San Francisco, CA + Add a trip

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8a-2p at the Ferry Plaza (Embarcadero @ Market along the waterfront almost under the Bay Bridge) is a fantastic farmer's market featuring food and produce from the surrounding areas. It's a great place to walk around, try some samples and grab breakfast from the vendors.

If you're into Asian markets, walking into the shops in Chinatown will be fun as you never know what will turn up.

The ferry building is the best option - arguably one of the best markets in the country.

The Ferry Building is the best option. Accessible by public transportation and in a beautiful area; if you're in East Bay, Berkeley Bowl in Berkeley has some of the best fruit and organic grocery selections in the country perhaps. It's is a bit like black Friday shopping on any given day so watch out. Also near Civic Center there is a farmer's market every weekend til 1 pm; it probably doesn't happen in the wintertime though.

The Alameda Antiques and Collectibles market is pretty amazing. Huge, endless and highly entertaining. Lot's of great little things to look at and haggle over. Great if you're looking for anything old!

I second the Ferry Building Farmer's Market and the Alameda Flea Market, but the prices at both match the wares. For a little more downmarket but no less interesting, you can hit the Alemany market - farmer's market on Saturday mornings, flea market on Sundays (though it's not the best on the weekends that Alameda is happening).

For boutiques, try Hayes Valley or Valencia from 16th to 22nd or so.

Bi-Rite Market in the Mission offers local produce and meats all week long. Their deli has some great prepared foods and sandwiches. Great selection of wines, local roasted coffee beans, and local cheeses. Helpful staff too.

My pet favorite food market is Avedano's Holly Park Market, a local butcher and purveyor of delicious things. Raw milk, 5 kinds of butter, a small but lovely selection of seasonal vegetables, lots of italian imports, and Blue Bottle coffee. Most impressive are the meat and their own prepared foods - sauces, marinades, sandwiches, and whole dinners to take home. The staff are helpful and kind too! http://www.avedanos.com/ On Cortland Ave in Bernal Heights.

I second Adam's recommendation for the Alameda Antique Fair - a great Sunday activity if you're in town. Just know that it's only on the first Sunday of every month from 9am - 3pm. Details on their web site (http://www.antiquesbybay.com/)

Trader Joe's in North Beach