If you want to pay a visit to Tijuana without having to deal with the hassle of crossing the border than the Spring Valley Swap meet is the place for you! Held every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am and winding down around 3:00 pm, you can find the best and worst of items found across the border. Admission is $1, and I believe that is for everyone of all ages, but I am not positive The swap meet is located at 6377 Quarry Rd Spring Valley, CA 91977, right off of the 125 freeway, near where the 125 and 54 converge in Spring Valley.

One entire side of this huge flea market is dedicated to private sellers bringing in their yard sale items by the truckload. This is usually where you can find the best deals, as these vendors, for the most part, just want to get rid of items they no longer use. In addition to a wide, varied selection of used items, this out door bazaar also has a few hundred regular merchants selling new items ranging from kitchen appliances, mattresses, Converse shoes, tools, clothing and much, much more. Be prepared to haggle when you visit the swap meet, it will help you get a better price on any item you may have your eye on, and the sellers do not mind negotiating prices.

I know people who swear by this place so much that, not only will they arrive at 6 am to be sure they can go around to spot the best deals, they will purchase all of their Christmas gifts at the swap meet. I really can not express enough the vast, and eclectic amounts of merchandise available for sale at this converted parking lot flea market in Spring Valley. Some of my favorite vendors include the stand with a wide array of lawn ornaments (the giant hamburger one is a real classic), $1 stand, cheap sunglasses man, and the “Made for TV” demo station - I have had the pleasure of catching a few outstanding karaoke performances at this one.

Then there is the food, like most local weekend markets, the Spring Valley flea market has no shortage of food stands. This is where you can really get a taste of authentic Tijuana cuisine without actually crossing the border and seeking out a street vendor. There is a great Chinese food truck located central to the market, as well as a wonderful ice cream stand toward the south side of the market. Try to stay away from the typical hot dogs and french fries and try some of the unique offerings at the sale.

If you have never been to the market there are two items I strongly recommend you try - Tostilocos and Horchata. Horchata is rice-based beverage that contains flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. You will find it kept in large jugs on ice and when ordered it will be ladled into your cup with a large serving scoop; this beverage is typical of Mexican aguas frescas. Tostilocos are also traditional Mexican fare, usually eaten as a snack, and considered to be a street food. Tostilocos are really unlike anything I have tried before, and while the ingredients may sound appallingly strange, they mix together quite nicely; I have included the ingredients below for anyone that may be interested

Tostilocos:

• 1 cut open bag Salsa Verde Tostitos
• Jicama
• Lime juice squeezed over top
• Salt and Cayenne Pepper
• Tamarind (very, very sour fruit)
• Fried Peanuts, Japanese Peanuts
• Cucumber
• Chamoy (hot sauce, kind of sugary)
• Salsa Picante

Here is what they look like: