Flea markets, swap meets, bazaars—whatever you want to call them—people have been using them to peddle antiques and original creations for centuries. We love them because you never know what you’re going to find. Whether we’re checking out locally made goods, old vintage clothing and records, or weird old junk, the possibilities for what you could impulsively buy are almost endless. They come in big sizes and small, indoors and out, and they’re held all over the world.
But visiting flea markets all over the world is a touch unrealistic, so we decided to make a small list of our absolute favorite flea markets. These are the markets you have to get to, all of them in the good ol’ USA.
Brooklyn Flea – Brooklyn, NY
Despite having only been founded in 2008, the Brooklyn Flea is one of the premiere flea markets in the entire country, known for its wide and incredible array of carefully vetted vendors selling everything from jewelry and art, to handmade products by local makers and creators. You’ll also find vintage furniture, clothing, and other collectibles, as well as a selection of delicious local food. Link
Brimfield Flea Market – Brimfield, MA
Massachusetts is chock full of seriously good flea markets and swap meets, but none come close to Brimfield Flea Market. Hundreds of vendors packed into outdoor stalls and tents offer everything you could possibly imagine, from handmade quilts and blankets, to leather goods, furniture, vintage wares, children toys, and honestly everything else. We’ve heard it’s even popular with buyers from some of the world’s top clothing brands (think Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren). Link
Austin Country Flea – Austin, TX
The Austin Country Flea is a Texan institution in the swap meet scene, and a trip out that way is more of an event than a visit to the local flea. Over 300 vendor spots are filled with everything from cheap Mexican imports to quality vintage furniture, and you’ll find delicious food at the concessions and live music every weekend. It’s one of the oldest and largest flea markets in all of Texas, and for what it offers, we definitely see why. Link
Englishtown Auction – Englishtown, NJ
Hands down one of the best-kept secrets on this list is the flea market at Englishtown Auction in Englishtown, NJ. Since 1929 it has been a home to an array of vendors selling everything from used carpentry tools to Mexican blankets, handmade leather goods, shoes, fresh fruits and veggies, and vintage records. Parking is plentiful and free, and there are well over 300 vendors to check out. Seeing as how the flea offers indoor and outdoor booths, vendors are always changing (the long-term folks have stalls inside, and the temporary vendors are outside), which means the selection is always solid. Link
Long Beach Outdoor Antique Market – Long Beach, CA
Even though it’s only open once a month (every third Sunday), the Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market spans a massive 20 acres and features over 800 unique vendors. It’s home to anything and everything you could ever want, especially if it’s vintage. And when we say vintage, we mean it—this market completely forbids the sale of things newer than 20 years old. Link
Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market – Springfield, OH
You can’t write a “Best Flea Markets” roundup without including the world-famous Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market in Springfield, Ohio. Over the last 40 years, it has truly become one of the best flea markets in the country, featuring over 2,000 vendors who specialize in damn near anything you can think of. Vintage motorcycle parts, potted plants, clothing and accessories, furniture, local foods and more abound at this swap meet, so if you’re looking for a particular something, you’ll likely find it here. Link
Rose Bowl Flea Market – Pasadena, CA
California is an ideal spot for flea markets because the weather is always beautiful and the temperate air keeps vintage stuff in excellent condition. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is by far one of the most popular flea markets in the state, and on the second Sunday of every month, plays host to over 2,500 vendors and over 20,000 shoppers. Located inside the Rose Bowl, you’ll find everything you’re looking for along with a bunch of stuff you never knew you needed. If you’re on the Left Coast, you need to check it out. Link
The Daytona Flea & Farmer’s Market – Daytona, FL
Surprisingly, you won’t find too many excellent flea markets in the south. A couple in Georgia and the Carolinas, but nothing too crazy. That is, with the exception of The Daytona Flea & Farmer’s Market. There are a ton of vendors there (something like 1,000+), ranging from discount tires to honey stores and even psychic palm readings. The more we look, the more we realize the vendors aren’t your average marketeers, making this place a smorgasbord of flea market greatness. Link
