Linda Vista’s Farmers Market

For farmers market fans, the local Linda Vista market won’t disappoint

Lizzy Jennings / A&C Editor / The USD Vista 

 Residents of San Diego know that this city is the place to be if you’re a fan of farmers markets. With year-round-mild weather and an abundance of open, outdoor spaces, the city of San Diego capitalizes on these positive attributes by holding farmers markets nearly every day of the week. However, for some University of San Diego students, it can seem daunting to drive almost 30 minutes on a school night for fresh produce. Luckily, that is where the Linda Vista Farmers Market comes in. Easily accessible to campus and budget friendly, this particular market is a great option for students. 

The market is held every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., a change from their summer hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. that was put into effect this October. The market is located just up Linda Vista Road in the Rite Aid parking lot, with the actual address being at 6939 Linda Vista Road. Though they are one of the smaller markets in San Diego, the influence of Linda Vista’s diverse population is evident in the market, which caters to, and is staffed by, a variety of different families local to the area. The evidence of multiple ethnic influences is clear, as stands range from Mexican taco stands to Fillipino food booths. Stepping into the rows of bustling booths can make a visitor feel as though they have stepped into a different world, as conversations are occurring all around in multiple different languages while people wander the aisle shopping for various goods. 

One of the major draws of the Linda Vista Farmers Market is its affordability. Prices for the market’s produce tend to be significantly less than the prices on campus in Tu Mercado, and because of the market’s location it is almost as accessible for students as our own on-campus grocery option. In fact, there is a noticeably different price for produce at the market than in most grocery stores. While bundles of grapes sell for around $2 a bundle at the market, they retail for nearly $6 at grocery stores like Trader Joe’s. The market also provides a range of produce with rows and rows of leafy greens, supple peaches, and stacks of fresh eggs. 

“I like how the market is accessible enough to stop by after class,” said senior Emily Bomberger. “Even though it may be smaller than some other markets in San Diego it is nice because you can be in and out quickly.”

If affordable prices and accessibility to campus aren’t enough of a draw, the strong sense of community you feel when shopping at the market should be enough to persuade any shopper. Children of vendors dart between stalls and live music plays while visitors carefully survey and select the freshest of the fresh. The vendors are all incredibly kind, eager to discuss their items and help customers. Because the market is held in association with the San Diego Farm Bureau, there is a guarantee to the quality of the produce being sold, and many of the vendors also set up shop at larger markets on the San Diego circuit. 

Whether you need to grab some quick groceries or want to spend an afternoon doing something a little different than usual, visiting the Linda Vista Farmers Market is the perfect way for students to get involved in the community that surrounds our school. 

Eating more fresh produce and supporting the local economy and community seem to be just two of the many amazing benefits that can come from simply taking advantage of what we have accessible to us as students in San Diego.