When it comes to San Diego County’s shopping scene, we love a good treasure hunt — and a good bargain. Our county is home to several stellar swap meets, cool co-ops, fabulous vintage shops, and resale gems. So get in, we’re going shopping.
Kobey’s Swap Meet is known for its selections of cool kicks.
Photo via @kobeysswapmeet
Swap meets
Kobey’s Swap Meet, Midway District
“A pair of socks, a pair of shoes” (if you know, you know). Find this longtime, 15-acre swap meet and its robust lineup of 1,000+ sellers in the Pechanga Arena parking lot, Friday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission will increase on July 7: $1-3; kids 11 and under get in free.
Santee Swap Meet
This East County staple is located at the Santee Drive-In every weekend, 5:05 a.m.-1 p.m. Expect 300+ sellers (think: antiques, fishing gear, toys, bikes) and food vendors. Admission is $1-$2 — or $5 to use the “early shoppers line.”
Row nine at the Spring Valley Swap Meet is all about the fresh produce.
Photo via @springvalleyswapmeet
Spring Valley Swap Meet
Find art, accessories, and food vendors at this hub at 6377 Quarry Rd., weekends, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. There’s also an entire zone — oh hey, row nine — dedicated to local farmers market vendors selling fresh produce. Admission is $1, cash only.
National City Swap Meet
We hear the vintage pin + jewelry selection shines at this swap meet open weekends, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., at 3200 D Ave. — and the food vendors really sweeten the deal. Admission is $1, cash only.
Escondido World Marketplace, Escondido
This North County hub features new and used merch, plus snack bar-style eateries, a children’s play zone, and live entertainment on weekends. Find it at 635 W. Mission Ave., open Wednesday, Friday, and weekends (times vary by day). Admission is $1-$3; kids under 10 get in free.
Sea Hive Station is home to 150+ San Diego brands, including La Loupe Vintage.
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Co-Op markets
Sea Hive Station, Liberty Station
This 23,000-sqft vintage and makers market features 150+ San Diego-based brands and small businesses, so give yourself plenty of time to browse. Pro tip: Don’t miss Second Sunday, a monthly outdoor vintage market in the parking lot.
It’s a whole new world in here.
Photo via Bazaar del Mundo
Bazaar del Mundo Shops, Old Town San Diego
This colorful marketplace is brimming with specialty shops offering textiles, clothing, art, and decor from Latin America. Pro tip: Artists sometimes drop by to showcase their works, so keep an eye on its special events.
Quirky merch, plants, and full OB energy awaits at Vervor Shop.
Photo via @vervor_shop
Vervor Shop, Ocean Beach
With quirky merch from 250+ local artists and creators and a whole lot of plants, this eclectic shop fits the vibes of OB perfectly.
Pangaea Outpost, Pacific Beach
A mix of local and international goodies — think crystals, decor, art, and toys — makes this PB shop a great place to grab gifts.
San Diego Made hosts makers markets like this one throughout San Diego.
Photo via Jasmine Fitzwilliam + San Diego Made
San Diego Made Markets, Locations vary
San Diego Made Factory is a workplace for local creatives. The collective also hosts makers markets throughout the city — including its holiday and spring markets — and Open Factory events with local vendors.
Vintage shops
Bad Madge & Co., South Park
Ranked the No. 1 spot for vintage goods in the US by Yelp in 2022, owner Tanya McAnear curates the coolest selection of clothing and accessories, plus certified vintage furniture and antiques.
Flashbacks, Hillcrest, Encinitas + Carlsbad
Buy, sell, and trade funky fashion from all decades at this cool shop with three locations. Pro tip: This is the place to go if you’re looking for fringe and frocks.
Bad Madge Co. is your one-stop shop for all things vintage.
Photo via @badmadge
La Loupe Vintage, Normal Heights + University Heights
This groovy boutique specializes in threads from the 1960s through the modern era. Pro tip: The brand also has a stall inside Sea Hive Station.
Wotown Vintage, Downtown San Diego
This shop is all about vintage streetwear and hosts a monthly market a few blocks down at Quartyard featuring a collection of local sellers who are all about the city’s thrift culture.
Kickback Vintage & Sneaker Store, Mira Mesa
This shop got its start by selling online and — step by step — opened up its store. If you’re a sneakerhead, you’ll love the selection of retro kicks like Air Jordans and Yeezys.
Resale and consignment shops
Kitchens for Good, Pacific Beach
Helmed by local nonprofit Kitchens for Good, this shop offers a curated collection of “pre-loved,” gently-used kitchen and dining items. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s tuition-free culinary apprenticeships and other feel-good initiatives, and donations are always welcome.
Looks Better on Me, College Area
Find jewelry, handbags, shoes, and clothing in sizes 0 to 4X at this resale and consignment shop next off Interstate 8 (near DZ Akins).
The bright interior + exterior art at Kitchens for Good was created by Hanna’s Murals.
Photo via Stacy Keck
Orphaned Objects Designer Resale Shop, Rancho Santa Fe
Recognizable brands are the name of the game at this store located in the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Proceeds from sales go to supporting the facility’s mission of “people helping animals and animals helping people.”
My Sister’s Closet, Encinitas
Founded by Arizona-based sisters, this consignment shop boasts big fashion labels — think: Prada, Gucci, Chanel — across its inventory of couture clothing, handbags, wallets, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Conceptions Children’s Resale, Santee
Babies and kids are expensive. This East County biz specializes in previously-owned, gently-used toys, clothing, strollers, cribs, and Pack ‘n Plays. You can sell your gear here, too.
Honest Thrift Studio & Plants, Old Town San Diego
This place is known for its $2 clothing rack, plethora of plants, and other thrifty finds. Pro tip: Garden Coffee — its sister business — is right next door, so grab some java while you shop.
🛍️ Hey, fellow shopping enthusiast: This is just a sampling of amazing swap meets and vintage shops in our area. If we missed your favorite, do us a solid and drop us a note — deal?
