11 California Bookstores Worth A Visit: Pilgrimage Through The Pages

CALIFORNIA — Readers know that when you walk into a bookstore, there's a feast for your senses, from colorful spines and cover art to a scent that is definitively "bookish" in nature.

Patch searched California’s bookshelves high and low to find some of the most unique bookstores in the Golden State. They range from the Bay Area of San Francisco to the shores of San Diego. We've discovered stores that offer whimsical, highly Instagrammable book sculptures and oddities of The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, a few delicious genre-focused boutique shops with lively local interaction, and the unique outdoor bookshelves found at Central California's Bart's Books and the Henry Miller Library.

There is a world of wonder at our favorite 11 California bookstores, all worth a pilgrimage:

1. The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles) 453 S. Spring Street, Ground Floor:
   

   Located in a former bank building, this massive bookstore has a record store, comic book store, art studios, a yarn shop. It is a unique experience for those who enjoy a quirky, eclectic atmosphere. Bookmark this photo-worthy spot: The famous book tunnel.

2. Verbatim Books (San Diego): 3793 30th Street:
   

   This visit-worthy secondhand bookstore boasts San Diego’s largest independent bookstore, which is known for its used, antique, and rare book collection. Its gothic living room feel is “dreamy,” according to SoCal author Tammy Greenwood Stewart. Leashed dogs are welcome in this shop, which is open every day. Notable points of interest: On the wall, books spell out “Verbatim” in a giant sculpture.

3. In Bloom Bookery (Temecula):42031 Main Street, Suite C:

   Genre bookstores are all the rage, and this romantic store in Old Town Temecula has drawn a large fan following. Step inside the historic building, a locally owned boutique bookstore. This shop opened in March and quickly became a local favorite for clubs, book suggestions, and meetups. Special Store Secrets: Be sure to pick up that pink phone for a special message!

4. Chevalier’s Books (Los Angeles): 133 N. Larchmont Boulevard:
   Known for its community spirit, events, expansive children’s section and welcoming atmosphere, the 84-year-old Chevalier’s is located in Larchmont Village, a half-square-mile historic neighborhood in central L.A. that is full of restaurants, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques bordered by landmark homes. Look for celebrity stopovers, book signings, and more.
5. Henry Miller Library: (Big Sur) 48603 Highway 1:

   An enchanting, outdoorsy bookstore nestled in the redwoods, offering a unique and immersive reading experience. “Henry Miller Memorial Library, Founded by Emil White,” to the Big Sur Land Trust. “With this bequest,” White wrote in his Last Will and Testament, “I am encouraging support and maintenance of said Library, and to promote and enhance the scholarly research and worldwide enjoyment of Henry Miller’s literary and artistic works.”

6. Lost Bookshop (Montrose) 2233 Honolulu Avenue:

   A bookstore for plant lovers, the Lost Bookshop is full of books, plants, and vinyl, providing a unique and eclectic atmosphere. “Oprah calls Lost Books "a bookstore haven" nestled in the mountains of Montrose, in Los Angeles, CA. To enter, walk through the living tunnel and discover a nature lover's paradise with bookshelves filled with new and used books, tropical plants for sale, and an expertly curated vinyl section.” This is one of the dreamier spots to read in Los Angeles.

   
   
7. Vroman's Bookstore (Pasadena) 695 E. Colorado Boulevard:
   Step inside Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore in Old Town Pasadena, with a coffee nook and a gift store. Come for the incredible employee recommendation wall, stay for special author events, and stay to see the Walk of Fame, where authors place handprints and signatures on the sidewalk.
   
   
8. City Lights Bookstore (San Francisco) 261 Columbus Avenue:

   
   

   This historic San Francisco landmark is a vital part of the city's literary history. Visually stunning, the independent bookseller and publisher features special interests and has been a meeting place for the literary-minded since 1953. Come for author signings, readings, and to expand your mind.

   
   
9. Bart's Books (Ojai) 302 West Matilija Street: The original store was just a few bookcases and a coffee can for cash outside an avid reader’s home. Now, it's a place to visit, read, hang out, and interact at the many events or chill in the sunshine, reading any of the number of books shelved here.

   Inspired by Parisian book carts, Bart’s Books has grown to host one million books, from 35-cent specials to rare, out-of-print works. Surviving fires, droughts, and all on the honor system, come and read awhile. It is open seven days a week until sunset.

   
   
10. Mysterious Galaxy (San Diego) 3555 Rosecrans St #107:
    An independently owned “genre” bookstore specializing in fantasy, horror, sci-fi, with some romance and romantasy, YA and others thrown in for good measure. Come for mass market, author-signed copies of your favorite books. The Writer’s Coffee House and the Dungeons and Dragons campaign meetups are a must. Stay for the tunes.
    
    
11. Mystery Pier Books, Inc. (Los Angeles) 8826 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood:
    A must-see book museum for book lovers, with autographed, framed titles that will bring out your inner fan-girl or guy. The Mystery Pier bookshop has a museum-like atmosphere, featuring rare first editions, collectibles, and signed books guaranteed to leave your credit card smoking. A signed “Anora” screenplay can set you back $5,000. This is Mystery Pier, the noted bookshop (which Michael Caine says, "is like the most wonderful museum, except you get to buy the exhibits," and Eric Idle says, "This shop is so incredible they ought to charge admission," the store is among the best hidden gems in Los Angeles.

We're sure we're not done cataloguing fantastic shops yet! So if we missed yours, let us know.