Hello Friends!
I have nit picked so many stores out here in Southern California that I thought why not share my best kept secrets to finding spectacular items!
Wasting time going to not so great second-hand stores are a complete drag, you’re searching for things you won’t find, the place is a dump or the racks are always empty.
I’ve encountered a lot of thrift stores and have made a complete list of my favorites over the years. Running from Los Angeles all the way to San Diego.
Best Thrift Stores in CA:
1.) Vintage Vortex
5213 Hollywood Blv, Los Angeles
This beautiful store is owned by Lisa Doyle. She traveled around the world accumulating incredible clothes as well as fabrics. She then, created this amazing shop filled with endless possibilities of items.
Every Rack is filled to the brim with the most authentic pieces you’ll ever find. When visiting LA this is my first stop every time! I can’t stress it enough, this is my #1 favorite vintage shop I’ve ever encountered.
They have incredible ratings & reviews:
Staff has always been so kind. They have such amazing finds here! One of my favorite vintage stores around! Always a great experience.
Emily
Great selection of vintage pieces and vintage t-shirts. Definitely worth checking out.
Amelia
2.) Jet Rag
825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
First things first $1 Sundays! They always have a large EZ-Up section in front of the store that has piles and piles of clothes.
Each One Dollar!
When walking in, you are met with two stories of filled racks with insanely good pieces. You’ll get lost in there for hours with out a doubt.
Their wide range of items gives you such a rush of adrenaline. By that I mean it’s so exciting just walking in knowing you’ll walk out with so many items for a considerable price; it’ll make your head spin!
Ratings Include:
This place is legendary and labyrinthian. I want to put this review here so I remember to visit when I’m in town.
Rebecca
Wow this thrift shop is huge and everything is excellent quality. They had endless dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, hats, etc. Perfect if you’re looking for vintage or costume looks. They even had kimonos and wedding dresses. Lots of accessories too, bags and belts and even wigs.
Yoshiko
3.) Van Nuys GoodWill
14556 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys
I will proudly say that this specific Goodwill has never once let me down. Their selection of items goes to an extreme. It is one of the larger Goodwills, that makes it that much better.
Walking into the store you’re met with countless amounts of racks, large selections of home decor and appliances; not to mention the abundance of women’s dresses that line two walls of the entire store… AMAZING!
Of all Goodwills in Los Angeles, I can assure you this one is absolutely worth your time. They have an amazing track record when it comes to unique, designer and vintage items.
Some of their reviews:
BEST GOODWILL EVER! SERIOUSLY, I came all the way from the westside to vintage shop throughout the valley and by accident came across this goodwill and ended up purchasing alot. Very well organized and the employee’s were very nice
Sophia
My favorite Goodwill to go to! If you live vintage, boho, and retro items this is the place for you! Also love the dollar Thursdays!
Sun-E
4.) Lake Elsinore Goodwill
31660 Grape St Unit 2, Lake Elsinore
This one resides between Los Angeles and San Diego. I figured I would add some in between to give my readers whom live right in the middle some free rain!
Now, going into this Goodwill is such a spectacular experience especially with the home decor and furniture items. They always -of course- have amazing deals but with the vintage items that are donated here are unreal.
They have a surplus of both men and women’s clothing. I’ve walked in late on a Sunday night and still the racks are full!
Reviews:
So much stuff to see and purchase, at really cheap and affordable prices! Employees are very nice and helpful! Enjoyable shopping and would recommend this place to everyone!
MarlaJean
Lots of nice furniture and clothes. Very quiet now that the center is empty. Senior discount on Tuesdays and $1 sale on Thursdays.
Lana
5.) Savers
25125 Madison Ave, Murrieta
This, just like Goodwill is a chain thrift store. They’re incredible and I recommend to everybody that I know to always browse. You’ll always find something.
Personally, I can say I’ve never walked into a bigger thrift store… ever! Their entire right side of the store is completely dedicated to household items, furniture, books and so much more.
Their kids section is so large, women’s and mens. You can spend hours in there and just get lost with all of the wonderful pieces there are to find. The best thing is they’re restocking every 25 minutes starting from 11:00-4:00pm. You’ll see one thing then turn around and there’s a second!
Reviews Include:
this place is super great. they are very clean and big.when i come here i always walk out with at least 2 things, good book section, a decent toy section, people are friendly here, and when u donate stuff you get a coupon come here its good!
Media Warehouse Guy
I absolutely love this store!!! The prices are amazing and the staff is always so kind.
Tiffany
6.) Divine Discount & Thrift Store
29760 Rancho California Rd #107B, Temecula
Small store but filled with so many racks of things. They have shelving in the women’s section of multiple purses, leggings, under garments and so much more. Considering how small it is, they have so many items you’ll lose your mind!
They have incredible prices for such a small business not to mention their vast collections of items everywhere in the store. Their kids section takes up just as much space as the women’s… that’s huge!
If you’re in Temecula I highly recommend popping in to view their clothing as well as amenities. It truly won’t be something you regret.
Their Ratings:
Great Thrift Store! They have so many items – home improvement, furniture, clothes, even brand new still in the box stuff – at great prices. Every purchase helps the needy in Temecula.
Kristine
I enjoyed this store very much. I was greeted by a lovely lady. Just make sure to check out the whole store!! Very cute finds, EXTREMELY great prices!!!
Eva
7.) OC Goodwill
3935 Mission Ave Unit F1-F7, Oceanside
Talk about so much clothing wear you can find! As a woman you will find so many sweaters, jackets and dresses within this store.
They have a small section in the store referred as the “Boutique” which entails higher end clothing; for nothing!
Absolutely recommend this store if you’re in Oceanside (especially off of the 76 highway) it will never disappoint you. You’ll find some rare finds and extravagant pieces.
Side Note: They did have to raise their prices just a bit due to the inflammation in the economy. Completely understandable when you view a donation center… other than a few dollars I can assure you it is worth it!
Great selection! Boutique at reasonable prices. 9West black & gold studded pumps for $7.99 near new condition! 4 nice dresses, 2 short and 2 long. Tan espadrilles, so in fashion, all for $60!!!
Susan
Well organized merchandise. Clean store appearances. Very friendly staff. Treated me with respect. Good experience.
Ed
8.) Sea hive MarketPlace
1555 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
The largest vintage & antique store I’ve ever encountered in my life! You believe it’s the end… it never ends!
This entire building is completely ran by vendors and miraculous pieces.
Highly recommend if you’re in for a long time AND a good time! Their sunglass cases are endless not to mention the incredible dresses, mens jackets and so much more.
Nice marketplace filled with various vendors. The workers were nice and helpful. Pricing was all over the place and seemed reasonable. Nothing felt too overpriced. I found some good home decor. But you can find anything from new to vintage. Worth the stop.
Maria
Great place to browse or find treasures!Different vendors have their own booths. One can find old or new things here, as well as fine jewelry and art. Large parking lot on site.
Eriko
9.) Previously On
105 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
The background of this store is insane! Previously On represents multiple TV shows and their clothing ware that they sell at a 70% off rate!
They have unbelievable prices and items for an amazing price. You won’t walk out of there empty hand, that is something I can promise.
Truly believe this is a store you should stop at for amazing items that you wont ever find again. Not to mention they’re from TV shows meaning they have variety of sizes and extremely high end items for such a low cost!
I officially found my new favorite store. So much to say…just awesome. Check it out if you want quality.
Andy
Fabulous store! Creatively curated resale furniture, art, modern,
Tanya
costumes, jewelry, tv and movie clothing…amazing selection and prices!!
10.) Vista Goodwill
2056 E Vista Way, Vista
Such a gold mine for an entirely new wardrobe. I had such a great experience in this store, it was clean and tidy not to mention the incredible items I found.
Truly found the best items in this store, I walked out with plentiful of stuff and I know everybody who strides in will as well.
As I previously discussed, their items are a bit expensive. When I elaborate on expensive, I mean their sweaters are $8.99 which to a non thrifter enthusiast, that’s nothing. But, they have gone up a few dollars so I say be aware of that when walking in.
Other than that, I absolutely loved this Goodwill and consistently walk out with such exciting pieces I didn’t even know I needed.
Paula
Always good service here! The cashier’s are very nice and the place is never dirty. Whenever you come you see the isles being restocked!
Never thought I would actually shop for clothes at a goodwill store but I was pleasantly surprised when I found name brand jeans in my size that I love and they were in perfect condition for 7$ can’t beat that. I just bring them home wash them and hang to dry. I only look for jeans when I go but believe me it’s worth checking it out.
Lisa
In Conclusion:
10 spectacular thrift stores and vintage stores that are all worth stopping at! Shopping low cost and sustainably is worth it when it comes to your wardrobe or your loved ones.
You will with absolute doubt find items you never knew you needed with such a limited price. As I said with the various amounts of stores I listed, It is worth your time if you’re in the area.
I truly hope you guys found some inspiration to visit these amazing stores I’ve nit picked and favorited.
If you have any reconcile towards any of the stores listed please leave a comment or leave a comment about what you encountered and found; I want to hear it!