There is something magical about the perfect bookstore. You might not think of Florida as the place to find the perfect book hideaway. In fact, Florida has several well crafted independent bookstores that serve up the perfect literary experience. Here is our list of best bookstores in Florida to visit.
Best Bookstores in Florida: North Florida
Midtown Reader, Tallahassee, FL
With a cozy atmosphere, Midtown Reader has a great variety of books. Reviews by staff make choosing a book easy and fun. They host five monthly book clubs, and several kids reading activities.
There is Lucky Goat coffee available, and upstairs is Lucy and Leo’s Cupcakery if you are searching for a sweeter snack.
Address: 1123 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Story & Song Neighborhood Bookstore, Fernandina Beach, FL
Off the beaten path in Fernandina Beach, the Story & Song Neighborhood bookstore is well worth the stop. Developed as a gathering place for the Amelia Island community, this cozy bookstore has two floors of amazing literary finds.
With several event spaces including an outdoor area, Story and Song is the perfect place to enjoy community and author events. Their bistro serves a nice menu of sandwiches, salads, wine, and coffee.
Chamblin Bookmine, Jacksonville, FL
Established in 1976, this is the best bookstore in Florida to get lost and never come out. With a giant maze of wall to wall books, book lovers can spend entire days combing the selection here.
There is a sister bookstore, Chamblin’s Uptown Cafe which has more of an eclectic vibe. It is smaller, but still impressive with a great coffee shop and breakfast and lunch served daily.
Address: Chamblin Bookmine: 4551 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Address: Chamblin Uptown Cafe: 215 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
The Hidden Lantern Bookstore, Rosemary Beach
A luxurious hideaway in Rosemary Beach, the Hidden Lantern is a perfect place to find your beach read. While small, the atmosphere will transport you away from the beach making shopping a peaceful, relaxing experience.
There are comfortable couches for adults, and story times and events for kids. Don’t miss this little gem if you are in Rosemary Beach.
Address: 84 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
Best Bookstores in Florida: West Florida
Book + Bottle, Saint Petersburg, FL
There is no better combination than book clubs and wine tastings. Book + Bottle features not only an in depth independent book store, but an awesome wine bar. They also serve some small plates and deserts.
Folks love visiting here, finding the perfect read, and then enjoying a glass of cabernet. This is the only book shop of its kind that we know of in Florida.
Pro Tip: Check out their Book + Bottle Pairing Subscription, a unique idea where they pair three bottles of wine with a book quarterly. It also comes with discounts and invitations to store events.
Address: 17 6th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Bookstore1Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
Nestled in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Bookstore1Sarasota is a book lover’s dream. With expertly curated sections, and a special event space, this bookstore is not to be missed if you are in Sarasota.
They host a wide variety of author events, book clubs, and classes. The selection is broad, and the staff is helpful and passionate about their work.
Address: 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Best Bookstores in Florida: Central Florida
Writer’s Block Bookstore, Winter Park, FL
If you are in Winter Park, the Writer’s Block is a must see destination. Nestled immediately off of Park Avenue, the Writer’s Block is a special tribute to reading.
With its small maze of cozy rooms, they have an incredible selection of books, writing gifts, and other unique finds. It’s the perfect place to hideaway from the bustle of Orlando.
They also have a newer location in Winter Garden which is equally charming and worth a trip.
Address: 316 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Address: 32 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Hello Again Books, Cocoa, FL
Hello Again Books is a sweet little bookshop in Cocoa Village with a large selection of mostly used books. The decor is charming, and they have a nice sized children’s collection.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, and they often host author signings and community events.
Address: 411 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Village, Cocoa FL, 32922
Best Bookstores in Florida: Southern Florida
Books and Books, Coral Gables, FL
Independently owned since 1982, Books and Books is the most magical bookstore in Miami. Walls of carefully curated books make this the perfect store to get lost in.
The bookstore centers around a beautiful court yard.
There they have a delightful outdoor cafe that serves beer, wine, coffee and light eats.
Pro Tip: On Wednesday, bottles of wine are half off and happy hour with 5$ appetizers is every day from 4-7.
Address: 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Sandman Book Company, Punta Gorda
The largest independent bookseller in southwest Florida, Sandman Books is special.
Highlights include a 6 foot high sculptured Roman aqueduct arch made of repurposed books, and a resident cat mascot.
They have an excellent selection of both new and antique books, and a large children’s section, and there is something for everyone here.
Address: 5240 Duncan Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
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