Located in the San Francisco Bay area, the Alameda Flea Market is considered one of the largest flea markets in Northern California. With over 800 vendors it is easy to see how they are able to attract visitors to the flea market from across the county. They put a strict regulation on all of their vendors, insisting that everything they sell must be at least 20 years old. This makes this flea market unique from many of the other ones, which is why they attract so many people looking for that special vintage piece.

The Alameda Flea Market is held the first Sunday of every month and without fail each month thousands flock to this northern California site, located at 2900 Navy Way in Alameda, California, for their chance to find some goodies. The flea market opens their doors at 9:00 am for those paying regular admission prices. For an extra fee, guest can be allowed to enter the flea market at 7:30 am or for those early birds 6:00 am. The market is free to enter from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm or for children under the age of 15 if they are with an adult.

Since the park requires all merchandise be more than 20 years old, you will be certain what you purchase is a least somewhat vintage. There is a wide array of dealers selling almost everything imaginable such as, antiques, collectibles, furniture, paintings, glassware, pottery, ceramics, clothing and jewelry. No matter what your style is, there is always something at the Alameda Flea Market for you. With so many different goods available for purchase, you will have a difficult time walking away empty-handed.

You do not have to worry about parking because there is plenty of it and it is free for visitors to the Alameda Flea Market. The managers of the flea market understand that you will already be doing a lot of walking during the day, so they provide free air-conditioned shuttle rides from the back parking lot to the front gate. This is a great benefit, especially at the end of the day when your arms of full of goodies. You also will not have to worry about going hungry because there are various food vendors spread out inside the flea market serving everything from hamburgers to soda.

There are a few things that you should keep in mind when attending the Alameda Flea Market. First, you will want to be sure to wear comfortable clothing, especially shoes so you will be able to walk all day. Sunscreen and a hat are a good choice of items to bring with you to help protect yourself from the sun. There will be large pushcarts available for rental if you are buying a lot of goods; this will save you from running back to your car or lugging your goodies around with you all day.

The best time to try to haggle a vendor for a good deal is between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Every seller at the Alameda Flea Market is required to keep their booth opened until 3:00 pm, so you will not risk missing the vendor if you wait until the end of the day. They are more likely to offer you a discount at this time, so they do not have to pack it up again. Remember when haggling a seller will never have an item priced at the lowest price they will accept. They expect you to try to bring the price down, after all this is part of the fun of a flea market.