11AM - 6PM
3556 University Ave, San Diego
Book Stores
“Such a fun find! Don’t plan to bring in your coffee but do plan to stay a while. My son tried all the chairs and loved the children’s corner. We picked up some books on dinosaurs and it was a real treat hunting for all the dinosaur figures throughout the store. Very cool vibes.”
“This was an adorable little spot I stumbled upon thanks to TikTok while I was visiting SD. They have a huge variety and I love how organized and categorized everything was. I bought a book I had been eyeing for a while and the cutest bookmark! The staff were not very friendly, though.”
“This is the best bookstore in town. Independently owned, their selections are masterfully curated, their employees are kind, knowledgeable, and extremely well-read, and the store is simply a joy to be in.
One of my favorite places to shop for gifts. Check out their website if you’re local; they host monthly community events, including a great book club.”
“beautifully crafted store with a welcoming and inclusive presence to all. the cats are the star of the show but there’s something for everyone at this bookstore!”
“So in love with this place—the booksellers know their inventory, give great recommendations, and just make me appreciate customer service once again!! They were so helpful in giving us recommendations for kids graphic novels and Japanese inspired books for youth. Hoping my son will want to come back time and time again as his love for books grows.”
“Nice bookstore with friendly staff. The store has two parts: one side with things like greeting cards and tchotchke type things and another side with books. They have a pretty decent selection of books and the staff will help search their inventory or order books for you if they don’t have it on the shelves.”
“Although I would say it was understaffed, it took me quite some time to find a person other than the one cashier to ask a question about a book. She was very polite searched for the book we were unable to find a book.”
“It’s really cozy and the staff is very friendly. They helped me go through all the vinyls multiple times just to find one particular record I was looking for. Customer service 10/10.”
“Haven't been to a book store in at least a year and I forgot how pleasant it can be here. First, I love the smell of books, which I had forgotten about and second, I love how everything is so well organized and fully stocked here.
This B&N location has comfortable seating throughout the store, which I hadn't seen at previous stores and that allowed the family to stick around a little bit longer and enjoy the reading and the quiet environment.
The kids ended up buying a couple of books about anime, but I already have enough reading materials at home that I need to get through before buying more books??. You should stop by if you're in the area. It's a great way to spend an hour of your time.”
“My favorite shop in O.B., used to go with my mom whenever we could and have brunch near the pier. This shop is so fun, you will always find something you must have. Employees are very helpful and knowledgeable.”
“For any reading enthusiast, this place is a little slice of heaven. With an extensive collection of books, music, collectibles, and memorabilia, it offers a treasure trove of discovery and inspiration. Every corner invites you to explore, spark your imagination, and lose yourself in the charm of storytelling and nostalgia. It's a must visit destination for anyone who appreciates the magic of literature and timeless keepsakes.”
“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!”
“One of my favorite bookstores when I lived in San Diego a few years back. Got to revisit this past week and was happy to find it still open for business and thriving. They’ve even reorganized things and I like the new setup. Great to see small business bookstores doing so well. Found some great books to add to my collection of course. And already look forward to my next visit!”
“Just went in here once so far but I was very impressed by the curation of the children's book area as a mom. I will definitely be back with open wallets and hoping I don't go too broke buying all the goodies. Beautiful shop!”
“The place is great. Dianna is friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful even to new practitioners. She was so patient with stupid questions I asked her. Her store is practical and charming, full of great handmade products, and has a great vibe.”
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
1455 W Morena Blvd, San Diego
Book Stores
10:30AM - 5:30PM
330 Park Blvd, San Diego
Book Stores
“This is a must go place among many other attractions in San Diego. In fact, it got to be in the top 10 list for being such a splendid and magnificent architecture in the heart of San Diego, offering a place for book lovers, knowledge seekers etc. There are multiple levels with a huge collection of books, computers, secluded areas to focus on one's work and beautiful views of the beautiful city. There is also an auditorium for various types of events adjacent to a small open area. Parking is nothing to worry about. Come, park and enjoy this luxury.”
“This is honestly the cutest bookstore ever. Although it is pricy, I do enjoy everything they have in there. Specifically had my eye on a hoodie that I had planned to purchase on payday, and I couldn’t believe how fabulous the customer service was from the ladies that work there. Specifically Raquel. I’m not sure if I’m spelling her name right, but she went above and beyond to make sure I got everything I needed and gave me an awesome shopping experience.”
“Haven’t had a chance to visit the store yet but I have ordered many books from them. Love their commitment to providing very important books that are intentionally left out of what’s left of the very sparse bookstore landscape.”
“Great place to get used but generally in excellent condition books. I noticed that a number of people here complain that their books don't fetch a high enough price for by back. But that's what keeps the prices low. So many books I pay a small fortune for at my fav books store in La Jolla charges the publisher price. An Ann Cleeves book even an older published date but new book is well over $25. The same used book at Pennywise is just a few dollars. And if he buys back one of your books it's even cheaper. People always think their old books are worth more. When that is the case I donate them to Goodwill and take a tax write off!!”
10:30AM - 7:30PM
2540 University Ave, San Diego
Book Stores
“Great scented shea butters, oils, jewelry. The Rihanna and Kush butters smelled amazing. The owner was very kind and knowledgeable while showing me around the store. They have a great book and clothing selection that sends great messages. I bought some stickers with quotes from the store. Very easy going atmosphere.”
“I am taking EMGM 105 and 106 and the bookstore staff was very helpful in helping me find everything I needed for class. The bookstore is a little hard to find, there aren't really any signs. At least that I could find. Its kinda in the middle, back. Its building K1. If you see the child development building in front of you, before you get to the building go around the building on your left and its the next big building.”
“They got the books, the movies, the music, and the staff to help you locate any resource at San Diego Central Library. And the bookshop is a great way to support them. Great for gifts!”
“Ann Kinner is the best. If you have a complex cruise coming up, work with her to find a time when she is usually less busy, and you will get an incredible education and she will do her best to keep costs to a minimum!!! No matter where you are starting from- get your advice from her and ship the charts and guides to your launching point!!”
“Geppetto's is a great toy store located in Fashion Valley plaza. It is a vintage looking boutique toy store. They have such an amazing collection of toys, puzzles and board games, craft and dolls. I always enjoy shopping there. They have a unique collection of merchandises.The service is always exceptional.”
10:30AM - 6:30PM
1627 University Ave, San Diego
Book Stores
“Drinks aren’t allowed in the store, and large bags are to be left at the front. I thought it was obvious as to why those rules are set. This bookstore is jam-packed (in a good way!). Some of these books are worth a lot, and the owner wants to keep them, and all the other books, safe. As for the large bags, again, the store is jam-packed; some areas are hard to see from the front. It’s just for security. If you can’t respect these rules, just move on.
The owner is great, and I commend him for running his business for this long. It’s affordable, and I rarely leave the store without buying anything. I will always try to visit when I’m in the area ?”
“I had such a fun time here! I work nearby and I’d seen this bookstore multiple times and decided to go in and look around. I was not disappointed. They have a huge selection of books. They also have a hefty selection on legos and little Knick knacks. I loved roaming around and just seeing all the different things. If ever in the area I recommend going in and just looking around for fun or if you’re looking for a book I think they’ll have it available (:The kids selection is pretty big. The biggest selection I’ve seen so far!”
“We had a large group, the restaurant was full. We were seated without a long wait, orders were taken in good time and food served without a long wait. Then we were forgotten. Food was excellent and prices reasonable but we had to hunt for service after we received our meal. Too bad.”
“GIVEGive generously, give freely. It makes a difference.PRIOR REVIEWDropped off a bag of clothes to give, the guy working there was especially nice and I thought very upbeat. It's important and as he said every little bit makes a difference. It's true! Have a great day.”
“I had a reading with Arturo. It was life changing for me. He definitely perceived the issues that I am struggling with and some of the history leading up to them. He was kind, compassionate and so very insightful. The reading gave me inspiration and I left feeling a renewed sense of purpose. And he gave me HOMEWORK (LOL) so that I could continue on a positive path. The reading was truly a blessing.”