California’s arts and culture scene extends well beyond the walls of its world-class museums. In fact, California’s flea markets and antique fairs are among the most dynamic and high-powered in the country. Venues like the Alameda Point Antiques Faire or the Long Beach Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market enjoy a steady interest from flea market and antiques enthusiasts from all over California and beyond.
From the exuberance of the Rose Bowl Flea Market in LA (the biggest flea market in California) to the cozy setting of Jamestown Village Vintage Flea Market in Orange County, we’ve hand-picked the 8 Top Flea Markets in California to buy vintage and antiques.
1. Rose Bowl Flea Market – Pasadena, CA
There is little you won’t find at the iconic Rose Bowl Flea Market, whether it’s new, antiques, vintage or just old. A true legend among flea market lovers in California, the Rose Bowl flea market attracts more than 20,000 flea market enthusiasts, including celebrities such as Taylor Swift or Drew Barrymore stocking up on vintage fashion. Each month, over 2,500 merchants gather at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena for one huge swap meet.
The Rose Bowl flea market in LA is the biggest flea market in California and one of the largest flea markets in the US. It is one of the most famous and best flea markets in the US and definitely the best flea market in California to spot celebrities! Read more about the Rose Bowl Flea Market California>>
2. Melrose Trading Post – Los Angeles, CA
Gathering between 3,000 to 4,000 attendees every Sunday of the year, the Melrose Trading Post flea market features nearly 200 eclectic merchants to check out.
Though it is not as big (and overwhelming) as the Rose Bowl flea market, the Melrose Trading Post is nonetheless the ideal place to come to if you’re looking for jewelry, clothing, vintage furniture and vintage movie props for home decorations. It is definitely one of the best flea markets in the entire state of California. Read more about the Melrose Trading Post flea market in California>>
3. Alameda Flea Market – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
The Alameda Point Antiques Faire in San Francisco is the largest antiques show in Northern California. Alameda flea market is held on the 1st Sunday of every month in the San Francisco Bay Area and boasts over 800 merchants booths.
Alameda Antiques Fair attracts a regular crowd of high-end antique dealers and serious collectors and is widely considered to be the best flea market in Northern California. Read more about the Alameda flea market and antiques fair >>
4. TreasureFest (Treasure Island Flea Market) – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
TreasureFest (or Treasure Island flea market) is probably one of the best places in San Francisco and California as a whole, to spend the day thrifting, eating delicious food, enjoying live music and soaking up some sun. TreasureFest is more than just a flea market – it is a festival with entertainment for the entire family.
With a selection of 400+ vendors from all over California, there is still a pretty decent selection of vintage and antiques, although the focus has shifted a little towards handmade products. Our best tips for TreasureFest SF >>
5. Long Beach Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market – Long Beach, CA
Located right in the heart of Southern California’s patio-living culture, located between Los Angeles and Orange County, the Long Beach Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market hosts a huge assortment of vintage, antiques and second-hand items sold by up to 800 vendors. Also held at a sports stadium, the Long Beach flea market competes in size and quality with the popular Rose Bowl Stadium flea market.
At the Long Beach flea market you may find outdoor furniture, garden ceramics, statuary and so much more. Definitely worth checking out if you are in Orange County or LA. Read more about the Long Beach Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market >>
6. Alemany Flea Market – San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Held every Sunday, Alemany flea market provides for a nice afternoon stroll in the San Francisco Bay Area, on the lookout for hidden treasures. Compared to other markets in the SF Bay Area, the Alemany Flea Market is rather small, but it is well known for its abundance of antiques and vintage valuables. Discover more about the Alemany flea market >>
7. Jamestown Village Flea Market – Orange County, CA
One of Orange County’s favorite flea markets, the Jamestown Village Vintage Flea Market is a small but well-curated market, offering a vast array of collectibles and antiques from all over Southern California. While perusing the 4-5 aisles / 8-10 rows of this flea market, personal collectors, as well as antique shop dealers, have been known to uncover rare vintage finds at Jamestown Village Flea Market.
At this vintage market (also known as OTT Flea) you may find a wide variety of treasures such as vintage toys, old books, retro bikes, old-fashioned typewriters, vintage kitchenware and other fascinating relics. The Jamestown Village Vintage Flea Market is open to the public every fourth Sunday of the month (except in December).
Jamestown Village Vintage Flea Market
474 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780
www.vintagewhimzy.com
8. San José flea market – San José, CA
A true California landmark with more than 2,000 stalls spreading over 8 miles worth of aisles, and where up to 4 million visitors flock each year, the San José flea market is almost as big as the iconic Rose Bowl Flea Market.
Offering an array of goods ranging from jewelry, furniture, collectibles and clothing, to fruit, vegetables, toys, books, cars, car stereo equipment, toiletries, artwork, tools, cookware, and cosmetics, among other things, the San José flea market might however not be the best place to hunt for antiques. It is much more a huge swap meet – potentially the largest swap meet in California. It is nonetheless an intriguing venue and an authentic destination to experience California off-the-beaten-track. All about San José flea market and swap meet>>
Click on the image below to explore a selection of the best California flea markets on our interactive map, including a calendar of all upcoming flea markets and antique fairs in California and around the world.
