I LOVE Coastside Books!! I know it's not just about the books and had to share my last score--Snoopy! It's really metal and perfect for storing anything if you're not taking lunch so I use it for my greeting cards and birthday cards for the kids and it's so much fun!! Just wanted to pop by and say thanks, it's great to get something inexpensive and fun that I can use. They have so many great gifts and ideas that I really should start buying for somebody else..other than me!! read more

Coastside Books - Snoopy Metal Lunchbox $16.00 - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

An absolute gem . I visited here a while ago and purchased stationary and books. Very friendly service and a wide selection of gifts. Wonderful meeting both Barbara and the owner! read more

We stop here every time we are in Half Moon Bay! This book store is a blast from the past for this old-time, long-time book lover. Most of these independent book stores have been forced out of business by Jeff Bezos and his steamroller of an internet store concept. This shop offers a real person who loves books to talk to! The store is well-stocked with classics and new releases. I can browse for hours here and they are happy to let you browse for hours. I always buy a couple of tempting volumes. I need to keep my pile of next reads well stacked! The value is in the whole experience! Thank you for being my favorite book store! I promise if you love books you will love this store! read more

I decided to stop supporting Amazon and go local. Coastside Books have a good selection of books in the store and they now order all my book series newest books. They are always friendly and helpful. Their shop on Main Street carries some of the best cards I have ever found, an excellent range of children's books and small fun toys, as well as a variety of fun gifty type items. They have those 3D cards that open into full floral arrangements in several sizes. They make a great small any-occasion gift. I just love this local store! read more

Nice Childre's book area, they had less regular fiction books than I hoped, but I did find a new author to try. The clerk was pleasant and helped me pick a new author. They are 75% gifts shop 25% bookshop. read more

A decent selection of books. There are also plenty of knick-knacks to explore. The staff here are very friendly and helpful.

Took a quick trip to HMB and stopped in here with my wife. Lotta interesting goodies and yes they have books as well. Nice lady who works at the counter helps people out. My only qualm is I wish the book section were a little bigger since it is advertised as a book store :). But overall the place is pretty packed with fun trinkets. read more

Coastside Books - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

love this little hometown, local bookstore! located right on main street, downtown half moon bay, they have everything from best sellers to kids' books to older classics. they also have a nice selection of gifts, gift wrapping and greeting cards. the interior is a little tight, so there's no seating like some other bookstores have, but i understand given the prime-choice location. if you're in hmb, definitely check out this bookstore! tip: buy a book here, then go next door for a coffee/sandwich/pastry and sit outside and enjoy! read more

I don't want to live in a world where the only place you can get books is through Amazon, so I try to shop at local book stores whenever possible. Visiting my parents in Half Moon Bay recently, I stopped in Coastside Books as I always do. It is a small shop and so can only carry so many books in inventory. It has a fun selection of other items like cards, socks, games, and novelties so I always imagine to find something. This visit I was looking for a particular book to read on my visit and so asked them to order it for me, rather than ordering on Amazon and getting it in 2 days with my Prime shipping. I was pleased to learn that the book could be delivered to the store in 2 days and so ordered it. It arrived 2 days later and I was in business. Very happy with that. The only thing I wish the store would have offered was a small discount on the list price, say 10% (enough to cover the taxes in high tax California). I don't mind them making money on what they sell. I WANT them to make money so they stay in business. But in this case of a special order they weren't out of pocket any money to have the book in stock. And the same book is available at 36% off at Amazon. So, giving a little price break would have been a nice gesture. p.s. be sure to check the sale cart out front. Some great values there! read more

Coastside Books - Sale rack out front has some gems - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Visited Coastside Bookstore on July 9, 2023 at 1:00pm. The female sales clerk acted as if I was going to steal from them. I did purchase a lovely hummingbird painted towel. After showing the towel to my girlfriend, she wanted two of them. I did not share my negative experience with my girlfriend and children. I asked my two children that appear Asian (I am very dark skinned) to go and purchase two of the towels for her. Upon their return, my son shared that the sales clerk acted as if they were going to steal. One time maybe a false impression, twice.... Half Moon Bay has many lovely stores. I would not recommend going into this one. read more

A really cute bookstore. I've come here a few times just to kill some time and check out some cool little odds and ends. I'm an avid book collector so I love popping in to grab a book to add to the collection. read more

love this little gem of a bookstore! I always visit this place when I visit my loved ones at Skylawn. I always pick up unique presents here and often enjoy wandering their isles! read more

Coastside Books - angel and lotus candle! I was so drawn to these two items - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

One of my favorite book stores. The staff here are super friendly. Love the stationary selections and beautiful gift wrapping papers. They have a great children book selection too and cute gifts. It is a must visit for downtown Half Moon Bay. read more

As a wheelchair user I was pleasantly surprised that this was one of the shops on Main Street that had full access. Not only that but the store owner greeted me warmly and urged me to let her know if she could move anything out of the way or get anything for me. This is the kind of customer service I really appreciate. The store was very well organized with diverse goodies not just limited to books. We found magnets, stickers and greeting cards that also made their way home with us. I would definitely be a return shopper and highly recommend them. read more

This is one of the older bookshops in half moon bay, this one located right on the main downtown part. Parking is street only, which here means that if you can't find parking right in front there'll be a spot farther down, or on a side street within a block or so. Half Moon Bay was once one of the most litereate towns in the bay area supporting no less then five local bookstores along with one or two chain locations (such as borders). This is the older of the two remaining bookstores. It is not however in it's original location. This location on main street is on the smaller side. They carry a good selection of new titles mixed in with classics and a fair amount of gift items-stationary, toys, games, costume jewelry, and in general a decent amount of whimsy. If you have an immediate burning need for something specific it'll pay to call ahead or email, but if it's a local author or a current bestseller they are likely to have it. Like every other bookstore I've been in, they'll have something on the shelf that you didn't know you needed until you read a little bit of it, and it's perfect for browsing due to the gifty novelty items. All in all it's totally worth a browse if you are out and about on main street. read more

Coastside Books - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Alright this place ROCKS! They got tons of amazing unique little knickknacks. The owner, Sara is just a sweetheart and so kind. She was so outgoing and helpful and cool to talk to. I just got into town and have been going here everyday, always finding something new and different. I bought a journal, and some cool stickers. They got tons of kids toys and kids books - and the best kids books out there! Absolutely adore this shop. Definitely stop in, I don't care who you are, just go. Perfect. read more

A small but well-curated shop. Also, the bookseller remembered a specific genre that I enjoy, despite the fact I hadn't stopped by for more than a YEAR. That is some exceptional customer service, to me. read more

I love Half Moon Bay and since I am an OG. Growing up here,this place is a well known place to hang out on weekends. Especially for a high school kids that live in the city. Santa Cruz,Pacifica and Half Moon Bay are a must to go on a date or get together with friends. Well...Half Moon Bay on Main Street have all these cool little shops and restaurants for you to check out. This place is one of them. There used to be another book shop down the block but it's gone since Covid I think. I was walking around the Main Street with my dog and we strolled right in. A lot of cool stuff to look at. Notebooks,Gifts puzzles,rings and trinkets. Books and lots of cute cards. In the back they have a sale section with a very cool mugs and astrological books. Kids section with stuffed animals. I love rummaging through greeting cards and sometimes sales stuff. Good cards comes in handy when you have reason for it. A nice lady greeted me and my pup. Super friendly and sweet. Reminds you of a sweet grandmother that you go visit when you need a nice hugs or bake goods. Bought enough cards and gifts to last me through this year for people's birthdays. Cool shop that fit in perfectly with the neighborhood. Also my dog adore the sweet lady as much as I did. Will be back for sure read more

I was looking for a humorous paper back, while we were in HB. We go to HB quite often, it's around a 40 min drive, when traffic is good, and we love the coast, whether it's sunny or colder than a "well digger's butt." I just started wandering around, but Her Ladyship struck up a bit of "nattering" with one of the 3 woman working their, and in under a minute, I had a book I new I'd love. The Road to Little Dribbling - by Bill Bryson I believe he and I may have crossed paths, at The Buggered Plougman's Pub, but that's a whole other story. Upon entering, the store appears small, compared with Barnes & Noble, etc. Don't be fooled there's quite a bit going on here, and it's not all about the bass . . . sorry, books, Check out the cards. You probably won't find them anywhere else, funny, thoughtful, promise, you'll at least end up smiling, if not laughing right out loud. Also, some interesting wrapping paper, that is probably imported. I can't wrap for (insert naughty word), left handed, scissor issues, and over use of paper, tape, and cussing . . . at least that's what I'm told. One of the workers, was potting up cute little plants, all 3 were quite busy, but they'll kindly stop and help you find what you're looking for, or throw you out. Not really, but do be realistic, and not show up 5 minutes before they're closing the door to go home. They are extremely accommodating to children, but they spend all day on their feet, and just like the rest of us, are ready to go home to "a cuppa," or a proper pint at closing time. Nice folks, nice place, go visit. read more

Coastside Books - Coastside Books, Half Moon Bay, CA - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

After our little adventure at Half to Have It, we needed a place to wind down and relax. Coastside Books came to mind, which was just a half block down. Not a huge bookstore like a Barnes and Noble, or a Borders. Nor does it have a huge collection of books like Kepler's in Menlo Park, Green Apple in San Francisco. In fact, the bookstore is small, but their arrangement of bookshelves and cases create cozy little nooks, where visitors can sit in a nearby chair and escape with a book from a shelf. A lot of personality in this store. Along with some of the newer fiction and non fiction titles, they carry books and travel guides that feature the California Pacific Coast. They also carry greeting cards, journals, and other merchandise promoting Half Moon Bay. Most bookstores play classical music in the background. This place was playing some Johnny Cash. One wouldn't think this choice of music would be relaxing and induce reading, but it seemed to work. While we were here, my wife and the girls spent found a nice, cozy spot in the children's book section, and lose themselves in the books they found (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/9IlfCZ5zckAPVFcVodM9jQ?select=bun2jdHFHTidfcOswza57g). Time seemed to drift away as they were there for a couple of hours. We had to leave, but know we'll be back. read more

Coastside Books - Relaxing with their books.... - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Awesome greeting cards for every occasion! This store is a gem. Standard card prices ($3-5 - comparable to Papyrus or even Target) for really rare, fun, interesting cards. Stock up while you are there - it's worth it. There are books are other gifts, as well, but the cards are the stand-outs at this place. read more

Amazing collection of book and nic-Naks Woman who helped me was a wonderful soul and we talked about our tattoos and our parents and she just made me feel so welcome and loved. Amazing experience. read more

Any kid who loves reading or is simply bored of losing video games will love this place. This place not only has wonderful party gifts and magical escapes from the real world but a lot of them, with so many genres you can always find the book for you. Every single worker is a friendly book lover who will gladly and kindly assist you.With absolute patience and no shortage of knowledge on good books making it impossible to walk out that door disappointed. This is a great place for you and your family to buy imagination fuel. -Third Grade Student read more

Sarah (or Sara), who I believe is the owner of the bookstore, was simply the kindest person on the block. While I was browsing the cozy store, multiple people popped their heads in just to wave and tell her hello. She recommended me a few books just based on listening to the kind of reading repertoire I wanted to expand on. 11/10 on the customer service. The book collection? Wow! Just because it's a cozy shop does not mean it was lacking in book selections. The trinkets near the front from local vendors and the other fun knickknacks were absolutely adorable and it just gave the bookstore happy vibes. Thanks again for my new book! read more

Absolute gem in Half Moon Bay. Coastside Books reminded me that time spent browsing a good old fashioned book store is time well spent. They carry a unique array of gift items (journals, grown up coloring books, note cards, well curated children's section and a variety of whimsical selections for all ages.) I ended up purchasing a coloring book, a reusable tote bag, and some colored pencils. Great value, friendly service and plenty of interesting items to browse. Support this lovely local business and walk away with a gift (or two) for yourself or others. My purchases were strictly a treat for me, as I plan on coloring away what looks to be a rainy El Nino winter...Wonderful spot! read more

I love how there isn't that many books here...and you can tell that each one was chosen carefully. It's easy to browse the books, and find something that looks intriguing. They have them easily merchandised so that you can see the books...it isn't all spine out. They also have a selection of cards. And a huge area for kids books. Friendly customer service. read more

:: Handpicked selection of books. :: Great greeting cards. :: Awesome vibe. Cool older lady looking at books next to me that had a lazy dog that would sit each time she picked up a book. Had to share that, it definitely added to the experience. A dog friendly book store is an A+ to me! The lady behind the counter also gave me and my friend some advice when we asked how strict the parking police were. Thanks! read more

Very cute small boutique/shop. More than just books, a collection of unusual or unique cards, games, trinkets. It's a very fun shop, and you're guaranteed to find something you hadn't seen before. read more

Such a great collection of books! The shop is cozy and friendly and they make good use of limited space, with a well-curated selection of books and gifts, plus a super cute kids corner. read more

Another great store on Main Street with great unique cards -- not as large a selection as Paper Crane but it's not tiny either! Of course there are a ton of books to browse through, as well as other little items like keychains and such. Quiet atmosphere, nice staff. For a small store, you may find yourself spending a lot more time than you'd expect in here. read more

Coastside Books - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

We found this little gem while on a pandemic 'OMG I need to get out of the house' drive. So glad we stopped here. It's a small bookstore with a very well-curated selection, and a staff that is knowledgeable and offers excellent reading suggestions. So much more enjoyable than a big chain store or faceless online buying. read more

My favorite bookstore in Half Moon Bay. In fact, I wrote a guest blog post about the store a month ago: http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/2009/12/23/spotlight-on-bookstores-coastside-books-in-half-moon-bay-california/ read more

Coastside Books - Coastside Books outside - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Cute but kitschy. A few used books mingled in but new for the most part. A lot of trinkets non-book items for sale (scarves, decorations, etc). Try the spot a few doors down for bigger used collection. read more

Coastside Books - Had a nice used poetry collection - Bookstores Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

My HMB visits always include a visit to Coastside Books. There's a comfortable, worn in, laid back feeling about this place and they have lovely greeting cards (including letterpress cards), journals, and stationery. The greeting card selection is quite large and I think the nicest in town. I can usually find a knitting book or two that I haven't seen before. They also carry some HMB sweatshirts, mugs and city-themed merchandise. It's not a large bookstore but it feels like the small town, independent bookstore that it is. It seems like the oldest bookstore in town. They sell new books only. read more

My kids live this bookstore, we drive from Fremont just to visit it. We always find that one unique hidden gem, or five that makes the kids smile. The stock here is eclectic, and the store is cozy and welcoming. read more

Nice little shop, with all the basics and a friendly owner.

I loved this bookstore! I could spend a lot of time here--- lots of books live here, of course, but there is so much more. Check out the impressive selection of greeting cards--- from the artsy to the quirky. These are not your average cheesy Hallmark cards! Also find lots of gifts--- little bags, toys, pins, magnets, etc. You can find a lot at this fun store, whether you are shopping for yourself or for another. read more

I really enjoyed my trip to this bookstore. The best stuff was by the register. It was worse than a grocery store. I wanted to impulse buy everything I saw while standing in line. The owner was very friendly and nice. She's been running this store for many years. This was my first time in HMB and this store definitely added to the downtown experience. They have a lot more than just books though. There's jewelry and other little novelty gifts that made me smile. read more

I've been visiting this bookshop for years and have never left without finding a book I wanted to buy. A bookshop like this with an owner who selects great books rather than news-stand bestsellers is a treasure to be be embraced. read more

I super love this bookstore! The owner carries items you would never find in a Barnes and Noble, I love the fact that I can walk in browse for 10 minutes and bam I have found something that interests me... read more