Goodwill Bins San Diego, California Goodwill Outlet
Goodwill Outlet in San Diego, California, a treasure-hunt Goodwill bins outlet. Inside, the hunt is on for clothing, books, shoes, electronics and more in this pay-by-pound outlet with shopping carts provided and restrooms on-site; Smoking, food, and drinks are not allowed. Overall, the shopping atmosphere here is nice and not too aggressive, making for an enjoyable outing.
Rules and Amenities
Pricing
Housewares
Housewares$1.80 per pound
Toys
$1.80 per pound
Textiles
Textiles$2 per piece
15 pieces $27
Glassware
$0.5 per pound
We recommend calling ahead or checking the store's website to confirm hours and availability before visiting.
Thrifting in America's Finest City is a sun-drenched, year-round affair, with three dynamic Goodwill outlet centers serving this massive county, each bringing its own distinct flavor and energy.
You'll find two bustling locations in the south near the border and a third, slightly calmer outpost in the northern part of the county. The southern duo buzzes with energy that feels like a bilingual, open-air flea market atmosphere. It's genuinely common to hear Spanish and English mingling over the bins as shoppers from both sides of the border hunt for deals and trade tips with each other.
What sets San Diego's Goodwill bins apart is this unparalleled variety of donations. Close proximity to the border means you'll find eclectic Mexican folk art and brand-new fast-fashion returns from nearby outlet malls, while influence from affluent coastal enclaves like La Jolla and Del Mar means luxury goods are consistently in the mix.
You might unearth a barely-worn Vince cashmere sweater, a sun-faded O'Neill surfboard bag from some Encinitas garage, or even a vintage naval utility jacket from one of the area's many retired military personnel. The stories behind these finds are fascinating.
Bin rotation is fast and furious, with fresh merchandise hitting the floor every 20 minutes or so. Staff enforce a strict "no touching until the whistle blows" rule, which keeps that initial scramble somewhat civilized, thankfully.
First-timer tips are essential for success here. Gloves are strongly advised, especially since donations from the region's many biotech and medical hubs can sometimes include discarded equipment with sharp edges. Parking lots at all locations fill up extremely early, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening seriously.
The pricing model often starts around $2.49 per pound but drops for larger purchases, so it actually pays to team up with a friend to maximize your discount. Surf in the morning, sort through bins in the afternoon, and leave with a haul of pure SoCal gold.