Dubbed the largest antique show in Northern California, the Alameda Antiques Faire is the go-to place for antiques and vintage in the San Francisco Bay Area and California. Thanks to its strict selection of vendors, Alameda Point Antiques Faire is more than just a flea market, although many simply call it Alameda Flea Market. Only vendors selling stock older than two decades are allowed to bring their merchandise to the fairgrounds. Located in the San Francisco Bay on Alameda island, just off the coast from Oakland, Alameda Antique Fair is held on the Alameda Naval Air Station on the first Sunday of the month.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire, San Francisco Bay Area, California (CA)
Similarly to TreasureFest, Alameda flea market offers scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, with the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop, but with more authentic vintage and antique merchandise on offer. Alameda Flea Market is by far one of the best flea markets in California and it also deserves its title as one of the best flea markets in the United States to find vintage and antiques.
Bay Area antiques at Alameda flea market
Alameda Antique Fair is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind pieces to give an individual touch to your home. Unique antiques and vintage furniture – including stunning mid-century furniture – are the norm at this market, along with vintage rugs, second-hand shoes, vintage fashion, jewelry, wall sconces, vinyl records and a long list of antique odds and ends.
Find chairs at Alameda flea market – Alameda Point Antiques Fair, San Francisco Bay Area (Photo: Kanaka Menehune)
Located at the former Alameda Naval Air Station, the Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Fair unfolds on the former airplane runways. Possibly the most popular Antiques Fair in California, each monthly event attracts over 10,000 visitors and 800 antiques dealers from Northern California and beyond. Twice a year, Alameda Flea Market also hosts a vintage fashion fair, featuring fashion from every decade. This is a must-see event for Bay Area residents who love vintage fashion and it is usually held in May and September.
Vintage chairs at Alameda Point Antiques Fair, San Francisco Bay Area (Photo: Kanaka Menehune)
Alameda Antiques Fair tips to make the most of your shopping experience:
- Go there early to ditch the traffic jams and find treasures before thousands of other visitors arrive at the Alameda naval base. If it is your first time, be prepared to spend at least 5 to 6 hours exploring the stalls, stunned by the sheer choice of merchandise.
- The Alameda Antiques Faire is huge, so wear comfy shoes and take a break at one (or several) of the many food trucks onsite.
- The Alameda Antiques Faire is cash only, so come prepared. The ATMs on-site charge an extra fee.
- If you go there at 3 pm, admission is free, but vendors may be already packing up. The choice will be diminished, but you might be able to score bargains because many vendors prefer to give discounts rather than take their merchandise back home.
- If you come by car, you should be aware that the traffic can be pretty congested. The organizers of Alameda Point Antiques & Collectibles Fair recommend several alternate routes. There is free parking available with a shuttle service from the parking to the entrance, but you might want to consider taking public transport to the former naval base.
- Check the weather forecast before you head to Alameda Island. On a rainy day many vendors do not attend or pack up early, so the choice of merchandise will be limited.
- Take advantage of the shopping cart rental or the courtesy flat carts if you plan to stock up on plenty of vintage and antique treasures.
Alameda Flea Market and Antiques Fair, Oakland
Directions: Alameda Naval Air Station, 2900 Navy Way, Alameda, CA 94501
Schedule: First Sunday of the Month | 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Admission: $5 to $15
Read: Review of Alameda Antiques Fair on our interactive map of the world’s best flea markets
Overview: The best flea markets in the San Francisco Bay Area >>
