Whether you’re intent on a foodie forage or hunting for vintage treasures, the City of Angels has a mighty fine bunch of markets worthy of a root n’ rummage.
Don your best stretch pants for a jaunt to Grand Central Market, a feast for all the senses. Chow down on a burger from Belcampo Meat Co. (and pick up organic grass-fed produce from their butcher section while you’re there), or a hearty bowl of Thai comfort food from Sticky Rice. Shop for farm-fresh groceries at the various artisan cheesemongers, bakeries and veggie stalls.
As far as flea markets go, the monthly R.G. Canning flea market at Rose Bowl must be up there as one of the biggest on earth. Featuring a whopping 2,500 vendors, this iconic outdoor emporium is a veritable trove of covetable antiques, second-hand finds and vintage bargains. Grab a hotdog and a beer and watch the haggling unfold.
Downtown’s Smorgasburg is a mishmash of different markets, which come together as one big and bountiful bazaar. Lunch at one of over 50 food trucks (including the likes of Chinese Laundry and Brothecary), before browsing the oh-so-LA array of trendsetting handicrafts, gifts, plants and homeware.
For an uber-eclectic collection of vintage, beeline to Artists & Fleas in Venice. Its palm-fringed alfresco situ and boho-hip crowd create a festival-y vibe; this is your quintessential Cali gathering and fertile ground for people watching to boot. It’s also the place to come to seek out emerging and established designers, alongside makers of gladrags, accessories and jewellery. Remember every item is likely a one-off: buy when you spy.
