These 14 Southern California Thrift Stores Turn Shopping Into A Full-Day Adventure
Thrift shopping in Southern California feels less like running errands and more like stepping into a full-day treasure hunt.
You walk in looking for one thing. You walk out with vintage denim, a mid-century lamp, and a story about how you found both for less than lunch. Every rack holds possibility. Every shelf feels like it might hide the best find of the day.
That’s the pull.
Warehouse-sized stores stack furniture, art, and decor high enough to get lost in. Smaller vintage boutiques curate decades of fashion with museum-level care. Some shops funnel proceeds back into the community, while others focus on rare pieces you won’t see anywhere else.
The thrill isn’t just the price. It’s the discovery.
One stop might deliver designer labels. The next turns up retro band tees, antique mirrors, or perfectly worn leather jackets. You never really know what you’ll find – and that unpredictability keeps people coming back.
Plan a route, clear your trunk, and give yourself time. Southern California thrift stores turn casual browsing into full-blown adventure, where the best pieces usually show up when you least expect them.
1. Valley Value Center – Van Nuys
Rows of clothing stretch across a spacious floor where shoppers can spend hours exploring different sections without feeling rushed.
The store at 13630 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401, organizes merchandise by category, making it easier to navigate through the extensive selection.
Natural light filters through large windows, creating a comfortable shopping environment that doesn’t feel cramped even during busier hours.
Furniture pieces sit near the back of the store, ranging from small accent tables to larger seating options that change with each donation cycle.
Household items fill multiple aisles, including kitchen supplies, decorative objects, and seasonal items that vary throughout the year.
The pricing structure remains consistent, with clear tags on most items that help shoppers make quick decisions.
Weekday mornings tend to offer a quieter browsing experience compared to weekend afternoons when families and collectors arrive looking for specific finds.
The staff restocks shelves regularly, meaning return visits often reveal completely different inventory.
Parking is available in the adjacent lot, though spaces fill up during peak shopping times on Saturdays.
2. St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store – Los Angeles
Supporting local families through affordable shopping options, this location serves both bargain hunters and those seeking quality items at reduced prices.
St. Vincent de Paul operates the store at 210 N Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031 as part of their broader mission to assist community members.
The layout feels organized without being overly polished, maintaining the authentic thrift store atmosphere that dedicated shoppers appreciate.
Clothing sections take up significant floor space, with separate areas for men’s, women’s, and children’s items that receive regular additions from community donations.
Small appliances and electronics appear intermittently, though availability depends entirely on what gets donated during any given week.
Books and media occupy their own corner, offering entertainment options at prices far below retail.
The donation center accepts items during posted hours, creating a continuous cycle of inventory that keeps the selection fresh for frequent visitors.
Volunteers and staff members work to keep aisles clear and merchandise accessible, though the sheer volume of items means some digging is usually required to find hidden gems.
Street parking surrounds the building, providing multiple options for shoppers planning longer visits.
3. Out Of The Closet – Los Angeles
Proceeds from every purchase support healthcare initiatives, giving shoppers an additional reason to feel good about their finds.
The bright storefront at 4905 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 welcomes visitors with colorful displays that catch attention from the busy street.
Inside, the organization system rivals many traditional retail stores, with clothing arranged by type and color for easier browsing.
Designer labels appear regularly among the racks, mixed in with everyday brands that create an element of surprise during each visit.
Accessories receive dedicated display space, including jewelry, bags, and shoes that complement the clothing selection.
The pricing reflects both the quality of items and the store’s nonprofit status, balancing affordability with sustainability goals.
Testing rooms allow shoppers to try on clothing before purchasing, a convenience not always available at thrift locations.
Staff members circulate through the store, answering questions and helping locate specific sizes or styles when requested.
The Hollywood location sees steady foot traffic throughout the week, with tourists and locals alike drawn to the combination of affordable shopping and charitable giving that defines the experience.
4. Jet Rag – Los Angeles
Sunday dollar sales transform this vintage destination into a feeding frenzy where dedicated shoppers arrive early to claim the best pieces.
Located at 825 N La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, the store specializes in clothing from past decades that appeals to fashion enthusiasts and costume designers.
Racks overflow with items from various eras, creating a visual timeline of style evolution that fascinates both serious collectors and casual browsers.
Regular weekday shopping offers a more relaxed pace, allowing time to examine details on vintage garments that might show wear patterns or unique construction methods.
The staff possesses knowledge about different fashion periods, occasionally offering insights about specific pieces or styling suggestions.
Denim occupies a significant portion of the floor space, with everything from classic cuts to quirky styles that reflect changing trends over the years.
Accessories and shoes complement the clothing selection, though sizes and styles vary dramatically based on recent acquisitions.
The store’s reputation draws international visitors alongside neighborhood regulars, creating an eclectic crowd united by appreciation for vintage fashion.
Parking along La Brea Avenue can be challenging during peak hours, with side streets offering alternative options for those willing to walk a short distance.
5. Wasteland – Los Angeles
Curated selection sets this location apart from typical thrift stores, with buyers carefully choosing which items make it to the sales floor.
The Melrose Avenue shop at 7428 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046 attracts fashion-conscious shoppers seeking designer labels and unique vintage pieces.
Display windows showcase current inventory highlights, giving passersby a preview of the elevated thrift experience waiting inside.
Prices reflect the curated nature of the collection, positioned between traditional thrift stores and vintage boutiques that charge premium rates.
Dressing rooms feature better lighting than many secondhand shops, making it easier to evaluate how clothing looks and fits.
The buying counter accepts gently used items for store credit or cash, creating opportunities for shoppers to fund new purchases by selling pieces from their own closets.
Staff members maintain awareness of current fashion trends while respecting classic styles that never go out of fashion.
The store layout flows logically, with clear sections for different clothing categories and a separate area for accessories.
Weekend afternoons bring the most foot traffic, while weekday mornings offer a calmer atmosphere for browsing without crowds.
Metered parking lines Melrose Avenue, requiring quarters or payment through mobile apps for time beyond the initial free period.
6. Buffalo Exchange – Los Angeles
Trading clothes for store credit has made this chain popular with younger shoppers looking to refresh their wardrobes sustainably.
Multiple Los Angeles locations include the shop at 7912 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, each maintaining consistent policies while reflecting neighborhood character.
The buying process happens on-site, with staff evaluating items brought in by sellers and making immediate offers based on current demand and condition.
Current styles dominate the racks rather than vintage pieces from decades past, appealing to shoppers seeking recent fashion at reduced prices.
The turnover rate stays high, with new items arriving daily as people trade in clothing they no longer wear.
Denim, casual wear, and accessories make up the bulk of inventory, though occasional designer pieces create excitement among regular visitors.
The atmosphere skews casual and welcoming, with music playing at moderate volume and staff available to answer questions about the buying or selling process.
Sizes run the full range, though availability in specific sizes varies depending on what sellers bring in during any given week.
The Highland location benefits from nearby parking structures, making it accessible even during busy shopping periods when street parking becomes scarce throughout the neighborhood.
7. Crossroads Trading – Los Angeles
Contemporary fashion takes center stage at this buy-sell-trade destination that appeals to style-conscious shoppers on budgets.
The store at 7407 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046 focuses on current trends rather than vintage nostalgia, creating a different vibe from traditional thrift stores.
Buyers evaluate items brought in for resale, accepting pieces that match current style preferences and quality standards.
Seasonal transitions bring noticeable changes to inventory, with lighter fabrics appearing in spring and heavier layers showing up as temperatures drop.
The pricing structure considers both original retail value and current condition, resulting in a range that spans affordable basics to pricier designer items.
Staff members understand fashion trends and can offer suggestions when shoppers describe what they’re seeking.
The selling process moves quickly, with buyers examining items and making offers within minutes rather than requiring appointments or long wait times.
Store credit offers higher value than cash payouts, encouraging sellers to shop from the current inventory.
The location attracts a mix of college students, young professionals, and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the balance between affordability and style.
Melrose Avenue parking presents the usual challenges, with nearby residential streets offering alternatives for those planning to spend significant time browsing the selection.
8. Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center – Bellflower
Warehouse-scale shopping awaits at this location where aisles stretch long and inventory changes constantly based on community donations.
Operated by a faith-based organization, the store at 2720 E 11th St, Los Angeles, CA 90023, serves both bargain hunters and individuals seeking job training opportunities.
The spacious layout allows for larger furniture pieces and bulky items that smaller thrift stores cannot accommodate.
Clothing sections organize items by gender and size, though some searching is required to find specific styles or colors among the abundant selection.
Home goods fill multiple aisles, including dishes, small appliances, bedding, and decorative items that reflect diverse tastes.
Books and media occupy their own section, with prices that make it easy to build a home library without significant expense.
The donation center operates during posted hours, accepting a wide range of items that meet basic quality standards.
Staff members and program participants work together to process incoming donations and maintain the sales floor.
Weekday visits typically offer more relaxed browsing compared to weekend crowds when families shop together.
The parking lot provides ample space, eliminating the stress of finding spots that plague many urban thrift stores in denser neighborhoods.
9. Assistance League Thrift Shop – Santa Monica
Coastal community support drives this volunteer-run shop where proceeds fund local philanthropic programs.
The store between Broadway &, 1453 Fifteenth Street, Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404 benefits from donations reflecting the surrounding neighborhood’s demographics, resulting in higher-end items than many thrift locations.
Clothing tends toward classic styles and quality fabrics, with occasional designer labels appearing among the racks.
Home decor and small furniture pieces receive careful display, often featuring items that would fit well in beachside homes or modern apartments.
The boutique atmosphere differs from larger warehouse-style thrift stores, with attention paid to presentation and organization.
Volunteers maintain the space and assist shoppers, bringing personal touches to the customer service experience.
Jewelry cases display costume and fine pieces separately, allowing collectors to examine items more closely before purchasing.
Seasonal items appear throughout the year, from holiday decorations to beach accessories that reflect Santa Monica’s location.
The shop operates on a more limited schedule than chain thrift stores, making it important to check hours before planning a visit.
Street parking along Wilshire Boulevard follows typical Santa Monica regulations, with some metered spots and time-limited free parking on adjacent residential streets for those willing to walk a few blocks.
10. The Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center – Long Beach
Affordability meets variety at this location where the mission focuses on serving community members while funding broader social programs.
The Long Beach store at 1370 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813, stocks everything from clothing to housewares in a layout that encourages thorough browsing.
Red donation kettles and familiar branding signal the organization’s long history of thrift retail and charitable work.
Furniture arrives regularly, with sofas, tables, and bedroom sets displayed near the back of the store where space allows for larger items.
Clothing prices remain consistently low, making it possible to outfit entire families without spending significant amounts.
Children’s items receive dedicated space, including toys, books, and clothes in sizes from infant through teen years.
The donation center accepts items throughout the week, with pickup services available for larger furniture pieces that donors cannot transport themselves.
Color-coded tags indicate different price reductions on specific days, rewarding shoppers who time their visits strategically.
Staff members work alongside program participants, creating employment opportunities while keeping the store operational.
The parking lot accommodates the steady flow of shoppers and donors, with spaces usually available even during busier afternoon hours when people stop by after work or school.
11. Goodwill Southern California Store & Donation Center – Santa Ana
Job training and employment programs receive support through purchases at this recognizable chain location serving Orange County shoppers.
The Santa Ana store at 2722 W 5th St, Santa Ana, CA 92703, follows the organization’s standard layout while reflecting local donation patterns.
Color-coded pricing systems help shoppers quickly identify items within their budgets, with regular sales offering additional discounts on specific categories.
Electronics and media sections draw tech-savvy bargain hunters looking for functional items at fraction-of-retail prices, though testing equipment before purchase is recommended.
Clothing fills the majority of floor space, organized by type and size with frequent restocking as donations arrive throughout each day.
Home goods range from everyday dishes to occasional antique finds that create excitement among collectors.
The boutique section showcases higher-end donations separately, with slightly elevated prices that still undercut traditional retail significantly.
New items hit the floor constantly, making repeat visits worthwhile for shoppers seeking specific types of merchandise.
Donation drop-off operates during extended hours, accepting everything from clothing to small furniture pieces.
The location benefits from ample parking, situated in a commercial area where finding spaces rarely presents challenges even during weekend shopping peaks when multiple family members browse together.
12. Eco Town – Fountain Valley,
Japanese retail concepts influence this location where organization and presentation elevate the thrift shopping experience beyond typical expectations.
The Fountain Valley, store at 18968 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 brings international secondhand shopping culture to Southern California.
Clean lines and thoughtful displays make browsing feel more like visiting a boutique than digging through bins.
Clothing arrives through buying programs that emphasize quality and current style over sheer volume, resulting in curated racks where most items meet certain standards.
Pricing reflects the selective buying process, positioned between traditional thrift stores and high-end consignment shops.
The aesthetic appeals to shoppers who appreciate Japanese fashion sensibilities and attention to detail in merchandise presentation.
Staff members maintain the organized atmosphere, regularly straightening displays and ensuring items remain properly sorted throughout busy shopping periods.
Accessories receive showcase treatment, displayed in ways that highlight their features rather than piling them in bins.
The store accepts items for purchase, evaluating pieces based on condition, brand, and current market demand.
Parking is available in the shopping center, with spaces typically accessible except during major sale events when word spreads through social media and dedicated shoppers arrive early for first picks.
13. 2nd STREET – Los Angeles
Another Japanese import brings structured secondhand shopping to Los Angeles with emphasis on youth fashion and streetwear aesthetics.
The store at 7560 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, attracts younger shoppers seeking specific styles at prices below original retail.
Display methods borrowed from Japanese retail culture create visual interest while keeping merchandise accessible and organized.
Buying programs accept clothing and accessories that fit current fashion trends, with staff evaluating items and making immediate offers.
Store credit provides higher value than cash payment, encouraging sellers to shop from existing inventory.
The turnover rate stays high as students and young professionals cycle through their wardrobes seasonally.
Denim and casual wear dominate the selection, with occasional designer pieces appearing among more common brands.
Shoes receive dedicated display space, organized by style and size for easier browsing.
The atmosphere feels energetic and youth-oriented, with music and decor choices reflecting the target demographic.
Staff members understand current fashion trends and can help locate specific styles when shoppers describe what they’re seeking.
The Sunset Boulevard location offers nearby street parking, though spaces fill quickly during evening hours when people visit after work or classes.
Weekend afternoons bring the heaviest foot traffic as groups of friends make thrift shopping a social activity.
14. Council Thrift Shops – Los Angeles
Community service drives this nonprofit location where shopping directly supports local programs benefiting women and children.
The Los Angeles shop at 360 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 has served the area for decades, building a loyal customer base.
Volunteers and staff work together to maintain an organized shopping environment where quality items receive proper display and pricing.
Clothing selections span casual to professional, reflecting the diverse donations received from surrounding neighborhoods.
Home goods include everything from kitchen basics to decorative pieces that add character to living spaces.
Books and media occupy dedicated shelving, with regular rotation as new donations arrive and purchased items leave the floor.
The boutique section highlights designer labels and special pieces separately, commanding slightly higher prices while remaining well below original retail values.
Frequent shoppers develop relationships with staff members who sometimes hold items that match expressed interests.
Sales and special discount days reward regular customers and attract new visitors looking for exceptional values.
The India Street location benefits from nearby parking options, including street meters and public lots within walking distance.
Weekday mornings offer the calmest shopping experience, while weekend afternoons bring families and tourists exploring the neighborhood alongside local bargain hunters seeking their next great find.
