10AM - 7PM
3793 30th St, San Diego“I've seen a review before saying that this place is just photo-bait for tourists, to some extent its doing that on one side, but it also incorporates itself to the community really well. I've seen some rare art books usually go for 1/2 to 3/4 of what you would find online or at other secondhand bookstores, from 1st edition Muybridge reference books to stuff by Vanderpoel. The pricing is fair enough for the curation. They also support independent publishing and consigning + local events so it wouldn't be doing as good as it is with the foot traffic that it receives without the local support.”
“This place is freaking incredible!!! I found 30 books I needed immediately, and the whole store is set up so perfectly! Little book reviews placards all around with the books, sectioned into genres, and they have whole series available! Booktok girlies DREAM store!!! Fun stickers, pins, bookmarks, special editions, and great staff!!!!”
“My new favorite bookstore! Amazing curation of books and just as amazing customer service. Latino-owned business with community at its heart. Amazing selection of books that are rarely seen, if at all at any other bookstore. The branding is ?, the little trinkets and decor Everywhere invokes a sense of Chicano whimsy that is unmatched. In love with Libélula and will definitely make this a must-stop on all future visits to San Diego. Much love - Alex @ravg.arts from LA ♥️ Tlazocamatli ”
9AM - 6PM
7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla“Nice bookstore with friendly staff. The store has two parts: one side with things like greeting cards and tchotchke type things and another side with books. They have a pretty decent selection of books and the staff will help search their inventory or order books for you if they don’t have it on the shelves.”
“My favorite bookstore in San Diego. It’s the perfect spot to find something new for the reader who isn’t quite sure what to read next, because they curate their collection and place bookseller recommendations along the shelves. They aren’t a massive space and therefore will not have the same volume of books as a big-box store, but they will also order anything they don’t have in stock.”
10AM - 6PM
3555 Rosecrans St Suite 107, San Diego“So in love with this place—the booksellers know their inventory, give great recommendations, and just make me appreciate customer service once again!! They were so helpful in giving us recommendations for kids graphic novels and Japanese inspired books for youth. Hoping my son will want to come back time and time again as his love for books grows.”
10AM - 8PM
5017 Newport Ave, San Diego“I don’t live in San Diego anymore, (☹️) but I just ordered two Ocean Beach tank tops for my husband. I’ll bet very few people in Raleigh, NC have these cool tank tops. I love The Black and stop by anytime I get to visit my beautiful Ocean Beach San Diego.”
10AM - 7PM
3817 Fifth Ave, San Diego“One of my favorite bookstores when I lived in San Diego a few years back. Got to revisit this past week and was happy to find it still open for business and thriving. They’ve even reorganized things and I like the new setup. Great to see small business bookstores doing so well. Found some great books to add to my collection of course. And already look forward to my next visit!”
“Awesome store. Large, lots of choice and friendly staff.
Maybe you could add “local”/touristy postcards (with images of San Diego) to your collection, in addition to the traditional happy birthday/get well/… cards. This would be helpful to tourists (like me)”
“Been coming here since I moved to the area 4 years ago. First, it’s small. Second, they have new, used and rare books. I used to love browsing the aisles in search of treasure. They’ve recently remodeled to look less like a used bookstore—put all the new, shiny things front and center and moved everything else to the back behind a curtain, which I’m a little bummed about. But they still put on events for their customers like their Readathon, so the heart of the place is still there.”
10AM - 7PM
12843 El Camino Real Suite 104, San Diego“Just went in here once so far but I was very impressed by the curation of the children's book area as a mom. I will definitely be back with open wallets and hoping I don't go too broke buying all the goodies. Beautiful shop!”
10:30AM - 7:30PM
2540 University Ave, San Diego“Great scented shea butters, oils, jewelry. The Rihanna and Kush butters smelled amazing. The owner was very kind and knowledgeable while showing me around the store. They have a great book and clothing selection that sends great messages. I bought some stickers with quotes from the store. Very easy going atmosphere.”
“Great book store very helpful on every topic that comes in my head it's very clean and always has a positive effect, I was able to find the perfect book that fits with my reading time for myself really recommended to everyone ?”
1 - 5PM
4870 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego“The place is great. Dianna is friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful even to new practitioners. She was so patient with stupid questions I asked her. Her store is practical and charming, full of great handmade products, and has a great vibe.”
“They have the cheapest used books I have seen in San Diego so far! I bought a novel that was pretty much new for 2$, and one that was signed by the author for 4$. Otherwise, most books are between 1-2$.”
“Ann Kinner is the best. If you have a complex cruise coming up, work with her to find a time when she is usually less busy, and you will get an incredible education and she will do her best to keep costs to a minimum!!! No matter where you are starting from- get your advice from her and ship the charts and guides to your launching point!!”
“Geppetto's is a great toy store located in Fashion Valley plaza. It is a vintage looking boutique toy store. They have such an amazing collection of toys, puzzles and board games, craft and dolls. I always enjoy shopping there. They have a unique collection of merchandises.The service is always exceptional.”
10AM - 8PM
3150 Rosecrans Pl, San Diego“I had such a fun time here! I work nearby and I’d seen this bookstore multiple times and decided to go in and look around. I was not disappointed. They have a huge selection of books. They also have a hefty selection on legos and little Knick knacks. I loved roaming around and just seeing all the different things. If ever in the area I recommend going in and just looking around for fun or if you’re looking for a book I think they’ll have it available (:The kids selection is pretty big. The biggest selection I’ve seen so far!”
10:30AM - 5:30PM
330 Park Blvd, San Diego“This is a must go place among many other attractions in San Diego. In fact, it got to be in the top 10 list for being such a splendid and magnificent architecture in the heart of San Diego, offering a place for book lovers, knowledge seekers etc. There are multiple levels with a huge collection of books, computers, secluded areas to focus on one's work and beautiful views of the beautiful city. There is also an auditorium for various types of events adjacent to a small open area. Parking is nothing to worry about. Come, park and enjoy this luxury.”
10AM - 5PM
1331 Garnet Ave, San Diego“Great place to get used but generally in excellent condition books. I noticed that a number of people here complain that their books don't fetch a high enough price for by back. But that's what keeps the prices low. So many books I pay a small fortune for at my fav books store in La Jolla charges the publisher price. An Ann Cleeves book even an older published date but new book is well over $25. The same used book at Pennywise is just a few dollars. And if he buys back one of your books it's even cheaper. People always think their old books are worth more. When that is the case I donate them to Goodwill and take a tax write off!!”
10AM - 2PM
522 C St, San Diego10AM - 5PM
7373 Convoy Ct, San Diego“Great book store. They're also selling frozen dumplings that's so good. Great selection of tea and dry snack. We need to support the store and help out local businesses.”
“We had a large group, the restaurant was full. We were seated without a long wait, orders were taken in good time and food served without a long wait. Then we were forgotten. Food was excellent and prices reasonable but we had to hunt for service after we received our meal. Too bad.”
“I had the most transformational and welcoming experience at Alexandra's. She's so knowledgeable, sharp as a sword and just a really warm presence to be around! Her shop sells the best crystals, stones and spiritual instruments for such an amazing price! She's truly a San Diego gem. The next day I attended her free class during her psychic fair in which she in-depth discussed how to interpret the Chinese zodiac, its history and how to channel the energy of the wood dragon. What an awesome store! Definitely will be back. Anyone who wishes to learn more about spirituality or is already tapped in MUST visit!”
“In dire need of ornaments to complete my Christmas tree decorating. I'm so in love with the unique and funny character designs in ornaments. I purchased a mixer and dinosaur ornaments at $2ea. They have great quality items at such a good price hard to resist. I will be returning to buy a holiday gift for my holiday party highly recommend and staff is so friendly and we're helpful to offer me bubble wrap. Check this location out for your holiday shopping.”
“If you’re looking for an easygoing place to buy school supplies, merchandise, (text)books, and everything in between at UCSD, this is it. Almost everything is overpriced, albeit a public university, but the quality of products like notebooks and lanyards and the quality of service for Apple products and beyond are outstanding. Wait times aren’t very long unless you’re ordering something in person that could’ve been done online, and payment options are standard. It’s also located near Price Center, so that’s a plus. Solid bookstore.”