5 Different Flea Markets for 5 Different Types of Thrifters

Whether you're intimidated by the concept of thrifting or you're a veteran, here's 5 different flea markets that speak to every personality

Hello and happy Monday, folks! Today, I’m sharing 5 different flea markets for 5 different personalities. Whether you’re new to secondhand shopping or you’ve frequented the LA flea markets, hopefully there’s a market below that’s resonates with you!

For When Thrifting Intimidates You: Melrose Trading Post

• When & Where: Every Sunday, Fairfax High School (corner of Melrose & Fairfax)

• My take: Though it used to be primarily vintage & antiques, the Melrose Trading Post is now just as much an artisan’s market and a place to be seen as it is a flea market. This market (every Sunday at the intersection of Melrose & Fairfax) is a great place to bring a friend who is new to thrifting, or is visiting LA and wants a less traditional tourist attraction. You can find something unique to take home, you’ll likely spot a celebrity or a TikToker, and you can stroll the hype shops on Fairfax afterwards to make a day out of it.

For When You View Thrifting as An Art Form: Long Beach Antique Market

• When & Where: Every third Sunday, Long Beach Veterans Stadium

• My take: LB Antique Market touts over 20 acres of vendors, making it one of the largest flea markets in the greater Los Angeles area. This one is not for the faint of heart - you could spend an entire day here if you wanted to! I recommend heading to Long Beach if you’re looking for a specific item, or if you just moved and need some cool furniture pieces. It’s always helpful (and way less overwhelming) to have a specific agenda :)

For The Westsider That Doesn’t Leave the West Side: Santa Monica Antique Market

• When & Where: Every 1st and 4th Sunday, Santa Monica Airport

• My take: Flea markets are harder to come by on the West side, but the antique market at the Santa Monica Airport is top tier. The vendors are heavily vetted and only sell true vintage & antique pieces, so this creates a very curated and unique selection of goods.

For the Eastsider That Doesn’t Leave the East Side: Los Feliz Flea Market

• When & Where: Every Saturday, Marshall High School

• My take: Though I am an Eastsider that does leave the East side :) … Los Feliz is my favorite flea market! It has a good mix of home goods and clothing and knick knacks, but isn’t as overwhelming and overstimulating as the larger fleas like Long Beach and Rose Bowl.

For When You’ve Already Been to the Rose Bowl: Pasadena City College Flea Market

• When & Where: First Sunday of the month, Pasadena City College

• My take: Similar to Long Beach flea, this market is also pretty intensive and requires a lot of scavenging - though it has a smaller overall footprint. This one *seemingly* doesn’t appear to be overrun with influencers, and instead is populated with locals and serious thrifters.

What’s your favorite flea market in LA? Reply directly to this email to share your pick! Until next week… you can find even more LA secrets on TikTok! Have a lovely week!