Love this cute book store on Coronado! I always end up finding something new to read when I take a second to stroll in. Love this store and shopping local! read more

Charming and well organized indie bookstore. Highly recommended. Lots of excellent employee recommendations

What a wonderful book store! My only warning about it is that they DO NOT accept American Express as a form of payment. I didn't have this problem personally, but you wouldn't know until going right up to the counter, so I'm mentioning it here. That's the ONLY reason, other than not finding one book I wanted out of three, that I give it four stars and not five. Their stock is actually pretty amazing. It's better than the Barnes & Noble I have back at home (which we all love but admit it's pretty sad sometimes). I asked for one book that they didn't have, but the other two I found with ease. It is very clean and very well-organized, something that other bookstores need to work on. They have slips of paper with recommendations on the shelves so that if you need another's opinion, you have it right there before your eyes while browsing. They have adorable clothes, bags, art supplies, bicycle bells, scarfs, and everything in between. It is also highly kid-friendly. I found lots of children sitting and reading or playing with each other politely. It brings a smile to your face to see things like that. Swing by when you get a chance! It's really worth exploring and you'll find some must-haves for sure. read more

See all

This is a little great book store on Coronado Island. There is a great selection of books all around and the staff here is super friendly and ready to help in any way to find a book that you may need, One of the great things is just spending a good couple of hours here and just browsing their wide selection of books that they have here. read more

Adorable book store that is bigger than it seems From the outside. Staff are friendly and the selection is pretty good with reviews from staff. There was also a selection of Papyrus cards and novelty items so a perfect place to pick up a last minute gift. Tables and chairs outside made it feel inviting and a place you'd want to hang out for a while. read more

Came in for coffee, there were three people behind the counter just talking and hanging out with one customer who didn't even want to order anything. No one acknowledged me or served me. Terrible customer service. read more

Bay books always has everything I'm looking for, and in this case it's the third book of the Twilight series. This has been impossible to find since the movie came out. The pre-teen within me thanks you, Bay Books. read more

Like Warwick's in La Jolla, I am happy to see a locally owned bookstore surviving. The store is nicely laid out and organized and has a cared for appearance. The selection is quite good and there is quite a big variety. I don't require help at bookstores, but I have seen and heard the staff assisting shoppers and this has made a good impression on me that they are helpful and knowledgable. The downside here is that almost all books are sold at the publishers price. I can totally understand why they can not give 40% discounts on newly published books like amazon.com can, but I am not going to pay $50.00 for a book that I can get on line for $30.00. A conundrum that the publishing industry brought on by extending crazy discounts. Also the selection is not that extensive. How can it be in a store of maybe 3,000 sq. ft.? I do buy Country Life Magazine there from time to time when I am in Coronado as it is one of the few stores to carry it in the San Diego area. Bottom line is that it's a good place to browse, and sometimes deals can be found outside when they put used books for sale. read more

I went in today, Jose helped me out. He suggested one of his favorite drinks to me and I tried it. It was the best coffee I've drank. Incomparable. read more

You gotta give any independent bookstore their props. I mean, sure, this is the only place to probably buy a real book this side of the Coronado Bridge, but it's pretty cool to have a place that isn't some massively ginormous Barnes & Noble or Borders. Hell, at least this place has a better selection than that sucky Barnes & Noble on Friars Road. You know what I'm talking about. I especially like their personal picks. Or at least liked, when there were more science-fiction/fantasy readers on their staff. They got me turned onto Richard Morgan and China Mieville. Their science section isn't half-bad either, and they sometimes stock books that I can't find at the Border's in Mission Valley. Now if only they had a bathroom. Make sure your bladders and bowels are empty before you visit! read more

We were staying at the Hotel Del Coronado, and was looking for some good coffee and inexpensive grub for breakfast (they charge you an arm and a leg there for mediocre food and drink we quickly learned), and Yelp directed us to Cafe Madrid. We were happy to discover that Cafe Madrid is a coffee kiosk just outside one of my favorite places in the universe--a bookstore. Unless you live in a big city like SF or a university town like Berkeley or Palo Alto, it's really hard to find a brick and mortar bookstore these days! Bay Books is great. You walk in and you have cards and gift items on the left, magazines on the right, and shelves and shelves of books right in front of you. After browsing a bit and picking up the latest New Yorker magazine for purchase, I asked the bookseller if they had The Hot Zone, which is my book club's pick for the month, so she checked the store computer to see if they had it in stock. They did and she showed me where it was. It's nice when stores have a way of knowing how many books they have in stock and where a certain book is located. They have a fairly large Children's Books section in the back. The nicely curated tables of books are also worth checking out. Enjoy a cup of coffee and pastry outside and then go inside. Adventure awaits inside in the form of books! read more

Beautiful store. I prefer to shop for deals on books and these are all brand new and full price. Small section of on sale books.

I LOVE THIS PLACE. First, the coffee is fantastic. It's hands down the best in all of San Diego county. Second, the bookstore is so wonderful- great selection of books, and I love their jewelry, gifts, scarves, and other little things you can get for yourself or for gifts. Third, the sales associates are awesome- they are SUPER friendly, helpful and always so pleasant that you really remember that this is a special place that really cares about the details of everything.. right down to the greeting cards and adorable stuffed animals they sell. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. Best book store (AND COFFEE SHOP!) in all of San Diego. read more

Long live the small town book stores! This place is great.. very charming.. always stocked with all the new releases. They have a HGE magazine section.. can't beat that! and now expanded their product line into jewelry, lost of gift items and a TON of Greeting cards, papyrus.. etc. I was browsing around there the other day with my fresh coffee in hand from the coffee cart up front (isn't that just the best combo on a cozy Winter night?) and I came across a new section they put in.. a bunch of tech accessories.. I had been in need of some new headphones and a cover for my iPad.. I was pleasantly surprised to see them there.. done and done. 2 more items off of my todo list! Can't get better than that! read more

See all

I was impressed by their selection. Not that many bookstores carry Bukowski or Haruki Murakami novels, but this place did. Not only that, they had a nearly complete Murakami bibliography! Bought a couple of new books to read poolside on the honeymoon. The decor is neat, well organized, and so clean and streamlined for a second I forgot that this is an independent store. More bookstores should be like this! Between the dark wood paneling and shelves, green carpets, and adorable little fish tank, I could have stayed for hours! read more

Love it!! A few too many Conservative books slamming Obama upfront, but hey, it's Coronado ,they don't wanna pay taxes, they wanna give when they want too, (like that happens), enjoy the world you refuse to pay for dummies. But i digress. The ladies running the place are soooo nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Keep up the good work!! It's little places like these that make our world so terrific. Unfortunately they may only survive in such tourist (monied) environs. Go there and buy a book, it's the right thing to do. Yelp user and defender of cities JC sent me this kind message, (below), recently, nice huh? Rant elsewhere please "I wish people like you would stay off Coronado and keep your political agenda off of Yelp. Your ratings and words show ignorance and negativity. You belong in LA. I expect you will bite back with more hater stuff!.... typical!" read more

As much as I want to love this book store I just can't. It disappoints every time. I have gone in several times with specific books I need only to have them out of stock. Some are new and some are classics. The very nice sales clerks offer to order the books for me, but if I really wanted to wait, I would've ordered it through Amazon. Another issue I have is that it is very difficult to locate certain books. I almost always have to ask for help. Frustrating. read more

The workers at this cute little bookstore were so passionate and genuine. After three and a half years of trying for a baby, I had all but given up, but Clarissa, the sweet manager, revived my hope by helping me find a book on natural fertility improvement! And on top of that, I also snagged an "Art of Cake Baking for Beginners" off the clearance shelf for only $3 bucks! What a steal :) read more

Great store- if they don't have your book, they will order it which works wonders if you're local. The store also generously supports reading in the Coronado Schools - it really does take a Village! read more

Great place. We stayed on Coronado Island this summer and the book store is one of the reasons I hope I'll be able to return to Coronado in the futur ! I especially liked the hand written critics by employees attached to the shelves. Never saw that anywher else. I went in to buy one book and came out with a lot more. They also have a great magazine section. read more

They never have the book I'm looking for. Ever. The ladies always seem like they are too busy to help even when they're standing around reading a magazine. Once they do help, they end up being very nice. But if you're walking by and need to catch up on the latest gossip magazine or need a quick book to grab for the beach, it will do. read more

I stopped in while on my staycation, expecting to just browse a bit (because all the books are cheaper on Amazon anyway) but decided to buy something to support a local business. I had to go in search of the cashier. When I found her, she responded in a questioning way, like she didn't know what I wanted. I didn't get a smile, a thank you, a have a nice day. It felt more like checking me out was inconveniencing her. Shoulda gone with Amazon and had $ left over for a Starbucks. read more

I was really impressed with Baby Books. The owner and employees are kind and knowledgable. They have a great selection for all genres and a beautiful display. I hadn't been to a book store like this since my last trip to London. I loved the atmosphere and the feeling, so cozy, inviting and comfortable. I didn't want to leave and forgot I was hungry. You can read the handwritten book reviews and walk around without feeling lost. The kids section is just lovely, with lots of personality. I'm an author and I know about books. I've been to many book stores in Europe and US., and this book store is definitely my favorite in the U.S.A. I don't say this because they sell my books here, because actually they don't. read more

Bay Books - Author Silvi Martin visiting Bay Books, the most charming, cozy and original book store in California. - Bookstores Near Me - Coronado, California

See all

This is a great little Island bookstore. There aren't enough stores like this still around. It has a nice selection and a wonderful ambience. The service was perfect too. I spent an hour or more inside. Its a hidden gem. read more

When dropping off my application today, I was told the following "I've been thinking about this and we are not going to hire anyone with a baby. This just puts everybody else in a bind. So, thank you for your application. This doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the person but we're not going to hire anyone with a baby. It just doesn't work." Enough said. Discrimination. Me and my fellow Coronado mommy friends are taking our business elsewhere. read more

I'm a bibliophile, so of course, I frequent any bookstore within a reasonable distance of where I currently am (especially when I travel.) I love, Love, LOVED this place. It had a great collection, friendly staff, and it was well organized. read more

You gotta love independent bookstores! If they don't have it for you, they'll order it. Friendly staff and a great selection of books. I'm a local who shops here primarily to help support local businesses and I've always gotten what I was looking for. read more

Not like they have much competition, but this is the best bookstore on the Island. Seriously, this is my favorite bookstore ever. It's cozy and unique. My favorite part is the handwritten book reviews, written by staff and islanders alike, always helpful to know what someone else thinks of a book. Also, if they don't have a book you need, they can order it for you, and it gets there reasonably quickly. I used to wander through this shop almost every day in the summer, and I'd make at least one stop a week during school to find a new book to read. They never disappointed this avid bookworm. :) read more

NOT Impressed. Old battle axe manning the register was scowling & unfriendly. Very bad vibe in this joint. What a shame. Shoulda known since it's Coronado. L A M E & disappointing. I won't be back. Snotty & self absorbed staff. GONG. GONG. GONG. read more

I love this little book store! It is such a great spot to duck in off the busy Orange Ave and browse. My girls and I find this to be a place of rejuvenation, relaxation and pure enlightenment. I love the way they give personal reviews of many of the books and the stats of who reviewed it. It is nicely laid out and cozy. I wish it to be with us for many years to come. read more

I was surprised to find such a good bookstore near a resort. Spent many hours in there finding really interesting books. One of the highlight of my trip to Coronado. read more

Easily one of the best book stores I've visited. The best part were all the recommendations. If you're just perusing without knowing what exactly you're looking for, there are plenty of ideas given by the employees. Without them I probably wouldn't have purchased anything. Since there were so many recommendations to read, I walked out with 3 new books covering cooking, fiction, and non-fiction. read more

I was thinking about becoming a library science major for a while so I attended a few classes to see how I liked the subject. One of my teachers owned a small bookstore, and was a fount of information on the subject. He told us how it was very important to get the floor plan of the store correctly. The lighting had to be just right, i.e. bright enough without being harsh. The distance between the shelves and their placement was akin to an art for him, and when he explained everything you could see why. Bookstores that are successful manage to create an environment that is studious, companionable, and soothing at the same time. Bay books manages to hit all the right chords with me as far as atmosphere. I remembered going to the kids' section when I was little and being excited to see what Tintin books they had. They were one of the few stores that still sold the individual Tintin books in the format that they were originally made in, rather than the new redesigned printings (which I hate). The kids' area is cozy and somewhat secluded even though it is not as isolated from the adult sections as in many other bookstores. As I grew older, I was became interested in WWII, Tzar Nicholas II, real adventure stories, and strange stories throughout history. I always found interesting books at the store and often a discovery of a one book there would lead me to a further fascination. I could spend hours in there looking for the right book, which is not something that should be rushed. With Bay Books I don't feel the urge to leave quickly because of an overly commercial attitude that strives to collect the customers' money quickly and push them out the door. read more

One Saturday I thought it would be neat to take my parents on a drive to Coronado. We used to live there and we LOVE books. The people who worked here were not friendly whatsoever. The workers at the cashier were very mundane. The lighting in this store was to dark. I had a list of books I was looking for and they did not carry any of them. I do not know why they had 'idols' all over the place, it gave me the creeps. I felt like I had walked into a New Age store. No one came up to me and asked if I needed help. There was a woman next to my mom fixing books, my mom thought she was an unfriendly shopper. Surprisingly, this "shopper" was an employee. This employee did not acknowledge my mom in any way. My parents and I agreed that we would never go to Bay Books again. They also had a poor selection of books and the layout was honestly terrible. The atmosphere of the store was uninviting. We ended up going to Book Star which is just Barnes and Noble. It was such a terrible experience that I actually repeated the event at lunch today with friends. REGRETTABLE!! UPDATE! I went to Bay Books last night because I was in need of some stationary. They now sell Papyrus, which is super cute and which I purchased. I was going to go to Seaside Papery but they closed early :/ read more

I visited Bay Books for the first time yesterday, and it was just like stepping back into my favorite bookstore as a child! Thackary's books in Toledo, Ohio is long gone, but everything from the layout to the shelved book recommendations made me happy to be there. I loved wandering through the stacks with my companion, seeking new interests. The organization of the store made sense, so when I went looking for two separate books I was able to find them in a matter of moments. There's a clearance section near the back that tempted me a bit, and stands of journals and other such book-related things that were fun to pursue. I enjoyed my time there and will certainly return! read more

I popped in on a Friday night and spent 45 minutes browsing the shelves and reading the numerous staff reviews. I found the book I was looking for plus about four others. The nice thing was that unlike many small bookstores in San Diego this store isn't too full of nicknacks and non-book things. They really focus on books and magazines. The staff was busy, but friendly. Prices were average, which was a relief since Coronado can be expensive. read more

Wow, an independent book store with a great selection and very friendly helpful staff. Amazing coffee cart right outside as well.

Friendly staff helped me and my charge find new books for him to read . Down side is they don't have a bathroom for the public to use .

Great little book store. Good selection and nice environment too. I would support this business.

I would give Bay Books a 5 star rating except for one thing, their staff is less than friendly. On ten or twelve occasions I've been in, they seem to talk among themselves and do not go out of their way to help you out. The other day, the clerk bordered on being rude when informing customers they were going to close in 10 minutes. I have been a bookstore owner myself and am a retired librarian. The selections of books is wonderful for a small, independent bookstore. I usually always find something to purchase. I enjoy browsing quite a lot. I only wish I felt a warmer welcome when I come in and when I check out. The clerks operate more along the lines of a clique they don't want you to be a part of than as part of a good customer service team focused on making every patron welcome. I also noticed a 'no strollers in the store' sign the other day and wondered why mothers weren't being welcomed into the store. This is yet another example of not being customer focused. I do enjoy the books, though. read more