My parents absolutely traumatized my brother and I when we were kids by taking us antiquing. There is nothing worse than being a kid in a store full of things you are dying to touch and not being able to touch anything. It took decades before I could set foot in an antique store without having terrible childhood flashbacks.

These days, I appreciate antiques stores because they are not Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma. You can still find unique items for prices that won’t break your budget. Antiquing is the ultimate treasure hunting. You may have some idea of things you would like to find but usually you will find things you never imagined.
The listings below are mainly antique malls where multiple vendors have stalls—this minimizes your driving and maximizes your treasure-hunting. You may even find some unique holiday gifts. For a great day out, go to Old Town Orange—this is really the heart of the antique industry in Orange County with nearly a dozen different stores.

Main Street Flea Market Third Saturday of the month (Oct. 18). More than 50 vendors set up for this monthly sale. There are antiques, collectibles, home décor, furniture, vintage clothing and jewelry. Main Street and Garden Grove Boulevard, Garden Grove. 714-534-1857.

YWCA Flea Market and Y Buys Second Saturday of the month (Oct. 11). Near the Orange Circle this is a market featuring both new and used merchandise with many vendors selling antiques and collectibles. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 146 N. Grand Street, Orange. 714-633-4950.

Outdoor Antique and Collectible Market Third Sunday of the month (Oct. 19) With over 800 sellers it is fair to say that if you can’t find it here it may not exist. Carnival glass, vintage toys, antique light fixtures, tons of old kitchen stuff… The rows go on and on. Plan to spend several hours here, and even then you may wear out before you have seen it all. The ultimate treasure hunting spot. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veteran’s Stadium, Long Beach. www.longbeachantiquemarket.com.

Brick Basement Antique Mall Here’s a place where 30 dealers sell unique collectibles ranging from vintage table cloths to 50s memorabilia with plenty in between. A great place to find a special gift. Monday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 113 N. Harbor Boulevard, Fullerton. 714-525-3692. www.thebrickbasement.com.

Chapman Antique Mall With more than 50 dealers in 10,000 sq. feet you can find everything from Majolica to antique clocks. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 201 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange. 714-633-0388. www.chapmanantiquemall.com.

Orange Circle Antique Mall This mall has 125 vendors each specializing in their own area: 70’s décor, old records, vintage prints and magazines and plenty of vintage clothes, jewelry and silver. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 118 S. Glassell Street. 714-538-8160.

Country Roads Antiques Spend a few hours searching for treasures in this establishment where several dealers sell their wares. Make it part of your day in Old Town Orange. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 204 W. Chapman Avenue, Orange. 714-532-3041. www.countryroadsantiques.com.

JoAnn’s Hometown Antique Mall Shoppers will find authentic antique home furnishings, decorator items, housewares, toys, jewelry, instruments, books and bric-a-brac. There are 40+ dealers and the stock changes frequently. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.23782 Mercury, Lake Forest. 949-457-2511. www.joannshometownantiquemall.com.

Steven-Thomas Antiques and Interiors Looking for a Chippendale chair or a Baroque end table? This high-end antique store specializes in European furniture in a variety of styles. Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 800 E. Dyer Road, Santa Ana. 714-957-3989. www.steven-thomas.com.

Landmark Antiques and Collectibles Mall You’ll find antique wicker, vintage jewelry, American folk art, stained glass, estate jewelry and more. Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 28221 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949-364-1444. www.landmarkantiques.com.

Antiques of Laguna This store carries a range of fine antique furniture, china, art, and clocks. They also offer antique clock repair. Monday 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3295 Laguna Canyon Road Suite A, Laguna Beach. 949-376-9909.

Old Newport Antiques This small dealer has been in business for more than 30 years and deals in collectibles, fine furniture and art, and anything you might need to decorate your home. Tuesday through Saturday 12 to 4 p.m. 477 Old Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach. 949-548-8713.

Old Barn Antique Mall Located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano this is a quaint spot housing more than 75 dealers. Lots of Old-West-themed merchandise. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 31792 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949-493-9144.

San Clemente Antiques and Décor 26 dealers stocking everything from jewelry and vintage dresses to furniture and kitchenware. Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 214 Del Mar, Suite B, San Clemente. 949-498-2992.

Gramma’s Attic This is a small shop jammed with a motley collection of cool old stuff from vintage dresses to juke boxes and antique stoves. The first Friday of the month is Ladies Night—come for food and drinks and late night shopping. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 16562 Gothard Street, Unit C, Huntington Beach. 714-847-2662. www.grammasattic.net.

Old Chicago Antique Mall This large mall has over 100 dealers in a huge showroom located conveniently right off the 405 freeway. You can always find a bargain here—vendors have frequent sales. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 18319 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley. 714-434-6487. www.oldchicagoantiques.com.