Aida Mollenkamp selecting produce at Avila Valley Barn

Always in Season: California’s Year-Round Local Farm Stands

Aida Mollenkamp selecting produce at Avila Valley Barn

These local farm stands offer an authentic taste of the Golden State, all year-round!

California grows two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts and more than half of its fresh produce – and there’s no better way to enjoy that abundance than at a local farm stand. While both farm stands and farmers markets offer just-picked fruits and vegetables, farmers markets typically pop up once a week, whereas many farm stores welcome shoppers daily. Countless seasonal stands flourish from late spring through fall, but these permanent locations stay open year-round, making it easy to shop local in every season. Visit these year-round local farm stores for fresh, nutritious food grown nearby — often at lower prices that are as appealing as the produce itself.

Aida Mollenkamp purchasing produce at Chino Family Farms

Chino Family Farms

Del Mar

Incredible variety and a unique selection of produce have made this small family-owned farm stand the darling of both locals and celebrity chefs. Be sure to ask the employees about their seasonal favorites to discover fabulous finds like French mara des bois strawberries, baby Cherokee tomatoes and strawberry figs. 

Sunday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Fox Point Farms Harvest Market

Encinitas

Fox Point Farms Harvest Market isn’t just a farm stand; it’s a hyper-local market dedicated to cultivating community. The market acts as a neighborhood hub – a place to shop for groceries, grab a snack or enjoy a grab-and-go meal on the adjacent patio and green space with friends and neighbors. Much of the produce comes straight from the community’s regenerative farm, along with offerings from trusted local partners, making fresh, wholesome food both accessible and convenient.

Sunday – Thursday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Loading gallery...
Underwood Family Farms in Southern California

Underwood Family Farms

Ventura

Since 1867, Underwood Family Farms has been a fixture in Southern California’s agricultural community. The Underwood family has two locations: Moorpark and Somis Farm Centers. Both offer a year-round selection of locally grown produce, including avocados, citrus, berries, and leafy greens. Beyond the bustling roadside market, check the calendar for U-pick opportunities, farm tours and seasonal events.

Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Avila Valley Barn

San Luis Obispo

Avila Valley Barn is a produce-lover’s dream! The farm store is filled to the brim with colorful, seasonal produce – think succulent strawberries (from nearby Hayashi Farms), juicy tomatoes and sweet citrus. Avila Valley Barn also produces their own pickled fruits + veggies, jams, jellies, marmalades, fruit spreads, syrups and honey! 

Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Loading gallery...
avocados at Morro Creek Ranch

The Avocado Country Store at Morro Creek Ranch 

Morro Bay

The Avocado Country Store at Morro Creek Ranch is your one-stop shop for all things avocado. Stock up on hand-picked Haas avocados and premium avocado oil, then peruse a quirky selection of spice blends, lotions and avocado-themed gifts.

Open daily 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Murray Family Farms 

Bakersfield

Located at the edge of the Central Valley and the Tehachapi mountains, this family-owned farm stand offers an amazing assortment of seasonal, local produce. If you’re heading over the Grapevine, Murray Family Farms makes an ideal pit stop. Stretch your legs with a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, stock up on road trip snacks, and let the kids burn off some energy at the on-site petting zoo.

Monday – Thursday Open 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Friday – Sunday Open 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Bravo Farms in Traver

Bravo Farms

Tulare / Kettleman City

Bravo Farms is famous for its cheese – but that’s not all you’ll find at this iconic Central Valley farm stand. Head to the gift shop for local dried fruits, nuts, and wine, as well as an assortment of canned and jarred fruits and vegetables from local producers – and don’t even think about leaving without a scoop of Rosa’s homemade ice cream. 

Traver: Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Friday – Sunday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm 

Kettleman City: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm |  Friday – Sunday 8:30 am – 8:00 pm

Simonian Farms

Fresno

Simonian Farms is more than just a farm stand; it’s a living tribute to the region’s agricultural roots. Admire the assortment of vintage farm tools and antique tractors scattered throughout the property, and then make your way inside the farm store. The shelves are stocked with an incredible selection of dried fruits, nuts, wine and seasonal produce – including citrus, pomegranates and persimmons straight from the Simonian family’s farm. 

Open daily from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Loading gallery...

Gibson Farm Market

Fresno

This Fresno farm market has a unique twist: all the produce and products sold at Gibson Farm Market located near California State University Fresno are grown and produced by students. Stone fruit and sweet corn are two of the most popular seasonal offerings, but the ice cream and wine both earn rave reviews and are available year-round!

Monday through Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Loading gallery...
baskets of citrus at Merced Fruit Barn

Merced Fruit Barn

Merced

Just minutes off the 99, the Merced Fruit Barn is the perfect place to get a taste of the Central Valley – whether you’re a local or just passing through. Kids can’t get enough of the friendly farm animals, free-range chickens, roosters, peacocks and talking birds, while adults appreciate the shaded picnic tables and selection of CA GROWN snacks.  Whether you’re in the mood for fresh fruit, chocolate-covered almonds, dried figs, or apple chips, Merced Fruit Barn has something for everyone!

Open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Casa de Fruta

Hollister

Arguably one of California’s most famous fruit stands, a stop at Casa de Fruta is a must if you’re traveling Highway 152. The farm store is lined with rows of colorful produce that will easily catch your eye, but don’t skip the flavored pistachios (a cult favorite), local honey and homemade jams. If you’ve got kids in tow, cap off your visit with a ride on the double-decker carousel or take a turn on the “Casa de Choo Choo” train

Open daily 7:00 am  – 9:00 pm  

Loading gallery...

Resendiz Family Fruit Barn

Modesto

Resendiz Fruit Barn is located near Modesto, in the heart of Central California’s fertile Central Valley. In an area where there seems to be a farm stand on every corner, what sets Resendiz Fruit Barn apart? All 100+ varieties of fruits, vegetables, and nuts stocked in the store are grown by the Resendiz family themselves – all pesticide-free.

Open daily 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Loading gallery...
homemade apple pie at Michael David Winery

Phillips Farm Cafe at Michael David Winery

Lodi

Michael David Winery is renowned for its award-winning wines and witty, whimsical labels – but this Lodi winery traces its roots back to a family roadside farm stand. The legacy lives on at the Phillips Farm Café. Guests can shop a selection of seasonal produce grown on the family’s (much smaller) modern-day farm and enjoy a slice of homemade pie baked from Michael + David’s mother’s secret recipe. 

Open daily 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Farm Stand at Forest Knolls

Marin

The Farm Stand in Forest Knolls is a lively gathering place for the Marin community. Showcasing the work of over 40 local farmers, ranchers, and artisans, the market brims with organic food, including peak-season fruits and vegetables, local meats and seafood, fresh eggs, and handmade products.

Open daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Oakville Grocery in Napa Valley

Oakville Grocery

Napa Valley

Oakville Grocery has been a beloved Napa Valley institution since 1874. What began as a simple dry goods, hardware, and grocery store has evolved into an elevated marketplace. Oakville Grocery features an impressive selection of Napa wines on tap alongside an array of artisan, farm-to-table fare. Calling it a farm stand may be a bit of a stretch — but it’s undeniably one of the most delicious ways to experience the bounty of Napa Valley.

Open daily 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier and Hilary Rance.