A LITTLE ABOUT
San Diego County, CA
SWAP MEETS!

Where to find antiques, new and used clothing, used furniture, garden equipment, crafts, computers, jewelry, fresh produce, dairy products, electronics, musical instruments at San Diego swap meets and flea markets.

The words "flea market" or "swap meet" are almost synonymous. And even though the swap meet concept reportedly dates back to medieval times, when merchants hawked their wares in tents and horse-drawn carts, today’s swap meet houses new wares and antiques and collectibles. If you have visited the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California, then you know only too well that one of the West Coast’s largest venues houses discontinued merchandise, handmade crafts, clothing and specialty foods and tons of other stuff -- often much more apparent than antiques and collectibles.

Regionally, especially on the East Cost and in the Midwest, swap meets and flea markets tend to emphasize antiques and collectibles. In the West, swap meets feature secondhand items and discounted goods more than antiques and collectibles. Individuals involved with these events clearly differentiate between selling antiques and collectibles than what is sold in a mostly secondhand (recycled or reusable goods) swap meet. While some San Diego events sell both, local emphasis in the past few years has been on second hand or nearly new items--a move away from the excitement of finding treasures at those old 1950’s classic swap meets. Nevertheless, because swap meets are still a good place to unload household items (plus a few family heirlooms) that’s why they remain a consistent attraction to collectors and families alike.

Fridays through Sundays -- KOBEY’S SWAP MEET
Since 1976, an outdoor market with one thousand vendors featuring antiques and collectibles, new and used merchandise/furniture , crafts, clothing, jewelry, computer equipment, fresh produce. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., (at the San Diego Sports Arena) San Diego, CA 92110. Admission: $.50 Fri. ; $1.00 Sat. & Sun. (children under 11 free). (619) 226-0650 recorded information.

Saturdays and Sundays -- NATIONAL CITY SWAP MEET

Located where the former Harbor Drive-In was, this swap reportedly is the oldest in the County. There are eight hundred vendors located on twenty-five acres selling all kinds of stuff! Surprising treasures -- lots of quality rugs, linens, pillows, curtains (very reasonable prices) , clothing, miscellaneous.  A popular spot for regulars and those seeking unusual items at fair prices. 3200 D Ave., National City, CA (619) 477-2203

Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays -- SOUTH BAY SWAP MEET

We do not have much information on this swap meet as of this writing (10/11/05) so please be sure to check with them before going (we will continue to try to contact them as well.) 2170 Coronado Ave., San Diego CA 92154 (619) 423-9676

Saturdays and Sundays -- SPRING VALLEY SWAP MEET
In operation for over 30 years, this swap meet averages close to its capacity of 1,049 vendors. 6377 Quarry Rd., Spring Valley, CA 91977. 7 AM - 3 PM. Admission: $.50 per person. (619) 463-1194.

Saturdays and Sundays - SANTEE SWAP MEET
Drawing large crowds since 1984. Antiques, collectibles, new merchandise, crafts and produce. Every second Saturday features antiques and collectibles located nest to the main swap meet. 10990 Woodside Ave., N., Santee, CA. 92072. (Take 67 North to Riverford Road exit). 6:30 AM - 2 PM. $1.00 admission; free parking. (760) 745-3100.

Wednesdays through Sundays - ESCONDIDO SWAP MEET
Indoor/outdoor market featuring mostly new merchandise with a Mexican accent plus lots of used items including tools, electronics, clothing, books, musical instruments, antiques, more. Farmer’s Market on the premises with inexpensive fresh produce, cheeses, dairy products and meats. Fourteen food concessions. 635 W. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92025. Wed.-Th., Sat., Sun. 7:00 AM-4 PM; Fri. 3 PM - 9:30 PM; Admission: $1.00 Wed. & Sat.; $1.25 Fri. & Sun. (760) 745-3100. Live entertainment; comedians, magicians, large children's playground area.

Saturdays, Sundays and Holiday Mondays - OCEANSIDE DRIVE-IN SWAP MEET
One of the oldest swap meets around. Since 1971—outdoor market, rain or shine. 1,000 vendors. Antiques & collectibles, new and used merchandise/furniture, crafts, jewelry, clothing, books. All on approximately 40 acres of land which includes produce sellers. 3480 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054. (Interstate 5 to Mission Ave., then two miles east). 6 AM - 3 PM. Sat. $.75 admission; Sun. $1.00; free parking. (760) 745-3100. (760) 757-5286 (on swap meet days.)

NYC Flea Markets - everything from beaded jewelry to antiques.

Collector’s Org - Complete flea market index by city under state heading.

QFLEA - A virtual flea market and a place to have some fun.

Jewelry fleamarket - lots of bargains and sales to be found.