50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica

Looking for something fun and free to do on Sundays?
Head over to the Sunday Farmer's Market in Santa Monica, well known for providing arts and crafts, free live music, and family-friendly activities, including face painting and a petting zoo.

Farmer's Market!
Originally uploaded by 733.

Take this opportunity to buy some fresh vegetables (and fresh flowers for your special someone). Not only will you be supporting local businesses (good karma), but this place will be much more interesting than your local grocery store. Seriously, would you take a date to Trader Joes? I am a fan of TJ, but the Farmer's Market is a step up for a dating venue for some reason. Since the hours are 9:30 AM -1:00 PM, grab your date and then a bite to eat for brunch at any of the yummy food booths.

Entrance into Farmer's Markets is always free. For Sundays only, park for free...
at John Muir/SMASH parking lot at Ocean Park Bvd between 5th and 6th Streets or with validation at 3600 Barnard (Lot 5S) at the beach (tell the attendant and get proper tickets to get validation at the information booth at the Market).

If Sunday won't work, you have other options around LA:
a) "Wednesday Market": Wednesdays 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM at Arizona Ave & 2nd St. in Santa Monica.
b) "Saturday Downtown Market": Saturdays 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Arizona Ave & 3rd St. in Downtown LA.
c) "Saturday Pico Market": Saturdays 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM at 2200 Virginia Ave. in Downtown LA.
d) "Sunday Market": Sundays 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 2640 Main Street in Santa Monica.

All the markets are open rain or shine year-round. Just for the holidays, there will be a surprise visitor from the North Pole from 10 AM - 1 PM on Sunday Dec 13th, and Saturday Dec 19th.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Free Parking + Good Karma.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
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