South Florida flea markets guide
Your guide to swap shops and flea markets in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.
By Vanessa Vazquez
SouthFlorida.com
Important: This article was last updated on October 11, 2004. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.
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Are you beginning to get the holiday jitters? It is fall, folks, and the clock is tick, tick, ticking away. Luckily, South Florida has many shopping venues where you can find the perfect gift. But don't rush to the mall just yet. I'm talking about the fabulous world of flea markets, where the bargain hunter lives. This is the land of rare finds and endless possibilities.
Here is your guide to South Florida's flea markets -- where to find them and what to expect. Hopefully you have a comfortable pair of sneakers; if not, you can surely buy a new pair when you get there.
BROWARD COUNTY
Festival Flea Market
2900 W. Sample Road, Pompano Beach
(954) 979-4555
www.festivalfleamarket.com
Popular with the area's senior citizenry, the Festival Flea Market is a homemaker's paradise. With more than 400,000 square feet of indoor boutique and chain store shopping, it usually takes shoppers more than a day to walk the entire flea market and see its 800 merchants.
If you're remodeling or redecorating, the Festival is a great place to shop since many of the vendors are dedicated to home goods. One notable kiosk offers an array of oriental-style furniture. New clothes, shoes and jewelry also are plentiful and affordable, although brand names are scarce. The 20 vendors at the farmer's market feature fresh and local produce.
With nine eateries and a food court, you don't have to worry about that pick-me-up you will surely need after a morning at the Festival.
Frequent shoppers describe this flea market as calm and comfortable, a peaceful shopping experience. If you're looking for a good deal without the large crowds, the Festival is for you.
3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
(954) 791-SWAP
www.floridaswapshop.com
Known for its catchy motto, "Where's the Bargain? At the Swap Shop!" this Fort Lauderdale flea market/entertainment complex draws worldwide shoppers to its often-crowded indoor and outdoor venues.
The Swap Shop's 180,000-square-foot air-conditioned shopping and entertainment complex features new and popular merchandise, mostly electronics and jewelry, as well as restaurants and a food court. There also are more than 800 open-air canopied vendors selling new and used merchandise, as well as antiques.
Almost 50 percent of its kiosks are dedicated to apparel, an overwhelming majority of those brand name. Brand-name sneakers are the rule here; area youths know that the latest in footwear hits the Swap Shop before the local malls.
South Florida's only permanent circus is at the Swap Shop, and it has three shows on both Saturday and Sunday, two on Thursday, and one on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. After the circus, children can play in the mini-amusement park or visit the arcade.
After a long day of shopping, you can catch a drive-in movie, new releases only, on one of their 13 giant screens. Showtimes are listed on their Web site.
831 N. Federal Hwy., Hollywood
(954) 924-3200
www.hollywoodgreyhound.com/flea_market.html
In the neighborhood for over a decade and loved by locals for its clean and courteous ambiance, the Hollywood Greyhound Flea Market offers mostly new merchandise, ranging from apparel to jewelry and beauty products.
Great finds include quality luggage, gift and souvenir shops. You won't find your average knick-knack here; this market specializes in quality products at a reasonable price for its dedicated customer base. There is also a small farmer's market, with a popular section dedicated to fresh cut flowers.
The food court features burgers and hotdogs, amongst other easy-to-eat finger foods.
Special events, including live music and concerts, are coming soon to the Hollywood Greyhound Flea Market.
Opa-Locka Hialeah (305) 688-8080
12705 NW 42nd Ave.
Popular with moms and teenagers this flea market is known mostly for its local flare. Located in between two bustling cities this shopping destination will expose you to South Florida's cultural diversity.
With over 900 vendors situated in outdoor booths you can find anything from new clothing, jewelry, and furniture to antiques and your neighbors garage sale.
Across the parking lot you will find new and used tires at rock bottom prices. There is also a go-kart race track if you follow the winding road around the back of the parking lot.
You can rest from the days shopping while you do lunch or dine at one of their many food courts. The Opa-Locka Hialeah flea market has been a community experience for over 20 years.
NW 37th Ave at 7th Street or click here to visit their Web site.
Located in the heart of Miami the Flagler Flea Market fits perfectly into its urban surroundings. The thumping music lures you into its canopied jungle of flea market finds, where you might buy one of the many sounds you hear.
New clothing is a hot item at this flea market, as well as shoes, especially brightly colored warm weather pieces popular in South Florida, most one of a kind.
Feathered pets also are plentiful at the Flagler Flea Market. You can pick up a blush-faced lovebird for $35, cage and all. These special finds are carefully situated under tents near the grandstand where their sellers are sure to keep them from too much heat. If birds aren't your thing, you can pick from fish and turtles.
Inside the grandstand you will find imported baby items, known in Spanish as La Canastilla; most in lace and tulle, at discount prices.
Other than a farmers market with fresh fruits, fish and veggies you won't find much at the flea market to eat. Remember because you're in the middle Miami you can indulge in surrounding restaurants, most specializing in Latin American Cuisine.
Bring plenty of cash because these vendors operate on cash and carry only, but don't worry if you forget, ATMs are available.
Here is your guide to South Florida's flea markets -- where to find them and what to expect. Hopefully you have a comfortable pair of sneakers; if not, you can surely buy a new pair when you get there.
BROWARD COUNTY
Festival Flea Market
2900 W. Sample Road, Pompano Beach
(954) 979-4555
www.festivalfleamarket.com
Popular with the area's senior citizenry, the Festival Flea Market is a homemaker's paradise. With more than 400,000 square feet of indoor boutique and chain store shopping, it usually takes shoppers more than a day to walk the entire flea market and see its 800 merchants.
If you're remodeling or redecorating, the Festival is a great place to shop since many of the vendors are dedicated to home goods. One notable kiosk offers an array of oriental-style furniture. New clothes, shoes and jewelry also are plentiful and affordable, although brand names are scarce. The 20 vendors at the farmer's market feature fresh and local produce.
With nine eateries and a food court, you don't have to worry about that pick-me-up you will surely need after a morning at the Festival.
Frequent shoppers describe this flea market as calm and comfortable, a peaceful shopping experience. If you're looking for a good deal without the large crowds, the Festival is for you.
- Open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Free parking.
3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
(954) 791-SWAP
www.floridaswapshop.com
Known for its catchy motto, "Where's the Bargain? At the Swap Shop!" this Fort Lauderdale flea market/entertainment complex draws worldwide shoppers to its often-crowded indoor and outdoor venues.
The Swap Shop's 180,000-square-foot air-conditioned shopping and entertainment complex features new and popular merchandise, mostly electronics and jewelry, as well as restaurants and a food court. There also are more than 800 open-air canopied vendors selling new and used merchandise, as well as antiques.
Almost 50 percent of its kiosks are dedicated to apparel, an overwhelming majority of those brand name. Brand-name sneakers are the rule here; area youths know that the latest in footwear hits the Swap Shop before the local malls.
South Florida's only permanent circus is at the Swap Shop, and it has three shows on both Saturday and Sunday, two on Thursday, and one on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. After the circus, children can play in the mini-amusement park or visit the arcade.
After a long day of shopping, you can catch a drive-in movie, new releases only, on one of their 13 giant screens. Showtimes are listed on their Web site.
- Indoor complex open Monday through Thursday, 8a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday until 6:30 p.m., Saturday until 7:30 p.m., Sunday until 7 p.m.
- Outdoor booths open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, outdoor booths open at 5 a.m.
- Free parking.
831 N. Federal Hwy., Hollywood
(954) 924-3200
www.hollywoodgreyhound.com/flea_market.html
In the neighborhood for over a decade and loved by locals for its clean and courteous ambiance, the Hollywood Greyhound Flea Market offers mostly new merchandise, ranging from apparel to jewelry and beauty products.
Great finds include quality luggage, gift and souvenir shops. You won't find your average knick-knack here; this market specializes in quality products at a reasonable price for its dedicated customer base. There is also a small farmer's market, with a popular section dedicated to fresh cut flowers.
The food court features burgers and hotdogs, amongst other easy-to-eat finger foods.
Special events, including live music and concerts, are coming soon to the Hollywood Greyhound Flea Market.
- Open every Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Beginning Nov. 1, the flea market will be open until 3 p.m. on Fridays.
- Free Parking.
Opa-Locka Hialeah (305) 688-8080
12705 NW 42nd Ave.
Popular with moms and teenagers this flea market is known mostly for its local flare. Located in between two bustling cities this shopping destination will expose you to South Florida's cultural diversity.
With over 900 vendors situated in outdoor booths you can find anything from new clothing, jewelry, and furniture to antiques and your neighbors garage sale.
Across the parking lot you will find new and used tires at rock bottom prices. There is also a go-kart race track if you follow the winding road around the back of the parking lot.
You can rest from the days shopping while you do lunch or dine at one of their many food courts. The Opa-Locka Hialeah flea market has been a community experience for over 20 years.
- Open seven days a week 6am to 6pm, Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 7am to 6pm.
- Free parking during the week and one dollar on the weekends.
NW 37th Ave at 7th Street or click here to visit their Web site.
Located in the heart of Miami the Flagler Flea Market fits perfectly into its urban surroundings. The thumping music lures you into its canopied jungle of flea market finds, where you might buy one of the many sounds you hear.
New clothing is a hot item at this flea market, as well as shoes, especially brightly colored warm weather pieces popular in South Florida, most one of a kind.
Feathered pets also are plentiful at the Flagler Flea Market. You can pick up a blush-faced lovebird for $35, cage and all. These special finds are carefully situated under tents near the grandstand where their sellers are sure to keep them from too much heat. If birds aren't your thing, you can pick from fish and turtles.
Inside the grandstand you will find imported baby items, known in Spanish as La Canastilla; most in lace and tulle, at discount prices.
Other than a farmers market with fresh fruits, fish and veggies you won't find much at the flea market to eat. Remember because you're in the middle Miami you can indulge in surrounding restaurants, most specializing in Latin American Cuisine.
Bring plenty of cash because these vendors operate on cash and carry only, but don't worry if you forget, ATMs are available.
- Open from 8am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Free parking, fifty-cent admission.