Discovering the City Plaza Mall & Flea Market at 14090 Olympic Dr, Clearlake, California 95422 was like finding a hidden treasure in Northern California’s lake country. This vibrant marketplace perfectly blends the convenience of indoor shopping with the excitement of a traditional flea market, creating a unique experience that keeps me coming back weekend after weekend. Whether you’re searching for farm-fresh produce, handcrafted treasures, vintage collectibles, or simply want to soak in authentic small-town California charm, City Plaza delivers an unforgettable shopping adventure.
Address: 14090 Olympic Dr, Clearlake, CA 95422
Phone: (707) 994-4402
🗓️ Market Operating Schedule
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed ❌ |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ✅ |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ✅ |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ✅ |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ✅ |
| Saturday | Closed ❌ |
| Sunday | Closed ❌ |
The market operates Tuesday through Friday each week, with peak shopping hours typically between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The best time to visit is Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when inventory is freshest and crowds are lighter. Unlike typical weekend markets, this weekday schedule makes it perfect for retirees, remote workers, and travelers with flexible schedules. The quietest times tend to be Friday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed browsing experience.
🚗 Getting There: Parking & Transportation
Free On-Site Parking 🅿️
City Plaza Mall & Flea Market offers generous, completely free parking right on-site, which is a major advantage for shoppers. The paved lot is well-maintained and provides over 150 spaces with multiple ADA-compliant spots for accessibility. You’ll find some covered parking areas available, and the lot is well-lit and monitored for security. There’s adequate space for RVs and larger vehicles, and best of all, you’re just steps from the entrance. Even during peak hours between 11 AM and 1 PM, parking is typically available, making your arrival completely stress-free.
| Parking Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | 100% FREE! 🎉 |
| Capacity | 150+ spaces |
| Surface | Paved lot, well-maintained |
| Accessibility | Multiple ADA-compliant spots ♿ |
| Covered Parking | Some covered areas available 🏠 |
| Security | Well-lit, monitored area 🔒 |
| RV/Large Vehicle | Adequate space for larger vehicles 🚐 |
| Proximity | Steps from entrance! 👣 |
🚌 Public Transportation
Lake Transit provides local bus service to the Olympic Drive area, making the market accessible for non-drivers. You can visit laketransit.org for current schedules and route planning. The bus stop is within walking distance of the market, making it a budget-friendly option. Uber and Lyft are also available in the Clearlake area for convenient door-to-door service, and bicycle riders will find bike racks available on-site for eco-friendly locals.
| Transit Option | Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Transit | Local bus service to Olympic Dr area | Non-drivers 🚌 |
| Route Information | Visit laketransit.org for schedules | Planning ahead 📱 |
| Bus Stop | Within walking distance of market | Budget travelers 💰 |
| Uber/Lyft | Available in Clearlake area | Convenient option 🚕 |
| Bicycle | Bike racks available | Eco-friendly locals 🚴 |
🗺️ Distance & Drive Times
If you’re coming from downtown Clear Lake’s waterfront, it’s just 2 miles away with a 5-7 minute drive. Lakeport is 12 miles distant, taking about 15-20 minutes. From Ukiah, plan for 35 miles and 40-45 minutes of driving. Santa Rosa visitors should expect 65 miles and 80-90 minutes of travel time. Sacramento is approximately 110 miles away, about 2 hours, while the San Francisco Bay Area is also around 110 miles, taking 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic. This makes City Plaza a perfect stop during a Clear Lake vacation or wine country tour!
| Starting Point | Distance | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake (waterfront) | 2 miles | 5-7 minutes 🚗 |
| Lakeport | 12 miles | 15-20 minutes 🛣️ |
| Ukiah | 35 miles | 40-45 minutes 🌄 |
| Santa Rosa | 65 miles | 80-90 minutes 🏙️ |
| Sacramento | 110 miles | 2 hours ✈️ |
| San Francisco Bay Area | 110 miles | 2-2.5 hours 🌉 |
💰 Admission & Entry
City Plaza Mall & Flea Market offers 100% free admission to all visitors. There are no entrance fees, no tickets required, and no membership needed. This welcoming policy makes it accessible to everyone, from casual browsers to serious shoppers, reflecting the market’s commitment to serving the community and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the shopping experience.
🌟 Featured Vendors & Must-Visit Stalls
City Plaza Mall & Flea Market hosts a diverse selection of quality vendors, each bringing something special to the marketplace. Let me walk you through the standouts you absolutely can’t miss during your visit.
🥕 Fresh Valley Organics
Fresh Valley Organics is the crown jewel of the market’s food vendors, offering exceptional organic produce sourced from Lake County farms and neighboring regions. Walking into their stall, you’re immediately greeted by the vibrant colors and fresh aromas of seasonal produce that was often picked within 24 hours of market day.
The owners are passionate about organic farming and love educating customers about seasonal eating, proper storage, and creative recipe ideas. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about selecting the best produce or how to prepare unfamiliar items. Seasonal fruit typically runs $3-6 per pound, vegetables range from $2-5 per pound, honey sells for $12-20 per jar, and farm-fresh eggs cost $6-8 per dozen.
💎 Lakeview Crafts
Lakeview Crafts showcases the talents of local artisans, offering unique, handcrafted jewelry and accessories you won’t find anywhere else. This vendor is a collaborative effort featuring multiple local artists, ensuring rotating inventory and diverse styles that keep every visit fresh and exciting.
The prices are reasonable for handcrafted quality work. Earrings typically range from $15-45, necklaces from $25-85, bracelets from $20-60, and custom work starts at $50 and can go up to $200 or more depending on complexity.
🏺 Retro Finds
For treasure hunters and collectors, Retro Finds is absolute paradise. This extensive vintage vendor offers carefully curated antiques and collectibles spanning multiple decades, creating a nostalgic journey through time with every visit. Bundle purchases often result in better deals, and checking back regularly means you’ll always find something new since the inventory rotates constantly. Small collectibles start around $5-30, clothing items run $10-50, kitchen collectibles range from $15-75, furniture pieces go from $75-500 or more, and rare items can command $100-1000 or even higher.
🍞 Additional Vendors Worth Exploring
The market also features Mama’s Bakery, a hidden gem offering fresh-baked breads, pastries and cookies, custom cakes with advance orders, gluten-free options, and seasonal specialties.
The Books & Media section is perfect for enthusiasts, offering used books across all genres, vinyl records, CDs and DVDs, vintage magazines, and trading cards for collectors.
🏨 Where to Stay: Nearby Accommodations
Planning a Clearlake getaway combines perfectly with visiting City Plaza Mall & Flea Market. The area offers excellent lodging options to suit every preference and budget.
Hotel Options
Best Western Plus AtlantiCare Inn & Suites sits just 1.5 miles from the market, offering modern rooms, a pool, and breakfast in the moderate-to-higher price range, making it perfect for comfort seekers. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearlake is 2 miles away with complimentary breakfast and WiFi at moderate prices, ideal for families traveling together. The Anchorage Inn, located 3 miles from the market, provides waterfront views and boat dock access at moderate rates for those wanting lake access. Skylark Shores Resort sits 4 miles away, offering beach access, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities for water enthusiasts at moderate pricing.
| Hotel | Distance | Price Range | Best For | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western Plus AtlantiCare Inn & Suites | 1.5 miles | $$$ | Comfort seekers | Modern rooms, pool, breakfast 🏊 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearlake | 2 miles | $$ | Families | Complimentary breakfast, WiFi 👨👩👧 |
| Anchorage Inn | 3 miles | $$ | Lake access | Waterfront views, boat dock ⛵ |
| Skylark Shores Resort | 4 miles | $$ | Water enthusiasts | Beach, boat rentals, fishing 🎣 |
Budget-Friendly Options
For travelers watching their expenses, Motel 6 Clearlake offers basic, clean, affordable accommodations 2 miles from the market. Clear Lake Traveler Motel sits 2.5 miles away with pet-friendly rooms and WiFi at budget prices.
| Accommodation | Distance | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 Clearlake | 2 miles | $ | Basic, clean, affordable |
| Clear Lake Traveler Motel | 2.5 miles | $ | Pet-friendly, WiFi 🐾 |
Vacation Rentals & Camping
Clear Lake Cottages & RV Park provides rustic charm with RV hookups and proximity to the water. Airbnb and VRBO offer numerous lakefront cabins, houses, and cottages throughout the area, with prices typically ranging from $100-300 per night depending on size and location.
For camping enthusiasts, Clear Lake State Park features beautiful campgrounds with lake access for swimming and recreation. Glenhaven Beach Camp Resort offers family-friendly camping close to the water, while Anderson Marsh State Historic Park provides nature-focused camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. If you prefer resort amenities, Konocti Vista Casino Resort & Marina combines entertainment, dining, and casino activities with lodging, while Edgewater Resort & RV Park focuses on waterfront activities and outdoor recreation.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities
City Plaza Mall & Flea Market offers countless opportunities to capture stunning photos that showcase the authentic character and visual appeal of this community marketplace.
Don’t forget to incorporate Clearlake’s natural beauty into your photos. The market against the lake backdrop, mountain views in the distance, California’s expansive sky, and the surrounding agricultural landscape all provide stunning environmental context. Visit during mid-morning between 10 AM and 12 PM for the best indoor-outdoor lighting balance, always ask vendor permission before photographing their products or people, capture details that tell the story of community rather than just products, use natural light near windows and entrances for the most flattering results, and share your images using #CityPlazaFleaMarket and #ClearlakeShopping.
💡 Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
Understanding the best strategies for visiting City Plaza Mall & Flea Market will enhance your experience significantly. Let me share the insider knowledge I’ve gathered through repeated visits.
⏰ Strategic Timing
Arriving between 9:00-10:00 AM gives you fresh inventory, energized vendors, and low crowds, making it ideal for serious shoppers. The 10:00 AM-12:00 PM window offers peak energy with full selection and medium crowds, perfect for most visitors. Between 12:00-2:00 PM, you’ll experience lunch break activity with consistent traffic and medium crowds, great for leisurely browsing. The 2:00-4:00 PM period sees things winding down with potential deals and low-to-medium crowds, attracting deal seekers. Finally, 4:00-5:00 PM brings closing time with vendors clearing out inventory, offering low crowds and end-of-day bargains for those hunting the best prices.
| Visit Time | Experience Level | Crowd Density | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00-10:00 AM | Fresh inventory, energized vendors | Low | Serious shoppers 🛍️ |
| 10:00 AM-12:00 PM | Peak energy, full selection | Medium | Most visitors 👨👩👧 |
| 12:00-2:00 PM | Lunch break, consistent traffic | Medium | Leisurely browsing 🚶 |
| 2:00-4:00 PM | Winding down, potential deals | Low-Medium | Deal seekers 💰 |
| 4:00-5:00 PM | Closing time, clearing out | Low | End-of-day bargains 🏷️ |
Consider the day of the week as well. Tuesday brings a fresh week start with new inventory, Wednesday offers mid-week calm with less crowding, Thursday builds toward the weekend with good selection still available, and Friday represents the last day of the week when vendors may have a clearance mindset. My recommendation is visiting Wednesday morning between 9:30-10:30 AM for the perfect balance of selection and comfortable shopping conditions.
🎒 What to Bring
Essential items include cash in small bills of $1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations since many vendors prefer cash and ATMs are limited. Bring multiple reusable shopping bags in various sizes because you’ll likely find more treasures than expected. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since you’ll be on your feet exploring. Pack a jacket or sweater because indoor air conditioning can be quite cool. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your shopping adventure, bring hand sanitizer especially before eating, and create a shopping list to help you stay focused on your priorities.
💵 Budget Planning
Your budget should reflect your shopping style and goals. A quick browse requires $20-40 for small finds, treats, and impulse buys. A produce run typically needs $30-60 for a week’s worth of fresh organic groceries. Treasure hunters should budget $50-150 for a mix of vintage finds, crafts, and groceries. Serious collectors visiting for quality pieces should plan for $100-300 covering antiques, art, and special items. The full experience combining everything from groceries to treasures to gifts runs $150-400 depending on what catches your eye.
| Shopping Style | Recommended Budget | What You’ll Get |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Browse | $20-40 | Small finds, treats, impulse buys 👀 |
| Produce Run | $30-60 | Fresh organic groceries for the week 🥬 |
| Treasure Hunter | $50-150 | Mix of vintage finds, crafts, groceries 🔍 |
| Collector Visit | $100-300 | Antiques, art, quality pieces 🏺 |
| Full Experience | $150-400 | Everything – groceries, treasures, gifts 🎁 |
💳 Payment Methods
Payment acceptance varies by vendor type. Fresh Valley Organics prefers cash but accepts cards and digital payments like Venmo and CashApp. Lakeview Crafts accepts all payment types including cash, cards, and digital options. Retro Finds prefers cash with cards sometimes accepted and digital payments varying. Smaller vendors generally prefer cash, rarely accept cards, and have varying digital payment options.
| Vendor Type | Cash | Cards | Digital (Venmo/CashApp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Valley Organics | ✅ Preferred | ✅ Accepted | ✅ Available |
| Lakeview Crafts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Retro Finds | ✅ Preferred | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Smaller Vendors | ✅ Preferred | ❌ Rarely | ⚠️ Varies |
🛍️ Shopping Strategy
An efficient shopping route helps maximize your time and discoveries. Arrive around 9:30 AM to beat the main crowds, then take a quick lap surveying the entire market in about 15 minutes to get your bearings. Next, hit your priority vendors first before selection diminishes, then spend time doing detailed browsing through vintage sections where treasures hide. Save produce shopping for last so perishables stay fresh, do a final sweep to catch anything you missed, and make your negotiation deals before leaving when vendors may be more flexible.
Pro shopping tips include starting at the back and working toward the front since most people do the opposite, asking vendors about incoming inventory that might interest you, leaving your contact information for specific item requests, building relationships through regular visits that may result in better deals, and checking back monthly since inventory rotates significantly. Some shoppers find success in starting at less obvious areas and asking about items not currently on display.
🎯 Why City Plaza Mall & Flea Market Stands Out
Several unique factors make City Plaza Mall & Flea Market exceptional among California’s many marketplace options.
The indoor-outdoor hybrid design provides weather-protected shopping while maintaining the authentic flea market atmosphere. Whether rain or shine, hot or cold, your shopping experience remains comfortable year-round. This practical advantage means you never have to cancel plans due to weather conditions.
Finally, the family-friendly environment welcomes all ages with safe, accessible space. Kids enjoy the treasure hunting aspect while adults appreciate the browsing freedom and community atmosphere without feeling rushed or pressured.
🗺️ Explore the Clearlake Area
Making a full day or weekend out of your visit enhances the overall experience significantly. Lake County offers numerous attractions and activities beyond the marketplace.
Clear Lake itself sits just 2 miles away as California’s largest natural freshwater lake, offering swimming, boating, and water recreation. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is 6 miles distant, providing wetlands exploration, hiking trails, and excellent bird watching opportunities. Mount Konocti rises 8 miles away with hiking trails leading to panoramic views of the entire region. Redbud Park sits 3 miles from the market with waterfront access, swimming areas, and picnicking facilities. Library Park is only 2 miles away, hosting community events and playgrounds for families.
| Attraction | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | 2 miles | California’s largest natural freshwater lake 🏊 |
| Anderson Marsh State Park | 6 miles | Wetlands, hiking, bird watching 🦅 |
| Mt. Konocti | 8 miles | Hiking trails, panoramic views 🏔️ |
| Redbud Park | 3 miles | Waterfront park, swimming, picnicking 🌳 |
| Library Park | 2 miles | Community events, playgrounds 🎪 |
Local dining options in Clearlake include Lakeshore Inn & Grill for waterfront dining with views, Main Street Pub for casual American fare, La Fuente for Mexican cuisine, Papa Jim’s Pizza as a local pizza favorite, and various lakefront restaurants offering meals with stunning water views.
👨🌾 Vendor Opportunities
Becoming a vendor at City Plaza Mall & Flea Market offers exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and artisans looking to reach customers in Northern California’s lake country.
Vendor Space Information
Standard indoor spaces measuring 10×10 feet run $200-350 monthly and work well for general merchandise. Premium location spaces also measuring 10×10 feet command $350-500 monthly for high-traffic spots with maximum visibility. Large spaces of 10×20 feet cost $400-700 monthly, ideal for furniture dealers and vendors with bulk items. Kiosk or cart spaces vary in size and run $150-250 monthly, perfect for vendors with small product lines. Food vendor spaces are customized based on needs and cost $300-600 monthly for those selling prepared food or produce. Fees vary by location, size, and vendor type, with daily or weekly options potentially available for occasional vendors.
| Space Type | Size | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Indoor | 10×10 ft | $200-350 | General merchandise |
| Premium Location | 10×10 ft | $350-500 | High-traffic spots |
| Large Space | 10×20 ft | $400-700 | Furniture, bulk items |
| Kiosk/Cart | Varies | $150-250 | Small product lines |
| Food Vendor | Custom | $300-600 | Prepared food/produce |
Application Process
The process begins with initial contact by calling (707) 994-4402, visiting cityplazamallfleamarket.com/vendor-registration, or sending email inquiries. You’ll submit an application including the vendor application form, business information, product or service descriptions, photos of merchandise, and references for new vendors. Documentation requirements include your business license, seller’s permit, resale certificate, insurance certificate which is recommended or required, food handler’s permit for food vendors, and health department approval for anyone selling prepared food. Space assignment happens based on product type and availability, with consideration given to traffic patterns and flexibility for vendor needs. Once approved and assigned, you can begin selling by setting up during operating hours and joining the City Plaza community to build your customer base.
Vendor Benefits
Year-round operation provides consistent income potential unlike seasonal markets. Indoor protection creates a weather-proof business environment where you’re not dependent on sunshine. The established customer base includes both locals and tourists providing steady traffic.
Success tips for vendors include maintaining consistent hours so customers can rely on finding you, refreshing displays regularly to keep things visually interesting, pricing competitively but fairly to balance profit with customer satisfaction, building customer relationships that create repeat business, accepting multiple payment types to accommodate all shoppers, promoting via social media to extend your reach beyond market hours, offering special promotions to attract attention, keeping inventory fresh with new items regularly, providing excellent customer service that creates word-of-mouth marketing, and networking with other vendors to learn and share strategies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What days is the market open?
The market operates Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each week.
Is there an entry fee?
No, admission is completely free for all visitors with no tickets or membership required.
Is parking available?
Yes, ample free parking is available on-site with over 150 spaces.
Do vendors accept credit cards?
Some vendors do, but bringing cash is recommended for the most flexibility and potential discounts.
Are pets allowed?
Check with management for current policies, but generally leashed pets are welcome.
Is the market wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facility is fully ADA-compliant with accessible parking and pathways throughout.
Can I become a vendor?
Yes, interested vendors should call (707) 994-4402 or visit the website for registration details.
Are restrooms available?
Yes, clean restroom facilities are available on-site for visitor convenience.
Is there food available?
Yes, food vendors operate within the market, and nearby restaurants are also available.
What should I bring?
Bring cash, reusable shopping bags, comfortable shoes, and a shopping list for the best experience.
💭 Final Thoughts
City Plaza Mall & Flea Market at 14090 Olympic Dr, Clearlake, California 95422 represents the best of small-town California living through authentic community connections, exceptional value, diverse offerings, and genuine hospitality. This marketplace transcends simple shopping to become a destination that captures the heart and soul of Lake County. Discover more indoor and outdoor markets through the California Flea Markets.
What makes City Plaza truly special is its role as a community anchor in an era dominated by online shopping and big-box stores. This market proves that personal connections, face-to-face interactions, and supporting local businesses still matter deeply. Every vendor has a story to share, every item carries history, and every visit creates memories that extend far beyond the purchases you carry home.
