A tiny, charming bookstore that's been going strong since 1973. I stop in every time I'm in Morro Bay and always leave with a book. On my most recent visit, I found a used copy of The Wilderness World of John Muir - a perfect treasure for me. It was old, worn, and wonderfully musty, that intoxicating old book smell I love. It was also only $2.95! The shop is small, but the selection is thoughtful, offering both new and used books along with cards, journals, art, and small gifts. When you visit, make sure to slip through the back door and wander into the cozy garden. It's peaceful, beautiful, and feels like a little sanctuary. During the same visit, I tried paying with my debit card because I never carry cash and the woman working asked if I could pay in cash instead. I only had two dollars and she smiled and said that would be fine. I was genuinely touched. The next day I returned with the balance and brought her two used books I had finished reading. She hugged me and that's the kind of place this is. If you have books you're no longer reading and they're in good shape, please consider donating them. Someone else will get to discover something wonderful, just like I did. read more

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Fun place with books, atmosphere, a garden and more! if they don't have it they can get it! RW in Cayucos read more

Small bookstore with a large selection of books, neatly organized. The most enchanting thing about this place is the Garden Chapel out the back door. read more

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Morro Bay has so many cool small shops and this was one of them. Nostalgic and filled to the brim with books, I love the variety they have in stock from travel, SLO dedicated guides, fiction, classics, non fiction, children's and more. On top of that, did you know this bookstore has a wedding chapel in the back!?!?! Built in the 1900's, this place is such a treat to visit. The staff are super kind and even help officiate weddings. I love how they decorated the interior with photos of past weddings and have a stunning sky roof in the center. Whether you are looking for the perfect read or looking for a unique venue, this place brings bookworms and lovers together in the cutest way. read more

Incredible bookstore with a vast selection, very kind staff, so much character, many cute items for gifting (besides the books of course), and they have a system of pricing that takes into account whether a book is used or new. The chapel behind is absolutely beautiful, i highly recommend checking this out, i plan to become a regular! read more

Coalesce A Book Store & More - Bookstores Near Me - Morro Bay, California

A Hidden Oasis for Book Lovers There's something truly magical about stepping into a small, local bookstore--the quiet hum of pages turning, the soft scent of paper and ink, and the joy of picking up a book, flipping through its pages, and letting it speak to you before you take it home. It's an experience you simply can't replicate online. This charming bookstore is a perfect reminder of why spaces like these matter. After so many small businesses were forced to close during COVID, it feels even more important to support the ones still standing--especially those that offer not just products, but peace. Tucked behind the building is a lovely garden area, an unexpected little haven where you can lounge with your new find and enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by greenery. It's the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe, and get lost in a story. If you're looking for a hidden gem that nurtures both community and curiosity, this bookstore is it. Let's keep places like this alive--one book at a time! read more

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This is great little book store in Morrow Bay. I found the books to be greatly organized and easy to find the genres I was interested in. The staff were very polite. They even had a cute courtyard in the back for my dad to go take a rest while I browsed. A great spot! read more

An absolute treasure of a new and used bookstore on Main Street, just uphill from the Embarcadero. The shelves are absolutely loaded with books. It is delightfully overwhelming. I was after local plant books, and the woman working (perhaps the owner) was so nice and helpful. We left with a small stack of books, plus a fun pair of socks. read more

Trendy place, very overwhelming books stacked on books. It was unclear on pricing and when I did find a book with a price it was in the 20s. They had zodiac and candles center their store and it kind of made me think the books they sell are just on trend. If you're walking around and need some place to wander and spend money you have found the right place. If you're looking for something specific not so much. read more

Absolutely stunning bookstore. Love the selection of new and used books. The ladies running the bookstore are a dream and have the most lovely personalities. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend if you're in the Morro Bay area. Make sure you support the local businesses! read more

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Wonderful bookstore and more! Could have stayed for hours. The garden and chapel are beautiful.

Friendly staff and I bought a cool otter hat. Good selection of books and nice stickers that I plan to bring back for grandchildren.

I absolutely love this place and I'm sad I don't live closer to it. There were both new and old books, all in little genre sections around the store, really easy to find once you know what you're looking for. There were also greeting cards and puzzles and little knick knacks too. My boyfriend and I spent a couple hours here browsing all that they had to offer because every corner was just jam packed with stuff but in the best way possible. There's such a cozy feel here but I will say that because every inch is filled its very easy for it to feel overcrowded and claustrophobic once another person or two joins whatever section you're looking in. I thought the prices for both new and old books were pretty fair, I'm sure you could have found them for cheaper on Amazon but you're shopping at a local bookstore, not a big box retailer. My boyfriend and I did end up purchasing a few books and the two woman who checked us out at the counter were really sweet and we even got a few bookmarks tucked into some of our books. I can't wait to visit again! read more

Great for browsing books and buying gifts. Friendliest staff and an environment that's inviting!

Wow. I love this bookstore. It features both new and used books, and it's wonderfully situated in the middle of town among other cool shops. It's "cozy" inside (read: two people in one of the category nooks makes it feel crowded) but that ultimately adds to the store's charm. I love the many floor-to-ceiling shelves. The genres, especially for the used books, are many and varied, from science fiction and fantasy to popular thrillers to literary classics to histories of civilizations around the world to art and music, and more. Shout-out to the children's section, which is very well stocked -- my 5-yo daughter had no trouble finding a "new" used book for her to love. There are also gifts and souvenirs and knickknacks spread throughout, giving the space an atmosphere, again, of charm and coziness. Of course, one of the best features of the bookstore is its beautiful garden out back, with trees, plants, flowers, shrubs, and even a pond. It's like the bookstore was a fantasy portal to another world. There is a small chapel in the back, and my wife and I are determined to use it for a vow renewal one day. This is a beautiful store to visit. Don't miss it! read more

Coalesce A Book Store & More - Cozy and charming interior! (Back, looking toward front of store.) - Bookstores Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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For a small place they sure have a lot of selections. We were looking for some local area maps and guides. Yep, they have such a section and the lady at the counter was quick to engage in discussions as to what we were looking to find. It is just crazy with shelving down both walls and more coming out into the middle of the shop. You would have to work here a long time to know just where everything is. And I would imagine that inventory would be a monster task. But very interesting to be inside. Grandchildren will be coming with us for a couple of weeks and we were using this pre-trip to research opportunities and possible excursions. We received a lot of tips and recommendations, from the store and locals who came into the store. Very friendly experience. Put this book store on your early visit list when you venture into Morro Bay and the area. It will do you well on your visit. read more

I wish I could give this shop more than 5 stars. I loved this adorable spot. It had so much character it was so cozy, I didn't want to leave. They have a huge selection of used books which I loved, and so many new choices I had a hard time picking one. The staff was very sweet. The hours are minimal but it was worth waiting for them to open. read more

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I finally visited this gem after living close by for about 3 months and this place did not disappoint! They sell new and used books and when I asked if they carried a particular book in paper back, the woman working offered to order it for me. I picked up two used books for a good price. Everything is well organized even though there is not a ton of room to wander. read more

This charming little bookstore is packed to the gills with new and used books, greeting cards, puzzles, and more! I could spend all day in there! The staff is friendly and helpful. Support local bookstores! read more

I love bookstores that sell used books. This place does not disappoint. It does sell used and new books. I loved browsing here and can spend at least a couple of hours here. read more

It's a gem with hidden treasures; truly. The book store offers a wonderful array of writings, new, used. There is a prescious alcove for children with children books. There is an array of Zen like art pieces, decor, body/bath etc. Outside in back you will find a garden that is just magical. A chapel where one can get married. Sitting areas that transport your mind to other magical times. Coalesce is a MUST SEE, VISIT, ENJOY... You are welcomed from the moment you enter. If you happen to have some yummy treats and or drinks from next door you are more than welcome to finish them out in back of bookstore. read more

Coalesce A Book Store & More - Zen garden - Bookstores Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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In a world of dying bookstore, I love Coalesce. It has a mix of used and new books with a crunchy granola library feel. I like to get lost in the shelves. For some, maybe the close-filled space would appear cluttered or overwhelming, but I appreciate the packed shelves bursting with paper magic. It's cute and quaint in a quiet little beach town. So much love. read more

LOVED THIS PLACE. The workers were attentive and ready to give us recommendations. They have a WIDE variety of books, new and used, at great prices. It's also great that they get books you want but they don't have. They also have interesting findings like bracelets, gems, Buddha's figures of all sizes, mermaids figures and more. I will definitely visit this place next time I visit Morro Bay. read more

Coalesce A Book Store & More - Bookstores Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Absolutely love their massive selection of books. My favorite thing is that they have a nice variety of used and new books and which is something I love to see in a small book store. Will definitely be returning in the future. Loved this place! read more

More than 50% of the books are shelved so dangerously high you cannot of access them. They are in general categories but lack any sort of elegant or useful organization. It feels cluttered. There are no sincerely written staff recommendations highlighting any book (which is usually what makes small used bookstores so quaint). There is no hello or goodbye from the staff ... only incessant visiting and gossiping amongst their clueless selves that makes the mood of the store the opposite of cozy, the opposite of welcoming, the opposite of a place you want to linger to discover a book. It feels like a place a hoarder is trying to peddle books and that the hoarder doesn't actually read books, just has a hollow pile of them. My husband and I visited this store yesterday and have done so a few times before on our visits to Morro Bay. We won't do that anymore. Morro Bay deserves a good and welcoming used bookstore. Someone should open one. read more

WOW! What a great place!! This is one of those old-school, classically 'quaint and charming' bookstores one usually sees in movies, or reads about in books...that are found in quaint and charming book stores such as Coalesce. Narrow stacks, and ghostly figures drifting through them, though not dimly lit, it is just light enough to find what you want, or need. This bookstore features the gamut of books, featuring subjects as diverse and eclectic as yoga and tai-chi, to tantric exercise and vegetarian cooking, foreign travel to exotic locals, art books AND, of course, mass market books. Basically something for almost everyone. This place also features a gift store that has lots of unusual items, mostly made by local artists and artisans, and one might even suspect that, with time, one may be able to acquire something hailing from Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. The very best thing about Coalesce is the hidden garden and wedding chapel one will find through the rear door of the bookstore proper. Be careful of the steps, and you will be in a beautiful little haven, and the chapel (non-denominational) is a jewel in itself, with a very definitely artisanal flavor about it, from the hand-wrought fascia timbers and window surrounds, to the hand-crafted walls, stained glass rosetta-type window, glass tiles and overall Craftsman design. The real reason I had any reason to be here was that I had come to attend a poetry reading of my friend, Michael C. Ford, the famous 'beat poet'/musician, along with the New Poetry Quartet, as part of the San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival. This was the perfect venue! But I'll be back, if for no other reason than to chat with the very friendly owner! read more

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I have visited Coalesce A Book Store on three different occasions while visiting Morrow Bay. The book store staff are friendly, and will leave the front desk to assist a customer in locating a specific book, by author, on the shelf. I recently purchased 2 books, a personal travel size notepad, and a greeting card on my last visit. The prices are reasonable, and they sell some unique gift items as well. If you have time to read, there is a garden out in back and a coffee shop just next door with seating available. I love this quaint, personal store with the wooden shelving and pleasant help. read more

If you love books, this little bookstore is a must-stop while you are in town. It's a treasure grotto of books in the nicest form possible. You can get lost amongst the collection of esoteric and varied tomes of printed matter. You are sure to find something that you will enjoy reading. Also, the little garden adjacent is worth exploring. read more

As a local this used to be a store I looked forward to visiting. It's cute and quaint and filled to the ceiling with books. However today was completely unexpected and disheartening to the point that I left the store in tears. I won't share the details but the shop employees and a frequent customer spent several minutes laughing and making fun of my partner. I'm not sure if they realized I was still in the store but they were incredibly rude and insensitive. NEVER should a business make fun of their patrons! I couldn't take hearing them laughing and their commentary any longer and told them how hurtful and rude their comments were. Next time you want to make fun of your customers make sure they aren't in your store anymore!!! I will never go here again and recommend you visit another local shop. read more

I had my wedding there on June 26 2018 the garden was beautiful and all the flowers were bloomed. I wished they open the side door like I asked because my soon to be husband because rans hot. So I'm pretty sure my picture he going to be sweating. Everyone at the bookstore was great friendly and super helpful. read more

Coalesce A Book Store & More - Bookstores Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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The best kind of local bookstore. Packed with books but organized and comfortable, with a beautiful oasis of a garden in the back. Friendly and welcoming. I have to stop here anytime I'm in Morro Bay. read more

Coalesce A Book Store & More - Back garden. - Bookstores Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Super cute little bookstore. I really enjoy going to new bookstores when I travel and I'm glad I visited this one. There's a lovely garden in the back. read more

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I got the opportunity to shoot a wedding here and it was a wonderful little venue with a gorgeous little indoor chapel behind the bookstore with plenty of photo opportunities for the bride and groom both inside the bookstore and outside in front of the garden. This place was super cute, intimate and functional for a small wedding and I would recommend this venue over and over again to anyone looking for a unique and beautiful place to have their wedding. I will be posting pictures soon. read more

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I was in Morro Bay from January-March 2020 and bought a number of new and used books at this place. I liked it. Staff was friendly. Interesting atmosphere. No complaints. I'd say give it a try if you are in Morro Bay and need a book to read. No purchase necessary! read more

Fun, idiosyncratic bookstore (and more) vividly informed by the philosophy and personalities of its owner and employees. Packs a wide range of subjects into its limited square footage, with notable depth in the realm of metaphysical & 'new age' writings. Mixes new titles with used, make sure which you've got in hand before purchasing. My one quibble is the pricing of a certain type of used stock. Too much of their limited shelf space is clogged with $3-5 books that've been priced $10-20, or $15-20 books priced $40-50. If you want internet prices for a title, put it on the internet. A small, general retail shop isn't the proper venue for those sorts of prices. Other than that, a stellar shop for browser or buyer. Be sure to visit the Garden Wedding Chapel out back- a pleasant, restorative environment whatever your denomination. read more

Super friendly and peaceful atmosphere, would highly recommend! Don't know the name of the lady working there when I came in but she was so helpful and very kind :) read more

This bookstore is worth 5+ stars. Don't even consider looking at a Big Box Bookstore if you are anywhere near this place. Neat, organized, used, new, funky, love it... We did a little browsing for nothing in particular when we spotted a Nautical Lore section. Love a first site. We found a used book about buried treasure in Monterey County and just had to have it. We ended up with the book along with a cool vintage repro of a Morro Bay postcard (think cool souvenirs). The lovely lady behind the counter took a couple of bucks off the already reasonable book because it had some used sticker goo on the cover. Do they do that at Borders? No! Support these local treasures so that your kids can go find a used book some day about how this yelper found all the gold in Monterey County. Well, a girl can dream right? Oh, there is also this incredible chapel out back where hold weddings, concerts, and memorials. Seriously awesome little place. read more

Sadly, I will no longer be shopping at Coalesce. As a former independent bookseller, I love to support small local businesses, especially if they're bookstores--but Coalesce doesn't seem to need or want my business. The last two times I went, when I arrived at the counter to buy my (new) books, I was completely ignored in favor of people who were trying to sell jewelry and other consignment items. The second time this happened, I waited for five minutes only to have a second consignment seller walk in the door and be helped ahead of me. I waited another five minutes and then left without buying my books. This is a cool store if you're not in a hurry, don't need help with anything, and aren't looking for anything specific...but I'll be taking my business elsewhere from now on. read more

Awesome bookshop full of amazing little finds. We got a stack of classics and can't wait to dive in!

I just went to my first concert here: Four Shillings Short. I will say that this duo is amazing, but I'm not here to rave about the band. The wedding chapel out in the back is really what makes this place special. The area was perfectly setup and everyone was able to see. The chairs, while temporary, were comfortable and I was able to sit through the two and a half hour show without experiencing any pain or discomfort. Coalesce provided free refreshments during the intermission, something I found to be incredibly generous (I ended up slipping some money into the donation jar). In terms of Four Shillings Short, I couldn't have picked a better venue to see them perform in. I definitely want to come back here for more concerts! read more