La Playa Books

K

Katy Lamersvia Google

7 months ago

5 Stars because book stores are my life and I love them for existing! Unfortunately, I got there at 4:58pm and they were closing up for a book club, so I didn’t get to go inside before I flew back to Texas. Hopefully I will get back to San Diego one day and make it in time to enjoy another book lovers haven in this great city. Support Local Book Stores!

A

Andy Labereevia Google

8 months ago

Prior to renovation, this was an awesome bookstore. It had a wide variety of books on local history and a good amount of rare/ old books, some greatly underpriced, with a charming vintage interior. Unfortunately after the renovation it’s come to resemble a smaller version of Barnes and Nobles with a modern AirBnB-asylum interior and apparently less inventory. It’s not only disappointing but also confusing as a business strategy — if people want to buy corporate children’s books or a modern retelling of Greek myths, they will most likely just go to Barnes and Nobles. I hope that they can pivot back towards the way it used to be. If those old books are hiding in the back somewhere, please bring them out.

P

PsBoston7via Google

9 months ago

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.

M

Megan Linvia Google

9 months ago

Long story short: I had a glowing, positive, fun experience at La Playa! I'm about a 30 min drive away from La Playa and will happily drive to Point Loma again to visit. I came to La Playa yesterday as part of the SD Book Crawl 2025. I was extremely excited about the book crawl, and even more excited to find a convenient spot to park. But when I got out of the car, the line was LONG. So long. And it wasn't the line to pay for books, it was the line to browse for books! The woman in front of me shared that the store square footage was reduced a bit ago to 1/3 or 1/4 of what it used to be. Though the line was long, people were in good spirits and this man, who I later learned was an employees husband, was a champ! I admire his enthusiasm and personality. He was at the stop sign where the line made an L and would shout out literature trivia questions. I'm not a big reader (I'm a very slow reader), so I felt pretty accomplished and happy to get a few questions right. What could've been a long line became a line with friendly people and our very own literature trivia emcee! Additionally, there was a table with coffee, water, chips, protein bars with signs to stay hydrated. I only visited 5 of 14 indie stores on the crawl, but I didn't see any of the other 4 do anything like that. It just goes to show the care and extra mile they go for their customers. When my cousin and I got into the store, I realized how genius the line creation was. Two staff members managed the line and would allow people to go in when others came out. The staff ensured that there was a comfortable amount of people in the store. I went to a few stores where I knocked a few books down and bumped into other crawlers. It's really satisfying to browse the books in a comfortable setting. It makes the experience of the shop even better! I appreciate them having a capacity limit to who can be in the store. The staff were so friendly. Their logo is adorable (I'm very tempted to get a mug and shirt the next time I go back). I saw a book I wanted with beautiful sprayed edges, but figured I'd pick it up at the next store we went to. Turns out this was a first print run that sold out at he other store! 😵‍💫 So today, the day after, I called La Playa and many other stores on the crawl and La Playa happily held the book for me, and were willing to even hold it until Monday night (even amidst the crawl)! I ran over, a little unpleased that I wasn't able to check another store off the crawl list, but any feelings I had about not getting to go to another store were completely gone. The staff and manager have amazing customer service and go the mile for their customers. I was thoroughly impressed and my day was made by them. And day 2 crawl, they still had a table of coffee, water, and snacks. Again, I'll be returning for sure. I'm not sure when, but it's in my mind as the bookstore is like to go to for my book needs 💙☺️

K

karen thurstonvia Google

11 months ago

I just visited La Playa Books for the first time and I am so glad I did. What a lovely shop. I had nothing in particular in mind. I just want less screen time and more nourishing pursuits -- and I want to support local businesses. Stepping in from the busy street, the gentle quiet of the store felt instantly calming. The natural light from the tall front windows made the shop airy, bright and colorful. The shelves were all organized with easy-to-read section signs and little cards with staff suggestions here and there. There was a comfy couch with colorful throw pillows, and a small table with inviting chairs. Soft music was playing -- so calming! I found a good book for myself, and books for each of my grandkids. At the register, I had the most delightful and helpful conversation with Mary Ann (I hope I am remembering her name correctly.) What a great experience from start to finish. It's my new favorite store!