The Hillcrest Farmers Market is one of San Diego’s biggest and most established farmers markets. Held every Sunday in the Hillcrest neighborhood, the market dates back to April 13, 1997, when it opened with just 27 vendors. It was created as a project of the Hillcrest Business Association and originally operated from the DMV parking lot near Normal Street and Lincoln Avenue. Nearly three decades later, Hillcrest Farmers Market has grown to more than 175 vendors and draws more than 10,000 visitors during a typical week. Farm stands are loaded with the kinds of fruits and vegetables that benefit from Southern California’s growing climate, along with flowers and other agricultural products. San Diego County has nearly 5,100 farms, many of them quite small, and the region is particularly known for avocados, citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, flowers, mushrooms and nursery crops. Beyond the farmers, the aisles are packed with specialty food producers, bakers, beverage vendors, artists and craftspeople. Jewelry, clothing, gifts and handmade goods fill out the market, giving it almost a street-festival feel. Live musicians regularly perform as shoppers make their way through the booths. Hillcrest puts a particular emphasis on international cuisine, so it's entirely possible to make a meal out of walking through the market. Hot-food stands and specialty vendors sit alongside the produce booths, making the experience as much about deciding what to eat right now and then what to eat later. That mix is what separates Hillcrest from a more traditional farmers market. There are meat, seafood and dairy products, dry goods and specialty treats, but also plenty of food meant to be eaten immediately. The location is currently a little different from its longtime setup. The market spent years along Normal Street, but construction of the Normal Street Promenade prompted a temporary relocation beginning in January 2025. It now operates along University Avenue between Herbert Street and Park Boulevard while its new permanent home is being built. Have you been?