Play It Again Sports, La Mesa

Youngsters who have outgrown their gear and adults picking up a new sport can outfit themselves with selections from Play It Again Sports, the largest sporting-goods resale franchise in North America. For the last 25 years, the Pacific Beach location set itself apart, garnering both the parent company's Store of the Year and Heritage award and is one of the top performers in the nation. As in all the stores nationwide, brand-name equipment—from popular makers such as Diamondback, Bodyglove, and Wilson—shines in San Diego's displays alongside gently used wares. This gear helps equip competitive athletes playing sports from soccer and golf to surfing and biking. Patrons can also trade in or receive cash for their equipment, provided that it is still in working condition, and put that money toward new or used gear.