I walked in and immediately felt welcome! The lady behind the register was so friendly and…read moreattentive. They had a huge selection of books and had exactly what I was looking for. The price was unmatched. I'll definitely be returning!

Two stars for cleanliness and friendly staff…read more Three stars off for the most important aspect of a used bookstore... price. $5 per paperback? More for hardbacks? For a book whose spine is parting? Missing pages? C'mon. Don't even bother looking at most of what they call "Vintage" books. They ask a king's ransom for them. I found paperback after paperback that was priced at over $20 each... for a book barely 50 years old and a cover price of $1.50. Outlandish. I actually performed a reality check and went to Ebay to check on 7 or 8 of those titles. In each case the books sold for much less on Ebay than Helen is asking. They most definitely need to adjust their pricing schema. It's not like they're paying rent in downtown La Jolla for goodness sake. I was originally, upon walking in, going to say their large, diverse selection is a strength. Now I understand it's simply a function of them not selling their books at a good turnover rate at all... consequently, their stock piles up. Shame.

This isn't my closest B&N but I love coming here as this location will stock book versions that my…read morelocal store does not. Really easy to find parking as well since this is located in a large plaza. All items (books, merch, decor, etc) are all very organized and most items are quite easy to find. I love their displays in the front where they do themes for different generes and books for different months/seasons. Always inspires me to get something. While I didn't really need to interact with any staff during my last visit, my cashier was so kind and I had a wonderfully smooth checkout experience. The staff here has always been and continues to be exceptional.

Huge Barnes & Noble, but only a few Hotwheels. I wish they had more collectible cars.read more

I was so excited that my husband wanted to have lunch in Oceanside because it meant that I was…read morefinally going to be able to check out Forbidden Fiction Bookshop. They opened up back in March so I have been dying to check them out. There is limited parking in their lot, but there is street parking, for a Saturday in Oceanside we were able to find parking right outside of the bookshop. Upon entering we were greeted right away and the shop itself is so spacious and so well decorated. They had a curated selection of local authors and a good assortment of accessories. They had just finished the second phase of their opening so we were able to enter their red room, which had spicier darker romance books. I love that they have so many options from mainstream authors to indie authors, I even found a couple of Liv Zander books! Also, they had a little section of books that were damaged that they discounted which is really great because that means more money for books. After perusing my husband handed me a book that I was looking at, he ended up buying it for me when I stepped away from, books are a love language. I would definitely suggest checking this place out, so many great options, fun accessories, beautiful shop and really sweet booksellers!

Visited today with some book club ladies. We came up from San Diego just to shop here. We had such…read morea good time. They have a good selection of books. Some of their books come with limited edition extras as well at no extra fee. I got a copy of Harvest Season with an autographed sticker from the author and hardcover short story. Such a pleasant surprise! The ladies working the store didn't hover over our group which made the shopping experience more cozy, but they were still helpful when we had questions. Of course, we all loved the aesthetic! Cool, romantic, and vintagey vibe. I'll definitely bring other friends next time I'm in the area. Loved it!

I'm so happy to have a family owned bookstore close by! Carlsbad Village Books just opened this…read moreyear, and it's such a charming addition to the area. The building itself is adorable and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It feels like the perfect home for a bookstore. I loved the interior too, especially the beautiful brickwork, arches, and old-world feel. There's a main display featuring summer themed books, which I'm sure changes with the seasons, and I was happy to see a used book section. The kids' area is absolutely adorable, too! They also have fun and unique gifts for sale, plus a small café serving coffee, tea, and pastries. I didn't try anything during this visit, but I'll definitely be checking it out next time. They also host events like game nights and author readings, so I'd recommend following their social media to see what's coming up. There's a small parking lot on the side of the building as well as street parking. My only complaint was that it was a very hot and humid summer day when I visited, and it was pretty steamy inside even with the doors and windows open. I'm looking forward to coming back on a cooler day when I can really take my time browsing. Such a cute little bookstore, and I'm really excited to have it nearby!

The bookstore of your dreams... Met a friend today at the bookstore because we wanted some…read morecoffee/tea. What a lovely spot in Carlsbad! There is a very sweet children's area with a whimsical vibe. Wonderful gift items and play area. The entire shop feels like you're in another country with beautiful brick arches and old style lighting. The coffee shop matcha with oat milk was just how I like it and I could tell very good quality matcha. The items for purchase were of great quality and were unique. My only request would be to get more items :) I purchased a wonderful smelling candle that helps support sex trafficking! I just noticed on their Instagram they have story time so I'll be heading to one of those very soon with my little girlies. I appreciated the kindness from all of the employees. They were all friendly, courteous and respectful. Somehow I wished I was their age again so I could work there. :) So happy to have visited today and will definitely be returning. P.S. There was also an inviting outdoor space if you want some sunshine. I thought it was so sweet the coffee shop name was after the owners mother? The logo was her signature as well. So special!

Was walking down Main Street and came up on this hidden gem…read more You really don't see a lot of record stores around anymore. So, of course, I went in. The gentleman at the counter greeted us. From what I could see, they had a huge selection of vinyls. Unfortunately, it was a very hot day in Vista, and they didn't have AC! So, I only looked around briefly. I will definitely be back!

One of the best stop-shops for any vinyl collectors, especially for those who like heavy music…read more Despite the statement, this store has some of the most variety I've seen in San Diego record shops - containing a variety of genres such as jazz, r&b, soul, rap, rock, pop, punk, metal... you name it! I will definitely say though, their punk and metal selection is the highlight. I've been able to find artists as popular as Motörhead and as indie as Judas Iscariot. Prices are great, and more importantly - not everything is sealed new. Obviously most record stores have bargain bins, but Standards is also not limited to stuff you'd find collecting dust in your grandparent's attic (newer record stores in San Diego, take notes.) Service is great, the store always has a tight but warm ambiance - and I'm always running back to buy more records every couple weeks if that says anything.

I came here to buy a record for my son I didint even know…read morethat these stores still existed with Spotify and everything It was definitely a hole in the wall type place but I think record stores are going for that I found a classic album Bob Marley the legend lp He's never heard it before and it was really affordable for a such a classic album thanks I'll be back to add to his collection

You spin me right round, baby, right round Like a record,…read morebaby, right round, round, round by Dead or Alive Spin Records is one of our better record shops in North County San Diego. Old school, but old and new music is available and if you are looking for something, they may hold it or order it for you. For those of us who grew up in the 80's and 90's, we saw vinyl die and come alive again. It is still my preference for music at home and it is an extra plus if the lp also had the downloadable device option. Every year I attempt to head out to Record Store Day (RSD). My goal is to pick up unique items that have never been released, but more than anything, those 80's and 90's albums that were only made on CD. After a three hour wait in line this year, with only 380 different releases and only 3000 stores in the country with offerings, I came home with everything on my list, but one item out of stock. A total win. Five stars for variety and good set up outside to make shopping effiient. My only suggestion is to get a couple food trucks and dj or live music in the parking lot, playing something chill. #SpinRecords #Carlsbad #RSD #FortheWin

There's plenty of parking, it's located by Aldi and Walmart, at North County Square…read more They basically have everything there that's anything Native. They also have a bunch of beads, feathers, fur, books, and crystals. There are tons of jewelry pieces to pick from that are made by Native Americans. They always have great deals on silver for 50% off. Service is impeccable, Ken and everyone else there are so friendly and helpful. They have new items every time I go so it's worth going to every so often.

Such a wonderful family-run store. They are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to share…read morethat knowledge with their customers. Their selection of vintage jewelry is outstanding, the prices are fair, and every visit is a pleasure. A true treasure to the community.

This smallish shop is well worth a visit. They have plenty of free parking in the lot in front of…read morethe store or you can park for free on the street. They have vinyl, of course, and almost more used CDs than I have seen anywhere else in San Diego County. I know I am dating myself when I say I am more of a CD person but the selection was outstanding and the price ($5 per CD unless marked otherwise) was very reasonable. I would say the vinyl prices are pretty much on par with what you see elsewhere. They even have tapes and, while I lived through the tape era, you could not get my to buy one for any price. Plus, who has a tape player? They were playing outstanding music throughout our visit. I felt like I was at a concert. I can see myself coming back here with some frequency. I easily spent an hour browsing and had a good time doing so.

I like the name and had a fun time stopping in on St. Patty's Day after a Guiness…read more My father collected vinyl and it became a hobby of mine. Something shared and enjoyed. It was a way we connected. This shop doesn't have a lot as far as new albums but it does have a large offering of used lp's. I picked up a Genesis record as a tribute to the Hall of Fame nomination recently. A classic. Stop by and shop local, you never know what you may find. #TheRecordRoom #Carlsbad #Vinyl #FollowMeFollowYou