La Playa Books

Long story short: I had a glowing, positive, fun experience at La Playa! I'm about a 30 min drive away from La Playa and will happily drive to Point Loma again to visit. I came to La Playa yesterday as part of the SD Book Crawl 2025. I was extremely excited about the book crawl, and even more excited to find a convenient spot to park. But when I got out of the car, the line was LONG. So long. And it wasn't the line to pay for books, it was the line to browse for books! The woman in front of me shared that the store square footage was reduced a bit ago to 1/3 or 1/4 of what it used to be. Though the line was long, people were in good spirits and this man, who I later learned was an employees husband, was a champ! I admire his enthusiasm and personality. He was at the stop sign where the line made an L and would shout out literature trivia questions. I'm not a big reader (I'm a very slow reader), so I felt pretty accomplished and happy to get a few questions right. What could've been a long line became a line with friendly people and our very own literature trivia emcee! Additionally, there was a table with coffee, water, chips, protein bars with signs to stay hydrated. I only visited 5 of 14 indie stores on the crawl, but I didn't see any of the other 4 do anything like that. It just goes to show the care and extra mile they go for their customers. When my cousin and I got into the store, I realized how genius the line creation was. Two staff members managed the line and would allow people to go in when others came out. The staff ensured that there was a comfortable amount of people in the store. I went to a few stores where I knocked a few books down and bumped into other crawlers. It's really satisfying to browse the books in a comfortable setting. It makes the experience of the shop even better! I appreciate them having a capacity limit to who can be in the store. The staff were so friendly. Their logo is adorable (I'm very tempted to get a mug and shirt the next time I go back). I saw a book I wanted with beautiful sprayed edges, but figured I'd pick it up at the next store we went to. Turns out this was a first print run that sold out at he other store! 😵‍💫 So today, the day after, I called La Playa and many other stores on the crawl and La Playa happily held the book for me, and were willing to even hold it until Monday night (even amidst the crawl)! I ran over, a little unpleased that I wasn't able to check another store off the crawl list, but any feelings I had about not getting to go to another store were completely gone. The staff and manager have amazing customer service and go the mile for their customers. I was thoroughly impressed and my day was made by them. And day 2 crawl, they still had a table of coffee, water, and snacks. Again, I'll be returning for sure. I'm not sure when, but it's in my mind as the bookstore is like to go to for my book needs 💙☺️

What an adorable neighborhood bookstore! This was stop #7 on our San Diego Bookstore Crawl. It's tiny inside, but they do a wonderful job at organizing genres as well as they also carry the latest bestsellers, stickers, and other bibliophile gifts. There was a cozy little spot for kids, too! It was a busy day, and the lines were super long, but the staff here were so proactive with getting people in and out... they went as far as providing refreshments on the curb while you waited. I LOVE that they continuously thanked everyone for their patience. I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area. Respectfully Reviewed.

5 Stars because book stores are my life and I love them for existing! Unfortunately, I got there at 4:58pm and they were closing up for a book club, so I didn’t get to go inside before I flew back to Texas. Hopefully I will get back to San Diego one day and make it in time to enjoy another book lovers haven in this great city. Support Local Book Stores!

Prior to renovation, this was an awesome bookstore. It had a wide variety of books on local history and a good amount of rare/ old books, some greatly underpriced, with a charming vintage interior. Unfortunately after the renovation it’s come to resemble a smaller version of Barnes and Nobles with a modern AirBnB-asylum interior and apparently less inventory. It’s not only disappointing but also confusing as a business strategy — if people want to buy corporate children’s books or a modern retelling of Greek myths, they will most likely just go to Barnes and Nobles. I hope that they can pivot back towards the way it used to be. If those old books are hiding in the back somewhere, please bring them out.

I just visited La Playa Books for the first time and I am so glad I did. What a lovely shop. I had nothing in particular in mind. I just want less screen time and more nourishing pursuits -- and I want to support local businesses. Stepping in from the busy street, the gentle quiet of the store felt instantly calming. The natural light from the tall front windows made the shop airy, bright and colorful. The shelves were all organized with easy-to-read section signs and little cards with staff suggestions here and there. There was a comfy couch with colorful throw pillows, and a small table with inviting chairs. Soft music was playing -- so calming! I found a good book for myself, and books for each of my grandkids. At the register, I had the most delightful and helpful conversation with Mary Ann (I hope I am remembering her name correctly.) What a great experience from start to finish. It's my new favorite store!

My girlfriend has been coming here to trade books for credit for about a year now. It’s a nice independent bookstore with a really diverse collection. There’s a very distinct ‘old book’ smell which isn’t exactly pleasant as soon as you walk through the doors. There’s also an ok discount book cart outside.

On vacation in San Diego last week when I had finished the book that I had brought. My husband brought me here to pick out another book. I'm in love with this cute little bookstore. The ladies who work here were super nice and helpful. I found a few books on my wish list, but I only picked one. A perfect souvenir and reminder of what a lovely time I had in beautiful San Diego. This bookstore will definitely be on my list of places to go the next time I visit!

We always try to visit local businesses when we travel and I found this bookstore that was a must-stop. Cute store on the main thoroughfare on Rosecrans. Wide selection considering it is fairly small. Told they carry 80% used and 20% new. Very helpful friendly staff.

Cute little bookstore! They offer used and new books. They also have a back area with rare books and first additions. They also sell the cutest accessories. Cute little kids reading area. With a small selection of children's books. The staff is really kind and friendly. Small business I would support!

Cute little hole in the wall place with a cute vibe. The seem to care greatly not only about the titles they choose but also the authors. Such a great variety to choose from with labels being accurate to the books within the area. Ranging from brand new to lightly used, the books are in great care and the place well taken care of. Employee was very sweet and knowledgable as well. Pricing was fair based on book size,content, and niceness. Definitely a great place to stop and will define you very back to grab some books for the road!

Excellent service and helpful every time we come to shop. Good selection in the store with the ability to order books and pick up later. Very reasonably priced with a nice rewards / benefits system once you spend a certain amount.

I make it a point to visit bookstores wherever I go. I found this charming store while walking around. At the time didn't take any photos inside due to them doing a remodeling. Prices are good. They were running a remodel sale. The store is small but the service and selection are great. Overheard one of the employees assisting a customer and could her the joy in recommending them Lion Witch and Wardrobe. If you needed any special order books the staff is more than willing to accommodate you. Highly recommend supporting this local bookstore.

I was visiting from Los Angeles and went to La Playa bookstore. Unfortunately, the vast majority of their books were in a room behind a curtain. The clerk stated that an appointment was needed to see them. Nowhere on their website did I see such a requirement. A couple of years ago, La Playa had a booth at an antiquarian book fair in Pasadena. I bought two hardcover novels by B Traven. I may never be in San Diego again. Very disappointing.

Such a charming book store with big city feels! Immediately when walking in you're swept away by the isles of books and towering heights. There's something magical about an independent bookstore. Feels like a library, with special collections of never before heard of authors. When visiting a gem like this, you can't not walk away empty handed. Lucky for me I settled with two great purchases but full disclosure I could easily have purchased five maybe even more, books of all sorts. The staff were so friendly and provided recommendations for future book purchases. Long live La Playa Books - here's to keeping this quaint bookstore alive and thriving!

This used to be a charming, old fashioned bookstore with a great feel for being "in the stacks". The amount and variety of stock available made the store one of the best in the city. It was a great representation of many of San Diego's classic downtown bookstores (think Wahrenbrock's) that started to close down in the 90's. Unfortunately, a recent remodel ruined this feeling and in my opinion, the work did the place no favors. The remodel cut the place roughly in half and now most of the stock is hidden behind a curtain and is inaccessible to customers. The remaining half is tiny and completely open, leaving the place far too crowded with even with a handful of customers. Only a small portion of stock remains available in the open area so invariably you won't be able to find what you are looking for. I had seen online that they were selling a copy of novel I wanted through Amazon and decided to skip the wait and the shipping cost and just go down to the store to make the purchase. Alas, the book was behind the curtain, but the clerk stated the manager needed to be present to help me out. The manager was not there that day. It is beyond frustrating knowing that they have far more stock but being blocked from accessing any of it. I guess I'll just have to leave my frustration here and take my business elsewhere. This used to be such a great place, but the experience of perusing a classic used bookstore has been completely ruined.

La Playa is the cutest booksie store with the sweetest staff in all of San Diego. Located in a cute neighborhood with plenty of street parking, this bookstore is comprised of used and new books with a myriad of literary genres. The staff is so welcoming and also an excellent resource if you don't know what your next read should be. The flattened carpeted floor, aged fluorescent lights, and the scent of old books creates a nostalgic feeling of being back inside my old elementary school library, sitting cross legged around the librarian reading aloud for all the students. Thank you, La Playa Books!

San Diego, we can do this. We can show others that we -- like other cities known to be cultural epicenters -- offer fantastic, well-curated, joy-sparking used bookstores. La Playa hits all the notes. Just walking into the store will give you immense joy. It makes you feel like you found this secret old library and the place is all yours and yours only. The people at La Playa are super pleasant and friendly. Ok now to the meaty stuff: Unlike me (who munches on words, loves taking my time being a slow reader, and has a million billion Pulitzer/Nobel/Booker prized, NPR/NY Times bestseller books I want to read but will never get to in my lifetime), my husband is a 100 books/year voracious reader kinda guy, 87% of those are thrillers. It's hard for my husband to find bookstores with a thriller section comprised of books he has not read. La Playa not only pampers super basic bitch readers like myself, but also impresses weirdos like my husband. At La Playa, you'll find books whose authors you've never heard of, but will be richly rewarded for taking that leap of faith, since La Playa's got you and will make sure your reading experience is epic. When I moved to SD, I was sorely disappointed in the lack of independent bookstores the city has to offer. Years ago I boycotted myself from purchasing books on Amazon, and it has been so soul crushing and disheartening that you rarely just tumble upon a cool bookstore walking around the city. I cannot express enough how thankful I am for La Playa providing this comfort and serendipitous affair xoxo.

I forgot how special it feels to walk into a bookstore. Specifically, a small, independent, local bookstore.. the kind where the fabulous smell of old (and new) books instantly hits your senses and conjures up that sweet "homesick" feeling.. Well La Playa Books is THAT kind of place. My friend and I went last evening for a documentary viewing and discussion about the future of these gems. It made me deliriously happy just to spend time inside amongst the towering (and well organized) shelves of wisdom and adventure. La Playa is selling way more than simply books - they also barter knowledge, ideas, conversation, and community. I walked out of there with this lovely 1st edition hardback of my beloved P.G. Wodehouse! Grabbing books from the Library isn't nearly as satisfying, and most certainly, neither is buying from Amazon.. Next, I look forward to their book club meeting at the Wine Bar! Yay!

Not accessible therefore it discriminates against the disabled. They say they have a ramp available to put out but how is a person in a wheelchair going to know that?

One of my favorite bookstores in San Diego. A cozy location stacked with new, used and rare books.

A great neighborhood bookstore ! The booksellers here are very knowledgeable and give great recommendations on books. I came in here looking for books for my family to read over the summer. I found some great deals on used books. I was very pleased with the selection and the service here! The following week my parents were visiting and I told them to check out La Play Bookstore. They came home with a huge bag of books too! Will definitely be coming back to check out the new and used selection!

This is my idea of a perfect book store. It's an incredible selection of floor to ceiling books and excellent service. Our go-to from now on.

Used bookstores are the best. You can pretty much guarantee the people working there are great, and the people shopping there are great. Why there isn't a dating app bringing the book lovers of the world together is beyond me. Wendell Berry book count: 3. AND they had one that I didn't have yet.

I love La Playa Books! I live in Santa Clarita, Ca., and always visit this bookstore when I am in Point Loma, San Diego. The ancient history section always provides me with several books, as ancient history is my addiction. This bookstore is so beautiful and inviting, and the children's section is fantastic. Thank you, La Playa Books, for providing so many great books to my ancient history library.

Went in there looking for a special book found it it was a children's book called when we were very young I had bought two of them about 15 years ago from the same place the one I bought recently was in great condition and reasonably price The personnel were very helpful sometimes holding a book is like holding an old friends hand They can give you a warm and happy feeling. Thank you

Cute little shop with a great selection of new and used books. Although I must admit, I was only really in the Children's section. :) I was there with my 4 yo son sooo... but I was able to grab a couple great novels on the way in from the quintessential book cart out front. I'm excited to have found this gem.

So many book options- new and used! I thought the prices were very reasonable. I love being able to support a local bookstore and the staff was nice :)

Cool bookstore in a cool location. Has a variety of books even in a smaller space. Love the vibes and the books they have. 5 stars!!

My bookclub met at La Playa Books and they could not have been more accommodating! Great selection and service! Very sweet place. Love the independent book seller - new and used books for all ages and interests! Bravo La Playa!

Stumbled upon the wrong bookstore thanks to yelp, an thanks to google, and so glad I did. A great selection I have found in only 1 other store in the county. Amy is so nice :) i don't even live in California and will make special trips for this store I guarantee it. Rare history books are hard to find for a book nerd like me, and I found plenty (had to put back a lot). La playa is easily a top 3 book destination for me. Love love love it :) they should have more stars, cause I would give this store 10

What a gem. A short story, I have been asking about a used version of a book for some time. Mimi has been on the hunt in the store, but no dice. I received a call that a new version was available. Since I love the area and the store, I stopped by fully intending to purchase the new one. While she was shelving she found the used one!!! I come in and, like magic, I walk away with a great book, at a great price and a warm fuzzy feeling about the people in the store. Thanks so very much.

While browsing the books, I lost my bracelet and called La Playa Books to ask if they would look for it. Within 15 seconds I received a phone call to say they found my bracelet. Integrity prevails at La Playa Books. Thanks

I spent a lovely afternoon at La Playa Bookstore last Sunday and met some interesting people. Plus they have more 17th Century history books than my local library. Decent prices, and good quality books. I will return!!!

A great field trip for my book club...yesterday, La Playa Books hosted our book club (from Coronado). It was such a treat! Mimi provided a well prepared preview of favorite books including books about to be released. We all came away with a new list of "must reads" along with some wonderful books we purchased. Their resident "rare book" expert (sorry I don't remember his name) talked about the qualities of rare books and tips/resources for identifying a rare book. His experiences at independent book stores (including Powell in Portland) were very interesting. It was a delightful field trip followed by a tasty lunch at Pt. Loma's historic cafe, The Living Room. I will be back...there just wasn't enough time to browse the shelves. Amy and Mimi were so gracious to spend their morning with us sharing their knowledge and passion for reading. Definitely the experts when you are looking for a book!