Alamo Square Flea Market in San Francisco

Every summer in August, three sides of Alamo Square park in San Francisco hosts a huge local flea market that draws people from all parts of the city and the Bay Area.  It's a mixture of antiques, vintage clothes and accessories, art, books, crafts, furniture etc.  My good friends Summerlea and Nathan live only a few blocks away, so I've been lucky to visit this happening two years in a row.  This morning, we started off at a local cafe, The Bean Bag, and had breakfast and then headed to the flea market.  Along the way there were garage sales where clothing was very reasonable.  Many people were shopping at these sales and I even got a pair of shoes for only $4.

Alamo Square park is in the center of the city and on a hill.  From the park, the view of the city is incredible.  And of course, it is bordered on one side by those famous victorian homes that we call The Painted Ladies.  They aren't those wild pastel colors any more, but beautiful just the same.  I've included some photos of the ladies and the park.

What's really crazy about the flea market is that on two sides (Fulton & Hayes Streets), the vendors and shoppers are crowded on narrow sidewalks.  It reminds me of being at an art show on opening night.  It is hard to look at stuff because there is such a crowd.  Luckily one street (Steiner) is closed off for two blocks, so it's easier to look at things and shop.  I know you will enjoy the pictures, as I've included a little bit of everything.

Flea market on Steiner St. side

1950's striped dress & madras jacket

Mobile clothing store on Steiner St.

Summerlea and zipper purse

Vendor selling hula hoops

Rock pillows and quilt

Coach purses

Gold lace on black velvet skirt - formerly owned by an "actress"

Mannequin in mini dress & white go-go boots with child wearing beads & peace sign jewelry

Multi colored Petticoats

Amazing vintage jewelry

Rescue dogs ready for adoption

One-of-a kind boots 

Shopping on the sidewalk on Hayes St.

Red, white & blue Brit triple platform boots

Feather hat and fur neck piece

Black coat with fox fur stole

Cowboy boots and puppies

Summerlea walking toward the top of the park

View of downtown San Francisco from the top of the park

The Painted Ladies

A view of the flea market on the Fulton St. side

Jewelry vendors on Fulton St.

More vendors on Fulton St.

Purses

Black & white net dress

1950's evening jacket ($32)

Summerlea insisted we also show the back of this cute jacket

Garage sale near the park

Garden garage sale selling furniture and art

Gorgeous red print dress with turquoise necklace

Alamo Square park