This place is a hidden gem. The bookseller is super knowledgeable. Tell him what you like and he's got you. Plus, rare and vintage books can be found here. I bought a first edition Adventures of Sherlock Holmes here plus a few other rare books. A great place for gifts. In a world where everything is digital, giving someone a vintage book is a solid move. read more

This is a tiny one room used bookstore right smack in the middle of downtown Encinitas. They have a decent selection of rare/vintage books, too. I found the prices a little on the high side for a used bookstore and, being so small, the selection is, of course, somewhat limited. However, I still found an out of print book that I have been looking for. That is why these bookstores, despite their limitations, are great and necessary. read more

Artifact Books - Very small shop but there are some gems here, if you have the patience to search for them. - Bookstores Near Me - Encinitas, California

Small in size, but the bookshelves are stacked. You can find some gems here, including special editions and signed copies. read more

See all

A great little bookstore. Here it is quality over quantity. Smart selection of books including William S. Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemmingway, memoir of Tony Hawk, biography of Ravi Shankar, and many more. Some signed editions. Friendly owner. read more

Artifact Books - Bookstores Near Me - Encinitas, California

A bunch of faux collectible books wrapped in plastic. Ignore the looks of disdain from the staff.

This intimate shop is carefully curated. It's a nice respite from the seashell jewelers and mimosa crowds roaming the streets. Some museum worthy gems on the shelves but also some casual, dog-eared items ready to be read. It doesn't take much for the shop to feel crowded but book lovers don't mind so much making room for another book lover. Definitely worth poking your head in while strolling the classic business thoroughfare. read more

Unique used classic books! Some Signed by author. Huge selection and very organized. Sale items generously discounted. Park at the train station if parking lot is full. Support these small rare little shops and get your next gift here! read more

Artifact Books - Bookstores Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

Great selection for a small place- super knowledgeable and kind staff. Really cool to see all the signed copies and special editions!

This is the cutest bookstore ever with an amazing owner. There was so many cool editions and treasures to find along these shelves. If your vibe is small, mysterious and homey then this is for you read more

See all

My favorite bookstore! Don't judge this store by its size. The selection here is top-notch, the prices are more than fair, and the service is wonderful. You can find rare books here as well as signed editions. Every recommendation I've received has been great, thanks to the incredibly knowledgeable owner. I live almost two hours away, and it's worth the drive every time. read more

What an amazing shop! I have regular weekly appointments near this bookstore, and it finally piqued my curiosity enough that I had to come in with my girlfriend and see what was inside. The most interesting thing about the place is that it isn't just for the really difficult to find stuff. We spoke with Greg, the owner, for at least an hour, and in that time we saw a very old 1920 Don Quixote English translation (four volumes), a Dickens collection, a Dumas leather bound series, and so much more! He even has a combo first printing hardcover and paperback Catcher in the Rye. But that's not all. Besides the expensive and rare, he has an eclectic array of all genres. Are you looking for a specific cover or European release? He might have it! Signed books from a local or regional author? Of course! In my photo, you'll see the 1978 cover art version of a Brave New World paperback that I picked up while I was there. read more

Artifact Books - 1978 printing of Brave New World - Bookstores Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great locally owned bookshop. Definitely should check out for selection of used books, including rare and signed. Owner knowledgeable, friendly and honest. A definite gem in downtown Encinitas read more

I love used books and I was rewarded when I decided to visit this little shop. I met the owner of the shop who I have decided he should be the considered the great curator of used books. His warm personality made me and my wife welcome. I purchase pulp fiction books because they are easy and fun to read. Don't buy new books you are missing everything that isn't new and it would be new to you. Please stop by this place. read more

Artifact Books - Bookstores Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

I travel to SD once a year to visit family and everytime I'm in town this is one of my go to stops for great books.

Nice little bookstore. There are some good deals on hardcover books outside. Nice selection of cookbooks. The owner has some fine condition Easton Press and Franklin Library pieces behind the register that could use a good home. There are some vintage and signed books as well. If you have questions, the friendly guy behind the counter is pretty knowledgeable about inventory. Prices are fair and I am all too happy to support a local independent bookstore. read more

Nicely curated collection of vintage pulp sci-fi and fantasy. Some nice classic literature, too.

This bookstore is more like a library where you purchase books. I continue to be amazed at the breadth of books available at Artifact Books. The owners continually encourage me to call in to see if they have a book in stock that interests me. I live in Alpine but will stop in without calling just because it is so much fun to shop there. Give em a call or stop in. You won't be sorry. read more

Classic used book shop in the heart of downtown Encinitas. Love it. Charming spot. Really hope someone doesn't buy the building and turn it into a puppy doughnut shop or some other nonsense. read more

Small but cute and quirky book store with a little bit of everything, including old original editions and new books as well. A good selection considering the size of the space and reasonable prices. The manager (owner?) was very friendly and knowledgeable. I'll be back the next time I'm in the area. read more

By far the best used book store in North County. This book store was formally called Book Tales but it has been rebranded by the new owner, Greg Mollin. If you visited Book Tales with the elderly woman running it and were turned off by her rudeness and cold attitude toward her patrons I would 100% give Greg's renewed shop a chance. His selection is great, his prices are both affordable and fair, and he always offers great recommendations. At the end of July, my girlfriend and I visited his shop on my birthday and he allowed me to pick any book off his vintage shelf and have it for free! Today, two months later, we visited and it was my girlfriend's birthday and he offered the same thing. He even lent us a horror short story anthology to read! He's a respectable guy and runs a great shop. Please give him your business and keep this shop alive. Saturday, November 2nd - The owner is planning a grand opening party starting at 6pm. It'll be catered by a nearby vegan restaurant and will be sponsored by a local winery. Can't wait as we will be attending for sure! read more

Great little used book store. Owner is very nice. Great variety and selection of books.

A large selection of previously owned books. All in great & good condition- priced reasonably. Clean and organized! read more

Artifact Books - Front if book store... large, organized & clean! - Bookstores Near Me - Encinitas, California

Super cool bookstore in a fantastic location! A must visit for anyone in the Encinitas area. Fun selection of classics, modern, science fiction and more. Wish this were my local bookstore! read more

Fantastic selection of roughly everything under the sun. Don't let the small footprint of the store fool you, they have EVERYTHING. The owner, Greg, was working the day I went in and he was friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Walked in here last week to find an early Christmas present for my husband, was pleasantly surprised to be able to buy two first editions of mystery novels by Ray Bradbury. My husband was thrilled. The owner of the store was very helpful as well. I will be going back! read more

Loved this little book shop with a nice variety and selection. The owner was super friendly, knowledgable, and informative. I will be going out of my way to return here soon. read more

The guy who works here is always so helpful when I come in! I have a full list of books I'm looking for that I bring with me to different used bookstores and he is so kind he will check his inventory for each and every one. I definitely recommend. read more