Kobey's Swap Meet - San Diego's Outdoor Market
If you are looking for a place where the community comes together, a spot where you can discover all sorts of interesting things, and a location that truly feels like a part of San Diego's heart, then Kobey's Swap Meet is very likely the place you have been hoping to find. It is, in a way, known across the area as a big outdoor spot for buying and selling, a real gathering place for people from all walks of life. Folks often say it is one of the best places around for finding something special, something you might not see anywhere else, you know.
You see, this marketplace has been a regular fixture for a long, long time, offering a chance to browse and shop on certain days of the week. It is open for visitors on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, giving everyone a good chunk of the weekend to come on down. People wander through, looking at all the different booths, and it is pretty common to hear folks talking about the unexpected items they come across, like old treasures or things that just catch their eye, actually.
The word on the street, or rather, what the local newspaper readers have said for a good ten years running, is that Kobey's has been consistently picked as San Diego's favorite swap meet. This kind of recognition, you might say, really shows how much the community values this spot, making it a very popular destination for both those looking to buy and those looking to sell their goods, so.
Table of Contents
- Monte Kobey - The Start of Something Big
- What Makes Kobey's Swap Meet So Special?
- How Big is Kobey's Swap Meet, Really?
- Why Do People Keep Coming Back to Kobey's Swap Meet?
- Where Can You Find Kobey's Swap Meet?
Monte Kobey - The Start of Something Big
Every big gathering spot has a beginning, and for Kobey's Swap Meet, that story starts with a person named Monte Kobey. He was the one who had the idea, the vision, to put this whole thing together back in 1976. It is kind of amazing to think about how one person's idea could grow into such a well-known place, a spot that so many people look forward to visiting week after week, you know.
The very first location for this outdoor market was over at the old Midway Drive, which, in a way, set the stage for what it would become. From those early days, Monte Kobey's creation began to take root, growing from a simple idea into something much bigger. It is a testament, you might say, to his thinking and how he put things in motion that we still have this place today, so.
Monte Kobey's Early Days and Vision
Monte Kobey, the person who got Kobey's Swap Meet going, had a clear picture of what he wanted to create. He saw a place where people could come together, where things could be bought and sold in a friendly outdoor setting. It was, in some respects, a simple idea, but one that has had a lasting effect on the community.
His work in 1976, when he first opened the market at the old Midway Drive spot, laid the groundwork for everything that followed. He started something that would grow to be very important to the local area, offering a space for commerce and connection that continues to this day. It is pretty neat, actually, how one person's effort can lead to such a popular and enduring place.
| Founder | Monte Kobey |
| Year Started | 1976 |
| Original Location | Old Midway Drive |
| Known For | Creating San Diego's largest outdoor marketplace |
What Makes Kobey's Swap Meet So Special?
People often wonder what it is about Kobey's Swap Meet that keeps everyone talking about it, that makes it stand out from other places where you might go to shop. Well, part of the charm, you could say, comes from the sheer variety of things you can find there. It is not just one type of item; it is a whole mix, a real collection of all sorts of goods that makes each visit a bit of an adventure, you know.
You might stumble upon something truly unexpected, something you did not even know you were looking for. It is that sense of discovery, the chance to find a hidden gem or a piece of something from the past, that draws people in. The atmosphere, too, is almost like a big community gathering, where people are chatting, looking around, and just enjoying the outdoor setting, so.
Finding Treasures at Kobey's Swap Meet
When you step into Kobey's Swap Meet, you are stepping into a place where the hunt for something special is part of the fun. There are, apparently, all kinds of items laid out for you to look at, from things that are brand new to those that have a bit of history. You might see items that were once used by someone else, or things that are still in their original packaging, just waiting for a new home.
For folks who enjoy looking for old things, this place is a bit of a dream. You can find antiques, which are items from long ago, and also vintage items, which are a little newer but still have that classic appeal. Then there are collectibles, things people gather because they like them, like comic books or old toys, and you can pick up all sorts of those here. It is, in a way, a place where every corner holds a chance to find something unique, something you will really like, so.
The sellers, you know, are there with their goods spread out, ready for you to browse. It is a very open market, meaning everything is under the sky, which adds to the relaxed feeling of the place. You can walk around, take your time, and just enjoy the experience of looking at all the different things on offer, which is pretty nice, actually.
How Big is Kobey's Swap Meet, Really?
When people talk about Kobey's Swap Meet, one of the first things that comes up is its sheer size. It is not just a small market; it is a very large outdoor spot, a place that takes up a good amount of space. You might wonder, just how much ground does it cover, and how many people can it hold? Well, the numbers give you a pretty good idea of its scale, you know.
It is, in some respects, the biggest outdoor market in San Diego, and it also ranks as one of the largest of its kind in the entire state. This means it is a significant spot, drawing people from all over to come and experience what it has to offer. The size itself is part of what makes it so interesting, as there is always so much to see and so many different sellers to visit, so.
The Sheer Size of Kobey's Swap Meet
Let us talk about the actual scale of Kobey's Swap Meet. It is located in the parking lot at the San Diego Sports Arena, a pretty big area that it continues to use for its operations. This spot allows it to spread out, giving plenty of room for all the different vendors and the thousands of people who come to visit each week. It is, like, a really big space, actually.
Each week, the market sees a huge number of people coming through its gates. We are talking about around 25,000 shoppers who come to look for items, to browse, and to enjoy the atmosphere. And to meet that demand, there are more than 800 sellers, or vendors, who set up their booths, offering all sorts of things for sale. This kind of weekly gathering makes it a very active and busy place, you know.
To give you an even better picture, Kobey's Swap Meet is considered the largest swap meet in San Diego County. Beyond that, it is also one of the largest in the whole state of California. This means it is a pretty significant player in the world
Kobey's Swap Meet - San Diego | Updated Hours, Contacts & Photos
Kobey's Swap Meet - San Diego | Updated Hours, Contacts & Photos
Soul Swap Meet – Oct. 15th – Welcome to Kobey's Swap Meet
