Best bookstores in California: find options near you

If you are nearby, I highly recommend visiting and spending some time here. Calling this place merely a bookstore would be an understatement; it is so much more than that. It features vintage pieces, uniquely curated spaces with their own stories, and reading nooks—it is practically an art gallery. There are also plenty of great photo opportunities. My only complaint concerns the bag policy: they take your bags at the entrance and give you a claim tag. However, neither the staff on duty nor the storage area inspired any confidence. Since I had many important items in my bag, I was constantly worried about it and had to leave without fully enjoying the experience. I recommend visiting with a small bag that you won’t need to check in.

A great spot when you are in DTLA. It is a quiet respite to your visit to the city of Angels. There are books galore and an extensive record section. Antique books can be found in a secret room. Loved the kids section of books. Enjoy stopping here! Note you need to check in any shopping bags at the entrance and you need to bring your own shopping bag when purchasing or save the environment and bring your own.

I’ve been coming to The Last Bookstore for many years, and it’s still one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Every visit feels inspiring. The space is absolutely beautiful, with endless books to browse, unique art around every corner, and resident artists upstairs whose work makes the building feel alive. One thing I really appreciate is how welcoming they are to the community. They’ve allowed me to hang flyers for local events, which means a lot and shows how much they support local artists and organizers. The bookstore is also very comfortable to spend time in. There are plenty of chairs if you want to sit and read or simply take a break, and there’s an elevator for anyone who prefers not to take the stairs. I also love the coffee bar and the little art gallery you walk through, it adds even more character to the experience. I was even able to do a mini photoshoot here, and the space photographed beautifully. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite book, want to admire local art, grab a coffee, or just enjoy the atmosphere, The Last Bookstore is a place worth spending time in. As a local, it’s become one of those places I always find myself returning to.

Visited The Last Bookstore in downtown LA, and this place is more than just a bookstore — it feels like an art space. The interior is incredibly unique. From the famous book tunnel to creative installations made of books, every corner feels like a photo spot. It’s not just about buying books. You can explore different sections, find rare or used books, and even check out vinyl records and small art shops inside. What I liked most is the atmosphere — quiet but creative, with a slightly vintage and artistic vibe that makes you want to stay longer. The second floor is especially interesting, with more artistic displays and hidden corners to explore. Overall, even if you’re not a big reader, this is still worth visiting for the experience alone. Check my profile for travel tips and hidden deals.

Definitely out of the box, but not my cup of tea. Really anticipated more of an experience and really it’s just a giant book store with books EVERYWHERE in no organizational pattern – floor to ceiling. And some quirky elements around the upper level. Tight walkways make it a bit awkward if it’s busy. It’s very warm inside, no airflow besides fans and open windows. Not the cleanest. I walked around for about 20 minutes then was ready to move on. Also, from an out of towner perspective, it’s not in a safe side of town.

Stumbled into this place by accident. Drove by it couple time but didn’t know what it is so when I was happened to be in the area again, I stopped by. It’s literally surprising and overwhelming by it. It’s old building in DTLA and I would say not in a nice neighborhood since a lot of homeless are surrounding the areas and not quite clean from the outside. But once you stepped inside, it just changed perspectively and makes you forget everything outside and take you back to the good old days of 70s-90s where bookstore is a place to go. This place is just something, from the big open spaces of the main hall to side rooms, upstairs and the vaults, to all the different sections of it, the shops, the plants, the music records area. Just simply magical. Yes there are chairs, couches for you to siting and enjoys the books and places to discovered within the store. The staff here might look rough (not all of them) but they are down to earth and very friendly. Got an old William Shakespeare’s book with a good price tag. They do have old, vintage, and current books so plenty to be discovered. The smells of the old books mixed in of the new ones just something that I really love. Or just run my fingers through rows of books and feel the textures of it is just something. If you’re in the area or want to get lost, this is the place. Check it out if you can or dare.

The The Last Bookstore, located in Downtown Los Angeles, is one of the most iconic and creative bookstores in the city. It’s a great place to find new and used books, as well as vinyl records, CDs, comics, and alternative art items. The space goes beyond a traditional bookstore, offering a unique cultural experience. Large bags are not allowed inside they must be left in lockers at the entrance, with staff assisting and managing the process. The store is spacious and visually interesting, although some areas could benefit from better maintenance. Upstairs, you’ll find a distinctive book labyrinth and artistic installations, along with a section for records and independent products. It’s definitely worth a visit, both for shopping and for the experience itself.

City Lights Booksellers feels like much more than a bookstore. What I appreciated most was its strong independent spirit and the sense that the space has been shaped by genuine curiosity rather than commercial trends. The selection feels carefully curated, with many unusual, specialized, and less commonly seen books that I would rarely encounter in larger chain bookstores. Walking through the different floors is part of the experience. Each section invites you to slow down, browse, and discover something unexpected. There is a particularly strong sense of personality in the way the books are arranged, and even when I was not looking for anything specific, I kept finding titles that made me want to stop and read more. The atmosphere is intimate, thoughtful, and slightly rebellious in the best possible way. It feels like a place that still believes bookstores can have a cultural identity and a point of view. For anyone who enjoys independent publishing, literature, poetry, social thought, or simply the pleasure of discovering books outside the mainstream, City Lights is absolutely worth visiting. This was one of the most memorable bookstores I visited in San Francisco, not because it was the largest or most polished, but because it felt authentic, distinctive, and deeply committed to the value of books and ideas.

I come to this bookstore regularly as a pilgrimage at least once a year. To me the poetry room is sacred. However all parts of the store hold gems yet to be discovered. I am a songwriter and a poet, and places like this are temples to artists. It’s a great honor and privilege that they took on a handful of copies of my first book «Baghdad Battery Acid» even though we made no specific arrangement – it was a true «write» of passage.

One of the greatest radical, progressive bookstores in the world. Beautifully laid out, awesome staff and overall a great place to be. Could do with some seats. Maybe there’s only seats upstairs in poetry? Either way I’ve loved it and it’s an integral part of my San Francisco experience now.

Different levels and lots of books to browse. Great selection, and next door to a beautiful bar (Vesuvio) to grab a pint, read outside, and people watch.

An incredible bookshop where you can find the book of your dreams. It has everything you could possibly want in terms of reading material, whether you want to learn, escape, educate yourself, relax or get a thrill. The shop is very pleasant and the staff are very dedicated.

Another San Francisco staple. So much history here. Fantastic selection. I particularly like their niche, hard to find books. Their poetry room is wonderful. Been coming here for decades. It’s like a second home. Staff are kind and helpful. I can spend hours here and always walk away with some books.

Heavily associated with the beat movement of the 50’s and 60’s, City Lights is a SF designated historic landmark. Naturally, the bookstore is still a bastion for progressive literature, with signs like «put away your sell phone!» highlighting the store’s continued commitment to it’s roots. Upstairs, you can find more books about beat culture & history, many of which are published by City Lights themselves. Bookshevles are unique: while books are organized by genre, many shelves are curated by staff interested in those topics, helping me spot great titles I would have missed otherwise. In addition to vast selection of political lit, I noticed they also have amazing selection for both religious/ spiritual studies and history, including books on niche topics in those areas I’ve never seen elsewhere. If you are the kind of person to spend way too long in a bookstore, City Lights is well worth the visit!

Absolutely loved this Bookstore! Plenty of books to choose from and so many other items such as journals, backpacks, purses, gifts and so much more. There’s also a cafe and a wine tasting bar. Check it out! Highly recommend!

One of the best bookstores in the US much less in LA! Incredible, independent bookstore in the heart of Pasadena. Massive selection of books & gifts, children’s programming, author readings & signings. Great addition is the coffee shop & wine bar! Member nights are fantastic! Best of all is the friend & helpful staff who are clearly book lovers too. Can’t miss bookstore in Southern California!

Such a lovely bookshop! You can check availability in advance, and if a book isn’t in stock, they will gladly order it for you. It was a wonderful experience to browse the books and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time in the bookshop’s bar

Vroman’s Bookstore is a wonderful place to visit and take a gander at for both the curious and avid reader. For those who haven’t been to this place in their travels, it is recommended that they do so. This establishment is undoubtedly a haven for a plethora of interests. The structure consists of two floors, which are equally large in stature, and near mountains of reading material are overwhelming. And just out front, there is a section for magazines to check out. It’s almost certain that anyone who steps in might find themselves there for quite some time before leaving. Most importantly, the staff are friendly and are willing to help if need be.

Great bookstore! There are two levels with all of your typical book sections. There is also a wine bar inside and a coffee shop attached. There is a fun game section divided up into different ages for younger kids or family fun. There is also a great stationary area with all kinds of different calligraphy, inks and pens. Upstairs, there is an area with greeting cards as well. There are a lot of cool gifts scattered throughout the stacks of books. If you are in the area, it is definitely a fun bookshop to check out.

I love going to bookstores and this is definitely one of the best ones out there! Huge selection and great variety of books to choose from – fiction to coffee table to cookbooks to graphic novels, etc – anyone can find something here. Other highlights are their children’s section and their stationary (especially all the pens). I have been coming here for years and always bring friends here to show them a store with a great atmosphere and selection.

Can’t believe I’ve lived in Pasadena for two years and only just visited Vroman’s Bookstore on Colorado Boulevard! This place is so much more than just a bookstore—it has an incredible selection of books, a fantastic variety of retail items, and even a bar serving spirits and beer alongside a cozy coffee shop. Beyond the books, the merchandise selection is impressive. From cozy slippers and beautiful stationery to unique home goods and thoughtful gifts, there’s truly something for everyone. I was even able to find vegan incense! The layout is well-organized with great signage, making it easy to browse and discover new finds. Although they didn’t have the book I was looking for in stock, ordering it was a breeze, and I can pick it up in about a week. This is definitely a must-visit spot for book lovers, shoppers, and anyone looking for a unique experience. I’ll be back for sure!

I genuinely don’t know if I could have prepared myself for how much I would love this bookstore. It is perhaps my favorite bookstore I’ve EVER visited. Santa Cruz has something SO special here. I will absolutely be back the next time I visit from the east coast! Absolutely stop by if you love feature tables, staff recommendations, book suggestions by theme, local books/cards/gifts, and anything to do with a banana slug.

Cant speak highly enough of the staff of this store as someone who doesn’t live in the area and ordered online. I preordered a book which arrived quickly but was missing a bonus item I was supposed to get. I reached out just to ask and they not only got back to me quickly (and kindly!), but resolved the issue by sending me what was missing within a week. I’m so appreciative of the level of service they gave and would order from them again. If I’m ever in the area, I definitely plan on stopping by.

This bookstore has lots of options!!! It has a huge selection of book genres, each with a large dedicated section. They also have used books options as well.

Staff was very inviting! The selection was amazing. Santa Cruz has something amazing here. Definitely would come back! Loved the different genres and walking through each aisle.

I love sci-fi/fantasy and Bookshop Santa Cruz has never let me down. Their selection is well thought out and curated. I’m glad I don’t live in the immediate area, because I would likely have to move into a bigger place due to the number of books I would regularly buy.

What a great bookshop that encourages literacy with new books and lots of gently read books too! The venue is relaxing and goes on and on with lots of books, relevant activities rather than just toys for kids. The event schedule includes kids activities and various book highlightings. Accessible entry with fairly accessible venue between book shelves and fun things to do. Accessible parking paid in street and garage

There is nothing like an independently-owned bookstore to take excellent care of you. The selection is fabulous and includes great recommendations and unique finds. They also sell a large number of used books and you can often find book signed by authors as well.

Loved this place! It was on my list for many years. Very quiet with a very nice atmosphere. Get a coffee at the nearby coffee place, and just enjoy a book and some quiet time. The location is great too, right at the entrance of the city. Absolutely lovely and worth the visit.

Adorable! What more is there to say? It’s popular for a reason. Welcoming and very helpful staff, clean and beautiful atmosphere, a quiet respite to peruse some books. The books are slightly discounted- not by much (a $27 book is now $25 for example) but that’s not a requirement. They have a ton of books and an eclectic collection with some newer releases. We were looking for Camus’s The Stranger and they didn’t have it, but had some of his other lesser known books which was cool. I come here every time we go to Ojai!

The largest outdoor bookstore in the world, Bart’s Books, is an incredible and very authentic place. Huge open space filled with books, wood, and calm energy. It smells like old pages and fresh air. Easy to get lost here for hours just browsing and enjoying the vibe😍

Whenever I’m in Ojai, Bart’s Books is a must-stop. I love wandering through its maze-like outdoor corridors—every visit feels like a discovery. No matter how many times I come, I always find an interesting book to take home—such a unique, peaceful, and inspiring place.

What a wonderful place! Prices were super reasonable- and found books throughout every genre.

What a delightful bookstore! An outdoor bookstore! I didn’t get to go through all of it, but if you go take your time and know a couple of authors names that you like. Had an alpha area, and then subjects are also alpha. Very nicely done and presentation is great.

Amazing bookstore with a super large selection. It’s almost all outdoor under coverings, and makes for beautiful photo opportunities. I will admit the large selection made it a little difficult to shop intentionally, but if you spent more time here than I did I’m sure you’d be able to find some gold. I would definitely suggest stopping by this unique place if you’re in the area 🙂

Although they have a variety of books, they usually don’t have the ones I’m looking for, or just ran out of those books at that exact moment. Also I went to get a hot chocolate at the Starbucks, it was so bitter I threw it away after one sip. However, they do have a lot of magazines that ate the perfect Christmas gift. But, I would suggest getting a book from Amazon or your local library to ensure they have it, and get Starbucks from a separate location, otherwise it’s a very nice place.

I’m a big fan of this location it’s convenient for me. It’s always well organized in the shelves are always full whenever there’s a line it moves quickly but other than that they’re usually isn’t a line. The employees are very knowledgeable and know where their books are however it can be a little difficult to find an employee when I’m looking for specific book.

The lady who was working the customer service desk this morning at 9:40 was very nice, and helpful. She spent a lot of time looking for a book that I could Not find. She found it, I am very grateful, thank you!

Starbucks barista is so incredibly rude and has the worst service I’ve ever experienced as someone who also works in this industry. Walked in and she was on her phone looked at me annoyed that she had to take my order. Hiring manager seriously needs to do something about their employees customer service and who they hire, I usually never complain online about these types of interactions but the blonde lady who works afternoons needs a different job if she’s so bitter at this one.

I love this store! There’s not many left. Good place to find a book, sit down and read it and if you like it buy it and take it home. Great selection.

I’m love this book store so much. My teachers discount card had expired and I didn’t have a current ID with my school because of covid and everything not operating as usual. They honored my card regardless of that which was great. An excellent selection of books as well. My son found a war hammer book to read and I found a couple books I have been wanting to read. We left happy.

Prices are OUTRAGOUS!! I was gifted a $10 GC for my son’s b day, and was ONLY able to buy something from the extra «Cheap» Tiny rack or the front where you wait in line. MOST items were 2x what you would pay for the EXACT SAME ITEM at Amazon for example, that game Trouble retails at $14 on Amazon, and here it’s $21.99 and the kids dinosaurs $23-27 the STUFFED ANIMALS were $34!!! If you are able to go shopping here, be thankful for the life you got.

This is probably one of the most atmospheric bookstores around. I love how everything is kept in order—the wall mural gets updated, and everything inside is always in its place (as much as is possible in a geeky haven). Every time you step across the door, you find yourself inside a bookstore straight out of the mysterious tales you devoured as a child. Thanks for the atmosphere! 📖✨

If I didn’t live so far I would go here all the time. The ambience is amazing and there is such a wide variety of books. A lot are very reasonably priced. Sometimes im shocked at how affordable it is. Great selection of witchy books too

What an amazing bookstore!!! I recently visited with friends after breakfast and we had such an amazing experience! I love the fact that they’re reselling gently used books so it’s sustainable. The prices are great!!! And they have a huge selection of books that I absolutely love! They also carry other stuff like tote bags, stickers, art, and stationary. I would highly recommend checking it out!

Very cool and unique book store. We went on a Saturday afternoon after getting brunch and it was pretty crowded. Even with that it was a bookstore unlike others and it makes you want to walk each section and see how its decorated and what older books they have. Definitely recommend as a place to walk around after a resturant.

Probably my favorite stop on the San Diego Bookstore Crawl! The cozy decor inside and the warmth of the service. Plenty of space for you to ‘cop a squat’ if you find a book you want to dive into before committing to purchasing. The books are in a orderly fashion. Lots of cool bibliophile gift items too in case you are looking for stationery as well, they offer a few items to select from; ie; pins, Journals etc. Respectfully Reviewed

I think this bookstore really deserves a five star review however I’m a local author, and I attempted to share my books with this amazing bookstore. The staff was really friendly and cordial, and I understand that bookstores are inundated with products. That said I would really have loved to have shared my book with this amazing community. Perhaps someday when I’m as famous is Stephen King they don’t need to draw a mural, but they might invite me back for a book signing and experiential workshop. Until then, I’ll keep shopping here and cheering them on because this is a fantastic independent bookstores

amazing bookstore with great prices. books i’ve bought here include the virgin suicides by jeffrey eugenides, steve jobs by walter isaacson (which i had to get because it’s one of frank ocean’s favorite books; i found it for cheap here), and the goldfinch by donna tartt. they also have a good selection of art and zines. i found a special Art piece here — an interesting take on a choose your own adventure book.

Great selection of books at a cozy spot that is bigger than it appears from the outside. I wasn’t sure if the store would have the titles I was searching for since they are new releases, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a great new releases section. I quickly found exactly what I was looking for and picked up a few other good finds all at a very reasonable price. The staff are kind and friendly, plus there is a cute shop kitty.

Always a great bookstore, huge variety of used and new books, which is such a rarity these days with all the used bookstores closing. Bookstore cat was very helpful, let me pet them and led me right to the book I was looking for. (This is not a joke, I literally was not expecting the book I was looking for to be in the fantasy/sci-fi section but cat led me to it and there it was).

Their selection of children’s books is amazing! I came here to grab a book for a novel study for my students. I was also able to sell some of my old books. They didn’t take most of them, which was expected. I was able to cover the cost of what I needed plus a bit more with what I sold.

Always love coming to the store! This is a treat for me and my girls every time we go. We get lost in here for hours and still need more time. If you are looking to find a rare gem, this is it. Closest thing I have to my Beauty and the Beast library until I have my own!

A truly exceptional used bookstore. I stopped in while I was in the area and was immediately struck by how welcoming the staff were. Everyone I interacted with was polite, friendly, and genuinely knowledgeable—the kind of people who clearly love books and enjoy helping readers find what they’re looking for. They struck the perfect balance of being helpful without hovering, and their recommendations were thoughtful rather than generic. It made the whole visit feel relaxed and enjoyable. The selection is fantastic, especially if you appreciate poetry, small‑press titles, or older editions. I ended up finding several first editions and a number of unexpected gems—all fairly priced. It’s the kind of place where you can make real discoveries. A wonderful shop with wonderful people. Absolutely worth visiting if you love books.

I went in there looking for some books but was very pleasantly surprised how nice and big it’s inside. They have a large selection of books also comics and video games and pc games and game consoles at good prices. Staff was very friendly

As someone who enjoys browsing bookstores, Half Price Books in Dublin is always a fun place to visit. Every time I stop by, I end up finding something unexpected, whether it’s a bestselling novel, a classic book I’ve been meaning to read, or a unique gift. The selection is impressive, and there’s something for readers of all ages and interests. What I appreciate most is the treasure-hunt feeling you get while exploring the shelves. The store is well organized, clean, and easy to browse, and the staff has always been friendly and helpful when I’ve had questions. It’s refreshing to find a bookstore where you can take your time, discover new authors, and leave with great finds at reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for books, games, movies, vinyl records, or collectibles, there’s always something interesting to discover. I originally planned on making a quick visit, but ended up spending much longer than expected just exploring everything they had to offer. It’s become one of my favorite places to browse in the area, and I always look forward to my next visit. Highly recommended for book lovers and bargain hunters alike!

I was in town and got so excited to see Half Price Books. I still enjoy going into stores vs shopping online. I also love to pickup a book vs audio book. Chris helped me for a book I was looking for. We talked for awhile. I could tell he loved what he does. Great store. Thank you.

Place is very organized and a lot to find. Quite impressed by the ambient and what’s there to purchase. The staff were kind and willing to help out anyone with questions. The prices were too expensive and at times questionable. Came across a book which was almost $11 that came from a public library. The prices on the front covers of the books can definitely damage the cover if they’re paperback when removing them. This store has its charm but the prices can be a lot.

I highly recommend visiting this store as it offers a remarkable experience for all book enthusiasts. Upon entering, you’ll notice an extensive collection of «new bestsellers» displayed prominently to the right, demonstrating that they don’t solely focus on old or used books. They carry all the latest popular titles, including books by authors like Michelle Obama, but at more affordable prices. The entire store is impressively well-organized, with categories that make perfect sense. Each category boasts at least six shelves filled to the brim with books in excellent condition. Although I specifically visited the medicine collection, I was pleasantly surprised by its exceptional variety and quality. I believe this store is a must-visit for every reader, book collector, or anyone exploring new interests. Furthermore, it’s an excellent place to find exceptional gifts, as they also offer items such as puzzles and tarot cards alongside their vast selection of books.

The cashier was super friendly!! Loved shopping here. The selection was great and the vibes were good. I like how they have very affordable bookmarks. It was hard not to buy one of each!

This was my first time at half priced books. I was amazed by the selection of every genre. I was asked a few times if I needed help finding anything, but I wasnt overly asked (thankfully). I did a lot of browsing and found a HUGE stack of books that should hold me over for a while. They are dog friendly and I love that!

This location in Fremont is large and well stocked. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The store had a huge variety of DVD’s and books and music CDs in stock. The prices were fairly reasonable. Recommended!

i wouldnt say they have a hugeeeee book collection but they have a pretty decent, good quality books! the vibe is so pleasant. definitely a new comfort place!

I’m a pretty big fan of this chain of stores, but today I had a pretty terrible experience. We asked if we could get a price check on a game, since one box is needed for the other, we had to wait 30 minutes to get an employee over to us, only to be told «well, it’s an investment» in a flippant way. I understand wanting to make a profit, but that game new is 1/2 the price they asked for. Love the store, but that was really dissapointing

I love this store! We visit every time we’re in Fremont and I always find something to purchase. I mostly buy books for my grandkids and it’s great to be able to find some of their parents childhood favorites (Curious George, Berenstain Bears, Madeline, Babar, etc.) at reasonable prices.

A good place to find many rare books and good books at really cheap prices. I would say it’s better than amazon because I love browsing books before I buy them. I miss bigger bookstores.