Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, the Del Mar Farmers Market is a hidden gem that features more than 35 vendors, each bringing their own flavor and flair. Just a 10-minute drive from campus, Del Mar is a breathtakingly beautiful area where the ocean glistens, life feels dynamic and every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., the community gathers for its weekly farmers market.
The market is not just a place to shop, it is a place where relationships blossom. Local resident Brain Haubenstock has been visiting the Del Mar Farmers Market for 25 years for one reason: the Dry Dock Fish Co.
“If you like salmon, this is the best salmon you’ll have,” Haubestock said. “If you eat [salmon] raw, you need to know where you’re buying it from and make sure it is sushi grade.”
Despite Haubenstock’s loyalty to the Dry Dock Fish Co., Haubenstock admits the rest of the market has changed over the years.
“This farmers market used to go out bigger,” Haubenstock said. “It also used to have more fruit and vegetable vendors, so I would come here more often.”
Still, the market offers plenty, from its free customer parking, close proximity to the beach and a variety of ready-to-eat dishes. Taylor Fassen (12) highlighted one of the standout vendors at the market.
“The dip stand is definitely the coolest thing at the market,” Fassen said. “There are so many options, and the pita chips are the best I’ve ever had. I also love how many different cultures are featured at the market.”
Sabrina Rafii (10) agreed, stating that a visit to the market is more than just a shopping trip.
“It’s a nice tradition to come to the market every Saturday because there’s so much life there,” Rafii said. “I also love the location and how it’s close to the beach, so you feel really connected to nature.”
At one end of the market, Tina Sach greets customers with samples of her Teenwah brownie mixes, neatly packed in sustainable, compostable bags. Each bag features an image of Sach smiling, adding a friendly, personal touch to her brand. Her company focuses on using high-quality, organic ingredients to create treats that are both nourishing and satisfying.
Sach founded Teenwah to solve a problem she noticed among high school students — especially athletes like her daughter, who graduated from this school last year. She realized that many lacked time to properly fuel themselves during the busy school week, inspiring her to turn a family recipe into a business, joining the farmers market community.
“The vendors are all really nice,” Sach said. “There are some really interesting entrepreneurial people here. We get a really nice crowd. I really like the community and being a smaller market, it’s just not quite the same at other markets that are bigger.”
A stroll through the market, with November’s cool wind blowing through, reveals a blend of longtime locals and tourists who share the goal of connecting with each other and appreciating high-quality, locally made goods. Live music and chatter fill the air, while scents of freshly baked sourdough and roasted coffee mingle between stands. Free samples pass between vendors and customers, and the atmosphere feels laid-back, yet full of life, laughter and warmth.
While other farmers markets across the San Diego area tend to boast larger selections of goods, the charm of the Del Mar Farmers Market lies in its community. On any idle Saturday afternoon, making the trip to the market is a must do.
Rating: 4/5
