Lina Lecaro

Streaming music is convenient and efficient, but it can feel soulless and one-dimensional. For those who value the spirit of discovery that makes IRL music shopping so special, Los Angeles has never offered more places to flash back, flip through and fill up the crate. Analog music junkies never abandoned vinyl, but a whole new generation has also discovered the thrill of buying physical music media in a brick-and-mortar environment. From revisiting classic album cover art and packaging (which has only gotten more interesting with annual Record Store Day drops and special edition colored vinyl releases) to the visceral pleasure of bringing cool finds home and placing them on a turntable or inside a boombox, music shopping as an experiential activity is alive and well. Whether you prefer to own your favorite new artists on vinyl or like to hunt for hard-to-find vintage titles beyond visiting Discogs.com, there’s a great space in almost every neighborhood in the city. Check out our list of L.A.’s 25 best shops, from an internationally known behemoth in Hollywood to mom-and-pop shops in Echo Park, Culver City and the outskirts of L.A.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The provocative DIY spirit of punk rock is alive and well in Los Angeles, and local rabble-rousers Dead City Punx are proving it. This weekend, an exhibition celebrating the band’s “volatile and unapologetic street-level activism” takes over Beyond the Streets gallery, and as founder and curator Roger Gastman says, it’s a celebration of “art on its own terms.” The show, which runs on La Brea Avenue through May 30, brings the band’s history together with other anti-establishment artists that reflect the “Punx” ethos.  Known for its retrospective explorations of street culture—from music (Beastie Boys, Gwar) to photography and street art (Estevan Oriol & Teenage Angel, Guerilla Girls)—BTS’s approach to its subjects and themes are always multi-faceted and deeply reflective. This new Punx project is no exception.  An accompanying book release and documentary film (coproduced by Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha) provide a bold immersion into the volatile world of the L.A. band’s creative anarchy, including the communal energy of its illegal gigs and the damage left in their wake when law enforcement breaks them up.   Formed in 2020, Dead City members Meka, Grumpy, Mike and Adrian (all use first names only due to the nature of their notoriety with authorities) were lifelong friends growing up in various parts of L.A. They started jamming when Mike had just gotten out of jail.  Mike’s raw and ravaging lyrics and shrieks, and his bandmates’ wicked thrash conveyed what a

The term “4/20” has long been cultural code for an afternoon smoking session, but since legalization in January 2018, it’s grown (yes, like a weed) into a bona fide celebration, especially in Los Angeles. Beyond 4:20pm (or am if you’re a wake-and-bake early bird), April 20th has become a springtime tradition that represents connecting with nature and each other, as well as promoting cannabis commerce, business and brands. It may have all started in the 1970s in Northern California, but here in SoCal, we’ve made it our own and we have a plethora of pot-themed parties to prove it.    Reefer Madness: The Musical Wisteria Theater, Apr 10–May 10; $58 This “Tale of the Devil’s Terror” takes over North Hollywood’s Wisteria Theater for a presentation of the classic cautionary toker story. The “jazz-fueled, satirical stage experience” promises intoxicating performances, outrageous antics and creepy vibes inspired by Lucifer’s lettuce and the fear tactics of the past that made it forbidden, a perfect way to head into 4/20 this month and keep it going into the next. Weed Bus L.A. Tour Various locations, Apr 10, 11, 16, 17, 24, 25; $79 Cruise over to see homes seen in the classic Ice Cube Friday movies on this popular tour. You’ll also cruise over to Nipsey Square, visit shops like Cypress Hill’s Dr. Greenthumbs, check out local murals and a lot more at this L.A. high history experience. From South L.A. to Downtown, this three-hour guided tour will stone you with nug knowledge and fun ac