One of my favorite childhood memories was living in France and attending the “marché aux puces” with my mom. I loved looking at all the knick knacks and getting lost in the past and going through all the rows. It wasn’t until I moved to the Bay Area that I started hearing about the flea market scene. So today on the blog we’re doing a “Bay Area Flea Market” round up and I’m sharing some of my tried and true tips for flea marketing.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire AKA “Alameda Flea Market”
- Location: 3800 Main St, Alameda, CA 94501
- Dates: 1st Sunday of every month
- Parking: Free parking
- Entrance: 6 – 7:30AM $15.00, 7:30 – 9 AM $10.00, 9 AM – 3PM $5.00
- Best for: Antique & vintage furniture
The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is imposing with the beautiful cityscape in the background. This huge market features food trucks on the outer edges (because of course shopping works up an appetite). The rest of the market is a mix of vintage items and re-worked pieces. You can also find knick knacks, but I would say this is the spot to go if you’re looking for bigger furniture items.
Treasure Island Flea AKA “TreasureFest”
- Location: Pier 1, Treasure Island
- Dates: last weekend of every month
- Parking: Free parking
- Entrance: $3 GA, Children under 12 free
- Best for: Food trucks & artisan-made items
- Note: the area around Treasurefest is currently under construction. Therefore, the event is on hold until further notice. We’ll update this once new information is posted.
TreasureFest feels like a food truck event teamed up with an artisan market. The backdrop of the bay makes this spot ideal for grabbing some breakfast (or a drink) will roaming through the stalls. You can still find vintage items here, but the majority of the stalls are artisan-made or local products.
San Jose Flea Market
- Location: 1590 Berryessa Road, San Jose, CA 95133
- Dates: Every Wednesday, Friday & Weekends
- Parking: Wednesday free, Friday $3, Saturday $7, Sunday $15. Free parking before 9 AM
- Entrance: Free admission with paid parking.
- Best for: Produce shopping & practical home items
Of the group, the San Jose Flea Market is the most practical of the bunch. Here is where you go when you need everything from cleaning utensils to lawn supplies. The real gem of the market however is the enormous produce area. Not only does everything look incredibly fresh, but the prices are insane (in a good way)! For example- limes were 7 for $1, and avocados were 5 for $4.
De Anza College Flea Market
- Location: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Parking Lots A & B (Cupertino)
- Dates: First Saturday of every month, 8 AM – 4 PM
- Parking:
- Entrance: Free
- Best for: Vintage items & plants
“Overwhelming” is the word that comes to mind when I think about the De Anza Market. This once a month market is a must-visit as you could easily spend an entire day here. It is ideal for smaller vintage/antique home decor items, as well as plants! Quite a few vendors had succulents and larger plants.
Alemany Flea Market
- Location: 100 Alemany Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94110
- Dates: open every Sunday, 7AM – 3PM
- Parking: Street & parking lot parking available
- Entrance: Free
- Best for: Antiques, odds & ends
The Alemany Market might look a little rough around the edges (maybe because it’s right off the freeway exit and near an onramp), but there are some serious treasures here. Parking is very limited, so I would recommend grabbing a coffee up the hill in Bernal Heights and taking an Uber down. Vendors are incredibly friendly, and I scored a gorgeous vintage mirror for $10!
Niles Antique Faire & Flea Market AKA “Fremont Flea Market”
- Location: 37592 Niles Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536
- Dates: once a year in august.
- Best for: Antiques (obviously)
I am sad to say that I haven’t personally been to the Niles Antique Faire as I’ve managed to miss it every year. However, I will say that I have visited the antique shops on Niles Blvd. as they were prepping for the event. It was clear that for the antique-lovers out there, this would be the equivalent of Christmas. I’ve also heard from everyone who has gone that this is a must-visit event, hence it makes the list!
Tips for Shopping at the Flea Market
- Dress for the flea business. Me going to the flea market is the only time you’ll see me out and about dressed down. Leave your fancy items at home as you’ll find that most items don’t have prices and the owners will price it on whim.
- Main it rain (Cash is king). I never have cash, but cash is a must at the flea market. Even if they do take card, you’ll always get a better deal paying in cash. Also make sure you have a mix of bills. Large bills can be difficult as vendors might not have enough change.
- Have your shopping goals. Go shopping with an open mind, but to avoid getting overwhelmed, have some shopping goals for items you’d like to find.
- Haggle. Don’t forget to haggle! But make sure that you’re being fair since everyone has to make a living.
- Start in the back. I like to dart straight to the back of any flea market as things will be less picked over and you’ll be likely to find a better deal.
- If you have to have it, don’t walk away. If you find something that you’re dying to have (and have been looking for) don’t walk away and leave it to chance that it will still be there. I’ve had some serious regrets when it comes to missing great items!
Thanks for reading our Bay Area Flea Market guide! What are your tips?
