Best Record Stores in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has one of the most diverse record store scenes in the country, spread across neighborhoods from Hollywood to Highland Park. The city's musical history - from golden-age studios to West Coast hip-hop to today's indie scene - is reflected in shops that serve collectors of every stripe. Here are our picks for the best record stores in Los Angeles.
Quick Takeaway
Start at Amoeba Music for the iconic megastore experience. Collectors hunting rare vinyl should visit Rockaway Records in Silver Lake. For neighborhood vibes, hit Gimme Gimme in Highland Park or Permanent Records Roadhouse for drinks with your digging.
The 5 Best Record Stores in Los Angeles
Rockaway Records
Legacy collectible shopRockaway is a collector's destination with exceptional rare vinyl and memorabilia. First pressings, concert posters, and properly graded collectibles make this a must-visit for serious hunters.
Best for: Rare collectibles, first pressings, and rock memorabilia
Location: In Silver Lake on Glendale Boulevard.
Note: Prices reflect the quality and rarity. This is collector territory.
Rockaway isn't for casual browsing - it's for collectors who know what they're hunting. The stock justifies the prices, and the memorabilia collection is museum-quality.
Record Surplus
Big-box indie with a legendary bargain roomRecord Surplus has been a West LA institution since 1985, with particularly deep classical and soundtrack sections. The used selection is consistently excellent, and the location serves the westside collector community.
Best for: Classical, soundtracks, and West LA convenience
Location: On Santa Monica Boulevard in West LA.
If you collect classical or soundtracks seriously, Record Surplus is essential. The genre expertise shows in the stock, and the longevity speaks for itself.
Gimme Gimme Records
Deep-curation neighborhood shopGimme Gimme brings excellent punk, soul, and garage to Highland Park with strong curation and neighborhood energy. The staff picks consistently deliver.
Best for: Punk, soul, garage, and Highland Park vibes
Location: On Figueroa Street in Highland Park.
Gimme Gimme captures the Highland Park spirit - unpretentious, well-curated, and genuinely plugged into the local scene.
Permanent Records Roadhouse
Hybrid bar/venue/record shopPermanent Records Roadhouse combines quality vinyl selection with a full bar and outdoor patio. The psych, punk, garage, and soul selection is strong, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Best for: Records and drinks, psych/punk/garage, and live shows
Location: In Cypress Park on Cypress Avenue.
Where else can you dig through psych records, grab a craft beer, and catch a live set? Permanent Records Roadhouse is a uniquely LA experience.
The Record Parlour
Vintage gear + vinyl destinationThe Record Parlour serves Hollywood with a curated vintage selection and vintage hi-fi equipment. The aesthetic is on point, and the stock skews quality vintage over volume.
Best for: Vintage vinyl, hi-fi equipment, and Hollywood location
Location: On Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.
Record Parlour is where the vintage aesthetic and actual quality intersect. If you're also hunting for gear, the equipment selection is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest record store in Los Angeles?
Amoeba Music in Hollywood is by far the largest record store in LA, with massive selection across all genres and regular in-store performances.
Where can I find rare and collectible vinyl in LA?
Rockaway Records in Silver Lake specializes in rare vinyl, first pressings, and rock memorabilia. It's a destination for serious collectors.
Are there good record stores in Highland Park?
Yes, Gimme Gimme Records on Figueroa Street is a Highland Park favorite with strong punk, soul, and garage selection.
Which LA record store has a bar?
Permanent Records Roadhouse in Cypress Park combines a record store with a full bar and outdoor patio, plus occasional live shows.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles record stores are spread across the city, each neighborhood offering its own character. Amoeba delivers the mega-experience, Silver Lake and Highland Park serve the eastside, and West LA has its own institutions. Plan your route by area - LA traffic rewards strategic digging. And leave room in your car for the haul.
Explore More Record Stores in Los Angeles
This guide features our top 5 picks, but Los Angeles has 8 record stores in our directory. Browse the full list for hours, addresses, and detailed descriptions.