Alemany Farmers Market

Alemany Farmers Market is San Francisco's original farmers market and is often described as the oldest in California. It is held on Saturdays at 100 Alemany Boulevard, on the border of Bernal Heights and the Bayview neighborhood, and is overseen by the city. The market sells fruit, vegetables, eggs, flowers, herbs, bread and a selection of prepared food, with many growers driving in from farms across the Central Valley and the surrounding Bay Area counties. It differs from the Ferry Plaza market in being a working neighborhood market with a lower price level, a diverse customer base and little tourist infrastructure; there are almost no souvenirs, and the goods are overwhelmingly genuine farm produce. Prices are among the lowest of any farmers market in the city, and shoppers often buy in bulk for home cooking or canning. Bargaining is not part of the culture, although vendors sometimes give a better price for larger quantities. Cash is the safest means of payment, as some farmers do not accept cards, and no tourist tax refund exists for food purchases. The atmosphere is relaxed and community-oriented, with families, immigrants and longtime residents mixing at the stalls, and crowds peak in the late morning. Food options on site include hot breakfast items, tamales, baked goods and coffee, and the sheltered layout around the open lot allows a quick loop of the produce rows before turning to the prepared food at the edges. Must-visit corners include the stalls selling stone fruit in summer, the flower growers and any stands offering heirloom or ethnic vegetables that are hard to find in supermarkets. The market lies somewhat away from the central tourist areas, so reaching it takes a short Muni or rideshare trip, and it suits visitors who want to see how San Francisco residents actually shop.