Day Tripping at Treasure Island Flea

View of the Bay Bridge from Treasure Island.

The quirky Treasure Island Flea market opens up the last weekend of every month on Treasure Island. It’s an eclectic mix of hipsters, local entrepreneurs and traditional flea market finds. Most of the displays/booths are so well done, you’ll feel like you are at an upscale street fair or high-end pop up market rather than a traditional flea market. The event features live music and some of the Bay Area’s Best food trucks. No fear, drinks are near, they have a roving drink cart with mixed drinks available…yes, I’m talking Bloody Marys, Mimosas and a variety of concoctions available while you peruse and find your treasures. It’s a perfect way to spend your Saturday soaking up some sun whether you’re single, have a sweetie, hanging with friends or with the family. 

Traditionally I look for unique used goods or antiques at flea markets but on my last visit to the market I fell in love with several of the local business vendors. Here are a few of my favorites, check them out;

The Little Things by Sarah Marie; Vintage Inspired Guitar & Camera Straps

Let’s face it, if you are carrying around a camera or guitar you already ooze coolness, so why not add some more style and up your cool factor even more. I want one.

T-We Tea

One of my favorite Korean food trucks at the market, HiYaaa! 

This collection of witty named teas will attract you with its slick packaging but it doesn’t stop there, the teas are tasty too. Try the Hipsters in Wonderland, Sexpot and Bad Bromance...there are plenty of other blends to choose from too.

Waffles & Honey; Jewelry

This Etsy jeweler uses raw cut stones and natural elements to create stylish and earthy pieces. 

Papier Vintage; Handmade Cards Invitations and Gifts

These handmade goodies utilize the look of a Polaroid and vintage pictures to create unique handmade cards. Little art pieces in themselves, I want a collection.

RegGrained

They take the leftover products from brewing beer and use the healthy ingredients to create snack food, think bars and granola. How’s that for efficiency?

Now go, it's your turn. Let me know what treasures you find!

Click here to see upcoming dates and events for Treasure Island Flea. Note events have free parking and are dog friendly. Also It gets windy and cold, especially now that we are in the winter months. Layer up with jackets, warm socks and beanies.

Like this market…but wait there’s more!

The same group just launched the Jack of all Trades Market at Jack London Square in Oakland, which is held every second Saturday of the month.

Other things to do on Treasure Island…

If you are looking for more to do on Treasure Island there are several wineries you can visit there as well, so make a full day of it. Wineries include; Treasure Island Wines, Fat Grape Winery, The Winery SF, Bodega Wine Estates.

Don’t forget to take a pic of the great views of the Bay Bridge and Port of San Francisco. Check out the view of the new span of the Bay Bridge and see the mysterious Google Barge.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Above is a picture I put together after visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of my favorite day trip spots in Northern California. I have so many great memories here. In high school I got to participate in the Guiness Book of World Records attempt to have the longest country line dance on the beach. I had summer crushes and fun times pretending I was a surfer girl (even though I've never surfed in my life). If you have never experienced a traditional oceanside boardwalk theme park, you've got to stop in for an afternoon.

Must See/Do
Go On the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
The Giant Dipper is the best classic roller coaster ever in my opinion. With a rickety wooden structure it's a traditional coaster not to be missed. If you only ride one ride here, this is the one.

Get a Cajun CornDog from Surf City Grill
Every time I visit I grab one of the cajun corn dogs from the Surf City Grill, located near the main entrance of the boardwalk. If you enjoy corn dogs YOU MUST TRY THIS ONE. They are hand dipped, delicious goodness. I mean so good that I may have at one point taken a random day trip, driving two and a half hours just for the corn dog, only to find out that they were closed. I'm not willing to officially confirm that I wasted that much time and money for a corn dog, just know that they are damn good.

Go Watch Surfers
There are surfing spots throughout the area, the easiest place to watch near the Boardwalk is a place called Cowell's north of the wharf. Here is a guide to other surf areas in the Santa Cruz area.

Enjoy a Summer Concert on the Beach
On Friday evenings in the summer they host free concerts on the beach. For a complete list of events at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk click here.

What are some of your favorite summer or beach memories?