Best Bookstores in Los Angeles
by Emily Quintanilla ‘24
As an English major, the only thing I love more than reading books is buying them. Is there anything better than spending a quiet morning browsing around a bookstore, with an iced latte in hand, looking for your next read? There isn’t.
I’ve scoured far and wide—driving everywhere from Downtown to Hollywood to the beach—looking for the best bookstores in Los Angeles so you don’t have to. Below are just a few of my recommendations organized based on the experience you’re after. Visit each store one at a time or plan out your own bookstore crawl! Whether you’re a bookworm or not, each store is worth visiting to get a glimpse at a new area of LA.
Best Place to Study: Stories
Stories Books & Cafe is the ideal store to visit for a morning study session. I haven’t had too much luck finding bookstore-cafe combos (one bookseller told me that’s because running cafes is complicated), but Stories will always do the trick. The store itself is cozy and intimate and holds a mixed collection of new and used books. In the back, they offer several tables for customers to sit, have a cup of coffee, and lock in on their work.
Stories is located in Echo Park near lots of street parking as well as public parking lots.
Best for Pairing Books and Bakeries: Chevalier’s Books
I recently went to Chevalier’s Books to visit the oldest independent bookstore in LA. The store is charming and has a little bit of everything for everyone—from hardcore literary nerds to casual readers. Browsing the shelves, I was excited to discover titles and genres I had never heard of before. However, what struck me about Chevalier’s Books was the sheer amount of bakeries that surrounded it; I think I passed about five bakeries on the walk from my car to the store. As a girl with a sweet tooth, I was in heaven passing by window after window of pastries. I highly recommend picking up a Levain Bakery chocolate chip walnut cookie to help you power through your browsing.
Chevalier’s Books is located in Larchmont Village and has plenty of street parking alongside public parking structures.
Best Events: Skylight Books
You may know Skylight Books as “that one bookstore with the tree in the middle of it.” On top of their amazing curated collection of books, Skylight, in my opinion, has the best author events. For example, in March, Ottessa Moshfegh, author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation, is set to speak at the store. And, USC professors, like Professor Aimee Bender, have also been guests!
Skylight Books is located in Los Feliz and is surrounded by street parking.
Best Place to Get Lunch and a Book: Village Well
Village Well Books & Coffee is another bookstore-cafe combo that has a more modern feel to it — there’s lots of natural sun and sleek decorations. Village Well is another option to set up and get some work done as they have a large community space with tables and chairs. However, every time I’ve gone, the work space is always full. I recommend grabbing your books and taking them elsewhere; visiting Village Well is a great excuse to walk around Culver City. About a quarter mile away from Village Well is the Culver City Steps (a great sitting area to read) and endless food options, including Monty’s Burgers, Philz Coffee, and an Erewhon.
Village Well is located in Culver City, which has several public parking structures. The area is easily accessible via the Metro E Line.
Best Feel-Good Vibes: The Ripped Bodice
I recently visited The Ripped Bodice and was disappointed I had not visited sooner. From the pink exterior to the fact that the store exclusively sells romance books, it was this girl’s dream. According to their website, the store is “proudly women and queer owned.” The energy was palpable; all identities and interests are welcomed and celebrated in this space. I left feeling empowered and with more books than I care to admit. If this is the vibe you are going for, there’s tons of ways to join The Ripped Bodice community; the store hosts monthly book clubs and even workshops and classes for writers.
The Ripped Bodice is also located in Culver City, a short walk from Village Well and the Culver City Steps.
Best to Get Lost In: The Last Bookstore
It’s not an LA bookstore list until The Last Bookstore is mentioned. As the largest new and used bookstore in California, you could spend several hours getting lost in the shelves (trust me, I’ve been there). For non-bookworms, The Last Bookstore also sells new and used DVDs, CDs and vinyl, and has small shops (located on the second floor) where you can buy from local artists. Did I also mention that there is a book tunnel?!
The Last Bookstore is located Downtown and is surrounded by public parking lots that typically start at $4-$5 to park, but can get up to $12-$20. Since the location is fairly close to USC, I recommend taking a Lyft or the Metro with friends to avoid Downtown parking.
Best Place to Enjoy the View: Pages
Pages: A Bookstore could easily win “Friendliest Staff”; last time I visited, they happily talked to me for 20 minutes about their favorite bookstores. Based on the volume of staff recommended books scattered throughout the store, they are truly passionate about books here! Beyond that, just a few steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier, Pages is perfect to grab a book and watch the sunset. One thing I love about LA is that a book crawl can begin in urban Downtown and take you all the way to the ocean.
Pages is located in Manhattan Beach, which has lots of metered parking (bring quarters!).
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