Whether you are a local looking to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, or an out-of-towner in search of authentic San Diego cuisine, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market is the perfect Wednesday night destination. The OB Market is held every Wednesday, rain-or-shine (although it never rains), starting at 4 pm and winding down at sunset. Admission is free, but donations may be made at the OB Mainstreet Association booth. The farmers market is located along Newport Avenue between Cable and Bacon Streets in Ocean Beach, just a few short blocks from the ocean. Parking can sometimes be a premium at the market, so your best bet is to try to park along a side street in the Cable/Bacon area - the lot by the lifeguard tower is rarely available.

There are a number of non-food vendors that frequent the market each week including merchants selling tapestries, clothing made with organic cottons, art, flowers, children’s items, books, fine gems, rugs - pretty much anything you can think of. The other half of the market is comprised of merchants selling food items, they have everything from local, organically grown produce to beef jerky. Here is a list of my favorite OB Market food stands:

• Carne Asada Street Tacos - a MUST for anyone looking to sample authentic Tijuana-style tacos
• Baba Foods - offers a number pre-made of greek dishes, including any hummus flavor under the sun, my personal pick is the Spicy Black Bean
• Argentian Cuisine - homemade empanadas cooked right there on the spot, try the corn empanada if it is available (flavors change weekly)
• Sambussas - has a number of African specialty dishes, the sambussas are a must (similar to a filled, fried dumpling) and my picks are the chicken curry and spinach (this stand often sells out quickly so make sure to seek them out early)
• Kebabsitan - fresh kebobs made to order on a large, outdoor grill