25 Thrift Stores In San Diego For Shopping On Any Budget

by Maria Haase

Fancy a cheap shopping spree? San Diego County hosts a wealth of thrift shops selling vintage clothing and pre-loved accessories that will look great in your wardrobe.

Thrift shoppers and vintage-inspired fashionistas will be spoiled for choice when they shop the extensive selection of consignment shopping stores in San Diego, CA. 

Maybe you’re after a cheap outfit for an upcoming night out or simply wish to stick to your sustainability goals, no matter, there’s something for everyone.

Greg and I love going to thrift stores and browsing for little treasures. I personally prefer more organized thrift stores that put a little effort into displaying the items and decorating their stores. So my favorite is Sea Hive Station Vintage & Makers Market in Liberty Station. Read more about why I love them so much below.

Take a look through our picks of the top thrift stores in San Diego. Here you can get your hands on distinct and original pieces to showcase your style.

Top Thrift Stores In San Diego 

Consignment Classics

Address: 3602 Kurtz St, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 291-3000
Website

Featuring an impressive array of gently used and new furniture, Consignment Classics is the go-to spot to get your hands on unique, one-of-a-kind treasures for your home. 

They even restore old furniture and create custom-made upholstery and mirrors. 

You’ll find Consignment Classics at the Consignment Centers and Vintages Malls in Point Loma and Encinitas.

They’re open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, except Sundays, when stores operate from 10 am to 6 pm.

Sea Hive Station – Vintage & Makers Market

Address: 2750 Dewey Rd #103, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone(619) 310-5099
Website

This is my favorite San Diego Thrift Store. I love how neatly the vendors display their stuff and each “booth” has a unique style, decor, and feel to it.

There are dozens of small areas, each by a different local artist or collector displaying their art, clothes, and decor. As there are so many creators, there is something for everyone, whether you like boho, 70s, girly, goth, or treasures from around the world.

Next time you are in Liberty Station, definitely head over to this thrift store/artist market and see what beauties you will find.

Home-Start Thrift Boutique

Address: 3611 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 906-5996
Website

Located in Normal Heights, you can find a constantly revolving assortment of used clothing and furniture. 

Home Start Thrift Boutique is unique in that it runs programs to help young mothers to upskill and kickstart their working lives, ultimately giving these women more independence and opportunities. 

This store is open from 11 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. 

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

Address: 16787 Bernardo Center Dr A10B, San Diego, CA 92128
Phone: (858) 385-0479
Website

With many stores throughout California, Discovery Shops has been reselling quality secondhand clothing for over 50 years. Shop proceeds help to support those battling cancer through the American Cancer Society. 

In addition to clothing, you can also purchase jewelry, antique furniture, and collectibles. 

The Point Loma store in San Diego is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday and Sundays from 12 to 4 pm.

Play It Again Sports

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Play It Again Sports is one of the country’s best places to buy and sell used sports equipment in good condition. 

With two locations in San Diego, you can pick up fitness gear for any sport you can think of and choose from various brands. 

Buy, sell, or trade high-quality equipment at the Pacific Beach or Scripps Mesa locations. Both of which are open from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. 

Humble Heart Thrift Store

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

You can rarely pick up vintage clothes and purchase musical instruments in the same store, but you can do just that at Humble Heart Thrift Store. 

As a fun twist, it even doubles as a music venue by night. 

Some proceeds go towards the Ladle Fellowship, which provides food and clothing to homeless individuals and families in San Diego. 

The Ocean Beach branch is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6:30 pm and Sundays from 12 – 6:30 pm. While the downtown location opens Monday – Saturday from 12 – 8 pm.

Full Contact Rock n’ Roll 

Address: 2834 N Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 414-7352
Website

This thrift store is a one-stop shop to buy, sell, and trade used musical instruments, electronics, collectibles, posters, and more. 

New arrivals are posted on the store’s Instagram and Facebook pages regularly, and you can also purchase goods from Depop. 

The shop is open daily, including holidays, from 12 to 8 pm in the North Park area.

Alliance for African Assistance

Address: 5952 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 286-9052
Website

The Alliance for African Assistance assists and supports refugees fleeing to the U.S., providing people with necessities to start a new life. They provide everything from clothing, appliances, furniture, and other household items. 

You can purchase clothing, bed linen, kitchenware, toys, and more at the Safari Seconds Thrift Store. (Maria: the Safari Seconds Thrift Store is closed)

Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm every day on El Cajon Boulevard.

Father Joe’s Villages Thrift Store & Donation

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

With four locations in San Diego, Father Joe’s thrift stores are full of affordable clothing, accessories, and household goods.

Store donations go towards preventing and ending homelessness in the city. 

Visit the Hillcrest, El Cajon, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach stores from 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday, or Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Hunt & Gather

Address: 3817 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 297-3040
Website 

More than a clothing thrift store, Hunt & Gather is a consignment store for men’s and women’s fashion. In addition, they sell art and handmade jewelry. 

The store has an online shop where you can find vintage clothing not available in-store. 

Friendly staff are on hand to help style your secondhand fits perfectly. The North Park store is open daily from 12 – 7 pm, closing a little earlier, at 6 pm, on Sundays. 

OB Thrift Store

Address: 4927 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 317-8461
Website

One of the most popular spots for thrifting in Ocean Beach is the OB Thrift Store.

OB carries a diverse range of recycled clothing, shoes, locally crafted art, and unusual trinkets for reasonable prices. 

Located just a short walk from Ocean Beach Pier, the store is open every day from 10 am – 7 pm, closed Wednesdays.

Auntie Helen’s

Address: 4127 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 501-0209
Website

Auntie Helen’s is one of the longest-standing thrift shops in San Diego and has been in business for 35 years. 

Selling a range of clothing and furniture, the store uses its proceeds to support those living with HIV/AIDS and provide resources to the families of those affected. All of this in addition to funding testing and preventative care. 

It’s easy to see why this is a favorite among San Diego thrift stores.

Situated in North Park, Auntie Helen’s is open from 10 am to 5 pm most days. Sunday’s they close at 3 pm, and the store is closed on Tuesdays.

Echoes Too

Address: 7705 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 459-6588

This much-loved consignment store in La Jolla is home to a wide range of clothing, from varsity jackets to workwear and discounted designer pieces. 

The Echoes Too Boutique is a treasure trove for thrift shoppers looking for eclectic and original finds. 

The shop is open every day excluding Sundays, pay a visit from 11 am to 5 pm.

Buffalo Exchange

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Buffalo Exchange is one of the hot spots for thrifty San Diegans to buy, sell, and trade used clothing and accessories. 

The store has a retro vibe, but you can find both vintage and trendy pieces inside, catering to men and women. 

If you have items to donate, you can exchange them for cash or swap for other garments in-store. 

Buffalo Exchange operates in Pacific Beach and Hillcrest, and each store opens from 11 am to 8 pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 11 am to 7 pm Sundays.

Rock Thrift Store

Address: 3603 Camino del Rio W, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 876-4185
Website

Rock Thrift Store is a used clothing shop that promotes thrift shopping to protect the environment and support those in need. 

In-store, you can browse through a splendid array of discounted branded clothing and homeware. 

This store has partnered with local police and the fire department to use proceeds for those in crisis. 

Stop by the store between 10 am and 6 pm daily in Old Town.

Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop

Address: 120 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007
Phone: (760) 697-4762
Website

With the aim of supporting the local animal shelter, this second-hand store in Cardiff-by-the-Sea in Encinitas has been in operation for over 60 years. 

It has an abundance of quirky and unusual finds, from tools and accessories, to gently worn clothes and kitchenware. 

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society also sells goods online via eBay, with 100% of proceeds from direct sellers going to help homeless animals in the area. 

Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop is daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Salvation Army

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Undoubtedly one of the best-known organizations in the country, the Salvation Army works to provide resources for the aid and rehabilitation of those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions.

Proceeds from each of their thrift stores goes towards their wonderful programs and initiatives. 

You can give pre-worn clothing, shoes, and accessories a second chance at one of their many locations. 

San Diego area locations include, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Midway District, and Otay Mesa. Hours for each vary.

AMVETS

Address: 3441 Sutherland Street San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 297-4213
Website

Find anything and everything at this well-supplied thrift store, from children’s books to household goods and designer purses. 

World War II veterans formed this organization to advocate for their members, and today, they support a range of relevant causes to better the wider community. 

Donate or buy at their Sutherland Street shop any day of the week from 8 am to 6 pm.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shop

Address: 92 Naval Base, San Diego, CA 92136
Phone: (619) 556-8624
Website

Donations at this chain’s used-good stores go towards financial aid for retired and serving marines and sailors, plus their families. 

Save money and support a worthy cause while buying anything from sports gear and uniforms, to baby essentials and bed linen. 

Located at the San Diego Naval Base, the store opens from 10 am to 1 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Moonlight Marketplace

Address: 459 South Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA 920024
Phone: (323) 467-0623
Website

If you’re in the Encinitas area, be sure to stop by the Moonlight Marketplace. This cute and eccentric flea market is filled with multiple vendors selling anything from hard-to-find collectibles to handmade crafts. 

Their collection of rare and scarcely-found vintage t-shirts is a highlight. This is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon exploring one of San Diego’s best consignment stores.

Moonlight Marketplace is open from 9 am to 8 pm daily.

Second Act West

Address: 7856 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone(858) 454-6096

This popular La Jolla store resells women’s clothing for very reasonable prices. They offer a plentiful supply of accessories, including designer purses, scarves, and jewelry.

Those in search of a unique item are sure to love this San Diego thrift store.

Second Act West is open from 12 – 5 pm every day, excluding Sunday. 

CSU Thrift

Address: 9460 Mira Mesa Blvd unit N, San Diego, CA 92126
Phone: (858) 213-5434
Website

Pick up some trendy and vintage fits in this consignment store with a particularly impressive selection of printed t-shirts and crewnecks.

CSU Thrift is all about recycling gently worn clothes and even has the option to shop online.

Located in Mira Mesa, the store opens from 12 – 7 pm during the week, until 8 pm Saturdays, and 6 pm Sundays.

Assistance League of Greater San Diego Thrift Shop

Address: 108 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 291-9464
Website

Shop for quality items at Assistance League’s well-stocked thrift shop. Here you’ll find a sizable supply of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, DVDs, CDs, books, and more. 

Profits go towards community projects in Greater San Diego, so each purchase gives money directly back to the local community. 

This University Avenue store opens from 11 am to 3 pm, Wednesday – Saturday. 

Day To Day Vintage

Address: 3063 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (858) 218-6795
Website

Another secondhand store on North Park’s University Avenue is the well-known Day To Day Vintage shop.

Day To Day Vintage resells clothes from the 1940s to present day eras, along with an enviable selection of branded items. Shoppers can also exchange their donations for cash.

The shop is open between 11 am and 7 pm daily.

Bad Madge & Co

Address: 2205 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 285-1668
Website

Spend hours exploring the many vintage finds on offer in this busy San Diego thrift shop. 

It’s worth noting that Bad Madge & Co. was voted the country’s favorite consignment store in 2022. Upon seeing the store’s extensive array of old-school threads and charming furniture, it’s easy to understand why. 

The South Park store opens from 10 am to 7 pm, Tuesday – Saturday, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday and Monday.

Luigi Vera

Address: 3823 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 683-2199
Website

An excellent spot for unique occasion wear for men and women, Luigi Vera boasts a variety of designer goods and accessories.

Thrifters can also trade their pre-loved pieces here for other unique garments.

You’ll find this store in Hillcrest, operating between 11 am and 6 pm daily.

San Diego, CA, is a paradise for keen shoppers who enjoy filing through the racks at clothing thrift stores, or searching for one-of-a-kind antiques and trinkets.

Luckily, you won’t have to go far to fine one of the city’s countless second-hand shops.

We hope you’ve found this helpful in finding the best thrift stores in San Diego, there are fantastic spots to explore in almost every neighborhood. 

The post 25 Thrift Stores In San Diego For Shopping On Any Budget appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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