Looking for independent bookstores to visit in San Francisco, California? This article features seven cozy San Francisco bookshops to check out!

San Francisco (SF) is one of the most diverse cities in the world, making it an ultimate travel destination, and the same holds true for the city’s bookstores. San Francisco bookstores specialize in different genres. Shelves tend to be well-maintained and organized. Signage and index cards, at nearly every location, summarize staff picks.

You can immerse yourself – lose track of time – in San Francisco’s bookstore scene, as you check out each bookshop’s specialities, explore all the bookish offerings, and (perhaps even) find a literary treasure.

Read on to see our top picks for the best bookstores in San Francisco, California.

City Lights Booksellers (most famous for its publication of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl), is impressive for many reasons: its seventy-plus year history, expansive selection of titles, and multi-level layout. Head straight up City Lights’ steep flight of stairs (watch your step) to browse more than thirty genres, from crime fiction to drama to world history. Or make a sharp right through a small room housing staff picks, bestsellers, and hardcover biographies (keep walking, and you’ll stumble upon an Alice In Wonderlandesque triangular-shaped room with old-fashioned black and white tiled floors). If you like rhythm and verse, head to City Lights’ poetry room, complete with a poet’s chair (Editor’s Note: City Lights Booksellers was founded by a poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti)!

City Lights recognizes its place as a travelers hub and community spot. So on your way out, leave a post-it note (there’s a small cork board of them) letting the iconic San Francisco bookshop know what prompted your visit!

The Booksmith

Offering literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, and an assortment of children’s books, The Booksmith is one of the coziest San Francisco’s bookshops. Handwritten notes contain helpful recommendations and details from staff. A Bay Area portion highlights local authors. For an added touch, a little section near the register features mystery dates with a book. You just may lose track of time in this Haight neighborhood gem.

Green Apple Books

Established in 1967 in the Inner Richmond area, Green Apple Books also has a newer location near Golden Gate Park. I visited this location; Green Apples Books On The Park carries new and used books in a variety of genres: history, local Bay Area lit, and manga. A display of descriptive index cards highlights top staff recommendations near the entrance. Walking away empty-handed is a tough ask.

Black Bird Bookstore & Cafe

A rush of excitement took over upon stepping into Black Bird Bookstore & Cafe. I felt like I had entered an art gallery for books. I took in the details: the locally handcrafted shelves, artistic displays of face-out covers (quality over quantity here), well-lit rooms, windows with sun rays beaming in, beautiful large pictures (by a local artist) hanging above the books. A small section of local items is curated close to the storefront, near a full-service café. Black Bird Bookstore & Cafe is one of the most exquisite bookshops in San Francisco (Editor’s Note: this SF bookstore also made it onto our guide to the best bookshops in California).

Omnivore

Omnivore is a must-see San Francisco bookstore for anyone who’s a foodie, chef, or lover of cooking (or eating). Unlike many SF bookshops, there’s no signage pointing to categories (baking, cheese, cocktails, coffee, spices, Italian, Ethiopian, French cuisine, and everything in between). But instead of being confusing, Omnivore feels charming and welcoming, like being in someone’s home library. Cozy. Small. Aesthetically pleasing. You’ll want to browse through every new, used, and vintage title – I found myself salivating, wishing I had the entire day to spend here.

Sour Cherry Comics

Sour Cherry is the kind of place you’ll stumble into and not even realize you needed your purchase. Comics are just the surface of what you’ll unearth at this LGBTQIAP+ comic shop. From manga and novels to plushies and toys, you’ll find it all and then some here, where the clientele ranges from youth to adults. Sour Cherry occasionally hosts events (Sour Cherry Con, held every May, is the annual event to note).

Borderlands Books

Science fiction, mystery, and horror bookworms, plan your schedule accordingly before visiting Borderlands Books – you’ll likely spend more time (and money) than you intended. This specialty bookstore offers an assortment of new and used books and rare editions.

Borderlands has undergone multiple transitions and moves since its inception in 1997. In 2009, Borderlands Café opened next door and brought new life to the independent business. It grew exponentially in 2012 when a large archway was created between the bookstore and café, enabling the store to accommodate practically double the amount of capacity for events. Although the cafe closed in 2019, patrons still reminisce about the beloved coffee addition. Now, in their newest location in the Haight, a unique sponsorship program helps keep them thriving (see details here) and hopefully around for a long time to come.

More Bookstores In San Francisco

• Russian Hill Bookstore: unique neighborhood spot for used and new books, games, cards, gifts and more
• Christopher’s Books: well-organized family-run bookstore, lots of kids books, knowledgeable & friendly staff
• Bound Together Bookstore: longtime go-to for literature specializing in anarchist and counter-culture books, volunteer-run
• Dog Ear Books: great selection of used and new books, customers love this indie location
• Bird & Beckett Books: used and new titles, vinyls; occasional poetry readings and live music on weekends

Did you enjoy this list of bookstores in San Francisco? What are your favorite San Francisco bookstores? Let us know in the comments below!