5 of the Best Vintage Stores in Los Angeles to Score a Bargain

Thrifting is a favorite pastime for many, whether it’s a hobby, a business or just a fun way to spend a day—there’s nothing quite like snagging some great threads or home goods at discounted prices. The vintage stores in Los Angeles are perfect places for bargain hunting on clothing, furniture, decor, books and more because gems can be found almost anywhere—it just takes some gentle digging and a little patience to find them.

Don’t miss this special once-a-month flea market

On the second Sunday of every month, head to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. Regular admission begins at 9 a.m. for $9, but if you’re an early bird wanting first dibs, you can enter at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. for a higher admission cost. Consider yourself duly warned—with more than 2,500 vendors, the Rose Bowl Flea Market can be an all-day endeavor, but you’re bound to leave with treasures. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to practice your haggling skills here; vendors will often give you at a better price if you buy more than one piece from them. Parking for the Rose Bowl Flea is free.

Weekends are for thrifting

An open-air market that takes place every Sunday, the Melrose Trading Post (MTP) is at the intersection of Melrose and Fairfax, and entry is $3 per person. The cool thing about this market is that admission and vendor fees benefit the kids at Fairfax High School. There are food vendors and live musicians for a full-on Sunday Fun Day experience, and just like the Rose Bowl, you could stick around this flea market all day. No need to worry about Hollywood parking, MTP has a free lot for shoppers. Important note: Not all vendors accept credit cards, so you’re best off bringing cash, though there is an ATM nearby—just watch out for those bank fees!

Get your hands on designer vintage

There is thrift shopping, and then there is shopping a perfectly curated mix of vintage designer goods in a spacious storefront with high ceilings and neon lights. American Rag Cie on La Brea, one of the best thrift shops in Los Angeles, is just that and so much more. Since 1984, their buyers have traveled the world looking for only the most interesting pieces to bring back to L.A. Fair warning: You could end up spending a pretty penny in this store between the shop’s denim bar, its selection of designer shoes and one-of-a-kind accessories.

Go for sun and fun in Venice

On the Westside, you’ll find Animal House in Venice. One of the top vintage stores in Los Angeles, it offers a mix of select pieces. Pro tip: Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday—this is when the shop receives new vintage shipments and you’re more likely to find the things you love in your size. When you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, walk to the beach for some relaxation and a little vitamin D and to show off that cover-up or those sunglasses you picked up.

Find one-of-a-kind pieces and maybe even a day at the movies

A family-owned thrift shop in the heart of the thriving Little Ethiopia neighborhood, Helping Hand Thrift Shop has been around since 1996. A standout among the many fantastic vintage stores in Los Angeles, Helping Hand carries everything from 1920s collectibles to affordable present-day pieces and goods. This shop is a little different from most as it is often used as a filming location for movies—according to the shop’s website, film producer Bill Hooey says the store is especially versatile because it can look like any time period with just minor adjustments—and even rents out props for film, theater and photography.

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