Updated for 2023
The Original Farmers Market isn’t just a popular eating and shopping destination; it’s also an important historical location. It was established in 1934 and since then has grown and expanded to become world-famous. The Grove, which came along in 2002, has become known for high-end shopping and dining. The two spots complement each other, allowing visitors to spend lots of quality time at both.
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Keep in mind that many merchants and restaurants keep different hours and are in fact open much earlier. Call businesses individually if you have any questions.
History of the Farmers Market Los Angeles
The land it sits on has been owned by the Gilmore Family since the late 1800s and remains owned and operated by the sixth generation of the Gilmore Family. Originally the land was used as a dairy farm and oil was discovered here. The land was also used as a stadium for car races and other entertainment purposes. The first tenants arrived in 1934 and sold their products from the backs of their trucks. After that, permanent stalls were created, and over time, the Farmers Market as we know it now came to be.
Dining at the Original Farmers Market
The Farmers Market may be the perfect place for picky eaters because the choices are endless. Families can opt to eat together in a sit-down restaurant, like the Cheesecake Factory at The Grove.
But if every family member seems to enjoy eating something different, then you can opt to eat from one of the Market’s smaller eateries. Everyone orders what they want from where they want, and then like a mall’s food court, everyone sits and eats together at the same time.
These small restaurants and food stands are quite diverse (and delicious!), and include such popular spots as The Banana Leaf, Magee’s Kitchen (the original Market restaurant), Pampas Grill, Phil’s Deli and Grill, The French Crepe Company, DuPar’s, and The Gumbo Pot, to name just a few.
And you won’t want to miss watching the peanut butter get made at Magee’s House of Nuts, or try a bit of house-made candy from Littlejohn’s English Toffee House. If you’re a donut fan, there’s no substitute for Bob’s Coffee and Donuts. Love ice cream? Try Bennett’s Ice Cream for some cool treats.
Things to Do at the Farmers Market Los Angeles
You can walk, shop, and people-watch while you’re at the Farmers Market. Take the kids into Kip’s Toyland, a family-owned and operated toy store that doesn’t carry anything electronic. Stop in at Sticker Planet where you’ll see thousands of stickers before you. Browse and be tempted by handmade confections at Littlejohn’s English Toffee House, enjoy a donut from Bob’s Donuts, or enjoy some sweets from Dylan’s Candy Bar. You can shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, baked items, and meats and seafood.
Be sure to check out some of the nods to history, including a timeline of the Market, artifacts on display, and vintage memorabilia.
Seasonal Events at the Farmers Market
The Farmers Market hosts a number of special events throughout the year. In summer, enjoy the Friday Night Music series, which is usually from late May through early September. They also host a yearly Mardi Gras celebration, a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, and the annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show.
Parking: Parking is available in two different parking lots. 90 minutes of free parking is offered with a free validation with a purchase from a Farmers Market merchant.
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: General hours are Monday-Thursday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. However, many restaurants and shops keep different hours. Call businesses individually if you have any questions.
History of The Grove
The Grove has become an extremely popular destination, for both locals and tourists. It opened in 2002 and since then has become much more than a shopping destination. It serves as a community gathering place and recreates a “main street,” where visitors feel at ease and perhaps even transported back in time.
Dining Options at The Grove
Families will find many dining options including well-known restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory, Alma, and La Piazza. If you’re looking for snacks or sweet treats, you’ll find Sprinkles Cupcakes, Häagen-Dazs, See’s Candies, and Wetzel’s Pretzels.
Fun Things To Do at The Grove
The Grove is home to multiple retailers including a three-level Barnes and Noble (with a large children’s section), a three-level Nike, and a two-level Apple store. You’ll also find the popular Gap, Banana Republic, Coach, lulumon, Nordstrom, and Pacific Theatres.
In addition, you’ll want to try to plan your visit so your family can enjoy a free ride on the Trolley. The double-decker Trolley (part of a 1950s Boston street car) travels between The Grove and the Original Farmers Market.
Children will also be enthralled by the Dancing Fountain. Each hour, the Fountain puts on a show and “dances” to songs by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and more.
Families will also appreciate knowing about the Family Room, a special room near the restrooms complete with changing stations, nursing rooms, and a play area for small children.
Seasonal Events at the Grove
The Grove hosts a weekly Kids Club on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (from February through October). This free event features live musical performances, storytelling, puppet shows, and more.
The Grove is also quite well-known for its yearly 100-foot-tall Christmas Tree adorned with 25,000 lights and ornaments. Each November, The Grove produces a spectacular, free tree-lighting ceremony to commemorate the holiday season (complete with celebrity appearances, live performances, and fireworks). Kids can visit Santa at Santa’s House, enjoy visits from Frosty the Snowman, and witness a magical “snowfall” twice a night.
Each summer, the Grove is home to a free Summer Concert Series. The Grove also hosts fashion shows, outdoor movie screenings, and many more family-friendly events throughout the year.
Parking: The Grove has a large, multi-story parking structure. One hour of free parking is offered. Some restaurants and retailers provide free validation with a purchase, giving visitors two hours of free parking.
Hotels Near The Grove and The Original Farmers Market
- Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel, 8018 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Mama Shelter Los Angeles, 6500 Selma Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Park Plaza Lodge, 6001 W. 3rd. St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
- AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills, 6399 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Short Stories Hotel, 115 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
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