A Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a vibrant landscape for second-hand shopping, ranging from massive flea markets to curated antique shops and community-focused charity stores. Whether you are hunting for vintage clothing, household goods, or unique collectibles, the city provides ample opportunities to find treasures while supporting local causes. This guide outlines how to plan a productive day of thrifting by grouping locations by type, noting their specific operating hours, and offering practical advice for those looking to sell their own items.

Flea Markets

Flea markets are ideal for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt and want to browse a wide variety of goods in an open-air setting. In Los Angeles, the standout option is the Rose Bowl Flea Market, located on Rose Bowl Drive. This market operates on Sundays from 05:00 to 16:30. Because it opens very early, arriving at the start of the day is recommended to secure the best finds before crowds build up. While there are other markets in the city, such as the Brentwood Farmers Market (Sundays 06:00-15:00) and the Hollywood Farmers Market (Sundays 08:00-13:00), these are primarily focused on fresh produce and food rather than general second-hand goods. For a dedicated second-hand experience, the Rose Bowl is the primary destination. Note that hours may change due to holidays or seasonal adjustments, so checking ahead is always wise.

Charity Shops

Charity shops are excellent for finding everyday items, clothing, and household goods at affordable prices, with proceeds often supporting local community programs. Los Angeles has a high density of Goodwill locations, which are convenient due to their extensive network and long operating hours. For example, the Goodwill on Imperial Highway is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00, while the location on San Fernando Road operates from 09:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 20:00 on Sundays. Other Goodwill branches, such as those on Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, follow similar schedules, making them accessible for evening visits.

Beyond Goodwill, other notable charity shops include The Salvation Army, with locations on East Main Street (Mon-Sat 09:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00) and North Central Avenue (Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00). The Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on North Avenue 21 is open Monday through Saturday from 09:30 to 18:00 and Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00. For those in the Glassell Park area, Out of the Closet - Glassell Park Superstore on San Fernando Road offers a large selection, open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. The Huntington Collection on East Colorado Boulevard has more limited hours, operating Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 15:00. Always verify hours before visiting, as they may change.

Second-Hand Shops

Independent second-hand shops often offer curated selections that differ from the broader inventory of charity stores. Crossroads is a prominent name with locations on Griffith Park Boulevard and Ventura Boulevard, both open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 20:00 and Sundays from 11:00 to 19:00. These stores are known for their organized layout and trendy vintage clothing.

For unique finds, consider Berda Paradise on West Sunset Boulevard, which is open Monday and Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00, and Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00. Sleeper on Sunset Boulevard operates daily from 12:00 to 18:00, offering a distinct selection of vintage apparel. The Council Shop on Santa Monica Boulevard is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00. Bell Thrift Store Inc on Atlantic Avenue is open Monday through Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00. Public Estrellas Thrift Shop on North Broadway operates daily from 11:00 to 19:00. Value Village on Alondra Boulevard is open Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00. Love The City Thrift Store on Sepulveda Boulevard is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Bridge Thrift has locations on North Figueroa Street (daily 10:00-20:00) and Eagle Rock Boulevard (Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-19:00). Timeless Treasures is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Habitat for Humanity Restore on San Fernando Road is open Tuesday through Saturday from 09:00 to 17:30, focusing on building materials and home goods. Goodwill Store & Donation Center is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Hours for all these shops may change, so plan accordingly.

Antique Shops

For collectors and those seeking vintage decor, Los Angeles has several dedicated antique shops. A cluster of antique stores is located on West Magnolia Boulevard. Mary La Shaum's Antique Shop is open Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 and closed on weekends. Best of Times Antiques on the same street is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00. Scavenger's Paradise operates Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00. Madrid Antiques is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 to 17:30. Catnip Coalition Vintage Mall is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 to 17:00 and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 to 18:00.

Other notable antique shops include Asian Treasure Art & Craft on Chung King Road, open Monday through Saturday from 09:30 to 15:00 and closed on Sundays. Waverly on Doheny on North Doheny Drive is open Tuesday through Saturday from 14:00 to 19:00. lief on North Almont Drive operates Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 17:00. These shops often have smaller inventories than flea markets, so visiting multiple locations in one trip can be beneficial. Remember that hours may change, particularly for smaller, owner-operated businesses.

Markets

While many markets in Los Angeles are focused on food, some offer a mix of goods or are located near other shopping districts. Nairi Market on Hollywood Boulevard is open Monday from 08:00 to 18:00, Tuesday through Saturday from 08:00 to 19:00, and Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00. Tigranakert on Victory Boulevard is open Monday through Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00 and Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00. Sherman Way Market Place on Sherman Way is open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 21:00, Saturday from 08:00 to 20:00, and Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00. Silverlake Farmers Market on Griffith Park Boulevard has varied hours: Tuesday from 01:30 to 19:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:30, with other days off. Echo Park Farmers' Market on Logan Street is open Fridays from 15:00 to 19:30. Marina del Rey Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00. Westwood Village Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 12:00 to 17:00. Mar Vista Farmers' Market is open Sundays from 09:00 to 14:00. These markets are best for quick stops or combining with other activities, though their primary focus is often fresh goods rather than second-hand items.

Tips for Selling Your Own Items

If you are looking to declutter and sell your own belongings, Los Angeles offers several avenues. Garage sales are a popular method for selling household items, furniture, and clothing directly to neighbors. To organize a successful garage sale, start by sorting items into categories and pricing them clearly. Use bright signs to direct traffic to your home, and ensure you have change available for cash transactions. It is helpful to set up tables or racks to display items neatly, making it easier for buyers to browse.

For larger items or bulk goods, consider donating to charity shops like Goodwill or The Salvation Army, which often accept a wide range of items. Some locations, such as the Council Thrift - Mar Vista on Venice Blvd, have specific donation drop-off hours (Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-18:00, and Mon-Su 10:00-17:30 for store donation drop-off), so check their schedule before visiting. If you prefer selling online, local community groups and classifieds can connect you with buyers in your area. When selling at a market or flea market, be prepared to negotiate prices and have a system for tracking sales. Always keep your items clean and presentable to attract buyers. By planning ahead and understanding the local landscape, you can make the most of Los Angeles's second-hand shopping scene.