In Los Angeles, there are flea markets and there are swap meets. Flea markets are open air markets that are held temporarily for the day or the weekend in open lots where you find new and lots of second hand and vintage items. (Swap meets are indoor markets where many vendors are selling mostly new, cheap items, and the meets do not relocate as flea markets do.)

Also check out the local papers or street signs for garage and yard sales. This is a town where you may find gems in the rough from someone’s garage junk.

Hidden Los Angeles maintains a schedule with up-to-date information on flea markets and swap meets. Visit http://hiddenlosangeles.com/resource-swap-meet-calendar.

Flea Markets

Rose Bowl Flea Market
LA’s most famous flea market located at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and held on the second Sunday of every month. More than 2,500 stallholders selling clothes, furniture, collectibles, books, and records. No pets are allowed.

Admission: $8.00 (regular) – $20.00 (VIP) – Free for children under 12
Hours: 5am (VIP) / 8 am (regular) – 4.30pm
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
(323) 560-7469
http://www.rgcshows.com/RoseBowl.aspx

Melrose Trading Post
Held every Sunday and arguably the best, as well as a celebrity favorite. Two hundred vendors sell anything from hip junk to designer bargains.

Admission: $2
Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
544 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036-1771
(323) 655-7679
http://www.melrosetradingpost.org/