If you’re looking for fresh food grown from local farmers and unique crafts, there’s nothing quite like the experience of the Sanibel Farmers Market.
You’ll be hitting one of the most popular and successful farmers markets in the area when you visit Sanibel Island. The Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market, located at Sanibel City Hall, sells everything from fresh fruit, produce, seafood, breads, pastries and more!
Here’s 4 tips for getting the most out of the Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market, which runs through April 24.
When is Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market Open?
The Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market is open on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What Vendors are at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market?
Vendors at the Sanibel Farmers Market include:
- Fresh produce
- Fresh honey
- Fresh bread
- Bakery items
- Pastries
- Salads and fresh salad dressings
- Seafood
- Fruit
- Fresh guacamole
- Art
- Fresh flowers
- Fresh pasta and pasta sauces
- Smoothies
- Licorice
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Prepared foods
- And more
Tips for the Sanibel Farmers Market
Follow these tips for a great farmer’s market experience on Sanibel Island:
Arrive Early to the Sanibel Farmers Market
This is a popular farmer’s market. Hours for the farmer’s market, which runs every Saturday from October through April, are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sanibel Farmer’s Market vendors are setting up shop around 7 a.m. and by 10 a.m. the parking lots around City Hall are full. If you want fresh produce and fresh bread before it’s picked over, you’ll want to get there early. Other parking lots are located at the Sanibel Library, BIG Arts and the Schoolhouse Theater. Lucky for you Sanibel Island is known as a popular biking community. So ditch the car and take the beach cruiser with a basket to hold your stuff. There’s plenty of bike racks near the market.
If you want fresh produce and fresh bread before it’s picked over at the farmer’s market, you’ll want to get there early.
Try the Sanibel Farmer’s Market Samples
Variety is the best word to explain the Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market. Kiosks sell everything from fresh produce to exotic fruits. Dutch, German, French, Mexican and Greek cuisine is also offered here. Where else can you go to a farmer’s market and pick up flowers, crab cakes, fresh guacamole (the locals’ favorite offering) and seafood for dinner? Only on Sanibel Island.
We can confirm the produce and other offerings are fresh. The Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market is known for vendors that have taste sample plates in front of their booths. So feel free to try it before you buy it.
Bring Cash
You’re buying from local farmers and small business owners. Some of them don’t have credit card machines on hand at their booths, so be sure to bring enough cash to buy all of your goodies.
If you’re looking for fresh food grown from local farmers and unique crafts, there’s nothing quite like the experience of a local farmer’s market.
Are Dogs Allowed at the Sanibel Farmers Market?
Until recently, dogs were allowed at the Sanibel Farmers Market. Sanibel Island is a pet-friendly town and sometimes the dogs walking on leashes outnumber the humans. A change in city ordinance has recently banned dogs from attending the market. This ordinance might be revisited in the future and was put in place during the 2020 season. Service dogs, however, are allowed at the farmer’s market as long as they are on a leash.
What Restaurants are Near Sanibel Island Farmers Market?
There are so many great restaurants you can visit after you go shopping at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market. These options include:
- Blue Giraffe Restaurant at Periwinkle Place
- The Pecking Order Fried Chicken & Pies
- Rosie’s Cafe & Grill
- Sanibel Bean
- The Island Cow
What Boat Rental Options are Near Sanibel Island Farmers Market?
Spend some time on Sanibel Island to enjoy all that the Farmer’s Market and the island has to offer. You’ll want to head out on the water too for a water picnic, so take advantage of Port Sanibel Marina boat rental options or book a relaxing boat cruise and tour.
Plan a Boating and Fishing Adventure
Now that you have your Sanibel Farmers Market itinerary planned, it’s time to rent a boat or book a fishing charter at Port Sanibel Marina.
Port Sanibel Marina offers:
- Boat rentals that include a 24’ SouthWind Deck Boat, a 20’ Tidewater, a 21.5’ Scout, a 24’ Regal and a 23’ Scout Center Console
- Canoe and kayak rentals
Port Sanibel also offers dry boat storage and wet slips and a variety of fishing charters to choose from while you are on vacation. Give us a call at 239-437-1660 to plan your trip today.
