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California's 15 Online Record Stores to Browse Now
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California's 15 Online Record Stores to Browse Now

Whether it’s a famous store in Berkeley or low-key spot in San Diego, you’ll find a record that speaks to you at these online record stores.

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6 min read

May 05, 2021

Anyone with a good record collection knows where to shop for vinyl. Whether it’s world-renowned stores in Berkeley or low-key spots in San Diego, you’ll discover a record that speaks to you. Let the shiny vinyl spin on the turntable while the room livens with lyrics and melody. Lounge on the sofa, update your camping playlist, and let California’s online record stores blow you away. 

Record Stores in Northern California

Steve Miller said it best. The digital world is so convenient and nice, but playing a vinyl record is a much warmer, hotter, more present feeling.

1. The Last Record Store

Location: 1899 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa

Are you on the search for LPs online? If so, check out The Last Record Store, a local record shop that’s been in the game since 1970. From curious Gen Z shoppers to hard-core vinylphiles, the store is a musical mecca for people of all ages. If you’re interested in buying used vinyl records online, The Last Record Store has just the right selection.

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2. Streetlight Records

Location: 980 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose

Before smartphones existed, San Jose music lovers flocked to Streetlight Records for tunes and good conversations. Now, 30 years later, not much has changed. From new tracks to oldies, pop by the store and let your fingers slide through stacks of diverse genres. Alternatively, if your couch is too comfy to leave, scroll through the store’s online collection to find exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Amoeba Music

Location: 2455 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley

Known as the world’s largest independent record store, Amoeba Music is truly one-of-a-kind. First opened in Berkley in 1990, the store now operates in three locations across the state. Explore their new and used selections of LPs, CDs, and posters for sights and sounds you’ve never dreamed of.

Record Stores in Central California

Vinyl is the real deal. until you buy the vinyl record, you don’t really own the album. Once you purchase your first record, you'll get how it feels.

4. Tower District Records 

Location: 1930 North Echo Avenue, Fresno

You know an online vinyl store is going to be awesome when the owner’s a major music buff. Tower District Records features rock, jazz, blues, and R&B records from the 60s and 70s. Whether you’re looking for Frank Zappa, Bob Lambert, or rare LPs, Tower District Records has exactly what you need to grow your road trip playlist

5. Boo Boo Records 

Location: 978 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo

Found in the idyllic San Luis Obispo, Boo Boo Records is the indie oasis you’re searching for. The shop is a magnet for used vinyl enthusiasts—you’ll find everything from Iron Maiden to The Beatles to Rival Sons. While browsing, check out the shop’s apparel, accessories, and limited edition art prints. Until you get to experience this energy in person, the store’s website will keep the spirit of discovery alive.

Keep the records spinning on your turntable and enjoy the music. The surface noise makes your experience a lot more authentic.

6. Going Underground Records 

Location: 1312 19th Street, Bakersfield

Looking for the best online vinyl store? Going Underground Records has you covered. Founded in 2001, the store is Central California’s largest and longest-running vinyl record store. From LPs and 45s to stereo equipment, Going Underground buys, sells and trades it all.

7. Armadillo Music 

Location: 207 F Street, Davis

If you’re updating your feel-good playlist, head over to Armadillo Music to discover new genres and underrated classics. The record store has been a staple of Downtown Davis since the 90s, attracting both tourists and local clientele. The online collection is just as impressive, consisting of classical, jazz, reggae, country, rock, and punk records.

Imagine buying a classic Black Sabbath album, unpacking it, and playing the tracks in your turntable. Sounds like a music lover's perfect afternoon.

8. Tigers and Daggers Records 

Location: 438 West Main Street, Merced

Tiger and Dagger Records is about good music and rare finds—it’s one of the best places to buy vinyl records online. Punk, indie, metal, and pop LPs cover every shelf of the store. If you’re looking for specialized sound systems, you’ll find plenty on sale right here. The record store regularly updates its collection with the latest tracks and vintage albums, so hurry up and pick out your favorites.

Record Stores in Southern California

Vinyl stores always attract visitors and collectors of vintage records. After all, who doesn't like the rich sound of a vinyl record?

9. The Record Parlour 

Location: 6408 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles

Music lovers regularly gather at The Record Parlour. The vinyl store attracts visitors with restored vintage audio gear and LPs spanning all genres. Rare jukeboxes, turntables, antique radios, and speakers are available for purchase both online and in person. Decorate your room with music memorabilia while Nirvana’s Nevermind spins on the turntable. 

10. Record Surplus

Location: 12436 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles

Founded in 1985, Record Surplus is one of the largest record stores in Los Angeles. The sheer number of collectibles and used vinyl is what puts Record Surplus on the map—it has over 10,000 vinyl records and CDs for sale. From jazz and rock to reggae and classic, this record store is all about variety. Browse the store’s website to find the right genre for you. 

The bigger your vinyl collection, the richer of a human you are.

11. Cosmic Vinyl Cafe

Location: 2149 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

After nearly a decade of collecting and selling records at flea markets, Cosmic Vinyl Cafe became an official store in 2016. Located in the heart of Echo Park—one of L.A.’s most vibrant neighborhoods—the store exposes you to a variety of vinyl records, cassette tapes, hi-fi gear, and turntables.

Enjoy listening to oldies at the store while sipping a lavender matcha latte. But if you don’t feel like moving from your couch, browse for your favorite albums at one of the best online record stores.

12. Mount Analog 

Location: 2217 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles

Mount Analog is the perfect place to look for vinyl records online. The record store caters to people looking for rare finds and experimental tools to get creative with music. House, techno, broken beats—you’ll come across all sorts of electronic genres. While Mount Analog perfectly reflects LA’s growing club scene, the store also has classic tapes and Sony Walkmans for sale.

13. Rockaway Records 

Location: 2395 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles

Rockaway Records specializes in rare vinyl records, autographs, posters, and memorabilia. The store is credited with selling the first copy of Prince’s never-released 1987 Black Album and the world’s largest Led Zeppelin LP collection. A trip to Rockaway Records is a must, even if it’s online.

Nick Horny knew what he was doing when he said that record stores may not save your life, but they can give you a better one.

14. Freakbeat Records 

Location: 13616 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks

Expand your beach day playlist while browsing for new vinyl records at Freakbeat Records. The rock section here is the largest, meaning you’ll find the coolest surfer rock songs next time you hit the beach. But that doesn’t mean soul and jazz lovers won’t find something worthwhile. Freakbeat Records has a special selection of disco, soul, and hip-hop—we won’t be giving up the funk anytime soon. 

15. Vinyl Junkies Record Shack 

Location: 2235 Fern Street, San Diego

From funk to punk, soul to hip hop, and classic rock to blues, Vinyl Junkies Record Shack has it all. Vinyl enthusiasts often turn to this store to grow their record collections, and you should too. Browse the store’s website to find everything from the latest releases to classic psych records. Grow your outdoor workout playlist with some of the popular genres Vinyl Junkies has in stock—classic rock, metal, blues, indie, and reggae to name a few.

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