I always try to find and stop at an independent book store when I am more than 30 minutes from…read morehome. I don't bring a book, I buy one to recall where I was and to relax. I found Lido Village Books on the way to our hotel. It is small and perfect. They have a great selection and their prices are the same as the big box places, which I avoid. Parking is super easy and the staff is great. You can roam around without being bothered until you ask for help. I saw so many books there that I wanted, but I limited myself. I did not see used books, so I don't know if they have them. I wanted a new hardcover to keep me company. I found some great ones. The staff is super nice and there is really nothing like being in an independent book store. They are a dying breed so go to one. This one is great.

Cute store in Lido Village!…read more Great selection of books, and nice staff. No complaints, books were priced similar to other places.

Had high hopes for this bookstore. Especially since it was…read moreremodelled and new ownership if I'm not mistaken. Staff was not welcoming at all. Atleast the older gentleman that was there. Children's section was small and don't have any classic books. Everything was so political and liberal. (Not just books for gifts) Which doesn't fit a bookstore. Wish they could have just focused on books and had a great section for children with seating and all. This was more of a "doing it for the 'gram" type of store

Downtowne Bookstore is in Riverside. It is the nicest bookstore with a huge selection of books and…read moresome gifts. They have new and used books and have it all from history to novels. It is family owned and a true independent book store. The owner is wonderful and the staff is just great. They have good prices and I bet they have what you want. It is clean and well organized and if you need help, they will help you. They pretty much know everything they have. If they don't have a book you want they will order it for you.

I've been a customer for over 5 years now; I reside in WA state but it's always a must stop for me…read morewhile in SoCal or when I need some inspiration online, always an amazing shopping experience because of the impeccable and personable service directly from the Owner - Activist - Community Ally that Long Beach is lucky to have! Books, prints, zines and stickers for all budgets, the selection is incredible, well curated and the value of your purchase right on point with the agenda and the importance of the mission PATM Books takes its pride on.

What a great little bookstore!…read more Carefully curated and well organized. I agree with many of the other reviews; great selection, friendly staff (with wonderful recommendations, too!). Support local business!

Walking into The Last Bookstore feels less like entering a shop and more like stepping into a…read moredifferent world. Housed inside a former bank, the space already carries this grand, historic energy that sets the tone before you even start browsing. What makes this place unforgettable is how it's designed to be explored, not rushed. There are cozy spots scattered throughout where you can sit and get lost in a book, but the real magic is upstairs. It opens into a maze of rooms, each with its own personality, filled with carefully arranged books that feel more like art than inventory. At times, it genuinely feels like you've wandered into a dream. One of the highlights is the famous tunnel of books, which adds to that surreal, almost cinematic experience. Everywhere you turn, books are used as decor in the most creative ways, and it creates this quiet moment where everything else fades out. Upstairs also holds one of my favorite parts, a row of art studios featuring work from local artists. Every piece feels intentional, unique, and thoughtfully placed. Right nearby, there's a small coffee shop surrounded by beautiful artwork, making it an easy place to pause and take it all in. This isn't a quick stop kind of place. Plan to spend a few hours here, wandering, discovering, and just enjoying the atmosphere. It's one of the most iconic bookstores I've ever been to, and it absolutely lives up to the reputation.

from my experience, the last bookstore is one of those places that, if you've seen it on instagram,…read moreyou already know the one. it's definitely more of a destination than a practical bookstore you'd go to shop at. my instagram feed has seen a few cameos from friends and strangers who've visited, and after seeing it pop up a few times, a friend and i decided to stop by a little while back. that said, i wouldn't really recommend it if you're going in search of a specific book. it's less "grab a book and go" and more "wander and hope something finds you." everything feels pretty scattered, so if you are looking for something in particular, be ready to spend a good amount of time browsing. it does get unbelievably hot inside, especially when the weekend crowds pick up for photos in the iconic book tunnels, shelves, and art installations upstairs. it's definitely a unique shop, but it really leans more "experience" than "practical bookstore." it feels a bit like a bookstore where the real plot is the decor, and the books are almost supporting characters in their own store. i did find it funny how they call out shoplifters with signs outside the entrance though. i've been once, took my photos (bc duh), checked it off the list, and happily moved on.

This spot is such a gem in Old Town Tustin. It's a super cute bookstore with an amazing, welcoming…read morestaff and a great coffee shop inside, dangerous in the best way. I always make a point to stop by whenever I'm in the area just to browse the book selection. The space is cozy, thoughtfully curated, and exactly the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer. I love supporting small, independent bookstores, and Arvida makes it easy to do so.

Nice little bookstore with new and used selections. Fairly organized in the used section and happy…read moreto find a few young adult books my kiddo is interested in. Hopefully House of Dragons is a good one ;) nice selection of kids books too. With a cute little seating area as well. Lots of little seating spots to grab a book and find time slip away. If you're feeling the need for some caffeine, there's a small cafe within too.

Such an amazing place and the people who own and run it are incredibly kind and helpful.read more

This hidden gem is chock full of the books from classic literature to the latest bestsellers. The…read moreprices are often $1.00 to $2.00 and only 50 cents for paperbacks. Adult fiction and non fiction as well as favorites for young children and teens. Profits from sales benifit the Rancho Santa Margarita Library (which is attached to the store). It's a win-win for the library and shoppers. They also have a selection of DVD's, Music CD's and audio books.

I definitely pictured something else before meeting some friends here a few weeks ago…read more I have to say I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed and anxious. I did look at the small childrens book section and did not end up purchasing anything as they were priced higher than I was expecting. I also did a quick walk around before letting my friends know I was going to head outside, and most of them followed me as they were also feeling overwhelmed. The one guy I saw was very helpful and friendly with showing me where the childrens books were.

What a privilege it is to have a place like Planet Books! Not having read any reviews before coming…read morein, I didn't know what to expect. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be to understate it. Rows and rows of books greet you, from $1 (yes, $1!) paperbacks to vintage mysteries to leather-bound volumes in the back and even a small vinyl collection. There's also a smattering of unique limited edition prints, photographs, and paraphernalia throughout. Pull up a chair and read awhile, too; plenty of armchairs stationed throughout the store. I found a copy of Dave Eggers' Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (which has been on my list awhile) right at the door, and it took all my self-control to not leave with every beautiful copy of Whitman or Steinbeck. This would be such a great place to come with fellow book lovers or to find a unique gift for a bookworm in your life (or yourself). No doubt I will be back - and soon!

Malibu Village Books is far more than a bookshop it's a true community gathering place. Beautifully…read morecurated, warm, and welcoming, it offers a thoughtful selection of books alongside author events, conversations series they call the Sunset Salon Series. Whether you're looking for your next great read, a quiet place to browse, or a connection to Malibu's community, this independent bookstore is a special destination well worth visiting. Thank you to Michelle the owner for creating a gem.

I walked into Malibu Village Books and I was immediately greeted by friendly staff letting me know…read moretheir event was starting. It was an open mic where you could pick up any book and read a passage or share from your own material. They also had snacks, water and prizes. I bought Life Form by Jenny Slate for $25 and it was the best experience. This book store is an absolute gem and I am so happy to support them!