life on pine

local's guide: alameda flea market and temescal alley

Kate Parrish


On the first Sunday of every month, one of my favorite flea markets takes place just over the bay bridge – the alameda antiques fair. This is the largest antiques show in Northern California and features over 800 different dealers. It is so fun to wander the endless aisles full of unique history and design and pick out little souvenirs here and there for your home. We've found a ton of great furniture pieces here, as well as tiny little trinkets sprinkled around on bookshelves or side tables. Below are a few tips and tricks for a weekend in Oakland – and the full guide will be featured on this page soon. 

Alameda flea:

  • Arrive early [like, be there by 8am]. The later it gets the harder time you'll have with parking and with staying sane while you navigate through all of the little shops. 
  • Bring cash! The reception out there is terrible which makes using square/credit card machines hard. And the ATM has a high service fee. 
  • Free parking & shuttles, no pets
     


Temescal alley:
This little pedestrian shopping district is located in North Oakland's Temescal, and features eighteen local shops situated in early 20th century structures, including those which formerly served as horse stalls for the historic horse-drawn trolleys.

Now preserved and repurposed to compliment original architectural details, these beautiful spaces house a lively and inspiring community of small businesses that present the perfect blend of quality goods and services. It's worth popping into every single shop, but some of my favorites [and those that are photographed below] are:

  • Shop & Browse: Esqueleto, Marisa Mason, Walrus, Crimson [plants!]
  • Eat & Drink: Dona Tomas, Pizzaiolo [the best! but not open on sunday], Boot and Shoe, Doughnut Dolly, Burma Superstar, Aunt Mary's Cafe