01 Nov 5 Must-Visit Spots in Los Angeles for Books, Records, and Films
Updated November 1, 2024 by Team CruisinCity
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with a rich history of counterculture complementing its Hollywood productions.
If you’re cruising through LA, you might want to explore some alternative spots to discover unique musical, literary, or cinematic gems that are hard to find elsewhere. Here’s a selection of addressesโneither too niche nor too mainstreamโthat will delight music lovers and Instagrammers alike.
1 โ Amoeba Music
Amoeba Music is an iconic record store in LA, with its first location opening in Hollywood in 2001 before moving to a new location in April 2021.
Located at 6200 Hollywood Blvd in the El Centro complex, the store is easily accessible by public transit. It offers an extensive selection of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, books, posters, t-shirts, and other music-related items, all displayed in a colorful, artistic space adorned with installations and murals.
The team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds in the music and film industries. They’re happy to help you find what you’re looking for or guide you to new discoveries!
Amoeba is also a concert venue, having hosted numerous live performances, signings, and events, including appearances by Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, and Ozzy Osbourne.
For more details, check out their listing in our directory.
2 โ Counterpoint Records & Books
Counterpoint Records & Books is a family-run bookstore and record store specializing in secondhand and rare items.
Founded in 1979, the shop first opened in a small location on Hollywood Boulevard before moving a year later to its current spot on Franklin Avenue. A hidden gem in Franklin Village, Counterpoint has thrived over the decades thanks to the dedication of co-owners John and his wife, Susan. John, who has spent over 43 years at the bookstore, envisioned it as an intellectual and artistic hub.
Counterpoint buys and sells used and rare books, records, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and other cultural items. Whether you’re after literary classics, signed editions, contemporary art books, obscure and occult volumes, or soul, jazz, classical, or punk vinyl, Counterpoint has it all.
In the back of the store, you’ll find ‘Harmony,’ a dedicated space showcasing rare and collectible books and itemsโit’s worth a visit! If you’re interested in selling your own items or collections, Counterpoint offers cash or in-store credit.
Check out their page in our directory!
3 โ Vidiots
The Vidiots Foundation is a nonprofit video rental library founded in 1985.
It reopened at the Eagle Theatre in 2023, offering a unique cultural space in LA for movie buffs and filmmakers. This institution boasts an impressive collection of DVDs, Blu-rays, and rare VHS tapes, spotlighting works by diverse artistsโfrom emerging talents to established and underrepresented voices. Vidiots proudly promotes an inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-misogynist film culture. During your visit, you might catch a screening in the 271-seat Eagle Theatre or attend a workshop in the MUBI Microcinema, a versatile space for educational programs and community gatherings.
Open daily, Vidiots provides an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience for all cinema lovers.
For additional details, check out their listing in our directory.
4 โ The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore isn’t the last bookstore on earth, but it’s definitely one of the coolest, located right in the heart of Downtown LA.
Founded in 2005 by Josh Spencer, this bookstore moved to its current location in 2011, a former bank building. Now the largest bookstore in California, it spans over 20,000 square feet. The store offers a vast selection of new, used, and rare books, as well as vinyl, comic books, and other media. The interior is decorated with “book sculptures” and artful tunnels, creating a unique and interactive atmosphere. The second floor is a maze of shelves featuring artworks and secret rooms. The Last Bookstore also has an impressive vinyl gallery, with collections from all music genres.
This venue regularly hosts exhibitions and community events, making it a cultural hotspot in Los Angeles. For those looking to sell, the bookstore also buys and trades books and records.
In short, The Last Bookstore is like Gibert in Paris, Franceโonly way cooler.
For more information, check out their page in our directory
5 โ Electric Dusk Drive-In Theater
For the final stop on this list, let’s explore something unique: a drive-in cinema!
If you’ve always been curious about the drive-in experience, head over to Electric Dusk. It’s one of the few drive-in theaters still operating in Los Angeles. Located in a former Sears parking garage in Glendale, this “retro” cinema offers a unique experience where you can catch both the latest blockbusters and classics from the comfort of your car.
Whether it’s a romantic date or a fun outing with friends, the diverse programming has something for everyone. Tickets are affordable, and you’re welcome to bring your own food, which makes the experience even cooler. For a more open-air experience, bring folding chairs to set up outside your car!
Alongside film screenings, Electric Dusk hosts events and outdoor tastings, giving you even more reasons to check it out.
For more details, check out their listing in our directory.
