The Best Flea Markets in Northern California | 2024
The West Coast is known for its amazing flea markets. While Southern California boasts famous flea markets like the Rose Bowl Flea Market and Long Beach Antique Market, Northern California also offers fabulous options for thrifting and antiquing. The region is home to numerous quality flea markets where avid shoppers can browse for hidden gems and bargains. Top Northern California flea markets like the Alameda Point Antiques Faire and San Jose Flea Market rival their SoCal counterparts in terms of size, variety, and treasures waiting to be discovered. Northern California’s flea markets are full of vintage goods, collectibles, locally-grown produce, tasty food stalls, cheap plants and more. It doesn’t matter if you seek jewelry, funky furniture, fresh fruits and veggies, or simply an exciting day out, the best flea markets of Northern California have something for every style and interest.
1. Alameda Point Antiques Faire (Alameda)
One of the best flea markets in Northern California is the Alameda Points Antique Faire. Situated on the former Alameda Naval Air Station opposite Oakland, this is probably the largest antique market because it has over 800 booths selling antiques, collectibles, crafts, and the views of San Francisco are stunning. This is one of our favorite flea markets because the Alameda Antique Faire requires that the majority of items being sold are vintage and at least 20 years old.
We’ve spotted vintage furniture, fine art, kitchenware, and more. On the outskirts of the Alameda flea market are food trucks and vendors selling items like freshly made donuts, acai bowls, tamales, and fresh produce. This is the perfect place to have a good time wandering each aisle studying all the collectibles and vintage items.
It’s open on the first Sunday of the month.
Entrance Fees:
| VIP Shopping | 6:00 am – 7:30 am | $20.00 |
| Early Buy | 7:30 am – 9:00 am | $15.00 |
| Morning | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | $10.00 |
| Afternoon | 12:00 am – 3:00 pm | $5.00 |
2. Alemany Flea Market (San Francisco)
Located at Alemany Blvd and Silver Ave, this outdoor market has food, clothes, jewelry, furniture, vintage items, and more. It’s open every Sunday from dawn to dusk. We like Alemany for its eclectic feel but stick to the registered vendors. Some vendors are set up nearby that sell boosted goods and are not affiliated with the flea market.
Address: 100 Alemany Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94110
Sun, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Alemany Flea Market has an on-site parking lot and free admission.
3. San Jose Flea Market (San Jose)
Operating since 1969, this is one of the largest flea markets in the Bay Area with over 500 vendors. Numerous food booths and trucks offer seating for enjoying tasty eats. Vendors sell abundant produce, sweets, toys, knickknacks, new jewelry, apparel, vintage finds, gowns, dresses, fabrics, statues, piñatas, and more. The prices for fruit, produce, and plants are very reasonable.
The San Jose Flea Market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Parking is pretty expensive ($10 on Saturdays and $20 on Sundays.)
Address: 1590 Berryessa Rd San Jose, CA 95133
4. Berkeley Flea Market (Berkeley)
According to the Berkeley Flea Market website “The Berkley Flea Market began in 1970’s as an unofficial gathering of artists and activists striving to foster community between people of all walks of life and provide opportunities for otherwise marginalized people to engage and thrive in business in a supportive environment.” The Berkeley flea is small but you can come home with some great things if you have the patience to look and dig. We spotted more modern items like new & pre-owned clothing, sunglasses, bikes, and kitchenware.
The Berkeley Flea Market has free parking and admission.
Address: 1937 Ashby Ave Berkeley, CA 94703
5. De Anza College Flea Market (Cupertino)
This smaller flea market has been operating since 1977 with over 500 vendors and booths. The De Anza Flea market is one of the best places for books and live plants. Every single plant vendor we saw had a ton of people in their booth so I think it’s a place to get reasonably priced plants.
We like the De Anza Flea Market because it is clean and very organized. The parking lot holds a food area with vendors and trucks alongside vendors selling plants, antiques, clothing, jewelry, and household supplies.
The De Anza Flea Market is open on the first Saturday of every month.
Entrance and parking to this flea market is free.
Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd De Anza College Parking Lot Cupertino, CA 95014
6. West Wind Capital Flea Market (San Jose)
West Wind Flea Market In San Jose is worth the trip to the South Bay because it has a ton of different items every weekend. Deal hunters can find items like toys (vintage and new), clothes, tools, plants, flowers, and fresh produce and nuts. You will find local vendors who set up every weekend and the occasional person selling their home items before they move from the area.
West Wind has a huge parking lot adjacent to the entrance and the entrance fee ranges from .50 to $2.50 depending on the day you go. West Wind also has a cool old-school drive-in at night so stick around the area and catch a movie from your car!
Entrance Fees:
Wednesday: $0.50
Thursday: $1.25
Friday: $0.75
Saturday: $1.75
Sunday: $2.50
Hours
Wednesday: 7:00am – 2:30pm
Thursday: 6:30am – 3:30pm
Friday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday: 6:30am – 3:30pm
Sunday: 6:30am – 3:30pm
Address: 3630 Hillcap Ave San Jose, CA 95136
7. Treasure Island Flea Market (East Bay)
The Treasure Island Flea Market is now called the Treasure Fest. According to their website, ” Treasure Fest is the Bay Area’s monthly festival featuring everything that makes the Bay Area unique. Join us for a weekend full of local music, art, food, and hundreds of creators and vendors!” Don’t go expecting vintage finds but expect lots of beautiful goods crafted by local artisans, food trucks, and alcohol options like local breweries.
Treasure Fest is the last weekend of every month. Treasure Fest is a pet-friendly market and has free parking on a first come first serve basis. TreasureFest is a dog-friendly environment so you’re welcome to bring your pet along as long as they are on a leash.
Address: Treasure Island San Francisco, CA 94130
8. Sacramento Antique Faire (Sacramento)
The Sacramento Antique Faire is an Antiques and Collectibles Marketplace held the second Sunday of every month. Vendors set up outdoor booths and this is a great place to hunt for a large variety of items including produce, ceramics, furniture, vintage clothing, toys, pet supplies, and more.
There is also a large farmers market section with fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products.
Admission is paid from your vehicle through a toll booth when arriving at the Sacramento Antique Faire. Admission is $3.00 (those under 16 are admitted free) and parking is free. Admission must be paid with cash.
Address: 4441 Truxel Rd, Sacramento, CA 95834
General tips for visiting a flea market in Northern California:
- Get there early. The best selection is usually early in the morning when vendors are just setting up. The first few hours tend to be less crowded too.
- Bring small bills and change. Many vendors only accept cash and may not be able to make change for large bills.
- Be prepared to haggle. Haggling is a time-honored tradition and is often expected, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, especially if buying multiple items.
- Dress comfortably. You’ll be on your feet all day, so wear supportive shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Layering is a good idea too for changing weather in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Bring your own bags. This makes it easier to carry purchases and vendors may even give you a discount for saving them bags.
- For the best experience go with a game plan. Scope out the layout first to identify key areas of interest. Make a targeted wish list too.
- Keep valuables secure. Don’t leave bags unattended and keep wallets/cash safely stowed. Don’t keep valuables in your car.
- Check for defects at any of these vintage flea markets. Examine items closely for any damage, flaws, or missing pieces before purchasing.
- Be aware of your budget. It’s easy to overspend in the flea market environment, so set a budget and stick to it.
- Support small businesses! Several of these outdoor flea markets have food vendors or food trucks that sell fresh produce and more
