The Bay Area offers some of the best flea markets in the country, full of rich history and unexpected finds. The following flea markets will surely satisfy your hunger for unique jewelry, buckets of cheap and super fashionable clothes, collections of antique and any other interesting trinkets and figurines you can think of.
The Treasure Island Flea Market started in 2011 and has been attracting more and more people from around the Bay by the month. There are over 25 food trucks and vendors selling a wide range of food, from Mexican to burgers, and several outdoor bars where visitors can spread out on the large grassy area. The real treat, however, is the breathtaking view of the iconic skylines of San Francisco and Marin.
Every last weekend of the month, 10am to 4pm; $3 admission (kids 12 and under free)
On the first Sunday of every month, the Alameda Point Antiques Faire boasts over 800 dealers and 10,000 shoppers on the former Alameda Naval Air Station, overlooking the San Francisco skyline. You are sure to find a pair of one-of-a-kind sunglasses or some unique pieces of furniture and home décor, as well as jewelry, clothes, antiques, and much more. Moreover, there are several food vendors, free parking, a shuttle service, flat carts to transport your new office desk or shelving unit, and a customer lounge. Bring comfortable shoes, because this flea market is a full-day commitment.
Located conveniently outside the Ashby BART station, the Berkeley Flea Market is a cultural hub where Rasta clothing meets candles and incense, original art pieces meet handmade jewelry, and books meet unique household items. Every Saturday and Sunday, you will find people playing and dancing in drum circles, quirky vendors, and non-profit organizations that benefit and promote the community. You will find the friendly social and international vibe even more special than the goods, though there are many quality and valuable items.
The Alemany Flea Market takes place every Sunday — in what serves as a parking lot during weekdays and a farmer’s market on Saturdays — at the bottom of Bernal Heights neighborhood. There is a wide range of valuable goods, like Persian carpets, antique watches and trinkets, Oriental jewelry, vintage fur jackets, and other cool, collectible items. On the first Sunday of every month, non-regular vendors are invited to pull up their stations and sell their garage sale goods, while many regular vendors pack up and head to Alameda Flea Market, where they find more customers.
This Chinatown flea market has everything you don’t need, from San Francisco souvenirs to Zodiac carvings to Asian-patterned pillow cases and Chinese slippers; it’s amazing. Everything is dirt cheap, and if you like to find a good bargain or simply like to collect and look at knick-knacky trinkets, this is the place for you. There are many hidden gems at this indoor flea market; it takes a true thrifter to know where the good stuff is kept (usually in the back). To make the experience truly memorable, don’t miss out on the Eastern Bakery across the street, which offers traditional Chinese baked goods.
