Sunday at the Swap Meet with Laura!

On the 2nd Sunday of every month for the past 40 years, one of the most famous flea markets in the world takes place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market isn't just any flea market; this one features over 2,500 vendors and attracts serious collectors, bargain hunters and average shoppers like you and me searching for something in particular or nothing at all. Yesterday, my friend Laura and I decided to set out for Pasadena, brave the crowds and do a little bargain hunting ourselves!

As you enter through the main gates, the loop that's directly around the Rose Bowl has your standard flea market stalls containing the usual arts and crafts, clothes, jewelry and other typical stuff that you would find at any weekly swap meet. But, this isn't why I would come here. I would skip this part entirely and go directly to the left of the stadium - that's where you'll find all the good stuff!

This is the "antiques" section. Here, you could dig through old vintage clothes, search for trinkets, discover some "hard-to-find" finds or just check out the scene! There are antiques from every era. You can find Buddha's and beads, rare prints and vintage posters, linens and lanterns...even an old sled or a vintage surfboard...because you really do need a sled here in LA. Whether you're looking for that perfect piece for your living room...or that 1970's Snoopy lunchbox that you can't live without...there's something in this area for everyone!

Some of the prices seem a little steep, but towards the end of the day, the vendors are open to a little haggling. You can find some good deals here (we did), but don't count on finding something worth thousands that you bought for mere pennies - most of these vendors know what they have and what it's worth.

A big selling point to this place is its massive size, but it can also be a drawback. I must admit, I was a little overwhelmed - how can you possible see everything there is to see here? After 4 1/2 hours, we were exhausted and quickly approaching delirium! "3 for $5", "2 for $12", merchandise everywhere you look...our heads were spinning, so we knew it was time to leave!

Most likely, you'll leave here satisfied but a bit bleary-eyed. And, as you munch on the last of your Kettle Corn and make the long trek back to your car (assuming that you remembered where you parked), you'll think (as I did) that this was a nice way to spend the day with a friend.

Quick Tips:
1- Bring cash! Your credit cards won't be much help here. ATM's are on site, but there's a $5 fee attached to each transaction and a limit on how much you can withdraw.
2- The food fare here is pricey! $8 for a bean and cheese burrito is ridiculous! Save your money, eat a big breakfast before you go and bring some snacks from home.
3- Starting at 9am, regular admission is $8 per person. Children under 12 get in free with an adult. They offer express admission from 8am-9am at $10 per person and an early admission from 7am-8am at $15 per person. General parking is free.
4- Directions