SAN FRANCISCO
(2036 Polk St // Russian Hill)
This place is perfect for festival shopping, with its wide selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Most of their items are from the 90s and 00s, but you can check out their jewelry section on the first floor for some local artist creations!
(1780 Haight St // Haight)
Haight Street is heaven for thrift shopping, with stores all over the neighborhood! Make your way to Roommates Vintage for curated items that will give your closet a cool lil' makeover. Check out their clothes for edgy fashion and stylish streetwear, all perfect for Portola Festival.
(Folsom // Polk // Berkeley // Oakland)
Out of the Closet has been kicking all over the country for 30 years! When you shop at one of these incredible stores, you're also helping the fight against AIDS and HIV, as a portion of every dollar spent here goes toward healthcare and housing services. The store also offers free HIV testing — honestly where would we be without Out of the Closet?
(1445 + 1499 Grant Ave // North Beach)
Ah, a true vintage dream. Vacation is your go-to spot for elegant dresses from decades ago, cool tees, beautiful accessories... everything really. Keep an eye out for their next outdoor market + start shopping now on their IG!
Via Afterlife Collective
(541 Valencia St // Mission)
Valencia Street is also a heavenly place for thrifters and vintage fans. Stop by Afterlife Collective for a wide variety of clothes from all eras. Different secondhand shoppers have sections within the store, so you can find the vendor that best fits your style.
(1543 Haight St // Haight)
A few skips away from the classic Haight/Ashbury intersection, this secondhand shop keeps the vintage spirit alive. Each section in their large selection is organized by decade, so it's especially great if you're looking for a costume or a specific look. If you're in the market for prairie babydolls or flapper attire, this is a surefire stop.
(623 Valencia St // Mission)
The ever-popular Community Thrift is your one-stop-shop for all things pre-loved without breaking the bank. Their thrifty clothing, housewares, and furniture have kept our shopping needs satisfied since 1982 and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Via OK marketplace
(22 Peace Plaza // Japantown)
Browse local vendors at the cutest vintage market in the city, right in Japantown! OK marketplace has it all, from goods by artists + makers, to vintage items. Take a dive and find something adorable—it won't be too hard to find here!
(1962 Harrison St // Mission)
Feel funky, feel beautiful, feel dressed to impress (yourself) at Empress Vintage. This inclusive vintage paradise has everything you need for a true shop-til-you-drop day. Peep their IG for all the lewks.
(50 Bannam Pl // North Beach)
This small North Beach spot is so tucked away that if you blink, you may miss it. The business has now expanded their store offerings, to go from just a record store now to now carrying vintage clothing and accessories as well. Go on a treasure hunt for the spot, and then treasure hunt in store!
(Fisherman's Wharf + Berkeley)
This spot has Bay Area ties, with an additional location in Santa Cruz. Their selection of unique picks ranges in both price and style, but you can find a selection of Bay Area sports gear that's perfect for games, no matter your preferred sport.
EAST BAY
(5461 College Ave // Oakland)
Rockridge has the cutest boutiques so you can shop small and support local. Make your way to The Wardrobe Project for a curated selection of vintage goods, with inclusive sizing for all genders. They also host a market monthly at Rockridge BART Station, with bins starting at $1!
(222 Jefferson St // Oakland)
Every first Saturday of the month, head to Jack London Square for a bazaar of local vendors. You can find just about anything, from clothes to furniture, and vinyls to art. This dog-friendly outdoor market is located around the corner from Narrative, the indoor furnishings collective that's open 7 days a week.
(5505 College Ave // Oakland)
Whatever your era — '20s, '60s, '80s — Mercy's got you. Everything is in beautiful condition, ready to rock without having to dig through massive piles of worn out tees and the like. Plus, they do consignment if you have some vintage pieces that you need to get off your hands.
(2181 Bancroft Way // Berkeley)
This spot is right at the base of UC Berkeley, so it's no surprise they carry a selection of vintage Cal gear. Their graphic t-shirt collection is stacked, plus they have an online store so you can shop at anytime!
Via ReLove
(3258 Grand Ave // Oakland + 1815 Polk St // San Francisco)
Positive vibes and cute styles, ReLove is all killer and no filler. Their selection is highly curated, so everything on the rack is beyond covetable and easy to find. If you're not a rack digger, this is the place for you. Plus, we hear the shop dog gives the best hugs.
(Berkeley // Oakland // San Francisco // San Jose)
Crossroads is a secondhand powerhouse, with locations throughout the Bay Area and beyond. One of their biggest and most popular stores is their Berkeley location, located a small jump away from UC Berkeley. Aside from killer selections and deals, a pillar of Crossroads is buying back your old clothes for cash or store credit. Got something in style? Bring it in for buy back, or drop it off if you don't have time to wait.
(10313 San Pablo Ave // El Cerrito)
Treasure hunters, take note: This spot is prime for packrat tendencies. From vintage Polaroid cameras to '90s E-Spirit bags and books, this place really has it all. It also boasts a classic "thrift store" feel, with the nice old smell and small space.
NORTH BAY
(11431 Highway 1 // Point Reyes Station)
At first glance, this seems like any other thrift shop. But once you dive in, you'll see why it's on this list. Vintage headscarves for $5, tip-top shape shoes for $2-10, books, decor, leather jackets, and oh so much more for so so little it feels illegal sometimes. Bonus points to this shop, thanks to its unique location in beautiful Point Reyes Station.
(448 Miller Ave // Mill Valley)
An apt name, this shop is a gem if you're looking for random designer finds (Jimmy Choo!) and love color-organized merchandise. Co-owners Sybil and Zach create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere so you can comfortably shop the day away!
(137 N Main St // Sebastopol)
Find vintage goods from almost any era at this gem of a store up in Sebastopol! They're packed with vintage clothes, plus posters and home goods. They've also got an incredible select of records, so you can walk out with just about any gift for anyone (even if it's for yourself!)
SOUTH BAY + PENINSULA
(436 E Santa Clara St // San Jose)
This proud San Jose small business has a fabulous selection of clothes, jewelry, and accessories. They have creative sales and the owner commits herself if you're looking for something particular. If you're an SJSU student, you even get a 10% discount with the Around Campus app!
(725 Santa Cruz Ave // Menlo Park)
This one is another one of those thrift gems who does community work as a non-profit. With a super modern interior, thrift some designer threads at great prices. For the best deals, check out their sale days that happen a few times a year — but watch out for those crowds! They support the organization The Junior League, who focuses on empowering girls to be STEM leaders of tomorrow.
(751 W. San Carlos St // San Jose)
Not too much, not too little, not too pretentious, but still very hip. Pop by Black & Brown and score finds from tees to jeans to jackets to boots without breaking the bank.
Written by Hailey Simpson and Skylar De Paul
