuses on making the most of your visit, including how to get there, what to eat, and what to combine it with nearby.

No tickets or reservations are required to enter The Original Farmers Market. Entry is free; you pay individually for food and goods at each stall.

Parking is available in the shared lot serving both the Farmers Market and The Grove, though it fills up quickly on weekends and holidays. Rates vary; verify current pricing at the parking structure or on the official site. Public transit is a practical alternative — confirm current Metro bus and rail options at metro.net before you visit.

What to bring:

• Cash is accepted at most stalls, but cards are widely accepted too
• A reusable bag if you plan to pick up produce or packaged goods
• Comfortable walking shoes — the market is outdoors and mostly flat but covers a sizable footprint

The market is dog-friendly in outdoor areas; verify the current pet policy locally, as it can vary by vendor area. Stroller accessibility is generally good throughout the main walkways.

The Original Farmers Market is located at 6333 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036, at the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue.

By car: The market is accessible from the 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) and 101 (Hollywood Freeway) freeways. On-site parking is available in the structure shared with The Grove; expect limited availability on weekends. Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood is possible but competitive.

By public transit: Several Metro bus lines serve the Fairfax/3rd Street area. The Metro Rail network does not have a station directly at the market, but connections from nearby stations are possible by bus. Check metro.net for current routes and schedules before your visit.

By rideshare: Uber and Lyft both operate in Los Angeles; designated pickup and drop-off areas are available near the market and The Grove entrances. Rideshare is often the most straightforward option if you are coming from elsewhere in the city and want to avoid parking.

On foot or by bike: If you are staying in West Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, or the surrounding Fairfax neighborhood, the market is walkable or bikeable. Metro Bike Share and other dockless bike options operate in parts of the area — verify current availability.

At the Farmers Market

The primary draw is wandering the market stalls at your own pace. Beyond eating, you can browse specialty grocery items, imported goods, kitchen supplies, fresh flowers, and a rotating selection of small artisan vendors. The clock tower at the center of the market is a well-known meeting point and a useful landmark for orienting yourself.

Some vendors have operated at the market for generations, and part of the experience is talking with the people behind the stalls. Look for produce vendors, a working candy shop, a spice merchant, and several bakeries among the long-standing fixtures.

At The Grove

Directly connected to the Farmers Market, The Grove offers mainstream and upscale retail, a multiplex cinema, and regular outdoor programming including seasonal events. The center is designed around a pedestrian promenade and includes a trolley that runs between the two ends of the property.

Nearby cultural options

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits are both within comfortable walking distance to the south on Wilshire Boulevard, making them easy additions to a half-day itinerary that begins at the market.

Food is the main reason most people come to the Farmers Market, and the variety is genuinely broad. Stalls span American diner fare, Cajun/Creole, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Greek, and more. Several vendors specialize in fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, and specialty coffee.

Some of the most visited spots have been at the market for decades. Du-par's, a classic American diner and bakery, is one of the oldest and most recognizable names, known for its pancakes and pies. Bennett's Ice Cream has been serving house-made ice cream for many years. Magee's Kitchen is another long-standing vendor. Hours and current operations for individual stalls should be confirmed on the official Farmers Market website or by calling ahead, as vendor situations can change.

Seating is a mix of communal outdoor tables throughout the market and individual seating areas attached to specific stalls. The outdoor setting means the experience is weather-dependent, though Los Angeles's climate is generally mild year-round. Morning visits tend to offer easier seating; weekend lunch hours can be crowded.

The Farmers Market is also a good place to assemble a picnic — pick up bread, cheese, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and prepared foods from different vendors and find a table or take your haul to nearby Hancock Park.

Within the Farmers Market itself, shopping leans toward food-related goods: fresh produce, packaged specialty foods, spices, imported pantry items, wine, and cookware. There are also gift shops, a newsstand, and vendors selling clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, though the market's core identity remains culinary.

The Grove next door offers a more conventional retail mix — major fashion brands, a large Barnes & Noble bookstore, Apple Store, beauty retailers, and a full-service Nordstrom anchor. The two environments complement each other and are easily combined in a single visit.

Fairfax Avenue north of the market is worth a walk for independent record shops, vintage clothing stores, streetwear boutiques, and small galleries. This stretch of Fairfax has been a hub for youth culture and independent retail for several decades.

Hours: The Original Farmers Market is generally open seven days a week, but hours vary by day and individual vendor. Verify current market hours at farmersmarketla.com before your visit.

Accessibility: The market is largely flat and paved, with generally good wheelchair and stroller access. Some older sections have uneven surfaces. The Grove is fully ADA-accessible.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of The Grove; availability within the Farmers Market itself — verify locally.

Emergency contacts: In any emergency in the United States, dial 911. The non-emergency line for the Los Angeles Police Department is available via LAPD's official website.

Currency and payments: Most vendors accept major credit and debit cards. Having some cash is useful for smaller stalls or any vendor with a minimum card purchase requirement.

Lockers/storage: No dedicated luggage storage is available at the market. If you are traveling with bags, plan accordingly or use a rideshare to minimize what you carry.

The Farmers Market and The Grove are well-maintained, heavily trafficked public spaces with visible security personnel, particularly at The Grove. The area is considered safe during operating hours by Los Angeles standards.

As with any busy commercial area in a large city, keep an eye on personal belongings — bags, phones, and cameras. Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles. The surrounding Fairfax neighborhood is generally safe for walking during the day; use standard urban awareness at night.

Parking lot activity is generally well-monitored, but take normal precautions — note where you parked, keep your ticket, and be alert when walking to your vehicle after dark.