These adorable bookshops are beyond amazing!
San Diego is a fantastic city for finding unique and interesting shops. And there’s nothing quite like visiting a cute local book shop and searching for your next favorite book. We decided to ask you San Diegans, what your favorite local bookshops were and you delivered!
1. Verbatim, North Park
Perhaps the most beloved of all these amazing bookshops is Verbatim Books. This secondhand bookstore is known for its eclectic range of gently-loved and antiquarian books. Their highly curated selection has everything from quality editions of classics to beloved favorites and new discoveries. Besides, you have to take a look at their 90-foot bookshelf mural on the north wall of the shop for yourself!
Location: 3793 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
2. Warwicks, La Jolla
Warwicks is a long-time San Diego favorite for good reason. Located in the Village of La Jolla, Warwick’s is the country’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore! They have a fantastic selection of books as well as top-notch events.
Location: 7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
3. D.G. Wills Books, La Jolla
D.G. Wills Books in La Jolla in and Americana-decked used book store will an amazing array of eclectic books. They also host truly interesting events with celebrated authors.
Location: 7461 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
4. Bay Books, Coronado
Bay Books is an independently owned bookstore that has been part of the Coronado community for over 20 years. You’ll find everything from the newest titles to indie favorites to military history, popular YA stories, and children’s books.
Location: 1007 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
5. Bluestocking Books, Hillcrest
Bluestocking Books is a unique bookshop you’ll enjoy exploring. It’s the perfect spot to go on the hunt for used and new books. If you don’t find what you were looking for, you can request your book from them as they make weekly orders. They also have a quirky selection of fun gift items.
Location: 3817 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
6. Footnote Books, Hillcrest
Footnote Books is a lovely shop just one block West of Park Blvd. They have thousands of books in our bookstore, so it’s fantastic to wander for hours at a time! You won’t find the books listed online at the shop, but you can always request them to be brought into the shop by appointment.
Location: 1627 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
7. Pennywise Books, Pacific Beach
Pennywise Books is a treasure located in the heart of PB. They have a fantastic selection of excellent used books. Their prices are very reasonable, and the store’s owner is very helpful and knowledgeable.
Location: 1331 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
8. The Book Catapult, South Park
This lovely independent book shop is a South Park gem and is definitely worth the trip. The staff provides fantastic customer service and is excellent at connecting customers with authors they may not have known. There’s a beautiful selection of puzzles and journals, and their kid’s section is fantastic!
Location: 3010-b Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104
9. Mysterious Galaxy, Point Loma
Mysterious Galaxy is a book shop unlike any other. This independent store was founded in 1993 and caterers to our inner nerds. You’ll find mostly genre fiction like mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and horror. They also host book signings with many amazing authors.
Location: 3555 Rosecrans St Ste 107
10. La Playa Books, Point Loma
You’ll feel right at home when you step foot inside La Playa Books. This cozy book shop has an incredibly welcoming staff who will help you find either the new or used book you’re looking for.
Location: 1026 Rosecrans St.
11. DIESEL, A Bookstore, Del Mar
Diesel has only been around since 2019, but it has quickly become a local favorite thanks to its selection, staff, and events. They have an excellent curation and a packed events calendar. Diesel is known for its partnerships with schools, concert venues, nonprofits, and institutions. The shop is currently on the market, and we hope the new owners keep Diesel as excellent as it is.
Location: 12843 El Camino Real Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92130
12. Maxwell’s House of Books, La Mesa
Maxwell’s has an epic selection and, best of all, at a reasonable price!
You’ll find favorites from the likes of Christie and Shakespeare to new titles. If you’re looking for something more unique, you can pick up a rare and signed author copy. The staff is incredibly helpful, which always makes a shopping experience that much better.
Location: 8285 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91941
Featured image: Shutterstock
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