The Best Independent Bookstores in San Diego

From military history to gripping mysteries, San Diego’s independently owned and operated bookstores offer a wide selection of new, used and rare books and magazines. Some serve coffee and snacks if you’d like to curl up and stay awhile, and at least one of them also has the added bonus of a few furry employees who wouldn’t mind a few pets. Here are seven of San Diego’s top bookstores.

Loved by over 40s

View All Trips

Bluestocking Books

Bookstore, Store

Bluestocking Books (not to be confused with Manhattan bookstore Bluestockings) in Hillcrest sells a mixture of affordably priced, used books as well as a few new titles. It’s small, but well organized and tidy, with an amicable, responsive staff. It’s just what you want in a neighborhood bookstore. You can search their titles online, and you can trade in your own used books for store credit.

Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffeehouse

Coffee Shop, American

Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffeehouse is a cozy and colorful space that feels like and resembles your eccentric aunt’s house, except that your aunt also makes delicious coffee and espresso drinks and keeps a case full of baked goods on hand. The bookstore not only stocks new books but gifts and greeting cards too.

Verbatim Books

Bookstore

Verbatim Books sells used and rare books, as well as zines and works from local authors. Visitors may also sell gently used books for cash or store credit. Verbatim Poetry Society, their monthly poetry open mic, meets every second Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Adams Avenue Book Store

Bookstore, Shop, Store

Adams Avenue Book Store puts an emphasis on academic texts, with subjects including history, theology, philosophy and significant works of literature. Guests may want to pay particular attention to two of the store’s employee: Bartleby and Felixia, the shop cats. They may desire an ear scratch or two while you browse.

Warwick's

Bookstore, Store

Warwick’s has a long history. Its founder, William T. Warwick, was selling books back in Iowa in the late 1800s, but he later moved from the Midwest to La Jolla, where his sister lived. In 1939, Warwick purchased Redding’s Book Store in La Jolla from Genevieve Redding, a widow who had founded the shop with her husband in 1902. The two would eventually marry, and the store has remained in the Warwick family ever since. It sells books, stationery, and gifts, and is well known for its many big-name author signings.

Bay Books

Founded in 1990, Bay Books sits near the North Island Naval Air Station, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the Naval Amphibious Base. As such, their already ample stock of books contains a large section on military history. They also offer gifts and a wide selection of magazines.
Bay Books, 1029 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, USA, +1 619 435 0070

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore

Bookstore, Shop

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore is an offbeat shop that has been around for 20 years, summing up its eclectic collection with the alliteration, “Martians, Murder, Magic and Mayhem (with occasional Masks, Matchmaking, and Munchkins).” They specialize in genre fiction, which means it’s a perfect place to find that gripping mystery, sci-fi, fantasy or horror novel. They also feature work authored by locals.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.