Downtown Book & Sound

Stopped by on a roadtrip home and got a book for my boyfriend here, I’ll reply with his review when he finishes the book. The owners were helpful, friendly, and happy to answer my questions. They handed out some flower bombs to plant some native plants back home as well! Very cute place, didn’t expect to see Jesus Christ Superstar on vinyl lol

I’m a son of Salinas, born and raised 18 years! Have moved away, but I love coming to this store every time I visit, and I just heard the most amazing story from a Czech friend who also visited. He was passing thru and wanted to see Steinbeck center as a big fan, but it was closed. So, he wandered to the book store and the staff were kind enough to give him a tour of the downtown including passing by the Steinbeck house! My friend was so excited to hear that I was from Salinas because of this store. What a small business with a heart. ♥️

What a lovely book store! Organized so well. I was so happy to stumble across this gem in newly revived Old Town Salinas. I will definitely be back. So fun to browse, and it was nice to get a tour of the lay of the land. Loved it! Very helpful staff...and the atmosphere was just lovely. I miss book stores like this one!

The gentleman running this store is very friendly and plays the guitar beautifully. A nice place to relax and look for older books.

Wherever in the world I find myself if I see a bookstore I will stop and check it out. When I stumbled upon Downtown Book & Sound a few years ago I quickly fell in love. It's a winner based on it being a great space, friendly but respectful staff and a wonderful selection of new and used books. That is why my family and I keep coming back. Check them out.

Came for the CDs. It was well organized and the owner was friendly. Not as many CDs as books but a good variety to check out.

Beautiful store. I wasn’t greeted or offered help when I walked in, which immediately threw me off because the worker was casually conversing with a customer about everything but books, so it’s not like she was busy helping him. Whatever, I could get over that if it was the only issue. I Looked around, prices were kind of high. I collect old books and know where to find them for free so the hiked up prices were off putting. I purchased a fiction book, and a pack of flashcards (both used). Flashcards weren’t in great shape and that is ok with me because the older the better (I use them for junk journaling) but they sold them to me for the same price you get them new. The book I bought was 5.99 from them, and 4.99 new. Not huge difference, I guess you’re paying extra for the whole “bookstore experience “ but customer service was lacking. It’s really a beautiful place it just wasn’t the best experience for me.

This bookstore is fabulous! Live music, local history, Marilyn Monroe, John Steinbeck, and soooo many great books, new and gently read! You should definitely go there!!!

This bookstore is located a block up from Fox Theater, where they are having the candlelight concert. This is more than a bookstore, it has so many fun gift ideas for children and adults alike. The service was very good and friendly, and their book selection is up-to-date.I enjoy seeing vinyl records and audiobooks that were reminiscent of how books and music bring people together.

This occurred on January 25, 2026 at around 3 pm. It genuinely saddens me to say this--and I've never done this before--but today I had to walk out of a bookstore after what I witnessed. I want to be clear that this is not about the entire staff. There is usually an older gentleman who works there who is consistently kind, welcoming, and genuinely respectful. This experience, however, was about one employee an older white woman. T fact that a space claiming to be anti-racist would allow this kind of behavior at all.For a store that loudly claims to stand for community uplift and justice, you should truly practice what you preach. While I was there, there was a conversation happening on the couches. We didnt care that we werent greeted that it until a different demographic walked in a bit after us. One of thise store staff (older white woman) attended to them right away and warmly engaged with those customers ( a white man and his asain gf)--making conversation, laughing, even giving their dog a treat--yet completely ignored the brown people in the store. You can tell the guys were totally all for us versus that couple and we were not the only brown people in the store. She ignored. We decided to leave and even walked directly in front of her, clearly visible, hoping she would say something as simple as "hello" or "Are you finding everything okay?"--and she said nothing. No acknowledgment. No basic courtesy. What made it even more sad was overhearing conversations about European immigrants and their struggles, all while brown customers were being dismissed in real time. She kept talking to these super star customers about restaurants and casual topics, yet not even offering basic acknowledgment to brown customers. That's not accidental--that's bias and micro agression. I've given this store many chances, but that blatant prejudice was the final straw. Shame on her. All customer should be acknowledged the same. your space it is meant to be inclusionary, but you just make it seem exclusionary to those that do not look like you..

I love books so I obviously love bookstores. This is a nice sized bookstore with lots of books. I was confused about how the books were organized. It can be hard to find a book, but the owner will help you if you need it. Prices seem comparable to other used bookstores. I did not buy anything because I am on a no-buy but I would recommend stopping in here if you're a bookworm like me.

It was a cloudy Saturday afternoon with scattered showers. After checking out the farmer's market and having brunch, we decided to stop by here. Lots of new books that were on display that piqued my interested as well as older hardcovers that made me take pause. It was a welcoming space with quotes on the walls from authors, notably Steinbeck. Several customers came in asking for titles which the store managers readily knew about. I was able to ask about Fort Ord, since it was relatively nearby and maps were on display. Being an out-of-towner, I asked Trish the store manager about James Dean and learned about the significance of his last drive. She also gave us some advice to read the first chapter of America and Americans to get a sense of how Monterey was back then. Very informative and lovely conversation.

Lovely bookstore! I've lived here all my life and just now found out about this place. The owner makes sure everyone feels welcome and even played some amazing tunes on his guitar--such a perfect atmosphere. It's unfortunate that there's low foot traffic downtown, because this place truly deserves more love and support. Will most definitely be coming back !

I love my local bookstore. Owned by a couple that really loves books, but isn't the most organized. This means that when I go looking for a book it takes a while we look around, and many times I find an extra gem. I have special ordered books to avoid ordering from Amazon and the experience was so easy. Great selection, great folks, your local bookstore

Wonderful treasure trove for new and vintage books - worth a stop next time you're In Salina's to browse!

This review is to commend you on your business hours. Although I did not visit your store tonight, I was elated to see your lights on and open for business at 8:45 pm on a Friday!! Most retail businesses on Old Town South Main St close at 5:00 pm. Maybe if others would stay open till 8 or 9 shoppers would be visiting your place and spending money. I know I would. Or at least go out to dinner then take a stroll to window shop. There is not much to do in Salinas. Yes. The bars are open but not everyone is looking to sit and drink.

LOVED the atmosphere of an independent bookstore with character. Such a nice break from the cookie cutter Barnes & Nobles and online experience. Had a great conversation with Dan and they had the book I was looking for, I will recommend and go back when I am downtown.

Worst book store I've ever been to. Owner is also very rude and has no idea what she is talking about!

This store should only have gotten 5-star reviews from all of my experiences with them. The owners are very helpful and friendly. They go out of their way - literally to be of assistance: once i needed a book but couldn't get there during their hours and they offered to come AFTER HOURS for me. I hesitated but took them up on it and when I got there the doors were open for my one single sale. It really helped me out. Today I went in for a special order and the book was waiting for me, they apologized it took so long. I hadn't noticed any delay personally.

This locally owned and operated book store has a huge selection of new and gently used books to choose from. There is also music; and artwork by local artist Trish Sullivan. Customer service is top notch. Dan will help you find what you are looking for and can order it if he doesn't have it. Stop in. You won't be disappointed. Closed Tuesdays, but open afternoons and evenings all other days.

If you haven't been here lately, you're really missing out! They have expanded and moved across the street so now you have two locations. The new location across the street specializes in books. They are not just used books but they also carry a selection of nice new books as well. The customer service is top notch. I hang out by the local author section near the front but you can spend hours browsing books here. Humor can be found in the books and decor. They have a pair of reading glasses on the wall in case you need to borrow them! Modern touches like gift cards and a rewards program. I'm glad they are here as one of the staple stores on the block.

Fantastic bookstore. A lot of really old books. Grate for browsing and you're almost certainly to find something you like. I especially love their collection of old National geographic magazines.

I'd never been to Salinas and downtown Salinas along Main Street is a hidden gem of shops with all kinds of things for sale and so much personality. It reminds me of a beloved street like this back in my hometown. The people who own and work the shop are so helpful and kind, really willing to go above and beyond to help you out but also chat with you. The shop itself is lovely and holds all kinds of books. You're absolutely going to want to take your time here. And I recommend the record store across the way, owned by another lovely person who has a sweet, elderly dog named Cocoa who loves to be pet.

The book categories signage was hard to follow and I couldn't find the Mystery section. There are also a lot of piles all over the counter that feel very cluttered and precarious. Then while I was trying to figure out the book categories, my daughter had to use the restroom and while they have 2 that said vacant, they wouldn't let us use them. I understood no bathrooms while COVID and masks were going on, but none of the Staff had masks, so they apparently didn't care about that.

NEW LOCATION: 213 S. Main St. Went w a friend to check this place out today...it's pretty big! It's a full bookstore with both older and newer books. There are books by local authors on the table to the right when you walk in. There wasn't a sign saying drinks aren't allowed, so we enjoyed our coffee while browsing. There are comfortable chairs to sit in in two of the isles. Staff was friendly and helpful with our purchases.I'll definitely be back.

Excellent book store with a store manager (owner?) who was extremely pleasant and helpful. Wish we lived closer so we could visit more often! ....and dog friendly!

Entering Downtown Book and Sound is like entering a winding Wonderland! Books, puzzles, games, and "Author Events" periodically. All this, and there's also the "Sound" section which I'll explore on my next trip. I wish I knew of this place earlier, as it's well worth the trip over from Monterey!

My daughter Sofie loves to read books and say this nice inviting store from across street. Customer service was very friendly and helpful. Lots of books to choose from. They can even order a book for you if they don't have it. What I liked about the place was the old Salinas pictures on the walls.

Incredibly nice people but half of the time I want to check their records they are not open. They should at least be honest and put on their business hours " these are estimates" A few weeks back I went to the movies and on the way home I walked by and thought, it's closer to noon they should be...nope, closed.

If you put you're open at 11. Consider actually opening at 11. I went down the street to ask another shop and they said it's open "usually late". If that's the case, how about just putting the hours back? It's a business, not a hobby. Have some punctuality.

Ok, I love bookstores. I love the magic of them, the imagination on every the aisles, and on every shelf. So I was delighted to see this bookstore in old town salinas. It was wonderful. Well organized. An eclectic blend between old and new and gifts. The owner loves books and was knowledgeable and able to answer questions snd send me off alone to explore. Will return when I go to Salinas.

Great hours. Friendly staff. Has a nice selection of books. I went for a travel guide. Hope to return for other similar needs.

My wife and I visited yesterday while kn an out of town visit for a day to get away. The employee was super nice, allowed us to bring our puppy in while we browse, was very friendly and showed us a few places to drive around to visit some Steinbeck places. Bought some books to enjoy. We'll be back when we come back to visit.

During quarantine, i found myself in need of a good book to entertain me and reduce stress. So happy I found downtown book & sound. Their website was super easy! I found the book I wanted in seconds and had the option of pickup, delivery or shipping. I did curbside pickup. I got a personalized text within minutes saying my book was ready when I was! The people were so nice - I couldn't be happier. Skip amazon - this is the real deal. Reading in the sun right now :)

5 stars for cleanleness and friendly staff. Why the 2 star rating? Way over priced on their vinyl records. After looking through about 50 record's I determined they were twice as high as what I would find in LA. What i would call "Bargain Bin" records start at 4.99 (damaged jackets, etc) Being from out of the area I won't be back.

Great bookstore. Don't buy online when you can come into a real bookshop where the books are easily and tastefully displayed for the browser and reader. Both new and used books plus probably the biggest selection of local authors on the central coast. Within walking distance of the National Steinbeck Center and various local eateries. Salinas has the best book shop around--please frequent.

Love it! Staff is super nice! Fun and fresh environment! Would totally recommend it! They have a great selection of books and comfy seats so you can maybe skim through some books. After you purchase your book the person at the front gives you a unique bookmark with a quote on it . The best to-go place!

I like shopping here a lot. I have found a great variety of things: sheet music, sci fi novels, comic books, Steinbeck classics, and more. Highly recommend.