The Grove & Original Farmers Market
Los Angeles, CA
Free (trolley rides)
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.6(17,077 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Reviewers praise plenty of seating, shade, heaters and covered areas, so weather is rarely a problem. Restrooms, shopping carts and validated parking, so get the ticket stamped. It gets crowded at weekends and seating tightens at peak times. It is easy to get turned around in the market.
Open-air shopping plaza built in 2002 behind the historic Original Farmers Market, which itself dates to 1934. Ride the trolley, built on a real 1950s Boston streetcar undercarriage, between the two, and catch the dancing fountain show — designed by the same firm behind the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas — set to music.
Plan your visit to The Grove & Original Farmers Market
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- How long to spend
- Plan several hours to cover both The Grove and the Original Farmers Market, including a trolley ride and a meal.
- Best time to go
- Weekdays are calmer than weekends. The Grove runs a Kids Club on Thursday mornings with music, storytelling and puppet shows, and the holiday season brings a giant Christmas tree.
- Parking & getting there
- The Grove's multi-level garage includes a short free period that some shops and restaurants extend with validation; levels 4 and up are usually less crowded, and valet is available. The Farmers Market has its own lot with validation from market merchants, and the two do not validate each other's parking, so park where you plan to spend money.
- Best ages
- Young kids enjoy the free double-decker trolley between The Grove and the Farmers Market and the Dancing Fountain shows set to music. Kip's Toyland in the Farmers Market is a long-running toy shop with no electronic toys.
- Food
- The Original Farmers Market works well for families with mixed tastes, with stalls like Bob's Coffee and Doughnuts and Magee's Kitchen. The Grove adds sit-down restaurants.
- What to bring
- Note your garage level and section, since The Grove's structure is easy to get turned around in. Keep receipts handy for validation.
- Rain or heat plan
- The Grove has a movie theater and indoor shops, and the Family Room in the Grand Lobby has changing stations, nursing rooms and a small kids' play area.
Common questions
Is the trolley at The Grove free?
Yes. The double-decker trolley between The Grove and the Original Farmers Market is free to ride.
Does Farmers Market parking validate for The Grove?
No. The two have separate parking systems, so a Farmers Market lot ticket will not be validated by Grove merchants, and the reverse is also true.
Does The Grove have a nursing room or family restroom?
Yes. The Family Room in the Grand Lobby has changing stations, nursing rooms and a play area for kids.
What is there for kids at The Grove?
The trolley, the Dancing Fountain shows and the Thursday Kids Club are the main draws, plus Kip's Toyland across the way at the Farmers Market.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Food on-site
Happening near here
- Melrose Trading PostLos Angeles · <1 mi · Sun 9am–5pm
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- EXPO Center Halloween FestivalLos Angeles · 6 miFree
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Kim Del. K.★★★★★
I first visited here in 1978 and have thoughout the years. I don't recall it being quite that busy back in the day. It must have gotten more and more popular. There's so much history in there. With all those restaurants and kiosks, they should offer more plant-based options. I'm glad that at least there's Besties Vegan Paradise.
6 months ago
- Brittaney McCarthy★★★★★
If you’re looking for a fun and bustling spot in Los Angeles, the Original Farmers Market is definitely worth a visit. My husband and I had a great time exploring all the different shops, stalls, and eateries. There’s so much to see! We spent a lot of time in the main area and didn’t realize how much more there was to explore in the surrounding area. We were short on time, otherwise we would have loved to wander around even more. There’s a wide variety of food available, from fresh seafood to international cuisine, sweets, and everything in between. There’s something to satisfy every craving. It can get busy with a lot of foot traffic, but there are plenty of areas with seating to take a break and enjoy the atmosphere. Just a heads-up: it’s easy to get turned around in here because there’s so much to explore, but that’s part of the fun. One nice bonus is that a lot of space inside the market is covered, so even if the weather isn’t great, you won’t need to worry about rain or intense sun interfering with your visit. Overall, we had a fantastic time sampling the food and soaking in the lively vibes. It’s a great spot for couples, families, or anyone who loves a classic LA experience!
7 months ago
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