San Francisco is a great place for book lovers, with numerous parks perfect for reading and plenty of literary history connected to the city. We always love shopping local, and luckily, there are plenty of amazing independent bookstores in the city. Check out our list of some great local bookstores, from affordable used books to specialty shops.
Black Bird Bookstore
This community hangout not only has an excellent selection of curated books, but it also comes with a number of gorgeous nooks to settle in and peruse them. Titles are placed facing forward like artworks along the clean wooden shelves made by the incredible craftsman at Woodshop. From the bench on the sidewalk, the sun-soaked couch in the window, or the hammock in the plant-filled backyard, Blackbird is a taste of beachside life that you’ll never want to leave.
đź“Ť Location: 4541 Irving St
City Light Booksellers & Publishers
This cult bookstore and publisher, founded by laureate Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, is a must for beat-generation fans and those interested in progressive literature. Musicians, celebrities, beat-nerds, and intellectuals alike make the pilgrimage to this quirky little corner to expose themselves to some of the most impressive minds and meet fellow free-thinkers. Plus, keep an eye out for events or readings and check out the mural around the corner in Kerouac Alley.
đź“Ť Location: 261 Columbus Ave
Dog Eared Books
Dog Eared Books has been feeding the word-hungry bibliophiles with new, used, and unsold books since 1992. The inviting book-clad interior is home to mostly outlandish, small press and local literature, along with all sorts of inspiring obscurities like a rare vintage set of The Memoirs of Casanova. If you don’t find something here, you can always stroll down to their sister store in Castro, which offers an equally engrossing experience.
đź“Ť Location: 900 Valencia St
Borderlands Books
A mecca for science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and horror literature aficionados. The owner, Alan Beatts, is committed to giving readers what they deserve: a highly specialized bookstore focused on giving you an excellent selection of new and used books at affordable prices. The selection is impressive, and perfect for finding your next series. Plus, they have a collection of vintage-inspired post cards perfect for a quick souvenir.
đź“Ť Location: 1740 Haight St
Green Apple Books
This late-night book haven for bookworms began as a passion project of Rich Savoy in 1967. The 25-year-old small inventory in the little green shop quickly turned into an establishment that is loved and lauded by the community and an apotheosis of keeping the legacy of an independent merchant alive. The store has expanded from its initial Clement St. spot—which is positively brimming with 60,000 used and 100,000 old books now— to the second store in the Sunset.
đź“Ť Location: 506 Clement St
Russian Hill Books
Russian Hill Bookstore is where local artists, designers, architects, writers, and art collectors come to find essential resources and inspiration. The store buys up the used gems from the city and helps new owners find something they never knew they needed. Here, locals and tourists alike can find some of the city’s best books, board games, toys, party games, and cards.
đź“Ť Location: 2162 Polk St
by Ashlyn Davis and Dana Flynn