Independent bookstores are what help make communities thrive and bring readers together. And for book lovers like me, there’s nothing like stepping into a bookstore that feels like its own little enchanting world. From iconic bookstores with decades of history to unique and beautiful bookstores that celebrate readers and writers alike, these eight bookish destinations are way more than just places to buy books; they’re an experience worth traveling for. Here are eight bookstores that deserve an immediate spot on your bookstore bucket list.
1. The Family Bookshop (Deland, FL)
I, of course, had to start this list with my hometown bookstore, The Family Bookshop. This independently owned bookstore has been a part of the Deland community for over 40 years, and I still remember my visits as a child, being able to browse the aisles and always being able to find exactly what I’m looking for. The Family Bookshop has both a new and used selection, and is happy to accept your used books for credit to be used in the store! Owners Kerry and Kaaren are always willing to lend a helping hand, and if they can’t find it in store, then they won’t hesitate to order it for you! They also have an extra special employee named Ink the cat, who is always open to some pets and cuddle time!
2. The New Romantics (Orlando, FL)
The New Romantics is a woman-owned and founded independent bookstore made for Swifties and romance book lovers alike! The New Romantics strictly sells romance books and has all the romance sub-genres that you can think of. They also sell merch from small companies that range from bookmarks to stickers, to even stationery items! The New Romantics also holds weekly events that are bound to entertain and even have a punch card where, if you attend a certain amount, you can get a free paperback book! Plus, if you’re a physical media collector like me, the iconic record store Park Ave CDs is just across the street!
3. Book People (Austin, TX)
Book People has been Austin, Texas’s leading independent bookstore since 1970 and is located in the heart of downtown Austin. Authors such as Stephen King, Rick Riordan, and David Sedaris have stopped in to do book signings and meet and greets, which have helped make Book People a staple in a lot of readers’ bookstore bucket lists. Inside, they also have their own coffee shop named CoffeePeople, where you can get a fun drink and a sweet treat to enjoy while you browse. I had the opportunity to visit back in 2023, and it was amazing, and a bookstore that I never fail to recommend!
4. BrightLight Books (Fern Park, FL)
BrightLight Books is a hidden gem, and they have a wide array of used and new books where you’ll never not be able to find what you’re looking for. BrightLight Books also accepts books and other physical media, such as CDs, vinyl, and video games, to either sell for store credit or cash. Open since 1995 by the Huber family, BrightLight Books is always a joy to go into, and they always have what I’m looking for!
5. Strand Bookstore (New York, NY)
Strand Bookstore is probably the most iconic and well-known bookstore on this list, and for good reason. With its location in the East Village close to Union Square, and its “18 miles of books,” The Strand Bookstore has become a New York City landmark. The Strand Bookstore has hosted famous authors such as Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Ocean Vuong, and Carl Hiaasen, along with many other literary figures, since its opening, which has made it a must-visit for readers all over the country. With shelves full of new, used, and even rare books, it’s easy to find yourself lost in the shelves and spending more money than you anticipated.
6. Elliott Bay Book Company (Seattle, WA)
Elliott Bay Book Company has become an icon in Seattle’s literary scene since its opening in 1973 and is located in the beautiful Capitol Hill neighborhood. Elliott Bay Book Company offers a wide variety of new and used books, along with author readings that have drawn in writers and readers for years. They also have an in-store coffee shop where you can settle in with a new book purchased in the store!
7. Powell’s City of Books (Portland, OR)
Powell’s City of Books proudly holds the title of the largest new and used bookstore in the world and has been inspiring readers since 1971. Powell’s spans over an entire city block and is home to over a million books of all different kinds of genres. Powell’s also hosts author events frequently and has hosted authors such as Leigh Bardugo, Jodi Picoult, and R.F. Kuang. Powell’s is honestly a bit intimidating to me, especially as someone who struggles with decision-making, so I know when I go visit, that I’ll need a very hefty wallet!
8. The Ripped Bodice (Brooklyn, NY and Culver City, CA)
The Ripped Bodice is another romance-only bookstore that has a location in both California and New York. With its dedication to celebrating romance stories in all their forms, The Ripped Bodice offers all romance sub-genres from rom-coms to dark romances to fantasy romances. With its soft yet colorful decor and frequent author events, this store is the perfect place to browse and fully indulge yourself in the joy of romance. This is one of my top three bookstores to visit, and I’m excited for the day when my time finally comes!
Whether you’re looking to visit an iconic literary landmark or just looking for a cozy bookstore to browse through, these eight bookstores prove that independent bookstores can be just as unforgettable as the big box ones. So be sure to add these bookstores to your bucket list and get lost in between the shelves of the best independent bookstores in the country!
Looking for more fun bookstores to visit? Check out our article, Discover 10 Must-Visit Black-Owned Bookstores Supporting Social Change!
Find our Bookstr team’s picks at our Bookshop Bookstr Team Recommendations bookshelf!
