Downtown SLO Farmers Market named one of the best in the nation
The Downtown SLO Farmers Market is selling some of the freshest farm-to-table finds in the United States, according to USA Today readers.
The publication recently ranked the 10 best farmers markets in the country to sample and shop at in 2026 — and the San Luis Obispo market nabbed the No. 9 spot.
It was one of only two California locations, along with San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, to land on the list.
USA Today said an expert panel nominated the SLO location after sifting through more than 8,600 farmers markets across the nation.
“Known as one of California’s best outdoor markets, the SLO Thursday extravaganza is designed to make locals come back for more every week and tourists vow to return again soon,” USA Today said.
It’s the first time the local farmers market has made the publication’s list
Why is Downtown SLO Farmers Market one of best in U.S.?
The Downtown SLO Farmers Market earned ninth place on the list due to its “can’t miss” popularity that draws thousands of locals and visitors, USA Today said.
Every Thursday night at 6 p.m., the city shuts down several blocks on Higuera Street to let more than a 100 vendors set up stands offering everything from fresh strawberries to kettle corn and homemade jewelry.
USA Today wrote that the market was a “foodie paradise featuring live music, street food, and plenty of fresh local produce, flowers, wines, and handmade artisanal items.”
Downtown SLO said they were honored to be included on the list, calling the market a “quintessential Central Coast experience” for more than four decades.
“This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts that make this weekly street festival a success; including vendors, partners, sponsors, and the community members who show up week after week,” Downtown SLO said in a news release.
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To come up with its list of the best farmers markets in the nation, USA Today said it called on a panel of experts to nominate their favorites.
The publication then asked readers to vote for their top picks.
The top farmers markets with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
Where are top 10 farmers markets in US?
These were the 10 best farmers markets in the United States in 2026 in order, according to USA Today:
- West Palm Beach GreenMarket in West Palm Beach, Florida
- Soda City Market in Columbia, South Carolina
- Boulder Farmers Market in Boulder, Colorado
- Bentonville Farmers Market in Bentonville, Arkansas
- Burlington County Farmers Market in Moorestown, New Jersey
- Kaka’ako Farmers Market in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Worthington Farmers Market in Worthington, Ohio
- Historic Lewes Farmers Market in Lewes, Delaware
- Downtown SLO Farmers Market in San Luis Obispo
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco
This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 3:09 PM.
