Vroman’s Bookstore

The largest and oldest independent bookshop in Southern California was founded over a century ago and continues to provide welcome competition to the big-box options in the San Gabriel Valley. The stock is strong and the staff is very helpful. They sell so much (too much?) more than books throughout the massive two-story space: music, luggage, jewelry, cookware, candles, greeting cards, children’s toys, candy and more—you could easily lose yourself for a few hours inside. There’s even a coffee shop and literary-inspired bar built in (try the sake-based Pride and Pearjudice). Keep an eye out for the store’s regular readings and book signings—throughout its storied history, the shop has welcomed everyone from Dr. Seuss to Joan Didion to recent luminaries like Ottessa Moshfegh.