The best record stores in California
Ranked by real customers — rating weighted by review volume across 80,539 Google reviews. Only shops with 25+ reviews qualify. Updated 2026.
#1 Amoeba Music
4.8 ★★★★★ 10,689 reviews · Los Angeles, CA
Indie music lovers' hangout for free live shows & an eclectic stock of new releases & vintage hits.
“Amoeba Music is an absolute classic and still one of the best record stores around. Huge selection across vinyl, CDs, movies, and merch—you can easily lose an hour just browsing. S…” — Daveed
#2 Amoeba Music
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,988 reviews · San Francisco, CA
Indie music lovers' hangout for free live shows & an eclectic stock of new releases & vintage hits.
“This place is a heaven for a person like me who is an audiophile 🥹 Not exaggerating but they have everything here. I was not expecting to find kpop here, and look what I got!!! **…” — Anand
#3 Salzer's Records
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,802 reviews · Ventura, CA
Retro longtime shop, known for its large selection of new and used LPs, CDs and DVDs.
“When people from out of state visit, they want to visit Amoeba. I oblige, but if at all possible I encourage them to come with me to Salzer's instead. Amoeba is a spectacle. But Sa…” — Michael
#4 K PLACE - Buena Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,059 reviews · Buena Park, CA
“Great selection of albums, lightsticks, and merch in general. They even have some signed albums for display, too! Honestly a great experience with very kind employees, and they hav…” — J
#5 Rhino Records
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,284 reviews · Montclair, CA
Relaxed store stocking records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and books, along with toys.
“This store is an institution! They are keeping the independent record store alive and well. This place is a must-stop even if you don’t think you need to purchase any music-related…” — Kenneth
#6 BOOKOFF Lakewood Center Mall
4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,005 reviews · Lakewood, CA
Chain store buying and selling used books, CDs, movies, and video games, plus some collectibles.
“I love this place. First time there and it was more than what I imagined. They have tons of DVD, CD, action figures and anime even Tv's, laptops old gaming consoles its worth going…” — Manuelv
#7 BOOKOFF Del Amo Fashion Center Store
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,303 reviews · Torrance, CA
Chain retailer featuring used books, CDs, DVDs, and games, plus collectibles.
“One of the most complete, well-stocked and well-structured BookOffs out of the many here in SoCal. I've visited probably 6 different locations, including 3 in OC (Costa Mesa, Westm…” — A.J.
#8 Half Off Books Records Films
4.7 ★★★★★ 821 reviews · Fullerton, CA
Old-school source for secondhand books, records, movies & magazines, plus open-mike poetry readings.
“Had not been in here and almost 30 years nice to see you still in business not sure if still the same owners but huge huge collection of used books all categories still has the sam…” — Jose
#9 Rasputin Music & Anastasia's Vintage
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,091 reviews · Campbell, CA
Music-store chain trading in new & used CDs, DVDs & video games, plus collectible vinyl records.
“Love getting used CD’s and Blu-ray’s at unbelievable prices. Generally has huge stock. I tend to come in now for used Blu-ray’s, usually 3 for $10, they’re older ones, not currentl…” — Robin
#10 Fingerprints Music
4.6 ★★★★★ 935 reviews · Long Beach, CA
Long-time retailer of new & used vinyl records, CDs & books, with regular live musical performances.
“This is such a fun store, I’ve been here several times, it’s a perfect spot to go treasure hunting, especially if you love art and music. It is huge, let me tell u, this spot is ju…” — Geanina