Bookstores have a special charm and it’s especially noticeable in a city like Los Angeles. Even with all the excitement in Hollywood, the people on the beach in Venice and the crowded freeways, bookstores are peaceful havens.
After moving to LA, I felt like I had to be at every coffeeshop, every rooftop party and stay connected on social media all the time.
It wasn’t until I went into a tiny, dusty bookshop on a random Tuesday that I felt right at home in New York. Almost like the calm I felt during a smooth Luton airport cheap parking before a long flight. That small moment of stillness made a big difference.
If you need a quiet moment, these bookstores in Los Angeles are a great place to find peace, interesting books and a new favorite title.
The Last Bookstore (located in Downtown LA)
We should begin with the most famous. The Last Bookstore goes beyond being just a bookstore; it’s an experience. The former bank building has tall ceilings, secret nooks and a tunnel made from books. Yes, it’s a popular place, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.
There are lots of used books, vinyl records and indie art displays downstairs. The famous book arch and smaller sections for different genres are located upstairs. Once, I spent three hours at the bookstore, browsing through old books and talking to people I didn’t know.
Skylight Books in Los Feliz
I often visit this bookstore here in town, it’s not large, feels cozy and the books are always well-chosen. There is something about Skylight that makes you feel at ease. Their recommendations are always excellent and they mainly deal with literary fiction, poetry and art books, paying special attention to LA’s authors.
There’s a lovely tree within the store which helps create a peaceful, leafy atmosphere. I went in the store just to look around and ended up getting a signed copy of a poetry book by an LA-based writer.
Book Soup (West Hollywood)
If the area on the Sunset Strip gets too noisy, you can quickly relax at Book Soup by taking a different street. This bookstore is famous for its high shelves, staff reviews written by hand and its wide variety of literature, politics, film and art.
It has a cool vibe which matches the area and its reputation. I arrived at the bookstore one evening before meeting a friend and I ended up spending an hour reading the beginning of a Joan Didion book I hadn’t looked at in years.
The festival includes many authors, interesting panels and sometimes a visit from a celebrity.
Stories Books & Cafe (in Echo Park)
Reading and coffee? Forget about it. The reason you visit Stories is the books, but you end up enjoying the atmosphere as well. Being in the artsy Echo Park neighborhood, the shop offers people a sense of community, culture and calm.
Reading on the patio is great and the shop stocks a selection of new and old books. People here have written screenplays, had meaningful conversations or relaxed with a book and a coffee.
Note: Don’t forget to check Airport Parking Stansted and book according to your travel needs.
Small World Books is located in Venice Beach.
Only a short distance from the ocean and hidden behind the bustling Venice Boardwalk is Small World Books, a calm spot surrounded by street acts and shops. You might not see it at first, but when you get in, it seems like a library you’ve been lucky to find.
They value quality more than quantity and their fiction and philosophy are very good. One time, I found a rare Murakami book while I was still wearing sunscreen and sand from the beach. The combination of strong beach life and peaceful reading areas makes the place memorable.
Bookstores in Los Angeles aren’t just businesses—they are cultural havens. Each one has its own personality and pace, offering a chance to step out of the city’s rush and into something quieter, deeper.
No matter if you are hunting for a rare find, sipping a matcha while reading in the back corner, or attending a cozy reading event, these book stores offer the perfect pause button. They have done it for me, time and time again.
So next time you find yourself in LA and the traffic gets too loud or the social calendar too crowded, take a breath, grab a book, and escape. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
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