I am a big fan of mom and pop book stores. The feel and smell of a new book is something that is always special. I dropped by to see what reading adventures they had to offer and they had a variety of options from fiction to non fiction, fantasy, horror, romance and much more. The unique way they differentiated the new vs used books was also just as good, mom and pop style. The staff was friendly and just as amazing and helpful. Parking is on the adjacent streets or the available adjacent lots. read more

Beach Town Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

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I was so excited to go here after finding this place on social media, but overall I thought this place was just ok. Not the worst bookstore but I am unsure whether I'll come back here again. Pricing is a little high, but they do have a deal where you can buy 3 books and get the 4 lowest price book for free. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any of the books that are on my TBR list. I only found 1 book and decided it wasn't worth it at $7. However, I'm sure inventory changes quickly given they do have a lot of other books. It was also a little tricky getting here since parking is a little bit of a hassle given I'm no longer a local of Orange County. Pros: nice people, lots of seating around the store, and a restroom for customers. read more

The ladies were so kind and helpful. They greeted everyone at the door as they walked in and gave those who hadn't been there before a run down of where sections and genres are located. As a first timer, I felt very welcomed. They have used books for cheaper and new books that are regular priced. They also have very cute stickers, bookmarks, and pins! Would definitely check out again if I ever find myself in the area read more

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Great books, great staff, and a great store. This book store truly is one of San Clemente's gems. I have a library of thousands of books and I look forward to obtaining my next thousand from Beach Town! read more

I've been coming to Beach Town Books for a couple of years and love it! It's exactly what a great bookstore should be: stacks of great, interesting used and new books based on the category (eg. mystery, thriller, history, etc.). So lots of pleasant browsing to be done before landing on the book that I want. They have comfortable chairs to sit on in case you want to spend more time looking through a book before purchasing it. It gives the bookstore a cozy feel. As a used bookstore their prices are very reasonable. You can also get a credit at the bookstore by giving them a good quality used book which they can then sell (and they'll give you a credit for the book that you can then use). All the staff I've met here over the years I've been coming here are very warm and friendly. This is truly a great bookstore. (They also have a book club which I may check out one of these days.) read more

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Was on a road trip and luckily found this amazing book store. It is SO cute and has an amazing collection. The gal behind the counter was so cool and very welcoming. We spent a good 1+ hours in there and ended up buying 5 books! Sad that we're so far away but we will definitely stop by again. read more

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Such a cute and cozy bookstore! Love all the little nooks you can sit and read in. Friendly staff as well read more

Beach Town Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Found this place via an instagram reel, drove nearly an hour south to see what the hype was about. Beach Town Books did NOT disappoint. My friend and I spent nearly an hour and a half here, probably would've spent more had it not been for the fact they were closing. I'm usually a "ThriftBooks" fanatic since most of the time, I find great books on there, but this place SOLD me given the fact all used books are half off their marked price. I was able to score 3 books that would've been $38 total on ThriftBooks for $23, PLUS a free book! I'd like to note that Zoe, was incredibly kind and personable. Despite us staying til practically closing, she was incredibly respectful and patient while we picked out some final books. Needless to say, this place was well worth the drive, the price, and the finds - I will definitely be back here at least once a month if I can help it! read more

This place was super cute, adorable location-definitely on the smaller side. They did have a restroom which ended up being a lifesaver. The only downside was the price and quality of their book selection. Personally I felt that the items for sale were more on the expensive side for what you were getting... it wouldn't have been such an issue if they were selling new or like new items, but the majority of their collection was very used and worn books. I'm pretty sure most of their items were donated-and then marked to be 50% of their original prices (based on the tags on the back). I recall glancing at a City of Ashes softback only to realize that it was severely water damaged, then drawn all over with red crayon and still marked $10. At that point it would have been thrown away if it was donated to any other bookstore or even your local public library. read more

A real gem. Fine filed beyond belief with a great selection of used paperbacks and bric-a-brac. Happily found some good stuff and friendly prices. The decor was "classic used bookstore" with lots of tattered chairs and quirky little corners to sit and read. Staff was friendly. Looking forward to returning after reading the newest haul. read more

Nice find in San Clemente with a beachy vibe, located in downtown area. Beach Town Books is a cute bookstore with a nice decor, many nooks to read and browse books and lots of books for sale, some new and some used. They do have a decent amount of books, selection wise it isn't the best, it differs based on what you're looking for. I didn't find the Fiction section very well stocked. Prices are higher than other bookstores of this kind. We asked about pricing and it was confusing, higher than what they initially said. They do have loyalty programs if you live in the area, they also offer you a free book if you buy four. Overall, nice place bookstore, they have events here, so if you live in the area, check it out. read more

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Another delightful, fruitful and productive visit today at Beach Town Books! We dropped off four bags of books, which they'll add to our account for store credit; and perused for another 40 minutes. We love this store. They are beautifully organized, thoughtfully decorated, and cozy with a wonderfully curated selection of books for adults and children. We especially enjoy the children's room and always find gold within its shelves. On the way out we added cute and artful bookmarks to our haul, along with a vintage nature guide my three-year-old spotted from among 100+ books overhead, during checkout. Score! read more

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My absolute favorite Indie book store! The selection never disappoints, & the staff is always so helpful. If you find yourself here, be sure to check out their "Blind date with a book" options. read more

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Adorable used book store! So many options & books were half of the retail price, plus buy three, get the fourth free. Would recommend! I'll be back when I make another trip to San Clemente. read more

A great neighborhood bookstore with lots of used books, and some new ones as well. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the used books are very well-organized. It made looking through the shelves much more enjoyable! Pricing is a bit steep - used books are half off list price, and as far as I could tell this was regardless of condition. I definitely saw a few used books that had seen better days, and I can't see how a book that's warped from water damage, has worn corners, and creases on the cover should fetch half off list price. But if you're willing to dig, you may very well find some new condition used books, like I did, for a good price. Overall, it's a cute store and I had a good time checking it out! read more

Beach Town Books - Inside of Beach Town Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Such a great bookshop! Although it's a bit of a drive for me, I love supporting local bookstores. Beach Town Books is a decent size, is well-organized, and has friendly service. Besides better parking (they only have a few dedicated spots - the rest is street parking), what more could you ask for? All of the usual genre sections are here, and they have a few cute nooks to sit and enjoy reading or even grab a drink. They also have a Classics section and some other unique sections towards the front of the store. For pricing, be sure to look up when you're in the shop. At first, my eyes were so glued to the shelves that I missed how the pricing works. They also have trade-in and loyalty programs, so if you find yourself coming back, it might be worth it to check these out! While I visited the shop, there were plenty of people who came in to drop off books, pick up orders, and just chat about books in general. Such a great atmosphere. read more

Just what a beach town needs! This is a great place with a good selection that is well organized. The people know what they have and can make recommendations. The selections are good across the board from older books through modern beach reading types. Highly recommended! read more

Love this store. Could've stayed here for hours. I had to cut myself off at two books. Staff super friendly. Patrons in jolly moods. Lots to explore in this little bookstore. The highlight of my trip to San Clemente! Coffee and shopping here is perfection read more

I love a book store and I'm so glad this exists for the community. This store is well-organized and has some nice sitting areas. If you love used book stores specifically for the deals, then this store is just okay. Books are priced at half off the cover price. You can likely get better deals elsewhere (like at the Friends of the Library store which has books priced at $1-$10, even for great condition hard covers). However, for the selection, organization, and charming space created, this bookstore is worth a stop, and is a wonderful part of the community. read more

I'm a huge reader and absolutely love bookstores. I've been meaning to come into this one for a while and finally did recently. I loved Beach Town Books! What a great used book store. They have pretty much every genre you could want, and it is organized neatly. There is a little kids' room, too. There are a few seats in different spots around the store, and I always appreciate seats in a bookstore. They have a program where if you bring in your books, you get store credit to use to buy books. Great selection of books! read more

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The store is bigger than it looks from the outside. But it's worth seeking out. Good luck with parking. They have about 3 designated spots in the back of the shop. Otherwise, you'll probably be hoofing it if you can find street parking somewhere. We found parking about three blocks away. Parking is really tough in this area. But it is freeeee. They mostly have used books but there are new books here, too. They have a rocking deal, where if you buy three books, you get the fourth one free. Also, if you sign up for their rewards program, you will get various offers, like buy one, get one free. It's hard to beat that. The store is well-organized with kids' books in a separate room and other books organized by subject (mystery, general fiction, science fiction, etc.). Friendly employees, good prices, and used books. Count me in. read more

The prices for used books are way higher here than anywhere else I've ever bought books. So I almost left. But the sign said 1/2 off the price marked on the book jacket. This meant a paperback that was originally $8, would be $4. Still a lot for used paper back books that weren't in very good condition. Despite that, I decided to splurge. And I purposefully selected some of the older paperback books that weren't in as good of condition as the newer $8 ones. I figured since many of them had a jacket price of $6., I'd get them for $3, etc. I also carefully selected 16 books, so I could get 4 books free, for the buy 3 get one free program. But when I was up at the register they distracted me w/their point system & their machine being glitchy that I only realized after getting home that they only gave me credit for 3 free earned books, not 4 which is the whole reason I searched for another book for a total of 16, so I could earn 4 free. I did discover after paying, that the amount I'd payed was almost the same as what was on the cover! When I questioned this, they said it was b/c they had a $4 minimum. They claimed it was posted? I guess I didn't see the fine print? Since I'd calculated everything before I checked out, I was surprised the amount kept going up. First they blamed it on 3 different taxes. Then I discovered they evidently penalized me for using a credit card? Bottom line, I'd payed almost as much as the price on the cover, and in some cases more b/c they didn't honor the sale price stickers from the original stores that sold them new, but on sale. They hid behind "that's not the publishers price." What should've been a fun experience ended up making me feel bamboozled spending over $50., on old worn out paperbacks. So FYI, buyer beware. read more

The selection of used books is great! Used books are buy 3 get 1 free. The atmosphere of the store is welcoming with chairs, nooks to read and a coffee station. Location is great amd within walking distance of many hotels and the main shopping/restaurant areas off Avenida Del Mar. read more

Beach Town Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

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This is a used bookstore close to the beach. We were greeted by the most warm and friendly person as soon as we walked in, who told us how their pricing structure works and how to navigate the store for different genres. They have comfortable seating areas for you to relax, and also offer free coffee! Such a sweet place to relax right off of the main road. I recommend stoping in if you are nearby - they sell new books as well and have great deals. The person helping us was so sweet, too - she found us used copies of a few things we brought to the cashier to save us money. Such great customer service! They have email and text distributions you can sign up for if you'd like to stay on top of deals. read more

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Love love LOVE this small, local bookstore! The service is very efficient, and the workers always try to quickly address customers with kindness and understanding. The ambiance is lovely, with small sitting areas, rugs, lamps, and even a free coffee machine. They have a bathroom for public use as well. The book prices are cheap (half of the cover price for used books) and they often offer further discounts. They take volunteers as well as donations, which truly makes this place feel like a community-focused business. All-in-all a great, comfortable place to take a break from the sun to read a book. read more

Beach Town Books - Beach Town at sunset. - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Friendly staff. Creative, cute and cozy set up in the store. Large selection of new and used books. I was a little intimidated by the "DO not re shelf books!" Etc...the exclamation marks on their signs made me feel less relaxed about pulling books out to review . I wish there were clear signs about their pricing and credit for donating books. The store is small and visually a little overwhelming but in a great way so maybe I just missed the signs. As with most beach towns, the parking is a chore. Also, as with most beachside bookstores, there are always plenty of books in prominent positions that are "anti" Donny T. I wouldn't mind if on the same shelf there were "pro" Donny T books as a way of showing everyone's views are respected. However, the great things about this bookstore make it worthwhile to visit again. read more

Such a cute bookstore and helpful staff. For being a small shop, they have quite a big range of books. I haven't yet tried the book exchange program, but I'm excited to the next time I go! read more

I have been going to Pizza Port in San Clamente for over a dozen years. Three weeks ago I took my beer to the small upstairs patio - which I have done plenty of times - and noticed for the first time a book store across the street. "How long has that been there? How come I didn't notice it before? Is it new?" I wandered in, my first thought being how a quaint little place like this could exist blocks away from some of the most expensive beach property in the world. It's not exactly new, apparently in this location for years, and I'm amazed I never noticed it during my frequent stops for pizza and grog. It's a nice quiet throwback in a busy world, losing time among the stacks, the smell of pulp and feel of paper in a Kindle world. read more

Beach Town Books - View from Pizza Port - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Drove almost an hour to find this lovely little spot and was not disappointed! I decent collection of books given the small space which was positively surprisingly. Their prices are very fair and they do have a trade in program which I love. The books I did pick out didn't have prices on them though so it was a bit of a guess when I went to check out which would be the only downside, though not a full deterrent. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

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Well everyone knows about my #usedbookstoretours and I was down in San Juan Capistrano to meet some colleagues of mine... the ride home looked to be nearly 2 hours so I thought I would just do my routine visits of the neighborhood Independent Bookstores or Used Bookstores. This one is located in San Clemente a few blocks from the beach actually. OMG they have the most inviting cozy nooks for you to sit and sip a cup of complimentary coffee. The shelves are bursting with books for your perusal and the person who helped me mentioned that they had just purchased software to catalog their stock. Which is good if you need to find a particular author or title of book. They have plenty of Historical Fiction, YA and current bestsellers. A room for the kiddos that encourages the imagination, not to mention a place that beckons you to sit a while and read with your little one. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

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This place is so cute! Huge variety of books and pretty well organized. You can spend hours in here looking at all the options. From vintage to new best sellers, they're all here! The women at the front are always so kind and helpful. I found the trade in and hold process very easy. Would visit more if I lived closer and highly recommend to anyone who loves to read or wants to start reading. Parking can be tough on a sunny day since it's in San Clemente, but a hot tip is to park by the church the next street up and walk through the Pizza Port. read more

Beach Town Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

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I absolutely LOVE this bookstore and supporting small local bookstores! There's endless shelves of used books and a handful of new books, more popular as well. I always find something to take home here and the staff are friendly and helpful. Books are 50% off the cover price and buy 3, get the fourth free which is a great deal! I've been to many bookstores and this one is the most organized and has the BEST selection since people are constantly donating their books. I have found Kristin Hannah books, Colleen Hoover and books on Reese Witherspoon's and GMA's book club lists. read more

Beach Town Books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Almost every time we visit San Clemente we are sure to stop at our favorite book store Beach town books! They have a huge selection of used books and some new ones too. We even get points for shopping and we can turn in used books for store credit. My daughter bought this cute page holder there that I love. read more

Beach Town Books - Book holder - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Employees are always so kind and helpful. Great selection especially fiction but I wouldn't go in looking for a specific book because they may not have it. Instead go in looking for a genre and the employees will ensure you leave with a fabulous read. Value is great too. I love that they collect donations which you can use for store credit. read more

Loved all the nooks and crannies with armchairs waiting invitingly to be hunkered down into with a good book. Also, learned about their donation program - bring your used books in for credit towards the purchasing of used books in the future read more

Beach Town Books - Book nook - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Our family loves this bookstore! Our almost 10 year old is an avid reader and we honestly can't keep up with purchasing books to keep him busy. This store has a great selection and since it's a used store it is always changing. We pop in just to see if anything new has hit the shelves. Our younger son has a passion for trains so we love to explore the history section and pick up old textbooks or history books. I love to scour it for mystery and cookbooks as well. It's a hit for the whole family! We could spend hours in here. They have a trade in program that is wonderful is well! Support this local business! read more

Organized shelves and kind community vibe. Wife and I love to visit used book stores while traveling. We've seen all types from messy second hand stores to upscale museum quality collections. Beach Town does a great job of making their collection accessible to the casual shopper. They also let us know about their buy back program where they give credit for selling books to the store. Seems like the customers were regulars who pick out new books and sell old ones. Their children's book section (my wife's favorite) was well stocked and beautiful presented in an individual room. In the hour we were there we saw multiple families come in with their kids and choose books with joy. Really appreciate the clean and clear set up, and positive community energy. I'm sure we'll visit every time we're in San Clemente from now on read more

Beach Town Books - Books books books - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Clemente, California

Omg! What a great find! Beach Town Books is family owned and the staff are super friendly. They are all avid readers and are great at helping make some great finds in used books. Huge selection of used books and some of the new bestsellers as well. Great kids area. Set up with armchairs and coffee for a welcoming environment to just sit and read! An absolute favorite! read more

Amazing local bookstore. Friendly and helpful staff. Amazing places to read while browsing and books galore!

Recently moved to San Clemente and was happy to find this bookstore. They sell used and new books, give you credits for donating books and when you purchase, and the selection was great! The store is well maintained, and very clean, organized and cozy. The owner and staff were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend! read more