The pandemic was an unprecedented challenge that has changed people’s perspective in so many ways. Traveling and lifestyle are just a few of them.
Now, more than ever, people are more into sustainable living and green spaces.
Urban farms in San Francisco are promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and fostering a community.
By utilizing rooftops, vacant lots, and public spaces, urban farms provide fresh produce, reduce carbon footprints, and offer educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Consider visiting some of the best urban farms in San Francisco the next time you are here. Below is the list of farms you can check out from the San Francisco airport.
5 Urban Farms in San Francisco to Visit
Alemany Farm
This farm is just a short drive from the airport. Within 10 minutes or so, you’ll arrive at this location. This farm is more than 3 acres wide and is considered the largest urban farm in San Francisco.
They are popular for promoting green agriculture and tackling environmental issues. The farm was built not only to increase the food supply in San Francisco, but also to educate people on sustainable living.
If you are visiting, check their website for their schedule of educational workshops and other activities you can partake in. They offer workshops about composting, beekeeping, flowers and plants, and more.
All the produce from Alemany Farm is being distributed for free to different food banks.
Address: 700 Alemany Blvd, SF, CA // Website
Hummingbird Farm
Take your car rental and head to Crocker Amazon Park, where you can find nearby parking by the soccer field. There, you will find Hummingbird Farm, which utilizes land that would otherwise go unused.
The farm’s mission is to promote health and wellness within the local community. In addition, it also aims to identify and train future leaders who will continue to promote the farm’s mission.
The farm does not only produce food plants but also medicinal plants. It provides a safe and healing space for those wanting to get their hands dirty while experiencing urban farming.
Subscribe to their calendar, grab the whole family, and join them for a community workday, a fun experience where you volunteer and join them to grow food, flowers, and medicine.
Address: 1669 Geneva Ave, San Francisco // Website
Garden for the Environment
Welcome to San Francisco’s school for gardening!
Garden for the Environment is located about 14 miles (22.53 km) away from the airport, so it will take you about 20 minutes to get there. If you come in early, you can make use of the street parking. But it usually gets busy, especially during the weekends.
The garden is about half-acre wide and was opened to the public in 1990. The goal was to provide a gardening class where the local residents would learn about sustainable gardening practices.
You can visit the vegetable beds, urban orchards, water-wise gardens, and compost. You’ll also learn about California’s native plants and how rainwater is harvested and used.
Garden for the Enviroment is the perfect place to attend workshops or participate as a volunteer and learn about healthy ecosystems in gardening.
You won’t only be planting but will learn a lot about soil, water, climates, and different creatures and insects affecting the plants. The farm is open from dawn to dusk every day.
Address: 1590 7th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 // Website
The Free Farm Stand
Take your SFO Car Rental to the Free Farm Stand, which is just a 16-minute drive from San Francisco’s airport.
The Free Farm Stand is a tax-exempt organization run by No Penny Opera and operated entirely by volunteers. Their work is centered on producing healthy food that is accessible to people in need. As well as promoting people to grow their own food and become more self-reliant.
They act as a gathering place from neighborhood gardens, community gardens, and farmers market and share it with all!
You can visit the garden every Tuesday from 1 pm to 3 pm, or on Sundays from noon until 3 pm.
If you are lucky, you might receive some free plants!
Address: 3090 23rd St, San Francisco, CA 94110 // Website
*If you have or know fruit trees that need picking call Tree (415) 684-8493
Florence Fan Community Farm
Last but not least on our list of the urban farms in San Francisco is Florence Fan Community Farm. Located just a 12-minute drive from the airport.
The project started in 2014 and since then, it is considered the largest community farm as well as the second most productive urban organic farm in San Francisco. They aim to improve the food system by educating people on healthy eating, urban agriculture, and the environment.
They also initiated the Bayview Black Farmers Program to promote sustainable farming and non-GMO growing of vegetables for the San Francisco Bayview-Hunters Point Community. Providing local farms with the necessary tools so they can grow their own vegetables.
The farm hosts different events and is open for volunteers every Saturday morning from 10 until 1 in the afternoon. Coming and volunteering is a great way to experience taking out some weeds, digging soil, and planting some trees while at the same time helping to do some food justice for people in need.
Address: Diana St, San Francisco, CA 94124 // Website
These are just some of the urban farms in San Francisco you can visit which promote sustainable gardening and agricultural practices. The next time you are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, make sure to make some time to do volunteer work and experience the farm life in the gardens. It is a beautiful and enriching experience that can be shared with a group of friends or with your family!
