With more and more people trying to cut down on costs and reduce their fast fashion consumption, swap meets and flea markets in San Diego have become bigger and better than ever.
I have to admit that going to swap meets is one of my secret passions. I just love strolling through the stands, finding little treasures, and wondering about the history of each item. Where did it come from, and how did it end up here? And of course, I love the “hunt” for a little treasure or finding something that brings back memories like: “My grandma had the same set of casserole dishes!” It always feels like a stroll down memory lane to me.
There are very few items you can’t find at the vintage markets in San Diego, and it also provides an ideal opportunity to give some of your pre-loved treasures a new home if you’re keen on selling.
Throughout this article, we’ll give you all the details on the top flea markets and swap meets in San Diego!
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Best Flea Markets & Swap Meets In San Diego
Spring Valley Swap Meet
Address: 6377 Quarry Rd, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Phone: (619) 470-1194
Website
More than a flea market, the Spring Valley Swap Meet is where garage sales, farmers markets, and antique stores blend into one.
Having been around for over 50 years, this swap meet has amassed a team of vendors selling even the most peculiar items around. Along with second-hand toys, clothing, and media, you can pick up everything from handmade accessories to cookware and cleaning products.
When you need some respite from shopping, tuck into some tacos and nachos or hit the beer garden.
Parking is plentiful, and the markets operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am until 3 pm.
Kobey’s Swap Meet
Address: 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 226-0650
Website
Join a long-standing group of 20,000 shoppers every weekend at Kobey’s Swap Meet.
This huge outdoor market hosts over 1,000 vendors, retailing thousands of clothing items, jewelry, homeware, and collectibles. In addition to the vintage market, Kobey’s is equipped with food stalls, dishing out the likes of fresh fruit, corn dogs, and lemonade.
There’s plenty of parking available, but it’s best to arrive early as the spaces tend to fill quickly.
Kobey’s runs from Friday to Sunday between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.
National City Swap Meet
Address: 3200 D Ave, National City, CA 91950
Phone: (619) 477-2203
Website
Southern San Diego has its own flea market that’s been in business even longer than its Spring Valley counterpart.
National City Swap Meet boasts endless rows of vendors, with clothing, footwear, and handbags up for grabs. Something you’ll find readily available here is affordable and high-quality fabric, which the market is known for.
This San Diego swap meet is also famous for its culinary offerings, which include crispy churros, chopped fruit, and tasty Mexican grub.
Parking here is generally straightforward, but it can become more challenging as the day goes on.
Do some shopping or selling of your own any Saturday or Sunday from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.
South Bay/Coronado Swap Meet
Address: 2170 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154
Phone: (701) 781-7630
Website
You never quite know what you’ll come across at the Coronado Swap Meet.
Some days, you’ll stop by and pick up fresh flowers or furniture, and the next, you’ll come home with DIY equipment and a bunch of new makeup. You might even catch a tarot card reader in action here, too!
As it’s a little smaller than some of the other spots on this list, parking is a bit more difficult, so you might need to be patient if arriving in the afternoon.
The Coronado Swap Meet takes place from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Santee Swap Meet
Address: 10990 N Woodside Ave, Santee, CA 92071
Website
Those living on the east of San Diego won’t have to head into the city to find a flea market, as the Santee Swap Meet has just as many bargains on offer.
While here, stock up on clothing, footwear, ornaments, and all kinds of accessories. If you plan it right, your visit might even align with one of the park’s drive-in movie screenings. After getting in some retail therapy, you’ll have your choice of tostadas and quesadillas to fill up on.
There’s ample parking on-site, and the swap meet runs every Saturday from 5:00 am until 1:00 pm and every Sunday between 5:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Escondido World Marketplace
Address: 635 W Mission Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: (760) 233-7703
Website
No matter what in the world you’re looking for, we’re confident you’re best shot at finding it is at the Escondido World Marketplace.
Unique household items, makeup, camping gear, and garden furniture, you name it, and it’s here! You’ll also be able to stock up a ton of fresh fruit and vegetables at this market, as well as munch on snacks from the many stalls preparing delicious hot food.
The Escondido World Marketplace is open four days a week, but the best time to visit is on Fridays when live music and dancing are commonplace.
This San Diego swap meet is always a favorite and it’s easy to see why.
The bustling market opens on Wednesdays from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm, Fridays between 2:00 pm and 9:30 pm, Saturdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sundays starting from 7:00 am until 3:30 pm.
Encinitas Bazaar
Address: 459 S Coast HWY 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Website
The Encinitas Bazaar is a hub for second-hand clothes, handmade jewelry, plants, local artwork, and trinkets.
This seaside swap meet is where flea markets and craft fairs combine, and there are always some quirky and unique treasures to be found here.
As great as the assortments of goods are, this place is also a haven for foodies. It’s particularly alluring for anyone looking for vegan eats, with everything from animal-free pizzas and tacos to cookies and pastries.
Check out this fabulous market near the Encinitas bus station any Saturday or Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
As swap meets in San Diego continue to grow in popularity, giving second-hand items a new lease on life has never been easier.
Take your pick from any of these San Diego flea markets, and get ready to spend your weekends selling and thrifting to your heart’s content.
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