Really, who doesn’t love a good deal?
San Diego’s swap meet scene is strong (um, say that five times fast) with long-running outdoor marketplaces setting up shop every weekend to the delight of bargain hunters. Let’s browse, shall we?
Pro tip: Bring cash to pay for admission. 🎟️
Sneakers, vintage clothing + so much more make Kobey’s a bargain hotspot on the weekends.
Photo via @kris10banci
🧦 Kobey’s Swap Meet | Friday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. | Entry: $2
“A pair of socks, a pair of shoes” (if you know, you know).
Billed as “San Diego’s largest outdoor marketplace,” Monte Kobey launched this swap meet in 1976 at the old Midway Drive-In Theater. It moved to its current location in 1980 — the parking lot at what is now Pechanga Arena.
Kobey’s is known for its selection of sneakers and vintage clothing, robust lineup of 1,000+ sellers, and special events throughout the year.
🛒 Santee Swap Meet | Saturday + Sunday, 5:05 a.m.-1 p.m. | 10990 Woodside Ave. N. | Entry: $1 or $2
Running for 40 years, this East County swap meet located in the same area as the Santee Drive-In brings together ~350 sellers each weekend. Food is part of the scene, too, with longstanding vendors selling burritos, tacos, smoothies + coffee.
Pro tip: For $5, enter at 5:05 a.m. sharp via 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 | Saturday + Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | 6377 Quarry Rd. | Entry: $1
Boasting bargains since 1970, you’ll find art, accessories + food vendors at this East County hub. There’s also an entire zone — oh hey, row nine — dedicated to local farmers market vendors, so you can stock up on fresh fruit + veggies while you’re there.
🛍️ National City Swap Meet | Saturday + Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | 3200 D Ave. | Entry: $1
This OG of the local swap meet scene has been around since 1962. We hear the vintage pin + jewelry selection shines — and the food vendors really sweeten the deal.
