On a crowded day in Los Angeles city, there’s nothing better than finding a quiet bookstore to get lost in. From iconic authors to emerging writers, Los Angeles city has inspired countless minds to put pen to paper and craft stories that resonate globally. Los Angeles is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, there are lots of best bookstores in Los Angeles waiting to be explored. The best bookstores in Los Angeles are scattered across the city, nestled on neighborhood streets and bustling avenues. They offer a diverse selection of books, catering to every literary taste imaginable. These 15 coolest bookstores in LA will captivate your mind, fill your day with literary adventures, and perhaps leave your wallet a little lighter.
Find the Best Bookstore in Los Angeles
The Last Bookstore
📍Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
⏱ Open: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The Last Bookstore is one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles established in 2009 in DTLA. It is Southern CA’s largest used and new bookstore, with large selections of vinyl, graphic novels, DVDs, and more. Besides, the cool bookstores in Los Angeles is spacious and designed with thick Roman columns and old fishbone bookshelves. Futhermore, on the second floor, there are a lot of bookwalls, internet-famous sites, especially the “book hole” and the arch built with books! At Los Angeles, the most impressive is not Santa Monica Beach, not Universal Studios, but this unassuming and popular used bookstore, THE LAST BOOKSTORE!
Skylight Books
📍Address: 1818 N Vermont Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027
⏱ Open: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
For people looking for most the independent bookstores in Los Angeles area, Skylight Books is definitely one of the best. It is a small bookstore with a wide selection of books, including almost all the classics and bestsellers. In addition, the bookstore often hosts book signings for those who are interested. The most special feature of the bookstore is the iconic tree that stands in the center of the store, surrounded by bookshelves, with a skylight overhead that lets in natural light, giving guests a peaceful and comfortable reading atmosphere. And there is a cute cat has its own exclusive seat in the store. In brief, as one of the coolest bookstores in LA, although it is small in size, you can take a book and go to a nearby cafe and sit there all day long, enjoying the leisure time with a book as your companion. P.S. The bookstore in the LAX International Terminal is a branch of this bookstore!
The Ripped Bodice
📍Address: 3806 Main St Culver City, CA 90232
⏱ Open: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Discovering the best bookstores in Los Angeles is a rewarding experience for any reader. The Ripped Bodice is a lovely little bookstore with a focus on Romance novels. They have a good selection of paperback romance books along with some fantasy books. However, you might be surprised to find that they also sell books outside of that genre, like children’s books, there was also a section dedicated to blind date with a book, which was very fitting for their romance theme. Moreover, visitors really love their merch section full of cute totes, trope teas, bookmarks, stickers, and candles inspired by some favorite characters.
Stories Books and Cafe
📍Address: 1716 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
⏱ Open: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Stories is also one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles offering new and used books plus coffee and food, with an outdoor patio for special events. The cute little bookstore in Silverlake have photography books, psychology books, fiction books, etc. The cool bookstore in Los Angeles caters to a wide range of literary tastes and preferences. In general, the place is cute, cozy, fun to browse the shelves full of books, great to meet friends or have a quiet breakfast, lunch or a snack. You can also enjoy a glass of wine and ponder over a book. What’s more, the decor in of the independent bookstores in LA is cute, they have book events here and not only in the weekend when it gets busy and crowded. In conclusion, Stories Books and Cafe is definitely a place you could spend time browsing.
Book Soup
📍Address: 8818 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
⏱ Open: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
You can lose yourself in Book Soup for hours, which is considered one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles. Established in 1975, Book Soup is one of the most famous independent bookstores in Los Angeles area, where you will find many books published by Asian authors. Also the handwritten book reviews by the staff were really nice and helpful. The store is known for its towering, stacked and intricately arranged shelves, which attracts many tourists visiting the store. Tips: 1. Many of the books have testimonials. 2. There are some blind-boxed books with a catchy paragraph on the packaging.
The Iliad Bookshop
📍Address: 5400 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
⏱ Open: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun & Mon closed)
Established in 1987, The Iliad Bookshop in North Hollywood is one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles that has won many awards. The Iliad is a general new, used and rare bookshop with emphasis on literature and the arts (fine art, cinema, music, theater) and it stock everything from $1 paperbacks to valuable first editions. The store is not small at all and has a very artistic façade. Inside, there are always two cats in the store. The staff is very friendly and there is a book donation area at the entrance. And all the books in this area are free and you can take your chances. In addition, one of the nice things about the second hand bookstore Los Angeles is that the air conditioning is very strong in the summer! The reading area is very cozy, so you can stay for a long time without feeling stuffy.
Small World Books
📍Address: 1407 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291
⏱ Open: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The best bookstores in Los Angeles are not just places to buy books, they are havens for the soul. Small World Books is a buzzy independent bookshop for novels, poetry volumes & magazines plus frequent events. It is adjacent to a restaurant you may even miss it if ya don’t look closely. They have a cozy lil section towards the back of the store where you can rest, pop open a book, and free your mind. The feminist sociology section in there is a girl’s girl heaven. Also, there is a lil sweetheart of a black and white cat. He quickly will say hello politely and be on his merrry way. Cats aside, the expertise and interest of the staff also ensures great recommendations and friendly chats. Is there a better way to zen out on an evening: reading literature, petting a fur friend, and listening to crashing waves?
Counterpoint Records & Books
📍Address: 5911 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
⏱ Open: 12:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Counterpoint Records & Books, as one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles, reflects the city’s vibrant literary community and diverse culture. Located in Franklin Village, this store not only has a great collection of books, but also a super large number of used vinyl records. The bookshelves extend from the floor to the ceiling, and the colorful spines of the books look especially nice from a distance. Counterpoint was founded in 1979, and is now a landmark on that street! Furthermore, you can climb the ladder to find books in this store, it’s really fun! Exploring the best bookstores in Los Angeles is an enriching experience for any bibliophile.
Vroman's Bookstore
📍Address: 695 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91101
⏱ Open: Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Vroman’s Bookstore is one of the coolest bookstores in LA and it was founded on November 14, 1894. Expanding several times, Vroman’s was the largest bookstore west of the Mississippi, and it continues to be the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Los Angeles Southern California. Located in the heart of Pasadena, Vroman’s Bookstore has two floors. On the first floor, you’ll find a wide selection of books, some of the books have hand-written review cards underneath. In addition to books, there’s a pen store on the first floor, a Mexican-style Tepito coffee shop, and 1894, a small bar with a bookish atmosphere. The second floor sells children’s books and lots of great handmade gifts, and sometimes you’ll run into book signings by authors or cute children’s shows. It’s also worth noting that 1894 has an interesting cocktail menu, where each drink is named after a famous author or book, such as “O-Wells 1984” and “Margarita Atwood,” which is a unique twist that always makes people smile. Besides, there is also a large free parking lot in the back of the bookstore, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a parking spot!
Kinokuniya Bookstore - Los Angeles
📍Address: 123 Astronaut E Onizuka St Ste 205 Los Angeles, CA 90012
⏱ Open: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Kinokuniya Bookstore – Los Angeles is one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles for those seeking Janpanese books. The Japanese-based retailer is known for its collection of Asian books and magazines. Their comic book and manga selection is huge, both in English and in Janpanese, they have stationery items, art books, video game guidebooks, toys, plush toys, etc. What’s more, they even have a dedicated children’s books section in Japanese and even a fantastic. In fact, it is one of the best bookstores in LA serve as gathering places for comic book enthusiasts to connect and share their love for it.
Barnes & Noble
📍Address: 189 The Grove Dr Ste K 30 Ste K 30 Los Angeles, CA 90036
⏱ Open: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Barnes & Noble, as one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles, offering a diverse selection that caters to every reader’s tastes, from the latest bestsellers and classic literature to niche genres, children’s books, and a comprehensive array of non-fiction titles. Situated in The Grove, one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant shopping and entertainment destinations, this Barnes & Noble is perfectly located for a day out. The cool bookstore in Los Angeles is easily accessible, with plenty of parking available. After a day of shopping, catching a movie, or dining out, stopping by this Barnes & Noble is the perfect way to unwind and find your next great read.
The Daily Planet
📍Address: 5931 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
⏱ Open: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Daily Planet Bookstore is also one of the best booktores in Los Angeles. The Daily Planet is located at Franklin Village, Hollywood, just down the street from the previous entry. The Los Angeles independent bookstore is next to a great cafe, Bourgeois Pig, you can enjoy stopping by their to peruse titles either alone or with friends while sipping coffee. As a cool bookstore in Los Angeles, it has got a great selection departing from the mundanity of the mainstream, such as Books, magazines, records, greeting cards, tarot cards, and novelty items.
Sideshow Books
📍Address: 1639 La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035
⏱ Open: 12:00 AM – 6:00 PM(Mon & Tue closed)
Sideshow Books is one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles, where you can let the world of literature captivate your senses. The inside of the store is like a magical little wonderland filled with great quality used books, rare finds, records, posters, and trinkets that give the place so much personality and character. Additonally, the owner is really down to earth and even offered me an espresso he was making, making it a regular stop for locals and visitors!
Octavia’s Bookshelf
📍Address: 1353 N Hill Ave Pasadena, CA 91104
⏱ Open: Tue-Sun:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon closed)
Octavia’ Bookshelf is also considered one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles. It’s a cozy indie book shop with gorgeous natural light and welcoming feel. Guests can see newly designed covers, classic favorites, and a ton of new titles that could fit somewhere in my house. In addition, the bookstore also offers play area for kids by the window and children’s corner, as well as seating next to the tarot display.
Now Serving
📍Address: 727 N Broadway #133, Los Angeles, CA 90012
⏱ Open: Thu-Sat: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun-Tue: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; (Wed closed)
Now Serving is one of the best bookstores in Los Angeles. If you have a foodie friend, or dreamt about meeting a celebrity in the food world, Now Serving is the places, it has their book and will host them for meet and greets! Now Serving specializes in cookbooks and food-related magazines. People love their variety, their events are super fun and engaging. This is such a perfect little cookbook shop and will have everything you could possibly want – cookbooks, pantry items, utensils, books with food for thought, thoughts about food, etc. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of food literature by visiting the best bookstores in Los Angeles area has to offer.
How to Evaluate Best Bookstores in Los Angeles
Here is a formula for evaluating what are the best bookstores in Los Angeles area.
1. The number of books you know and like
2. the number of books you don’t know but intrigue you
3. The total number of items for sale.
It can be expressed as k(A+B)/C, where k is a subjective constant based on staff affability and overall ambiance. Additionally, coolest bookstores in LA are also packed with obscure finds, quirky items and a very artistic magazine selection.
Where to Live in Los Angeles
Trusted by millions of international students worldwide, uhomes.com offers different types of student accommodations at reasonable prices. If you are looking for the right student housing in Los Angeles area near your universities and bookstores, uhomes.com has everything you need. We offers a range of student apartments and hotels in Los Angeles, whether you prefer budget-friendly living experiences, or luxury student apartments for unparalleled urban life, we’ve got you covered! We’re here to make your Los Angeles city living experience a breeze!
Conclusion
For those wandering the streets of the City of Angels with a love for books in their hearts, hope these 15 best bookstores in Los Angeles will captivate your mind, fill your day with literary adventures, and perhaps leave your wallet a little lighter. Some of these coolest bookstores in Los Angeles have become staples of the city, standing proudly for decades, welcoming book lovers young and old. The best bookstores in Los Angeles are not just places to buy books, they are destinations where creativity thrives, and imaginations take flight.
FAQ about Best Restaurants in Los Angeles
1. What are the best bookstores in Los Angeles?
Here is a list showcasing the best bookstores in Los Angeles that you need to check out!
- The Last Bookstore
- Skylight Books
- The Ripped Bodice
- Stories Books and Cafe
- Book Soup
- The Iliad Bookshop
- Small World Books
- Counterpoint Records & Books
- Vroman’s Bookstore
- Kinokuniya Bookstore – Los Angeles
- Barnes & Noble
- The Daily Planet
- Sideshow Books
- Octavia’s Bookshelf
- Now Serving
2. What are the top ten best bookstores in Los Angeles that specialize in fiction?
Los Angeles, California has many bookstores that specialize in fiction, here are 10 coolest bookstores in Los Angeles devoted to science fiction.
- Skylight Books
- The Last Bookstore
- Sideshow Books
- The Iliad Bookshop
- Dark Delicacies
- Counterpoint Records & Books
- Alias Books East
- Small World Books
- Half Off Books
- Planet Books
3. Why is the last bookstore so famous?
The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store, it is famous for its unique and visually striking design, including a book tunnel, intricate book sculptures, and creative displays, which attract a large number of visitors, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, making it a popular spot for photography and a “must-visit” for book lovers visiting the city. The Last Bookstore also hosts regular events like author readings to attracts people.
4. Where to park at The Last Bookstore?
Street parking is free after 6pm or 7pm (depending on street) and on Sundays. Pay parking lots can be found at the corner of 4th & Spring or on the right side of Spring just before and after 5th St and our store. They cost $4-8 depending on the day and time.
