This is a small one room bookstore with new, used, and rare books. Because it was so small, I thought I would be done browsing in 15 minutes. But after 30 minutes, I had found two used books, at very reasonable prices, and I had to restrain myself from buying more. For what it's worth, the sci-fi and mystery sections were particularly good. Worth checking out if you are in the Point Loma/Liberty Station area. Free street parking everywhere. read more

La Playa Books - Small but mighty. - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

You cannot beat an independent bookstore! Fair prices and wonderful owners! Located in beautiful Point Loma San Diego; it is so worth the drive to browse their amazing, rich selection! read more

La Playa Books - Local author selection - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

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What an adorable neighborhood bookstore! This was stop #7 on our San Diego Bookstore Crawl. It's tiny inside, but they do a wonderful job at organizing genres as well as they also carry the latest bestsellers, stickers, and other bibliophile gifts. There was a cozy little spot for kids, too! It was a busy day, and the lines were super long, but the staff here were so proactive with getting people in and out... they went as far as providing refreshments on the curb while you waited. I LOVE that they continuously thanked everyone for their patience. I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

La Playa Books - Book stop #5 - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

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I walk past this book store when I get a latte next door but have never had the chance to go inside until yesterday. It was the last day of the San Diego Book Crawl, I just finished work at 5 and rushed over, I didn't realize they closed at 5 which makes sense for the area but they were so kind to let me in. I was able to get my passport and bought two new book marks me for myself and a friend, I'll definitely have to swing by on my lunch and check them out because the store was super cute and had a lot of options, I just didn't want to keep them there waiting for me while I perused! Thank you again for letting me drop by after hours, I really appreciated it. read more

So cool so see small bookstores still alive! That not everyone is buying on Amazon or big chains. This store is adorable, I was driving around the area and caught my attention, from the facade that looked like an European store. I parked easily nearby for a couple of hours and browsed several stores, including this one. They have a nice collection of children books, and pleasant decor too. Very friendly ladies. read more

Cute little bookstore! They offer used and new books. They also have a back area with rare books and first additions. They also sell the cutest accessories. Cute little kids reading area. With a small selection of children's books. The staff is really kind and friendly. Small business I would support! read more

La Playa Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

Cute little bookstore with the friendliest staff! They have a good selection of books and a small section of children's books. Will definitely be back! read more

Such a cute and cozy bookstore in Point Loma! Staff is very kind and well read, the organization of the store is perfect for browsing at your leisure. There are options for all genres and even middle grade and kids books. Loved the addition of bookish merchandise and puzzles for the cozy bookworm. Conveniently located to Jenning's where you can sit outside, have a bite to eat, and read your new book. read more

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Excellent service and helpful every time we come to shop. Good selection in the store with the ability to order books and pick up later. Very reasonably priced with a nice rewards / benefits system once you spend a certain amount. read more

I make it a point to visit bookstores wherever I go. I found this charming store while walking around. At the time didn't take any photos inside due to them doing a remodeling. Prices are good. They were running a remodel sale. The store is small but the service and selection are great. Overheard one of the employees assisting a customer and could her the joy in recommending them Lion Witch and Wardrobe. If you needed any special order books the staff is more than willing to accommodate you. Highly recommend supporting this local bookstore. read more

La Playa Books - Front - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

Such a charming book store with big city feels! Immediately when walking in you're swept away by the isles of books and towering heights. There's something magical about an independent bookstore. Feels like a library, with special collections of never before heard of authors. When visiting a gem like this, you can't not walk away empty handed. Lucky for me I settled with two great purchases but full disclosure I could easily have purchased five maybe even more, books of all sorts. The staff were so friendly and provided recommendations for future book purchases. Long live La Playa Books - here's to keeping this quaint bookstore alive and thriving! read more

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Cute little hole in the wall place with a cute vibe. The seem to care greatly not only about the titles they choose but also the authors. Such a great variety to choose from with labels being accurate to the books within the area. Ranging from brand new to lightly used, the books are in great care and the place well taken care of. Employee was very sweet and knowledgable as well. Pricing was fair based on book size,content, and niceness. Definitely a great place to stop and will define you very back to grab some books for the road! read more

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This used to be the BEST bookstore. Aisles to comb through, affordable ($6-$10 for most used books). I used to come here every 3 months and load up on a big pile to take home. Now the shop is tiny, very open. Hard to concentrate when scoping things out as even a few people make it really noisy. Most books are new and $$. Nice folks, wish they'd rethink the layout and offerings. read more

San Diego, we can do this. We can show others that we -- like other cities known to be cultural epicenters -- offer fantastic, well-curated, joy-sparking used bookstores. La Playa hits all the notes. Just walking into the store will give you immense joy. It makes you feel like you found this secret old library and the place is all yours and yours only. The people at La Playa are super pleasant and friendly. Ok now to the meaty stuff: Unlike me (who munches on words, loves taking my time being a slow reader, and has a million billion Pulitzer/Nobel/Booker prized, NPR/NY Times bestseller books I want to read but will never get to in my lifetime), my husband is a 100 books/year voracious reader kinda guy, 87% of those are thrillers. It's hard for my husband to find bookstores with a thriller section comprised of books he has not read. La Playa not only pampers super basic bitch readers like myself, but also impresses weirdos like my husband. At La Playa, you'll find books whose authors you've never heard of, but will be richly rewarded for taking that leap of faith, since La Playa's got you and will make sure your reading experience is epic. When I moved to SD, I was sorely disappointed in the lack of independent bookstores the city has to offer. Years ago I boycotted myself from purchasing books on Amazon, and it has been so soul crushing and disheartening that you rarely just tumble upon a cool bookstore walking around the city. I cannot express enough how thankful I am for La Playa providing this comfort and serendipitous affair xoxo. read more

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La Playa is the cutest booksie store with the sweetest staff in all of San Diego. Located in a cute neighborhood with plenty of street parking, this bookstore is comprised of used and new books with a myriad of literary genres. The staff is so welcoming and also an excellent resource if you don't know what your next read should be. The flattened carpeted floor, aged fluorescent lights, and the scent of old books creates a nostalgic feeling of being back inside my old elementary school library, sitting cross legged around the librarian reading aloud for all the students. Thank you, La Playa Books! read more

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I was visiting from Los Angeles and went to La Playa bookstore. Unfortunately, the vast majority of their books were in a room behind a curtain. The clerk stated that an appointment was needed to see them. Nowhere on their website did I see such a requirement. A couple of years ago, La Playa had a booth at an antiquarian book fair in Pasadena. I bought two hardcover novels by B Traven. I may never be in San Diego again. Very disappointing. read more

I forgot how special it feels to walk into a bookstore. Specifically, a small, independent, local bookstore.. the kind where the fabulous smell of old (and new) books instantly hits your senses and conjures up that sweet "homesick" feeling.. Well La Playa Books is THAT kind of place. My friend and I went last evening for a documentary viewing and discussion about the future of these gems. It made me deliriously happy just to spend time inside amongst the towering (and well organized) shelves of wisdom and adventure. La Playa is selling way more than simply books - they also barter knowledge, ideas, conversation, and community. I walked out of there with this lovely 1st edition hardback of my beloved P.G. Wodehouse! Grabbing books from the Library isn't nearly as satisfying, and most certainly, neither is buying from Amazon.. Next, I look forward to their book club meeting at the Wine Bar! Yay! read more

La Playa Books - "Eggs, Beans, and Crumpets" by P.G. Wodehouse. 1940. - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

Used bookstores are the best. You can pretty much guarantee the people working there are great, and the people shopping there are great. Why there isn't a dating app bringing the book lovers of the world together is beyond me. Wendell Berry book count: 3. AND they had one that I didn't have yet. read more

One of my favorite bookstores in San Diego. A cozy location stacked with new, used and rare books.

A great neighborhood bookstore ! The booksellers here are very knowledgeable and give great recommendations on books. I came in here looking for books for my family to read over the summer. I found some great deals on used books. I was very pleased with the selection and the service here! The following week my parents were visiting and I told them to check out La Play Bookstore. They came home with a huge bag of books too! Will definitely be coming back to check out the new and used selection! read more

La Playa Books - Great deals on children's books. Purchased a big bag full and spent less than $30! - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

Not accessible therefore it discriminates against the disabled. They say they have a ramp available to put out but how is a person in a wheelchair going to know that? read more

This is my idea of a perfect book store. It's an incredible selection of floor to ceiling books and excellent service. Our go-to from now on. read more

I love La Playa Books! I live in Santa Clarita, Ca., and always visit this bookstore when I am in Point Loma, San Diego. The ancient history section always provides me with several books, as ancient history is my addiction. This bookstore is so beautiful and inviting, and the children's section is fantastic. Thank you, La Playa Books, for providing so many great books to my ancient history library. read more

Went in there looking for a special book found it it was a children's book called when we were very young I had bought two of them about 15 years ago from the same place the one I bought recently was in great condition and reasonably price The personnel were very helpful sometimes holding a book is like holding an old friends hand They can give you a warm and happy feeling. Thank you read more

Cute little shop with a great selection of new and used books. Although I must admit, I was only really in the Children's section. :) I was there with my 4 yo son sooo... but I was able to grab a couple great novels on the way in from the quintessential book cart out front. I'm excited to have found this gem. read more

Cool bookstore in a cool location. Has a variety of books even in a smaller space. Love the vibes and the books they have. 5 stars!! read more

La Playa Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Diego, California

So many book options- new and used! I thought the prices were very reasonable. I love being able to support a local bookstore and the staff was nice :) read more

My bookclub met at La Playa Books and they could not have been more accommodating! Great selection and service! Very sweet place. Love the independent book seller - new and used books for all ages and interests! Bravo La Playa! read more

Stumbled upon the wrong bookstore thanks to yelp, an thanks to google, and so glad I did. A great selection I have found in only 1 other store in the county. Amy is so nice :) i don't even live in California and will make special trips for this store I guarantee it. Rare history books are hard to find for a book nerd like me, and I found plenty (had to put back a lot). La playa is easily a top 3 book destination for me. Love love love it :) they should have more stars, cause I would give this store 10 read more

What a gem. A short story, I have been asking about a used version of a book for some time. Mimi has been on the hunt in the store, but no dice. I received a call that a new version was available. Since I love the area and the store, I stopped by fully intending to purchase the new one. While she was shelving she found the used one!!! I come in and, like magic, I walk away with a great book, at a great price and a warm fuzzy feeling about the people in the store. Thanks so very much. read more

I spent a lovely afternoon at La Playa Bookstore last Sunday and met some interesting people. Plus they have more 17th Century history books than my local library. Decent prices, and good quality books. I will return!!! read more

While browsing the books, I lost my bracelet and called La Playa Books to ask if they would look for it. Within 15 seconds I received a phone call to say they found my bracelet. Integrity prevails at La Playa Books. Thanks read more

A great field trip for my book club...yesterday, La Playa Books hosted our book club (from Coronado). It was such a treat! Mimi provided a well prepared preview of favorite books including books about to be released. We all came away with a new list of "must reads" along with some wonderful books we purchased. Their resident "rare book" expert (sorry I don't remember his name) talked about the qualities of rare books and tips/resources for identifying a rare book. His experiences at independent book stores (including Powell in Portland) were very interesting. It was a delightful field trip followed by a tasty lunch at Pt. Loma's historic cafe, The Living Room. I will be back...there just wasn't enough time to browse the shelves. Amy and Mimi were so gracious to spend their morning with us sharing their knowledge and passion for reading. Definitely the experts when you are looking for a book! read more