If you’ve lived in Long Beach for more than a week, you’ve probably heard someone mention the Bixby Park Farmers Market. It’s a staple. But honestly, it’s also one of those things that locals sometimes take for granted until they actually spend a Tuesday or Saturday afternoon wandering through the stalls. It isn't just a place to buy overpriced kale. It’s a full-on community hub.
Located right between Cherry and Junipero Avenues, the park itself is a bit of a local legend. On any given day, you’ll see skaters, yoga enthusiasts, and people just lounging on the grass. But when the market rolls in, the vibe shifts. It gets busier. Smarter. Tastier.
Why the Bixby Park Farmers Market feels different
Most people think all farmers markets are the same. They aren’t. Some are giant, corporate-feeling events where you can barely move through the crowds. Others are tiny and sad. The Bixby Park Farmers Market hits that sweet spot. It’s organized by Good Fare (formerly known as Local Harvest), and they’ve managed to keep a curated feel without it being pretentious.
The market runs twice a week. You’ve got the Tuesday market from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and the Saturday market from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Tuesday evening slot is a lifesaver for people with 9-to-5 jobs. It’s basically the "I don't want to cook tonight" market. You grab some pupusas or a poke bowl, pick up a head of lettuce for later, and watch the sun start to dip toward the Pacific. It’s therapeutic. Saturday is a different beast entirely. It’s high energy. Families, dogs (so many dogs), and people nursing hangovers with heavy doses of caffeine and fresh air.
The stuff you actually want to buy
Let’s be real: we’re all here for the food. The produce at Bixby Park is genuinely fresh. When you buy a peach here, it doesn't taste like cardboard that’s been sitting in a refrigerated truck for three weeks. It tastes like a peach.
📖 Related: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
You’ll usually find:
- Rodriguez Farms: They are famous around these parts for their berries. If you haven't had their strawberries in the peak of summer, you’re missing out on one of life’s simple joys.
- Sublime Samadhi: If you’re into mushrooms, look for them. They bring varieties you just won't find at a standard Ralphs or Vons.
- Ha's Apple Farm: Their dried fruits and apple juices are dangerous. You think you’ll just buy one bag, and then it’s gone before you even get back to your car.
It isn't just raw ingredients, though. The prepared food section is a major draw. There’s usually a stand selling incredible tamales, and the hummus guys—you know the ones—always have samples that make it impossible to walk away without a container of spicy cilantro dip.
Logistics: Getting there without losing your mind
Parking in Long Beach is, frankly, a nightmare. We all know it. If you’re trying to go to the Bixby Park Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, don't even bother trying to park right on Ocean Blvd unless you have the luck of a lottery winner.
Try looking a few blocks north toward Broadway. Better yet, if you live anywhere in the 90802 or 90803 zip codes, just bike. There are plenty of places to lock up, and you won’t have to circle the block for twenty minutes while your blood pressure spikes. The park is right off the beach bike path, so it’s an easy detour.
The "certified" part matters
You’ll notice signs saying it’s a California Certified Farmers Market. That’s not just fancy branding. It means the farmers are actually growing the stuff they sell. They aren't just buying bulk produce from a wholesaler and marking it up. This is a direct line from the dirt to your kitchen.
👉 See also: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
When you shop here, you’re supporting small-scale agriculture. It’s sustainable. It keeps the money in the local economy. Plus, the environmental footprint is tiny compared to produce flown in from across the globe.
Beyond the vegetables
Bixby Park itself has undergone a lot of changes over the last few years. The city has put money into the playground and the skate park. When the market is happening, the whole area feels energized. You’ll see local artisans selling handmade jewelry, soaps, and candles. It’s a great place to find a gift that doesn't look like it came from a mall.
Is it more expensive than the grocery store? Sometimes.
Honestly, it depends on what you buy. If you stick to seasonal produce, the prices are often comparable to the organic section at a supermarket. But the quality is three levels higher. A head of romaine that actually has a crunch and flavor is worth the extra fifty cents.
What to bring with you
Don't be that person who arrives empty-handed and has to juggle six loose oranges.
✨ Don't miss: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
- Reusable bags: Bring more than you think you need.
- Small bills: While most vendors take Venmo or cards now, cash is still king for quick transactions. It keeps the line moving.
- A hat: There isn't much shade in the middle of the vendor rows.
- An appetite: Seriously, don't eat lunch before you go.
Common misconceptions
People think farmers markets are only for "fancy" people. That’s just wrong. The Bixby Park market accepts EBT and Market Match. If you’re on food assistance, you can actually get extra "market bucks" to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. It makes healthy food accessible to everyone in the neighborhood, which is exactly how it should be.
Another myth is that it's only open when the weather is perfect. This is Southern California—the weather is almost always "perfect," but even on those rare gray, drizzly days, the farmers are usually there. They’ve got bills to pay and crops that don't stop growing just because it’s raining.
Making a day of it
If you’re heading to the Bixby Park Farmers Market, make it a whole thing. Grab your groceries, then walk across the street to the bluff. You can sit on the grass, look at the Queen Mary in the distance, and enjoy whatever snack you just bought. It’s one of the best ways to spend a Saturday in Long Beach.
If you have kids, the playground at Bixby is solid. It’s fenced-in, which is a blessing for parents who just want to eat their pupusa in peace while the kids burn off some energy.
Actionable steps for your first visit
To get the most out of your trip to the Bixby Park Farmers Market, follow this workflow:
- Check the season: Don't show up in January expecting heirloom tomatoes. Research what's actually in season in Southern California so you aren't disappointed.
- Arrive early or late: The best stuff goes first. If you want the pick of the litter, get there when they open. If you want deals, show up about thirty minutes before they close; some farmers would rather sell their remaining stock for a discount than haul it back to the farm.
- Talk to the vendors: Ask them what’s good today. They know their products better than anyone. They’ll tell you if the plums are a bit tart or if the corn is the sweetest it’s been all year.
- Walk the whole loop first: Don't buy the first thing you see. Walk through the entire market once to see who has the best prices and the freshest-looking goods, then circle back to make your purchases.
- Store your haul correctly: Fresh-picked produce doesn't have the preservatives that store-bought stuff does. Get your greens in the fridge and your berries eaten quickly.
The Bixby Park Farmers Market is more than a shopping trip. It’s a weekly ritual that connects you to the seasons and the people living right next door. Whether you’re there for the organic radishes or just to pet some dogs, it’s a foundational part of the Long Beach experience.