California’s ‘Danish capital of America’ just scored a spot among the nation’s best farmers markets in 2026

California’s kitschy “Little Denmark” has another reason to brag.

The weekly farmers market in Solvang — the storybook Central Coast wine country town known for its windmills, Danish pastries and European-style streets — has been crowned the second best farmers market in America.

Solvang Farmers Market snagged the runner-up spot in Reviewed’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, beating out some of the country’s top destinations to shop for fresh produce.

Only Boston’s Copley Square Farmers Market managed to best the small California market, which took the number one spot.

Charleston Farmers Market finished third, while Pike Place, the sprawling Seattle landmark famous for its fish-tossing vendors, came in fourth.

Coming in second isn’t bad for a market tucked into a California town of roughly 6,000 people.

The Solvang market takes over First Street in the heart of downtown every Wednesday afternoon, year-round. The certified farmers market brings together regional growers, ranchers and food purveyors selling seasonal produce and other locally grown goods.

Its appeal goes beyond the fruits and veggies, according to Reviewed.

Readers praised the market’s broad selection of organic produce and easy to navigate setup, while the surrounding village and Santa Ynez Valley wine country helped turn an otherwise routine grocery run into a tourist attraction.

The site’s reviewers called it a “unique stop” where visitors can experience both the market and the unique town at the same time.

Solvang, about 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, has long leaned heavily into its Danish-American roots, helping transform the small community into an unusual tourist destination.

But it wasn’t the only Golden State market to crack the national top 10 list. Downton San Luis Obisco Farmers Market landed in 10th place.

Unlike most traditional morning or afternoon markets, San Luis Obisco turns produce shopping into a full-blown Thursday night block party.

Every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., five blocks of downtown are taken over by more than 100 vendors hawking everything from produce and baked goods to crafts, prepared meals and barbecue — all accompanied by live entertainment.

Reviewed’s panel was particularly taken with the market’s festival-like vibe, which draws thousands of people every week.

The ranking also included Lancaster Central Market in Pennsylvania at number five, Wisconsin’s Dane County at number six, North Carolina’s State Farmers Market at number seven, Virginia’s Roanoke City Market at number eight and Boulder Farmers Market in Colorado at number nine.

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