Southern California is home to high temperatures, surf-ready waves, and a vacation mindset. As such, visiting the best thrift stores in San Diego (the state’s southernmost major city) is sure to result in colorful, easy staples you’ll want to war all year.
San Diego’s collection of vintage stores features casual streetwear, true and preserved retro pieces, and modern items that, when purchased secondhand, ramp up your style without the environmental footprint.
Fashion may be fun, but the industry is also environmentally problematic. All of those new clothes require a wealth of carbon emissions and account for 20% of all industrial water pollution—issues only compounded by the rise of fast fashion. But if you’re not quite ready to quit your shopping habit, thrifting offers a fun and eco-friendly alternative.
Strolling the streets of SoCal? Swing by one of the best thrift stores in San Diego for a sustainable styling session.
11 Best Thrift Stores in San Diego, California
1. La Loupe Vintage
Photo: La Loupe Vintage/@laloupevintageLocation: 3337 Adams Ave.
For a blend of curated contemporary and true vintage, head to La Loupe. The store favors pieces from the 1960s to today, and even houses an apothecary so you can stock up on any self-care essentials.
2. Day to Day Vintage
Photo: Day to Day Vintage/@daytodayvintageLocation: 3063 University Ave.
If you prefer your secondhand items to come with a label that you recognize, Day to Day is the shop for you. Shop a selection of modern brand names, all well-curated and destined for your closet.
3. Vintage Threads and Grails
Photo: Vintage Threads and Grails/@vtgsandiegoLocation: 1031 Garnet Ave.
Need a grunge or streetwear fix? Tees, hoodies, sneakers, and denim await in abundance at Vintage Threads and Grails.
4. Humble Heart Thrift Store
Photo: Humble Heart/@humbleheart.obLocation: 4873 Newport Ave.
This family-owned business combines music and used items for a unique shopping (and listening) experience. Shop secondhand essentials before catching a concert at this shop-slash-venue.
5. OB Thrift Store
Photo: OB Thrift Store/@obthriftLocation: 4927 Newport Ave.
Buy, sell, or trade clothes, toys, furniture, and other odds and ends at this classic catch-all thrift store.
6. Rock Thrift Store
Photo: Rock Thrift Store/@rockthriftstoreLocation: 3603 Camino del Rio W.
An extension of Rock Church, Rock Thrift store offers used items at affordable prices, with proceeds benefitting organizations like the American Red Cross.
7. Moonlight Marketplace
Photo: Moonlight Marketplace/@moonlightmarketplaceLocation: 102-154 Encinitas Blvd.
Ok, so this one is a flea market. And it’s technically twenty minutes outside of San Diego proper. But those willing to venture to the Moonlight Marketplace will find some vintage score for home and closet alike—and some great food, too.
8. Hunt and Gather
Photo: Hunt and Gather/@hunt_and_gatherLocation: 3817 Ray St.
For a welcome infusion of funk, check out Hunt and Gather. New, eclectic, festival-inspired pieces are sold alongside even cooler vintage counterparts, with a selection of accessories designed to round out the playful looks.
9. Home Start Thrift Boutique
Photo: Home StartLocation: 3611 Adams Ave.
Shop for a cause at Home Start Thrift Boutique. The noteworthy secondhand furniture and gently used clothing housed in this refurbished home benefit young mothers in the organization’s maternity housing, who learn valuable work skills at the store.
10. Honest Thrift
Photo: Honest Thrift Studio/@honestthriftstudioLocation: 2609 Congress St.
Sorting through a curation of stylish vintage is even better when surrounded by plants. Plus, this place is majorly dog-friendly.
11. Out of the Closet
Photo: Out of the Closet/@outoftheclosetLocation: 3580 Fifth Ave.
Out of the Closet is stocked with on-trend clothing, accessories, shoes, and furniture, making shopping less of a hunt and more of a celebration. The nationwide chain also provides free HIV testing.