If you’ve kept up with our Book of the Month posts, you’ll know that we love reading here at Dreaming Upwards! A few weekends ago, one of my best friends and I took a quick girls’ trip to some bookstores ranging from San Diego to Los Angeles. This SoCal Bookstore Day Trip didn’t even last a full day, and it was so much fun! We got to see the different characters of each bookstore and the personality of different parts of SoCal, which we absolutely loved. Read on below for a quick three stop day trip for book lovers.
Stop 1: The Last Bookstore (DTLA)
Located in Downtown LA, The Last Bookstore is the perfect start to your SoCal Bookstore Day Trip! Not only does it have a fascinating story behind it, but it’s also gorgeous and eclectic and unique. After navigating the lovely mess that is Downtown LA, complete with the struggle of finding parking (get there early–trust me), you walk into a store that seems like it’s not even real.
There’s a coat and bag check at the front door for larger bags, and then you enter a sprawling two story building. The bottom floor has rows upon rows of books that are traditionally organized. It’s a beauty to walk through–or meander–and look for your favorite book. Off to the left, there’s an attached building called the annex. This houses various collector books and rare books, and it’s a delight to check out!
The real treat is upstairs. In the loft, you’ll find a labyrinth of books, themed rooms (check out the horror/thriller one), art and artists’ shops, and so much more. The décor is eclectic and fun and perfectly bookish! No matter what you read, from fantasy to graphic novels to history books to Reese’s book club books, there will be something for you. Plus, if you’re into taking pictures for Insta, there are so many perfect opportunities. From tunnels made out of books to windows and displays set up in the middle of the store, you’ll find something to post.
When my friend and I went here, our most unique find (and there were many competitors) was a yearbook from 1937 with handwritten notes. Beyond that, we found crazy specific art books, popular novels, themed displays, and more character than we could have ever expected. Whether this is your first or last stop on your SoCal Bookstore Day Trip, it is most definitely worth carving out time for.
Stop 1.5: Mendocino Farms
I couldn’t resist adding the perfect lunch stop here. Because The Last Bookstore opens at 11, chances are good that you’ll finish in time for lunch. Once you’ve rounded up your books (which you’ll probably end up getting wayyyy too many of), you can take a quick drive to the nearby mall and get a fantastic meal at Mendocino Farms. My friend introduced me to this restaurant, and let me tell you, it was excellent. The food is fresh and healthy and delicious, and the sides were even better. The restaurant’s theme was perfect, especially the turf benches. On top of that, it’s affordable and quick! If you’re looking for a meal before the next stop, Mendocino Farms is a great option.
Stop 2: The Ripped Bodice (Culver City)
Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t pick favorites, but this was definitely my favorite. While I don’t read exclusively romance, it’s definitely what I gravitate towards. You know those cute stories that just warm your heart? The ones with gorgeous covers that make you want to display them like art?
Yeah, this store has them. And only them. You don’t have to sift through the action books and the history books. At The Ripped Bodice, you have access to pretty much all the romance books you could ever want, and let me tell you, it’s glorious.
The store itself is adorable. From themed window displays to book-scented candles, it has everything. Beyond the books, there were such cute merch options. Bags, candles, bookmarks, cards…everything perfectly reflected a love of romance and reading. I absolutely loved the attention that the owners put into the details. The atmosphere was perfect, the shelf design was beautiful, and it was very clear that passionate people ran the store. On top of that, there are tons of events held here, and it really does feel like a tight-knit community.
Beyond the bookstore itself, the spot of Culver City it’s located in is trendy and fantastic. You can grab excellent tacos a few stores down, look at artisanal wares and unique children’s items, or check out the Citizen Public Market for food and drinks. Everything is within walking distance, and there’s a parking structure just one block over that costs about $1 for the time you’ll likely spend there. If you’re going to go out of your way for one store on a SoCal bookstore day trip, this is the one to go to.
Stop 3: Bel Canto (Long Beach)
Our final stop was a small bookstore in Long Beach that focuses on selling books from underrepresented writers. Within its building are other open concept shops, creating this beautiful and unique community. When you walk in, you have a bookstore to the left, a plant nursery to the right, antiques and handmade décor, essential oils, a potting station, a wine bar…it goes on. And the best part? It all fits the same vibe and manages to cohesively work together.
The bookshop truly is lovely. Everything is clearly labeled and divided into sections. Unlike the other two bookstores, this shop had a large focus on children’s books. From picture books to YA graphic novels, it had everything, and it did an excellent job of highlighting underrepresented authors. Touring the bookstore was a fantastic trip down memory lane for a class I took at SDSU with Matt de la Pena about diverse children’s literature. It had a little bit of everything for anyone, from age two to ninety-two. Although it was small, it was definitely worth the experience.
The surrounding area is also worth checking out! Long Beach has adorable shops, and on the same block as Bel Canto, you can find many thrift stores, unique furniture stores, alien-themed stores, and more. There’s character oozing from every pore of the street, and it is a very worthwhile last stop.
A Final Word
If you’re like me and you love books, this is a perfect short trip, especially for college students. It’s not too much driving and it allows you the chance to get out a bit and shop for books (and enjoy the character of different stores!). I thoroughly enjoyed my time checking out these different LA bookstores. Have you been to any, or do you have other recommendations? Let me know in the comments below!
