VIBE

A real life Empire Records. The country’s largest independent record store and a self-described “trading post” of new and used music (and films, and books, and posters), Amoeba draws music fanatics from far and wide for their fantastic selection, über-knowledgeable staff, and hip insider vibe. Tastes from classical to heavy metal are catered to, and excellent industry connections bring big name pop and indie acts for in-store performances.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Your own entertainment or a gift. (This is a great place to pick up rare finds for hard-to-please music fans.)

WHY WE LIKE IT

The selection is unbeatable, the staff ever-so-helpful, and the music-insider vibe fun. We also really dig the live in-store performances–they draw everyone from local up-and-comers to international stars.

GOOD TO KNOW

Check their website for their latest in-store gig schedule. Parking is a cinch (and free!) here as they’ve got an underground garage on site.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Berkeley; San Francisco

Read more about Amoeba Music in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles