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There’s a thrill that comes from sifting through racks of decades-old denim or spotting a mid-century lamp tucked away in a consignment shop’s corner. In recent years, thrifting and antiquing have surged in popularity — the U.S. secondhand apparel market alone grew from $28 billion in 2019 to $49 billion in 2024, according to Forbes, and there’s no indication of the market slowing down any time soon. In certain cities in particular, sprawling antique malls, decades-old flea markets, and eclectic thrift shops have become a destination in their own right — whether you’re looking for European antiques, vintage band tees, or just an affordable weekend of bargain-hunting.
Some of these cities are major metropolises, while others are smaller, more underrated, and locally loved. Whichever way, all of them rank among the country’s best for secondhand shopping. As someone who can rarely resist popping into a thrift or antique shop both at home and on my travels, I drew on some personal experience, but also consulted sources like Reddit, local tourism board sites, and local publications. Google Reviews also offers a well-rounded selection of cities across the country, along with specific shopping recommendations in each place.
Long Beach, California
After eight years of living in Long Beach, I’m convinced that this is California’s shopping hotspot. Tucked halfway between L.A. and Laguna Beach, shoppers should start on Retro Row, a stretch of Fourth Street where you’ll find over 20 different shops, many of which sell pre-owned goods. Meow is one long-running Retro Row staple, where you’ll find clothing from the 1920s onward (local lore is that Hollywood costume designers will come here in search of retro and vintage threads). The family-run Casa is another favorite for all sorts of furniture and affordable goods…