Gorgeous boutique next to Big Sur Bakery. Stop in for a memorable souvenir, elevated body care…read moreproducts, cozy clothes, handmade jewelry, band posters -- the offerings are as eclectic as they are refined. Prices range depending on what you're looking for. The owner was kind and we had a nice chat. I loved looking around and picked up a book by a local author.

Cute store next to the Big Sur bakery. A bunch of interesting things including artwork, records,…read moreskincare, candles etc. I bought a branded sweatshirt for $58 plus tax. Everything is pricey but that is standard for the Big Sur area. The woman at the front wasn't super friendly or warm but it's alright, I was just there to browse and get my sweatshirt.

Delightful independently owned bookstore with a diverse set of options. Most seem to be used or…read moreolder books, and I was able to find one on my list with the help of the owner, whom I admire for his knowledge and commitment to downtown Salinas. Glad I made this a stop during my visit to Salinas!

It was a cloudy Saturday afternoon with scattered showers. After checking out the farmer's market…read moreand 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.

Olivia & Daisy is such a warm and welcoming book store, and an inclusive safe space! They welcome…read morechildren as well as adults, and are set up with a kids rocking chair and wooden doll house to keep younger kids content. The store has beautiful displays, and carries all of the knick knacks and tools readers love (give me all of the pens and bookmarks), toys and projects for kids, and of course a wonderfully curated selection of books. If they don't carry a book you want, they are happy to order it. The store offers events and themed book club meetings. They collaborate with Children's Therapy Center for a monthly Sensory Story Time the first Wednesday of every month at 10am and it is a wonderful experience for babies through preschool kids. Kelsey is inclusive, friendly, and always welcoming, even if I walk in looking like a hot mess with my toddler. I highly recommend Olivia & Daisy Books!

Olivia and Daisy is a wonderful store, home to some of the loveliest and smartest book sellers. I…read morelove the recommendations table- it is just big enough to have something for everyone, while not overwhelming me with too many choices. This is my go-to gifting shop for self and others.

Coffee shop & bookstore all in one location! My family and…read moreI were visiting from out of town and in search of some coffee. We ordered and iced and hot Mexican mochas and they were delicious! I appreciated them having decaf espresso as an option as well for those of us with caffeine sensitivity. The bookstore in the back had so many options, including kids books! My son had a great time looking at their options while we waiting for our coffee to be made. There was plenty of seating both inside and outside which made it easy for us to snag a spot and enjoy our coffees while enjoying the nice day!

Drinks are okay, not the worst but not the best I've had. My friends who are locals love this place…read moreto work from so that's a plus but the few times I've visited, service was hit or miss. Sometimes they've been lovely and bubbly, but for some reason this one blonde staff member never seems like she actually wants to help. I had some questions on summer specials since "refresher" doesn't tell me much and she kept telling me about other drinks instead and being super short. The whole interaction still only had to have taken 2 min with only one person (who had been there for a bit already and seems local/older) behind me. Yet the minute I paid, even though I apologized for the questions and tipped, she loudly and passive aggressively said "sorry for the wait" to the next person right in front of me and they both laughed right in front of my face. I read the other review of the person who said they'd been here a bunch and usually loved it and then had a bad interaction and are also not like the "usual" demo of PG - I am also a person of color who was made to feel the same way. Such a shame what one bad impression can leave. Multiple comments about this has to be more than a coincidence... I would come back only maybe if this person wasn't working but not going to go out of my way anymore

Love, love, love! A must-visit if you're in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is such a unique bookstore…read moreexperience- I'm pretty sure we wandered and explored for about an hour and could have stayed even longer. They have a wonderful selection of books, tarot cards, crystals, and of course, the secret garden... how does it get any better than that? The garden is incredibly peaceful and zen, and every step feels like discovering something new. Tucked in the back is a charming little shop with a cute selection of décor, wind chimes, candles, and more. Absolutely loved this bookstore. As a bookstore lover, this one is definitely at the top of my list

If you're in Carmel, you have to visit Pilgram Bookstore and Secret Garden. Run by a lovely…read morehusband-and-wife team, both spots feel like hidden gems. Pilgram Bookstore is cozy and has an amazing selection of books for being so tiny. It's easy to lose track of time here! Just a short walk away, Secret Garden is the perfect spot to relax. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful plants. Both places are full of charm and heart. Highly recommend them!

2 stars only because book selection is really good. But I randomly got charged $6 for something I…read moredidn't buy. I was visiting from out of town so I didn't check it until I got home 3 hours later. I emailed them a picture of receipt and asked why I received this charge. I thought it was the book marks but I the cashier asked us if we wanted "complimentary" bookmarks. I also called the next morning during business hours but there was no answer. I'll come back and will now always check my receipt before leaving the door. As of 4/9/24 - never got a reply - nothing.

I bought a book last week and came with 2 of my friends. I bought thinking fast and slow, I did not…read morelike it so today I went to return it. Suzan was extremely disrespectful asking if "I was sure this is the right book store I got it from" and I asked why would I walk into this bookstore then? She replied back saying "because there's more than one bookstore in this area". I did not have a receipt but I did show her the purchase receipt on my Wells Fargo account. They don't even give you a refund just a store credit, which she did not go over. Do better on handling customer service!

A bookstore so lovely, so perfect, the quintessence of what you imagine when you hear the words…read more"fine bookstore." Everything about it is so spot on, the architecture, the lighting, the soft music, and the eclectic selection of books on offer. The owner, Ernest, was present, friendly, and very informative on questions about books as well as the history of the store. The books are unusual and in several cases rare, the prices reflect the value and seemed reasonable. An unusual first edition will be priced higher but in line with its value to bibliophiles. For example I saw a first edition English translation of Pablo Neruda's "Confieso Que He Vivido" autobiography for $50, in beautiful condition. I said the place looks like it should be in a movie, and Ernest replied that it will be soon. I happened upon it by chance, found a parking place in front of it while going somewhere else. But after running that errand I had to check out this lovely oasis of calm and source of fine books. I ended up buying a paperback novel based on life in Tule Lake during the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, because my father was imprisoned there. I can't imagine finding this tome anywhere else.

I forgot how I found this spot, but I knew I had to put it on my list during our trip to Monterey…read more I love a vintage book store and this shop checked all the boxes. It was carefully curated and has something for everyone. Nothing spoke to me during my visit, but I loved the vintage 1950's mystery paperbacks. Old books have so much character and it's obvious that the shop appreciates and honors the past.

Very cool and quirky, mostly used bookstore that we visited during a quick kid-free weekend away at…read moreMarina Dunes. I've been into mystery's and thrillers lately and had forgotten a book at home, so I wanted something to read on the beach. This place is packed with books, with an interesting lay out, and a chill vibe. I had a hard time finding specific books on my Goodreads list, but walked away with a classic thriller I've never read "A Simple Plan", and a cozy mystery "The Thursday Murder Club". My husband and I probably spent 90 mins looking at books and the staff left us alone, only asking if we needed help once. The best part...they were having a big sale so both books were under 4 bucks. Definitely worth a visit!

This bookstore has a HUGE collection of various authors and books alike. Went with a group who all…read morehad varying tastes & interests and we each purchased a couple of books. Not only do they have a large selection of books, the staff is very friendly and helpful, but the prices are incredible - best of all, the money earned goes towards a good cause. I will definitely be going back soon!

I loved digging through the many old books at this store. Many hard to find treasures. The staff…read morewere friendly and very helpful. Prices were very fare. I truly love this place.

I was so bummed when I learned that the Old Capitol Bookstore would be closing. Local bookstores…read moreare a gem and Old Capitol had some awesome bundle deals during the early days of the pandemic that helped with boredom, but apparently wasn't enough to keep the doors open. There is something about being able to flip through pages or find books you otherwise wouldn't have bought when you browse the aisles of a bookstore (I judge a book by the cover, guilty!) On a walk down Alvarado Street this past weekend, I was excited to see that Old Capitol 2.0 has opened in the shopping center by Lallapalooza. I popped in and got the same great service with the excitement that comes with a new, clean space. They are also apparently still doing the book care packages!! I look forward to seeing what they will do as things open up.

If your looking for Vinyl in Salinas then this is the place to go. Small spot with not too many LPs…read morebut a lot of quality funk , disco , classic rock and a bit of reggae and hip hop. Angel was very helpful and said if there's any LP I'm looking for he can most likely get it or may have it in the warehouse.

Super cool and helpful guy working the place. Has both a popular and obscure collection of musicread more