The Best Bookstores in Monterey, California

At Bookworks you won’t have to worry about hunting down a good latte after buying your book–there’s a coffee shop right inside the bookstore! This spot is perfect for the cafe rats out there who can’t get enough of the “coffee and a good book” combo. There’s a sea of shelves in the bookstore just behind the cafe counter that’s perfect for browsing, skimming, and buying.

Fine books, indeed. This Monterey bookstore is great for those really enthusiastic about old, used, and historic books. Carpe Diem Fine Books have a specialized selection of books on California history and art. This bookstore also prides itself on having “a discriminating selection of out-of-print, signed and unusual books in all fields.” You don’t want to miss out on this place.

Just outside the heart of Monterey, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, is Pilgrim’s Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden. It doesn’t get much better than finding a great read and then wandering around a lovely garden. Just outside of Pilgrim’s is a beautiful and peaceful secret garden, open for customers to explore. There’s plenty of books to choose from on the shelves, although there is quite a heavier selection of the peaceful and tranquil titles.