A bookstore so lovely, so perfect, the quintessence of what you imagine when you hear the words…read more"fine bookstore." Everything about it is so spot on, the architecture, the lighting, the soft music, and the eclectic selection of books on offer. The owner, Ernest, was present, friendly, and very informative on questions about books as well as the history of the store. The books are unusual and in several cases rare, the prices reflect the value and seemed reasonable. An unusual first edition will be priced higher but in line with its value to bibliophiles. For example I saw a first edition English translation of Pablo Neruda's "Confieso Que He Vivido" autobiography for $50, in beautiful condition. I said the place looks like it should be in a movie, and Ernest replied that it will be soon. I happened upon it by chance, found a parking place in front of it while going somewhere else. But after running that errand I had to check out this lovely oasis of calm and source of fine books. I ended up buying a paperback novel based on life in Tule Lake during the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, because my father was imprisoned there. I can't imagine finding this tome anywhere else.

It's hidden places like The Rose Books that keeps Downtown Monterey so special. I walk in every few…read moremonths and always walk out with my arms full of new finds that I can never find anywhere else. Nearly left in tears last week when I found a signed copy of my favorite novel,The Martian Chronicles. A signed copy I've been searching for over 15 years, truly a gem of a place.

Charming bookstore with a large selection of used books, with a back room full of 1960s classics. A…read moregreat place to visit after the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Came here during a rainy day as we were visiting the area and looking for the next book in a series…read morethat my wife has been reading. Walked in and greeted the guy guy behind the counter which was returned with a scowl, but we didn't even let that deter us until we asked if there was any other spot that we might look he responded very rudely like we should have already known. We put back the book we planned to buy and walked out. If you want to make new customers maybe learn how to treat people. Don't recommend

Cute vinyl shop in Monterey. Lots n lots of used and new records. Good place for browsing and…read moredigging. Found some interesting listens. Check it out and spend some time. Have fun!

A visually-aesthetic record store with a decent selection of older and modern vinyls. The place…read moresmelled pleasantly of incense, the cashier at the front was friendly, and the vibes were good.

To be totally candid, this is the worst comics and cards shop I've ever been to, not to say that…read morethey don't have a good selection of comics (not so much cards). I've been a few times now, and every time I walk in, it seems to be lacking in organization, friendly atmosphere, promotions, style, and customer service. During my most recent visit, the shop appeared to be the most disorganized and uninviting I have ever experienced. I got two things, which he rang up, and then he scanned another bar code taped to the wall, like I wouldn't notice, and then tried to overcharge me. I was like, "Uh... sorry but what?" And then he took it back, giving me a flimsy excuse, saying, "Oh, I forgot we changed the price of those." Which... who the hell knows what he was referring to. Maybe I could give him the benefit of the doubt, but the dude has always felt especially weird to me, and this seemed scammy. Also, when I asked if he had the most popular and best sleeves for cards that EVERYONE uses, he snickered and mentioned how they got rid of those years ago...... I don't know a single other shop that doesn't carry them. It's actually crazy. I won't be going here again. There need to be some serious improvements made. Here's some advice: you're in one of the wealthiest places in California, and therefore, the world. Maybe try to capitalize on that.

This place does it right ! All the books are in bags in boards current included they protect their…read moreinvestment and yours. Really helpful and friendly staff. Cannot go wrong in here. I highly recommend

My favorite Magic shop in Santa Cruz! (Well, they are in Soquel Village) Not too witchy, but…read moredefinitely witchy enough. Not too pagan, but definitely pagan. They have an amazing selection of goods from cultures around the world! Boomerangs! African sculptures, Asian goddesses, lots of Celtic stuff, drums, flags. It's a perfect place for a gift shop, books, local clothing vendors and unique items. It also is a spiritual shop, so they carry lots of tarot and oracle decks, have astrology and psychic readings, and do fairs the 2nd Sunday of the month. A good place for herbs, crystals, jewelry & candles. A super fun stop whether you're just visiting or local to Santa Cruz. Not to be missed!

We had Gwen and Avalon Visions do readings for our wedding and we couldn't be happier with their…read moreamazing skills!! They had a station set up for tarot and everyone was able to get a reading, they even stayed later then agreed upon which was so kind! Everyone made kind comments about their readings and time with Gwen. It was a huge hit! We are so grateful!

The owner is rude, ungrateful, and not helpful. I've coming to this shop for years. Tried to use…read morethe bathroom and he had a meltdown. Threw me out of the store and banned me from ever coming back. It's true - the bathroom was closed to customers but I think he overreacted a bit. Like I said - coming here since long before he took over. Previous owners allowed customers to use bathroom. So I just walked in and he went ballistic. Banned for life. Didn't even get to pee. He's the kind of bookshop owner that drives people to buy online. Lousy.

Absolutely amazing experience!! My husband and I came to Sacred 8 for unique Pokemon tattoos. We…read morewere blown away by our experience with every employee at this place! Everyone was extremely kind, very attentive, and made our whole day so memorable! Armando is a great artist and we can't wait to go back again!!

Highly recommend this place of business! The people who work there are incredible. Good energy and…read moretotally down to earth. They answer all my questions and thoroughly make sure I understand the process. Sundays they've got Pokémon day and boy, let me tell you, it is AWESOME! It's family friendly too! My 8 year old kiddo joins and they have tables set up and it's just an enjoyable experience for the whole family that day. My child is determined to get her ears pierced and I believe I'll be choosing this establishment for her. It's clean, spacious, and extremely professional. Ps check out all the really neat comics and collections while you're in there! I purchased a Studio Ghibli book of art and I love it!

Stopped here on our way back home from visiting the Bay Area, must say that we will be stopping…read morehere from now on when we visits. Our baby had so much fun! Everyone was very happy and nice. We enjoyed seeing all the jellyfish and fishes. Our son loved the "water fall" they have inside/outside. Was worth the trip.

Large selection of souvenirs and t shirts for sale here. They have a wide variety of metal made…read moretrinkets and purses. They also have a lot of stuffed animals for sale. Fun for adults and kids.