So why do so many people come to the Spring Valley Swap Meet?…
Well, first off it has been around for some 37 years. I think it has had plenty of time to gain in popularity among San Diego residents.
It has been said that some 20,000 people fill every corner of this place. The Spring Valley Swap Meet is just as diverse as San Diego itself. People from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border shop and sell here.
This San Diego Swap Meet sits on a 15-acre lot. This yard was first used as an enclosed “auction yard” by the Derr Family back in 1969. Soon after they were able to obtain a Swap Meet business license, and like they say, “Everything Else is History.”
As far back as I can remember living in California…my parents would always take me and my brothers to the local Swap Meet most weekends for some bargain shopping. We were always short on cash, so this was paradise to us.
Not too long ago though, I began picking up this old habit again. For the past 4 years now, my wife and I have been going to the local Spring Valley Swap Meet as a way of reducing our unwanted clutter. We have been doing more selling than shopping though. We’ve been doing this casually every 6-months…although we are considering selling new items in a near future.
I just think it is funny how we go through great lengths to accumulate as much as we can, and then we practically give it away when we grow tired of the “stuff” we’ve accumulated.
I’ve been very impressed as to the skills that some people have who shop at the Spring Valley Swap Meet. They truly are professional bargain shoppers. Most of them almost always expect to buy below the price we have set. Boy…are they skilled or what?
Another thing…if you’re shopping for clothes, keep an eye out for designer labels. In the past I have sold my used jeans and shirts (all designer clothes) for no more than two bucks!
You should try and arrive at the Spring Valley Swap Meet as early as possible. I would suggest arriving around 7 am (or maybe even a little before).
This is because there are a lot of other people there to shop for the exact same reason as yourself. The best stuff always sells the quickest. I mean, it sells within a couple of minutes of unloading the stuff off the car.
The first time my wife and I came to sell, we were shocked as to how quickly we sold everything. Before we had even unpacked… swarms of people were crowding around us to see what goodies we had.
You won’t want to come alone. Four eyes or more are always better than just two when you hunting for hidden treasures. Also, don’t forget to bring lots of nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars.
Do keep in mind that if you plan on leaving for any reason…make sure you get your hand stamped. Otherwise you’ll have to pay the entrance fee again.
On the other hand, if you’ll be shopping for newer items…you can show up at any time before 3 pm. Just keep in mind that the Spring Valley Swap Meet parking lot can get quite congested. The earlier you come, the better a chance you’ll have of getting a good parking spot, the best deals.
When you come to the Spring Valley Swap Meet, bring some light snacks and drinks you can carry around in a small bag. You’ll be burning a lot of calories walking around, and the sun will dehydrate you quicker than you think.
If you get hungry and you forgot to pack some lunch, you can always buy some Carne Asada Nachos. It is money well spent. They sell these in both small and large plates, and they come loaded with jalapeños. I typically ask for the small size, and tell them to not include the jalapeños. A heavy spicy meal is the last thing I want while out in the sun.
Spring Valley Swap Meet
6377 Quarry Rd.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
7 AM – 3 PM
Admission: $1.00 per person
(619) 463-1194.
