The vinyl Isle

A tiny, charming bookstore that's been going strong since 1973…read more I stop in every time I'm in Morro Bay and always leave with a book. On my most recent visit, I found a used copy of The Wilderness World of John Muir - a perfect treasure for me. It was old, worn, and wonderfully musty, that intoxicating old book smell I love. It was also only $2.95! The shop is small, but the selection is thoughtful, offering both new and used books along with cards, journals, art, and small gifts. When you visit, make sure to slip through the back door and wander into the cozy garden. It's peaceful, beautiful, and feels like a little sanctuary. During the same visit, I tried paying with my debit card because I never carry cash and the woman working asked if I could pay in cash instead. I only had two dollars and she smiled and said that would be fine. I was genuinely touched. The next day I returned with the balance and brought her two used books I had finished reading. She hugged me and that's the kind of place this is. If you have books you're no longer reading and they're in good shape, please consider donating them. Someone else will get to discover something wonderful, just like I did.

Small bookstore with a large selection of books, neatly organized. The most enchanting thing about…read morethis place is the Garden Chapel out the back door.

Outside views gorgeous

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Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop

4.7(23 reviews)

3.8 mi

Small bookstore with a good selection of books amongst other eclectic items. They have a small…read moreselection of poetry books by local writers. Sweetest staff.

Great books, great service! Couldn't ask for more! I always find I have great talks with the people…read morewho work there as well as the other customers I meet!

Books

Store sign

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Lovely window display

Phoenix Books

4.3(124 reviews)

11.8 mi

Cheap good Sure, the books are all over the place, but like…read morethis is a true bookstore got a lot of different variety. I found the language books near. I think the stairwell area or maybe it was near the door that had just a cloth over it in the room to the right I think it was just really cool to find some Egyptian books and geological section was just pretty big and when it's overfilled, it just has piles on the floor and it's its own thing which is just really cool I brought my friend with me and she felt like weird vibes from whoever was at the front desk, but I wasn't upfront there too long so I didn't feel or see that Some of the space gave like Fnaf feeling like the children's section with the LED light that's kind of faded. I think in like the slanted roof and just like the doorway with only a cloth over it and kind of a dark corner. Nothing really against that. Just kind of a creepy silly feeling. It definitely had like all of the young adult and just teen books that anyone could want I think it's a really great place

Incredible amount of used books, cozy ambiance, and great people! Could have spent multiple hours…read morein Phoenix Books.

Back in 2021 when masks were mandatory I still pulled mine down long enough for a photo and a deep inhale of the old book scent!

Vintage building

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Books

The Book Odyssey

4.8(30 reviews)

13.0 mi

This is a great used bookstore. The selection of books for sale are very well curated and…read morereasonably priced. They had many books that I was interested in getting which I can't always say is the case for many used bookstores I have visited.

We're... shocked? While I don't expect an overly exaggerated greeting, I do expect to at least get…read morea 'hello', especially in return. We came in the night before but didn't have enough time to really look through all of the books. Today, we came back to buy a few books each and as we walked in, I said "hello!" And no one responded. I follow up with "ok great" aloud in which the worker then responded "hello?? Can i help you?" In a sarcastic and rude manner. I then am completely taken aback by the tone and say "nope, we're just browsing." And the worker responds, "ok well i was just trying to greet you so..." At the desk she was at, was a man visiting that clearly was a friend or boyfriend and they then proceeded to laugh and roll their eyes. She was clearly upset that we walked in on her conversation while she was at work. I really hope this was a one-off situation as we are really surprised at the attitude of this employee and were hoping to find a new local bookstore. I hate posting reviews like this especially when they seem like "drama" but attitude is everything. If you're not going to greet people when they walk in-- fine. But if someone says hello upon walking in, you should at least say hi back, even if you're with another customer. Might have to go somewhere else from now on! Bummer.

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Barnes & Noble

3.9(104 reviews)

11.9 mi

Y'all there were records in CDs on the top floor like right in your face after the elevator and it…read morewas so cool I mean, of course everything is expensive. I was hoping to do getting like some worksheet thing or something so I can help learn a language which they do have a language section and it was just like kind of expensive. I don't really go to these franchise stores that often. Also, their bathroom is on the second floor. They took me later. Only two stalls were in the women's, so hopefully it never gets busy. It's nicely air condition. There's also like two benches right outside the front door. Some nice knickknacks café and a nice little children's section Definitely a wide variety of selection and a nice little clearance area

I absolutely love going to Barnes and Noble to peruse new titles, look at the beautiful journals,…read morecheck out the games, and more. You can find local interest items as well. There is a great variety in prices, so if you are looking for a gift or something for a set price, this is an easy source to utilize. The only downside is the customer service at Barnes and Noble. It may be that I always visit when they are busy, but the staff never go out of their way to help, don't seek to care if you find what you are looking for, I have stood at the "customer service" desk several times and had the person at the desk completely ignore me. They didn't even offer an, "I'll be right with you." One even walked away to do something while I was standing there. Wow. All in all, I will still visit for my book needs, but I never expect good servic

Upstairs and down

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Seaglass Hunters dream (guide for literally ANYTHING you find)

Whiz Kids Toys

4.9(41 reviews)

12.8 mi

Amazing selection! They have magnetic trains and Jelly Cats. They gift wrap too! The staff is so…read moresweet and helpful.

the CUTESTTT store suuuper sweet workers, amazing jellycat…read moreselection, absolutely loved

Free Holiday Giftwrap available with every purchase!

Santa Approved! The Toy Experts at Whiz Kids are here to make your holiday shopping easy and fun!

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LEGO Minifigures are here!

Padre Pio's Book Shelf

5.0(9 reviews)

19.2 mi

Wonderful Catholic bookstore with a wide selection of books, merchandise and other seasonal items…read morein one location. Prices were reasonable on the items purchased and they have a catalog in case that you want to order any special items that they do not currently have in the store. The owner is available to answer any questions overall it was an enjoyable visit and I look forward to returning again!

This is a cute and needed little catholic gift/book shop. The people who run it are very helpful…read moreand informative. Every time we come up to Cambria my wife likes to stop here to buy something special for her mom. Glad it exists.

Padre Pio's Book Shelf - Wonderful Catholic book store with the sweetest couple as owners. God bless them! It's the best $400 I spent shopping in this vacation.

Wonderful Catholic book store with the sweetest couple as owners. God bless them! It's the best $400 I spent shopping in this vacation.

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Nan’s Books & Crystals

4.7(53 reviews)

21.3 mi

Beautiful bookstore with cats, books, and a cozy atmosphere!!…read more They have so many books that are expertly and carefully organized into easily browsable sections. I saw so many great, used books in the classic literature section I wanted, but I currently have way too many books I need to read and so little time, I didn't purchase any during this visit. But I am definitely coming back in the future to stock up on good reads! The kitties that roam the bookstore are also so freaking adorable. There are three: and orange tabby, a fluffy calico-looking kitty, and a grey and white kitty. The grey and white one greeted us instantly when we walked in, and s/he definitely made us feel welcome and at home. The other kitties were so adorable and friendly too! They weren't as affectionate as the grey and white one, but they let us pet them and looked so content in the bookstore. Rest assured I'll be buying my future books from Nan's, and I encourage anyone who finds themselves in Grover beach or the 5 cities to stop by and pay this magical bookstore a visit.

I love this bookstore. I am a teacher and And buying books for the classroom library can get very…read morecostly. Coming here and buying books that have been previously loved by others is great. The prices are amazing and the staff is very kind. I love that it's run by family and friends. There's also a fuzzy little cat that likes to roam around the bookstore. Have a seat open a book and cuddle up with a cute little kitty. Not only can I buy previously loved books but you can bring your books to the store to trade in for store credit. They have a variety of books from children's, young adult, mystery's, love stories, sports books and more. Definitely a place to check out if you're looking for a goo

Always come out with a hall of books for my classroom library

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One of the cutie bookstore cats!

Gavin’s Books

4.8(34 reviews)

38.5 mi•Midco

This is a small little bookstore with so many great finds! I found a book from one of my favorite…read moreauthors L.M. Montgomery - one that I don't have. I was so excited and then became overjoyed when I found out the price was cheap! The staff were so friendly and I would recommend coming here to buy books.

Tiny but mighty fine book shop. They have something for everyone! Only problem is it's hard to make…read morea selection on what to buy. Great little shop

#alldadeals

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Lots of books!

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Daniel W.

3

34

33

4 years ago

Great selection... great vibe.... Decent prices.... We stop by here every time we are in town.

The vinyl Isle - media - Updated October 2026

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We're... shocked? While I don't expect an overly exaggerated greeting, I do expect to at least get…read morea 'hello', especially in return. We came in the night before but didn't have enough time to really look through all of the books. Today, we came back to buy a few books each and as we walked in, I said "hello!" And no one responded. I follow up with "ok great" aloud in which the worker then responded "hello?? Can i help you?" In a sarcastic and rude manner. I then am completely taken aback by the tone and say "nope, we're just browsing." And the worker responds, "ok well i was just trying to greet you so..." At the desk she was at, was a man visiting that clearly was a friend or boyfriend and they then proceeded to laugh and roll their eyes. She was clearly upset that we walked in on her conversation while she was at work. I really hope this was a one-off situation as we are really surprised at the attitude of this employee and were hoping to find a new local bookstore. I hate posting reviews like this especially when they seem like "drama" but attitude is everything. If you're not going to greet people when they walk in-- fine. But if someone says hello upon walking in, you should at least say hi back, even if you're with another customer. Might have to go somewhere else from now on! Bummer.

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