Region
The San Jose Flea Market is right in the heart of northeast San Jose, California. It's one of the largest open-air flea markets in the United States. George Bumb Sr. founded the market in 1960 after visiting Paris, where he was inspired by the French capital's flea market (especially the Puces de Clignancourt flea market) and some swap meets in Los Angeles.
Sixty years later, the San Jose Flea Market has become a California landmark, with over four million visitors each year. The eight miles of aisles allow more than 2,000 vendors to sell an array of goods ranging from jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and clothing to fruits, vegetables, toys, books, cars, car stereos, toiletries, artwork, tools, kitchenware, and cosmetics, among others. This makes it nearly as large as the iconic Rose Bowl Flea Market and its 2,500 stalls.
As you might expect, the San Jose Flea Market is a major source of income for many Silicon Valley families, given that it covers an area of 120 acres and is home to a larger population than some small cities!
However, while it is an important California landmark, the San Jose Flea Market has lost its shine in recent years. It's not the community flea market it once was. Local merchants and artisans used to showcase their wares and second-hand treasures to passing shoppers. But it's slowly drifted into what most seasoned flea market shoppers consider a cheap swap. If you're looking for war memorabilia, antique paintings, glassware, antiques, home decor, jewelry or vintage clothing, you'll have better luck looking elsewhere than the San Jose flea market.
The San Jose Flea Market has another redeeming quality in the form of Farmers Market Avenue, which runs a quarter-mile through the market and features aisles filled with local vendors selling fruits and vegetables from California farmers.
As you get deeper into the market, you'll find some really interesting things. There are huge stalls where vendors make fresh fruit juices on the spot (mango, horchata, watermelon, orange) and even give out samples to people walking by. Don't miss out on the chance to try the cayenne pepper-covered pineapple!
Some people say the farmers market is more like an outdoor market because most of the fruits and vegetables sold there aren't locally grown or organic. But overall, this market is a great place to come and kill time or do some basic shopping. So don't forget to bring a big bag to carry all the items you buy. One of those rolling carts would be best if you plan on buying a lot.
On Friday nights, the San Jose Flea Market transforms into the lively Berryessa Night Market, which is a great example of a community event. From April to November, this weekly neighborhood gathering brings a vibrant mix of food trucks, vintage sellers, local artists, and live music to the iconic market. Whether you're enjoying craft brews, discovering unique treasures, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, the Berryessa Night Market adds a dynamic and memorable layer to your visit. It's the perfect way to transition from daytime exploration to evening celebration.
Doug Matthews
20th July 2015 at 15:38This is a crazy big flea market as featured in many shows about the largest flea market. includes barber shops and food service. They even have a great asian night market here on Saturdays. When I say “great”, I mean that compared to the fact that there are no other in this area.
Kathleen West
10th March 2016 at 21:16It’s more for local families to come hangout on the weekend then for tourists. Most of the stalls sells authentic Mexican products ranging from pinata to produce. Make sure you have sunscreen and a hat if going on a sunny day. Parking is available across the street for a fee.
Muriel Flowers
2nd May 2016 at 00:52Unfortunately the originality is fading. Most aisles are the exact same as the previous and the next one to follow. There’s no need to have 15 stands selling the exact same $dollar store items. I was very disappointed to find the side of the market where people sell their random items only consists of 1 row of vendors, that’s the heart of a flea market.