A record store guide to L.A.

As streaming services have nearly erased CDs from our collective memory, the L.A. branch of San Francisco’s Amoeba Music could easily be seen as a mausoleum to actually leaving the house to buy music. But this, one of the largest independent record stores in the country, is very much alive, especially with the resurgence of vinyl. The variety of stock (CDs, LPs and DVDs, new and used) is awesome, the prices are fair and the staff know their onions. In 2021, after leaving its Sunset Boulevard home of two decades behind, Amoeba moved up the block onto Hollywood Boulevard and increased its music gift offerings, with more band T-shirts, toys, books and collectibles.

Founded by record collector and musician Danny Clodfelter, Arroyo was born during the pandemic when vinyl collecting saw a surge in sales as music lovers stayed home. The store still thrives as love for analog pleasures continues to grow in the digital age. Specializing in local and international jazz, soul, rock and punk, this welcoming space is brimming with vintage discs to remember and contemporary new favorites to discover daily.

With four decades in Hollywood, this historic hovel has been a go-to for directors, producers, music supervisors and prop masters looking for inspiration via original vinyl records, classic rock, jazz, soundtracks and more. Rare treasures and memorabilia from eras past can be found within its archival atmosphere, priced for quality and collectibility.

While all your Hollywood pals are looking for parking and dodging snobs to spend an hour at Amoeba, swing leisurely up to this laid-back Burbank record shop. Offering a robust selection of vinyl for as low as 50 cents—from Linda Ronstadt to rare jazz albums—the place leaves collectors feeling like, well, music nerds in a record store. DVDs, VHS tapes and cassettes can also be found at fair prices, and the lively staff is more than happy to take a look at any old goodies you might be interested in selling.

This Granada Hills music store offers a highly curated collection of used and new vinyl for Valley music buffs plus bargain bins for forgotten faves and finds. They are always buying LPs, 45s and cassettes (no appointment necessary) so you’ll find something new every visit. The family-owned business is also known for local events (they moved to a larger space in 2025 to accommodate). Check out their First Fridays series for a slice of SFV creative culture.

Like the best pre-digital age shops, this Sherman Oaks record store doesn’t tie itself to any single format. Sure, about half of the store is dedicated to vinyl, but you’ll also find movies, zines, a 99-cent room and a selection of CDs that ranges from new releases to old-school KROQ compilations.

Opening up a New York record store in 1994—amid the rise of CDs—seemed like a crazy idea. And moving that store to Highland Park in the middle of streaming service ascendancy? Even crazier. But Gimme Gimme Records has endured, and it now calls an increasingly hip stretch of Fig home for its genre-hopping selection. The shop specializes in used and hard-to-find records, and even boasts house calls if you’re looking to sell a particularly large collection.

Going Underground has been a reliable source for DJs (home and pro) looking for diverse titles on vinyl. They buy, sell and do trades, and their employees are friendly and helpful. Prices are fair and the vibes are funky, making the shop a great stop while strolling Little Tokyo post-sushi and sake outings.

Sometimes the best record stores are off the beaten path. One of our favorites, in an unassuming mini-mall in Santa Clarita, is full of great deals. Owner Victor Torres Jr. will often offer half-off deals and on a recent weekend, we scored albums by the Partridge Family and Elton John for only a few bucks from the bargain bins. Brand-new vinyl runs standard pricing ($25–$30) but the selection is great, especially if you love new wave and goth. They also have cool monster-themed merch.

The place for punk rock music and accouterments, this famed Melrose Avenue shop offers essential vinyl, CDs, DVDs and collectibles alongside the best selection of hardcore punk T-shirts and patches in town. DIY patch culture (wherein screen-printed band logos are adorned on black fabric) has exploded in recent years so if you’re looking to design a “battle vest” or “patch pant” look, look no further. Studs, spikes and leather goods sold here complete the look, but the store’s selection of music is top notch. Posers need not apply.

This intimate shop boasts not only new and used vinyl but memorabilia and equipment. Owned by veteran record collectors, it serves as a community hub for audiophiles with a curated selection and a cozy atmosphere. There’s no relation to the book, film or the more recent TV show of the same name, but the employees definitely have deep music knowledge that’d rival any from the big or small screen classic.

Seasoned music lovers will recall that the original Licorice Pizza—a beloved chain in SoCal in the ‘70s and ‘80s—always had the hottest new records and concert tickets. This Valley hub bought the name and it evokes the same excitement and energy; it hosts signing events, podcasts and even has a pressing plant on the premises, courtesy of owner Kerry Brown. Pizza’s pressings for contemporary artists like Japanese Breakfast, Midnight Cowgirls and Ferry Townes are hot commodities, but the store’s selection of classics, past and present, is worth a peruse too.

Relocated from Echo Park, this Glendale shop offers by-appointment-only buying, selling and trading of vintage gems, with a heavy emphasis on punk and independent titles (12 and 7 inches) plus rare gig flyers. If you’re looking for something particular, they’ll usually try to hunt it down for you. Check out their Instagram for the latest finds and deals.

This one-of-a-kind, uber-hip shop specializes in new and used vinyl, cassettes, books, foreign film, clothing, art and posters. Check its Facebook page for an updated schedule of live music and visual artist pop-ups. The shop also doubles as the U.S. headquarters for Finders Keepers Records and the B-Music collective, a U.K. outfit that focuses on psychedelic records.

Known for its instructional DJ classes and inviting listening stations, the deep-cut crowd frequent both locations (Highland Park and Melrose) of On Maritime for good reason. Sealed new and used records are plentiful and sales staff reflect knowledge of a wide range of genres here. Ultimately, these minimalist spaces let the selection—great soul, funk and on-the-wall rarities—shine. Prices are on point too.

Originally located in Eagle Rock, then in Highland Park and Echo Park, Permanent’s current space is known for live music shows nearly as much as vinyl shopping. The front “roadhouse” bar and store took over the venue formerly known as Cafe Nela, and it showcases an array of local music and sing-along gigs, including a regular residency of sorts from comedic actor and musician Fred Armisen. A plethora of limited editions, obscure releases and hot new titles can still be found in the bar and the separate store in a converted garage in the back of the property, along with a carefully curated vintage collection. They also have a great taco stand on select show nights.

Pasadena’s high-end retail districts don’t leave much room for record shops, but this old-school spot has managed to make space for tunes on the eastern edge of town since 1971. Poo-Bah primarily focuses on underground hip-hop and experimental, but you’ll find all sorts of other music for sale and trade, including limited-run vinyl and cassette releases on the shop’s very own imprint.

An aptly named emporium of rock, this Westside gem is a digger’s dream. Rare LPs and CDs in every genre can be found behind its blue exterior. Strike up a conversation with owner Thomas Mitchell and you’ll learn a lot, whether you’re looking for background on the rock, jazz, blues, surf or pop stock, from multiple eras. You’ll find what you’re looking for at Fanatics, and likely leave with more you didn’t even know you needed.

A favorite with serious collectors and casual vinyl heads alike, this Los Feliz top shop has quickly become the hub of choice for hip music nerds. The space is packed with great titles and the atmosphere is light, airy and jovial, making it a great place to spend a few hours flipping through the stock with a fine-tooth comb. Manager Alex Rodriguez travels the country to unearth new finds regularly, and the store always seems to have the staples (in all genres) if you’re looking to build a base collection of classics. Prices are always good and sometimes there are some real scores.

One of the bigger stores in L.A., Surplus lives up to its name. Things have changed since this mega-store self-identified as “the last record store,” but the business (founded in 1985) has survived streaming to finally benefit from vinyl’s vogue again. They buy and sell records and are always stocked on rock, jazz, soul, hip-hop, blues, classical, international, Latin, reggae, oldies, country and more. Used CDs, a $1 record bin and listening stations make it one of the most reliable stops on a record shop tour.

As seen on the AXS TV show Vinyl Obsession, the Record Parlour has an incredible selection of foundational titles (i.e. formative artists for multiple generations). Classic rock is big here but there’s also jazz, soul, alternative artists and a lot more. They aren’t the cheapest in town, but the selection of new vinyl is ample. The vibey and vintage-minded music palace is a chill alternative to nearby Amoeba and it’s really more about the digs. There are some scores to be had in their $3 bins (our last visit yielded great condition albums from Cher and Neil Diamond).

This historic Silver Lake store is no longer open to the public for walk-ins, but if you’re looking to sell your vinyl collection or a rare piece from the ‘60s to ‘80s, it’s the place to call. Rockaway pays top dollar for rare vinyl and collectables. They also offer new alternative and L.A.-based bands, memorabilia and videos, so if you’re a serious buyer it’s worth an appointment as well. Posters, tour art and concert tees are also available.

A barbershop and record store in one, this Echo Park locale is one of the most atmospheric retail spaces in L.A., which makes it a pleasure to browse about at leisure. Sick City carries a great selection of dark genres, especially synth, new wave, punk, dance and goth (which they’re always pumping on the sound system); plus there’s also lots of cool tees and merch. Check their Instagram for their frequent events including live bands and comedy on various nights.

Another vinyl haven worth a jaunt outside of Central L.A., Soundsations has been in business since 1976. Current owners Pete Grasso and Lee Wilson took over the South Bay music mart in 1990 and it’s remained a vinyl lover’s oasis ever since. The friendly staff are anything but music snobs and they’ll guide you to whatever your whimsy may be, from soundtracks to modern pop sensations topping the charts.

This small family-owned and operated record shop is another gem worth seeking out. The Lancaster store has thousands of used records and their new vinyl section is always changing too. In addition to records, CDs and tapes, they also have a back room filled with collectible toys and vintage treasures. If you believe that “analog is life, digital is lifeless,” as the store’s motto proclaims, this is the place to support the cause for tangible, physical music media and its immersive magic.