Southern California has some of the best in the world. So whether you are a serious collector, or just looking for a fun souvenir, chances are you’ll find something cool. You’ll also experience a slice of local culture and maybe even see a star or two.

If you’re here on the weekend, you’re in luck, because there’s a flea market somewhere every Sunday. Some are good for an hour or so, others can take most of the day. Lather up with sunscreen, bring some cash, and get ready to bargain.

Housed in the parking lot of the Pasadena football stadium, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is the most popular one in Los Angeles. It takes place on the second Sunday of the month. On nice days, more than 20,000 people might show up. There are usually about 2,500 vendors selling everything from old record albums to vintage clothes to fine antiques. There are a couple of food stands, so you can grab a bite and keep shopping.

If you’re an avid collector, come early. Your admission fee will vary based on when you arrive. Gates open at 5AM, but a lot of stands don’t set up that early. Admission starts at $20 and goes down until the box office closes at 3 o’clock.

Many of the Rose Bowl vendors specialize in one type of antique or collectible. And you can find almost anything here. In addition to the expected, you’ll find old typewriters, musical instruments, paintings, rugs, jewelry, old handbags, and more.

You can — and should — do a little bargaining here, but don’t come looking for steals.

The Long Beach Outdoor Antique Market, which takes place on the third Sunday of each month, is held in Veterans Stadium. It’s been going strong since starting in 1982 and has more than 800 dealers. It’s good for old furniture, vintage clothes, rugs, lamps, and other items for the home. As one of the biggest markets on the west coast, it’s worth the drive.

Trend-setters and fashionistas will enjoy the Melrose Trading Post in the parking lot of Fairfax High School. It takes place every Sunday. About 3,000 people show up to look for vintage clothing, alternative music, 1970s stuff, and kitschy items. Live music and a few food trucks round out the scene. Young celebrities and set designers often visit.

The Santa Monica Airport hosts the Santa Monica Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market on the first and fourth Sundays. The market at the end of the month is more popular, with around 175 vendors. Doors open at 6AM. The goods here are of better quality than at the other markets, and you’ll find real antiques, nice carpets, painting, textiles, and decorative objects.

The only market with no admission fee, Pasadena City College Flea Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month. It’s the favorite of bargain hunters and others just looking for a low-key afternoon. There are usually around 500 vendors selling everything from costume jewelry to old bicycles.

Over 450 vendors can be found there selling everything from high end antiques and collectibles to toys and tools to new, used and vintage clothing and used furniture. The prices are low, the lines are short and the vendors are friendly and helpful. There are also approximetly seventy (70) record vendors offering to sell and swap records, compact disks and memorabilia ranging from the big bands era to present day performers. Again the prices are quite reasonable and the vendors are friendly, helpfull and knowledgeable. They not only enjoy selling and swaping music items, they also enjoy talking about records and the music world. By the way, this is said to be one of the largest, if not the largest, record selling venues in Southern California.

According to Pasadena City College, admission to the flea market is free (this is one of the few flea markets around that still provides free admission) and parking, while sometimes difficult is also free, at the parking garage on Del Mar Blvd. or on the east side of campus at the Bonnie Avenue parking lot.

If you are looking for a flea market or swap meet that carries a good variety of merchandise, has very reasonable prices and is not overly crowded try the Pasadena City College Flea Market. Free admission and free parking makes this a good place for an outing. Even if you don’t buy anything you will have a good time and it won’t cost you anything.

After you finish with the flea market and swap meet, take a short drive up Colorado to Old Town Pasadena where you can dine at one of the numerous restaurants, have coffee, a capuchino or a lattee and a pastry at one of the bakeries, many with sidewalk patios, take in a movie, visit an art gallery, go dancing, take in a comedy act, shop at one of the many boutiques and stores or just go people watching.