The Insider’s Guide to SoCal’s Top Flea Markets
Author:Valerie ChenSprinkled throughout Southern California is a burgeoning assortment of flea markets, all with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a vintage maven or simply a casual browser, consider devoting a portion of your forthcoming weekends to visit our top flea market picks. Just don’t forget plenty of cash and sunscreen!
Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Flea Market is a frequent haunt for flea market aficionados, particularly due to its immense size and eclectic offerings. The medley of furniture, antiques, trinkets and other goodies from over 2,500 vendors occurs on the second Sunday of each month. Early bird gets the underpriced mid-century chair in addition to optimal parking, so set your alarm for this one. July 7, 5 – 9 a.m. for early admission, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for general admission. Admission: $8 – $20, depending on time of entry. 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena.
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Another Southern California favorite, albeit at a more manageable scale of approximately 250 vendors, is the Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles. Every Sunday, the marketplace welcomes attendees to satisfy their hunger, enjoy live music and explore aisles of vibrant treasures. Besides the delight that ensues from successfully bartering, you also get to feel virtuous about supporting a cause: The entrance fee goes toward Fairfax High School and its student programs. July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. General admission: $2. Fairfax High School parking lot, 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles.
Photo credit: Vanessa Berry/Flickr
Santa Monica Airport Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market
To hunt for classic items in breezier weather conditions, check out the Santa Monica Airport Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market. The pet-friendly location is blocks away from the beach and is known for more high-end antique items, including opulent chandeliers and elegant furniture. Can’t make it on the first Sunday of the month? Receive redemption on the fourth Sunday, when the marketplace typically increases slightly in size. July 7 and 28, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. for general admission on the first and fourth Sunday, 6 – 8 a.m. for early admission on the fourth Sunday only. Admission: $4 – $7, depending on time and day of entry. Free for children under 14. 3050 Airport Avenue and South Bundy Drive, Santa Monica.
Long Beach also has made its mark on the flea market scene with the Long Beach Antique Market. Known for a diverse selection of reasonably priced antiques, this local favorite arrives on the third Sunday of each month. And with over 800 vendors to choose from, you’re likely to discover perfectly charming wares to spruce up your home. July 21, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission: $5. Long Beach Veterans Stadium, 4901 E. Conant St, Long Beach.
Photo credit: NicoRoicke/Flickr
With the grand opening just over a year ago in 2012, the Topanga Vintage Market is fairly new to the flea market game. Yet despite its relative infancy, the Woodland Hills bazaar has already garnered positive attention for well-curated vintage and antique collections sold by over 160 vendors. The market is open on the fourth Sunday of each month, and food and drink sales aid neighboring school and youth clubs. July 28, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission: $2. Free for children under 12. Westfield Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Woodland Hills.
