Shopping The Melrose Trading Post: INCREDIBLE Vintage Clothes, Jewelry, Antiques & More
The Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles, California, is famed across the city — and even the nation — as one of the best flea markets and street fairs anywhere. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind antiques, vintage decor straight from the 1950s (or even earlier!), and thrift clothes from the 80s, 90s, and more. If you love thrift shopping and discovering unique items of all kinds, you can’t miss shopping the Melrose Trading Post on your next trip to Los Angeles.
The Melrose Trading Post first started in 1997. Today, it’s one of Los Angeles’ most popular street fairs. And you never know, you might even spot a celebrity while you’re shopping the Melrose Trading Post! Kendall Jenner, Willow Smith, and Jennifer Garner have all been spotted shopping here throughout the years.
This market is all outdoors, and while it’s not as large as the Rose Bowl Flea Market, it still offers a ton of great finds. If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Los Angeles, the Melrose Trading Post is exactly the spot. This wildly popular street market is one of the top places to check out during a visit to Los Angeles.
Read on for everything you need to know about shopping the Melrose Trading Post, and also be sure to check out the video version of this blog post in my YouTube video below!
When and Where Is The Melrose Trading Post Held?
This incredible street fair takes place every Sunday from 9am – 5pm at Fairfax High School at the crossroads of the famous Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue.
Located right in Miracle Mile, the market is 20 minutes from Santa Monica, 30 minutes from downtown LA, and 45 minutes from the South Bay cities like Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach.
Here’s the official address for The Melrose Trading Post: 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Where Can I Park?
I usually find parking on the neighborhood streets north of Melrose Avenue. You can also find metered street parking directly on Fairfax or Melrose, but it can be difficult to parallel park on these busy roads. I’d suggest driving through the neighborhood to find free parking, or you can park right at Fairfax High School, which is first come, first serve.
If you park in the surrounding neighborhood, be sure to check signage to make sure there aren’t any street cleanings or time limits. You don’t want to get a ticket!
Is There an Entrance Fee?
Yes, you will need to pay $5 in cash, or $5 + fees for an online ticket. The fee helps keep the market running, keeps crowds at bay, and also supports jobs for students, field trips, sports equipment, and beautification projects at the high school. There is an ATM at the entrance if you need it.
The entrance fee goes toward funding the Greenway Arts Alliance, a nonprofit with a mission to unite communities through art, education, and social enterprise.
What Can I Find While Shopping The Melrose Trading Post?
Anything and everything! Hundreds of vendors come out to sell art, all kinds of vintage clothing for men and women, vinyl records, old cameras, artisan goods like handmade soap, and antique furniture.
It’s so much fun to wander around and stumble upon a one-of-a-kind item that truly can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, you’ll love people watching here, too!
What Can’t I Find at The Melrose Trading Post?
On the day I visited, I was surprised to find less home decor vendors than I imagined. There were a couple stands selling smaller mid century pieces like side tables, lamps, rugs, and chaises, but the selection wasn’t super wide. There’s one vendor who sells bedside tables, wardrobes, and dressers.
You also won’t find fruit, vegetables, or many other food vendors here. The Melrose Trading Post is not a farmer’s market — it mostly caters to those looking to thrift for clothing and antiques.
What Can I Eat at The Melrose Trading Post?
My favorite part! There are at least 10 different food trucks at the Melrose Trading Post. You can get delicious Thai food, burritos, vegan and vegetarian options, crepes, boba, coffee and more.
While you enjoy your meal, watch local music performers live on stage in the Purple section of the market.
Can I Bring My Dog?
Good news — yes, you can bring your dog to the Melrose Trading Post! The entire street fair is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry pal along.
But, I Don’t Like Shopping… Is There Anything Else I Can Do Here?
Yes! Even if you don’t like shopping or browsing, there are still things to do at the Melrose Trading Post. Of course, you can get great food and non-alcoholic drinks from the food trucks, but also, events are frequently held here as well, like a yoga class and sound bath held from 10am-12pm.
Anything Else I Need to Know?
Bring a reusable tote bag if you can! Many if not all vendors won’t provide a bag for your purchase. So if you’re looking to bring home several items, I highly suggest carrying a larger purse or a separate reusable bag to store your precious finds.
Lastly, most vendors accept credit cards or Venmo payments, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash. However, I’d still recommend bringing $20 to $50 cash so you have it in case there’s a vendor that only takes cash.
Interested in more things to do in Los Angeles? Check out my guide on How to Spend One Day in The Los Angeles Arts District.
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