The Grove and the Original Farmers Market sit side by side at Third Street and Fairfax Avenue, and together they make one of the easiest and most enjoyable stops in Los Angeles. The Grove is an open-air shopping street with a dancing fountain, a vintage-style trolley and a movie theater. The Farmers Market next door has been feeding Angelenos since 1934, with more than 100 food stalls, grocers and counters under its famous clock tower.
Entry to both is free. This guide covers hours, parking, the best food stalls, holiday events and tips for visiting.
In this guide
The Grove is a short walk from Museum Row; see our LACMA guide to plan a full day.
The Grove and Farmers Market at a glance
- Addresses: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr.; Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St.
- Admission: free
- The Grove hours: Mon to Thu 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri and Sat 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Farmers Market hours: Mon to Fri 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Parking: first two hours validated with purchase in the shared garage
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
The Original Farmers Market
The Farmers Market began in 1934, when local farmers parked their trucks on a dirt lot at Third and Fairfax to sell produce. It grew into a permanent market with wooden stalls, a clock tower and open-air dining, and it still has an old-LA charm that newer food halls cannot copy.
Classic stops include:
- Bob’s Coffee and Doughnuts: fresh doughnuts since the 1940s.
- Du-par’s: a classic diner known for pancakes and pie.
- Magee’s Kitchen: one of the market’s original vendors, serving corned beef and carved meats.
- Loteria Grill: Mexican plates and tacos.
- Brazilian barbecue, gumbo, Thai, Korean and more across the market’s many counters.
- Grocers and specialty shops selling produce, cheese, nuts, spices and hot sauces.
Grab plates from different counters and share them at the communal tables. Breakfast on a weekday morning is the calmest time.
The Grove
The Grove opened in 2002 and is laid out like an idealized small-town main street. Highlights:
- The trolley: a free green double-decker streetcar that runs between The Grove and the Farmers Market.
- The dancing fountain: water shows synchronized to music, performing on the hour.
- Shopping: a mix of big brands, including a large Apple store, plus Nordstrom anchoring one end.
- AMC The Grove 14: a busy movie theater that hosts premieres.
- Restaurants: sit-down options around the fountain and park.
Christmas at The Grove
The Grove is one of LA’s top holiday destinations. Each November it puts up a giant Christmas tree, usually lit at a televised ceremony in mid-November, and through December it runs nightly “snowfall,” holiday music and Santa visits. Weekend evenings in December are extremely busy, so come on a weekday or early in the day. See our guide to Christmas lights in Los Angeles for more festive ideas.
Getting there and parking
- Parking: The Grove and Farmers Market share a parking structure. The first two hours are validated with a purchase, and rates are about $5 an hour after that, up to a daily maximum. Valet is available.
- Metro: the D Line’s Wilshire/Fairfax station, opened in May 2026, is about a 15-minute walk south. Metro buses also run along Fairfax Avenue and Third Street. See our LA Metro guide.
- Rideshare: use the drop-off areas off Third Street or The Grove Drive.
Nearby things to do
- Museum Row: LACMA, the Academy Museum and the Petersen are about 10 minutes’ walk south.
- Pan Pacific Park: a large park with playgrounds behind The Grove.
- CBS Television City: next door, where many TV shows have been taped.
- Fairfax Avenue: streetwear shops, bakeries and delis to the north, including the historic Canter’s Deli.
Tips for visiting
- Get your parking ticket validated at any shop or restaurant; overstaying the validated window can get expensive.
- Eat at the Farmers Market rather than The Grove for better value and variety.
- Visit on weekday mornings for an easy, relaxed stroll.
- Bring kids for the trolley and fountain shows.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Grove free to visit?
Yes. Entry to The Grove and the Original Farmers Market is free.
How much is parking at The Grove?
The first two hours are validated with a purchase. After that, rates are about $5 an hour up to a daily maximum.
What is the difference between The Grove and the Farmers Market?
The Grove is an outdoor shopping center opened in 2002. The Original Farmers Market, next door, is a historic food market that opened in 1934.
When is the tree lighting at The Grove?
The Grove’s Christmas tree lighting is usually held in mid-November. Check The Grove’s website for the 2026 date.
Can you take the Metro to The Grove?
Yes. Wilshire/Fairfax station on the D Line is about a 15-minute walk away, and buses run along Fairfax and Third Street.
Photo credits
Featured image: Clotee Pridgen Alloc… / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
