There’s nothing quite like finding a hidden gem for a fraction of the price. No matter what you’re hunting for, thrifting and choosing second-hand turns an ordinary shopping trip into a treasure hunt.
In the digital age of online shopping and constant orders, there is a beauty to slowing down, shopping in person, and finding pieces that are uniquely you! PLNU students are positioned perfectly near 30+ thrift stores within just a 10 mile-radius of our cliffside campus. Here’s our guide to navigating San Diego’s abundant thrift scene.
First, why Thrift?
Whether you’re a new PLNU student inspired by the fun outfits you see around campus or you're simply looking for ways to cut back on spending, shopping secondhand allows thrifters to discover quality pieces for less, while keeping pre-loved clothing or furniture in circulation and out of landfills.
Thrifting is one of the easiest (and fun) ways to shop sustainably to avoid falling into overconsumption or fast fashion trends. You can save money and add one-of-a-kind pieces to your closet, all while helping protect our earth. That's a win-win!
Tips for Thrifting Great Clothes in San Diego:
- Utilize tools like Thrift Diego’s Site to check the hours of local thrift stores. This can be especially helpful as second-hand stores might have unique hours or be closed on specific days of the week.
- Consider bringing hand sanitizer after your trip so you can search every corner of the store with confidence. The rest of the shopping day is much more enjoyable without the grime!
- Even if you’re a seasoned thrifter, give yourself ample time to browse the racks and put out pieces to examine more closely. Sometimes a material or silhouette might not catch your eye at first, but a closer look could reveal potential in an overlooked piece.
- Don’t get caught up on sizes or flustered when there isn’t a dressing room! Instead of only sticking to your normal size, recognize brands may fit differently when thrifting. Be open to sizing up or down a size, or even seeking out oversized items like jackets or sweaters.
Sizing tip: When looking at pants, skirts, or shorts, wrap the waistband around your neck for reference. If your fingers touch without excess material, it should fit your waist!
Remember that no matter if PLNU has recently become your home or if you’re a recent alum, it’s never too late to become a tourist in your own city and check a few thrift shops off of your San Diego bucket list. If you go into it with an open mind, you’ll never know what you could find.
Best Budget-Friendly Thrift Stores
Goodwill Rosecrans:
Just 15 minutes from campus, this Goodwill is a go-to spot for PLNU students looking to score great finds without breaking the bank. New to thrifting? This is the perfect place to start! From clothes and accessories to unique secondhand décor, there’s plenty of gems to discover.
Salvation Army Sports Arena:
A thrift-store classic for a reason! Salvation Army is a reliable stop for budget-conscious thrifters, with many everyday clothing pieces typically falling between $5–15. Beyond finding a good deal, shopping at Salvation Army gives your purchase a little more purpose, supporting an organization that is centered around “meet[ing] human needs.” So, whether you’re hunting for a new staple or just seeing what catches your eye, this Salvation Army location is always worth a browse!
Goodwill Downtown/Bins:
The downtown Goodwill Bins are an excellent stop for those who thrift for the thrill of the hunt. The bins are open every day except Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering some of the most affordable prices in the city. Sold by the pound, dedicated shoppers can leave their shopping endeavors with bags of clothes for just a few bucks.
Shopping tip: Bring gloves, be ready to search through items, and see how far the extra change in your wallet can go!
Best Vintage Antique Shops
Ocean Beach Antique Mall:
Newport Avenue is a classic spot for new and returning students at PLNU, lined with cafés like
OB Beans, pottery stores, record shops, and plenty of antique stores. Located in the center of all the action, Ocean Beach Antique Mall has everything from old cameras and baseball cards to fun vintage alarm clocks that can add a unique touch to any dorm decor collection.
San Diego's Largest Vintage & Antique Mall:
They don’t call it San Diego's largest vintage mall for nothing! This 40,000-square-foot space is packed with endless opportunities for thrifting, antiquing, or vintage clothing. Follow Consignment Classics’ Instagram to stay up to date on their newest and coolest pieces, as well as their can’t-miss pop-up events.
Sea Hive Liberty Station:
Sea Hive owner Brandon Vega created a home for around 150 creative vendors to sell their vintage and locally sourced items, all under one roof in Liberty Station. While it may not be your typical thrift store, Sea Hive could be a great spot to discover unique gifts or find one-of-a-kind accessories to enhance any style.
Next time you're near, or maybe completing your weekly grocery run at Trader Joe’s in Liberty Station, walk over and take a gander!
Notable Mentions
Kobey’s Swap Meet:
It would be a disgrace to San Diego’s thrift scene not to mention the infamous Kobey’s Swap Meet. Head toward Pechanga Arena on Sports Arena Blvd to find this sprawling market, packed with a diverse group of rotating vendors. This is the spot, whether you're looking for new sunnies, vintage Levis, second-hand books, or even a new Padres jersey. Kobey’s is open Friday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m, making it the perfect weekend outing.
Important note: Keep some cash handy for the entrance fee: $1 on Fridays or $3 on Saturday and Sunday.
Hillcrest Buffalo Exchange:
Hillcrest Buffalo Exchange is a curated thrifter’s heaven, offering some of the coolest unique pieces and hottest designer brands. This store may be compact, but it is stacked full of carefully selected pieces, clothes organized by style and brand, along with an impressive selection of shoes and bags.
Day to Day Collective:
Not sure where to go with your significant other or on your girls night out? Try driving down to Little Italy and spending some time in Day to Day Collective. Here, you can thrift and snap some photos at any of the three Booth by Bryant photo booths — all under one roof. Leave with a photo strip to adorn your dorm room, a new addition to your closet, or maybe a piece of home décor you didn’t even know you needed.
Flex Market:
What if you could thrift without even having to leave campus? Each semester, PLNU’s very own Flex Apartments host the Flex Market, where students sell handmade goods, vintage finds, impressive artwork, and so much more! If you’ve ever spotted a cool outfit your classmate was rocking around campus, this might be your chance to give that piece a new life!
Take the Next Step at PLNU
Living in sunny San Diego offers plenty of opportunities to have fun shopping second-hand while supporting a movement that helps protect our beautiful planet. Sustainable living often involves adopting new habits, and thrifting can be an easy place for PLNU students to start.
So, grab a friend, explore a new neighborhood, and see what pieces you can find. And if you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your time at PLNU and around San Diego, make sure to follow our social media for more student tips, campus life and exciting things to do.