Best Flea Markets In East Bay

When doing some serious flea market shopping, preparation is key. Get there early and bring a team of hands with you to help peruse the trinkets. New stuff is sold virtually every weekend and you want to make sure you have enough hands to carry it all home. Remember to bring cash, as some vendors do not take cards, as well as to pay for entry fees. Here's a list of the finest flea markets to choose your weekend deal-finding adventure.

Related: Best Flea Markets In The North Bay

Alameda Point Antiques Faire
2900 Navy Way.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-7500
www.alamedapointantiquesfaire.com

With a fine flair for antique and vintage-feel items, this is the perfect place to find some one-of-a-kind pieces to accent any home. Unique furniture is the norm, along with shoes, jewelry, wall sconces and a list of antique odds and ends. Twice a year, Alameda Point also holds a vintage fashion fair, featuring fashion from every decade. This is a must see for Bay Area women who love the vintage look.

Berkeley Flea Market
1937 Ashby Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 644-0744
www.berkeleyfleamarket.com

Being in the shadows of a student hub, Berkeley Flea Market has some pretty trendy items for sale. It has an international vibe as well, cultivating a mix of artsy collectibles, international food, oils and incense next to a drum circle that doesn't seem to stop. Next to the Ashby BART station, one will find it easily accessible and a fun place to rummage to the beat of the drums.

Related: Best Places To Get Jewelry Cleaned In East Bay

Laney College Flea Market
7th St. & Fallon St.
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 769-7266

One of the busiest flea markets on the list, shoppers will find low entry fees and cheap prices that they can negotiate even lower at Laney College Flea market. Not only can you find small trinkets to rummage through, but also many high-end items. Turn your pedestrian lifestyle into a cycling one with the huge selection of bikes at this flea market. The market also has some fantastic food to eat while you shop, making this an all-day experience.

West End Flea Market
555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Pkwy.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 999-1431
www.westendfleamarket.com

West End is not as well known as some of the other flea markets to make this list, which means this market is less picked over. Sleep in a little knowing some great treasures will still be waiting for you when you arrive. The environment here is clean and safe, with a nicely paved parking lot and friendly vendors to assist you. There are some nice vintage items, clothing for all shapes and sizes, and delicious food vendors for empty stomachs.

Related: Best Vintage Stores In San Francisco

Solano Way Flea Market
Solano Way & Hwy 4
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 687-6445

Get to bed early so you can hit the deals early at this flea and farmer's market combo for an amazing shopping experience. Expect some competition- the good stuff goes fast. Friendly vendors help make this one of the best flea markets in the East Bay, giving an upbeat vibe to the atmosphere. Enjoy antique treasures, knock-off apparel and accessories, pre-owned items, a produce section, and even massage services.

Mel Ball is the founder of AskASalon.com, utilizing her background of 10 years in the beauty industry to promote, market, mentor, and build business for small salons and spas across the country. She links up quality salon or spa talented folks with businesses that need them, and supports the growth of all those in the service industry through her virtual knowledge networking site and real-world events. She resides in San Francisco. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.