Greater Palm Springs is famous for golf, shopping, hiking , and hundreds of dining opportunities, but most visitors are surprised—and delighted—to learn that Greater Palm Springs is an important farming region of Southern California. No wonder! The destination has a 300-day growing season, with annual agriculture contributing more than $600 million to the economy from table grapes, citrus, fruits, peppers, avocados, mangos, carrots, assorted greens and greenhouses all scattered across this bountiful oasis. Several farms grow organic crops and about 95% of U.S. dates are grown right here.

The six Certified Farmers Markets in Greater Palm Springs, most open fall through spring, operate throughout these cities – Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Joshua Tree. Many of the local farmers and vendors attend each one of these markets. Farmers from beyond Greater Palm Springs also bring their homemade cheeses, flowers, olive and avocado oils, honey, flowers, organic coffee and home-baked breads and pastries. Cooking demonstrations and live music enhance the experience. Savvy local chefs prefer to wander these open-air certified farmers markets that offer “just picked” produce and hand-made products. 

Please check individual websites for safety information. Check here for Greater Palm Springs resources.

CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET, PALM SPRINGS

Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | 2300 E Baristo Rd., Palm Springs

Outdoors October to May (4010 S Pavilion Way, Palm Springs) 

This market offers fresh vegetables and fruit, herbs, lavender, cheese, bread, honey, nuts, cage-free eggs, olives and olive oil, cut flowers, orchids and plants. The markets don’t allow dogs in the aisles, but if you have a canine in your family be sure to check out Ben Davis’ Natural Monarch Raw Pet Food for dogs. Ben is a professional dog nutritionist, behaviorist and groomer, and he has a booth at all three markets.

CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET, PALM DESERT

Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 72559 Highway 111, Palm Desert

Open October through April 

Here, you’re likely to find farm-infused popsicles “made with love,” superb organic salsas and sauces, farm smoothies, fresh squeezed orange juice, guacamole, fine olive oil, avocado oils and lotions and fresh sauerkraut. Pick up some unique, organic cheeses and freshly made bread for a special picnic.  If you’re looking for easy-to-pack gifts to take home, consider plant and herb starts from Herbivore Farm. Plant them in small pots when you get home, and, in a few months, you’ll find yourself with special gifts from Greater Palm Springs for your friends and family.

CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET, OLD TOWN LA QUINTA

Sundays from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |  78100 Main Street, La Quinta

Open October through May 

As you might expect, Old Town La Quinta has an “Old West” appeal. The market is loaded with fresh produce, Deeb Farms' fresh squeezed Valencia orange juice, cheese, organic nuts, fuyu persimmons, fresh breads from L’Artisan Bakery, organic apples from Ha’s Apple Farm in Tehachapi and beer from La Quinta Brewing Co. Save room for Sylvia Garza’s fresh homemade tamales from her Qué Mami Organics line, but get there early: these tamales