National Book Lovers Day is right around the corner on August 9th, and what better way to celebrate than diving into a new book from one of the best bookstores in Tampa Bay? With so many eclectic bookstores in Tampa, there’s an aesthetic for every bookworm’s dream.
Whether you’re looking to escape in a cozy corner with your new book or you’re meeting up with your book club crew, we’ve rounded up the best bookstores you must check out!
Here are the 9 of the best bookstores that Tampa Bay’s literary scene has to offer.
Haslam's Book Store
Haslam’s Book Store in the Grand Central District in St. Petersburg is Florida’s largest new and used bookstore. They offer book selections in every category you can think of with aisles upon aisles of options. Haslam’s Book Store opened in 1933 and has been a lovely gem on Central Avenue for 87 years!
Oxford Exchange
The first thing you’ll notice strolling into Oxford Exchange is most likely their champagne bar, but if you continue browsing you’ll see their impressive bookstore. Their chic and trendy aesthetic continues with their large collection of books including coffee-table photo books, new releases, bestsellers, beloved classics, and more. Hands down, Oxford Exchange has one of the most beautiful bookstores in Tampa Bay!
Book and Bottle
Two great things in the world are reading and wine, and this store combines them beautifully. Book and Bottle in St. Petersburg is a bookstore with wine. Get your drink on while staying educated. They have a decadent selection of wine and books to enjoy right in the heart of downtown St. Pete. Be sure to check their Instagram for free tastings and other fun events!
Back in the Day Books
Throwing it back to the classics and keeping it relevant with today’s bestsellers, Back in the Day Books in Dunedin is a lovely brick and mortar bookstore with so much to offer.
The owner, Boe Rushing, is a past two-term President of the Florida Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association, and really knows his stuff when it comes to the art of books and literacy. The majority of the books at Back in the Day Books are current bestsellers, with other offerings from classics, rare findings, and more.
Gryffin Bibliophile Conservatory
Located in the historic Anderson House in Hyde Park, Gryffin Bibliophile Conservatory is every book lover’s dream. This is a charming bookstore to escape reality. Customers can sit out on their porch enjoying their new book while sipping on some bubbly wine and lattes. The aesthetic screams Ernest Hemingway.
Mojo Books and Records
What’s the next best thing to books? Music, of course! Mojo Books and Records has a solid collection of both! Additionally, they offer coffee, tea, and host community events. Mojo Books and Records is a cool and retro place to hang out with rad people interested in the same things you are!
Tombolo Books
Tombolo Books is the indie bookstore that St. Pete needed! Just wandering through here to see what’s available is an experience. They have an incredible selection of books with a handful of genres. A cool thing about Tombolo Books is their book clubs! They have a book club for everyone whether you’re into horror books, the best of literary fiction and non-fiction, wellness, race, and so much more. Check out their website to join one of their free book clubs!
Wilson's Book World
Wilson’s Book World is one of the oldest bookstores in the Southeast! With tons of years of experience, their staff is extraordinarily knowledgable and helpful when it comes to finding the perfect book. Wilson’s Book World is a used bookstore in St. Pete with over 250,000 hardcovers, paperbacks, comics, manuscripts, and more. If you’re looking for a unique book, odds are Wilson’s Book World will have plenty to choose from!
Little Free Library
You’ve probably seen one of these cute little library boxes around and wondered what they are. Little Free Library is a book exchange which means you bring a book and take a book. With little pop-ups all across Tampa Bay, you might stumble upon one in the city or your neighborhood. It’s a great concept to recycle your book collection! Keep your eye open for a Little Free Library, or check their website for a map of specific locations!
More Things to do
Want to get out and explore? Check out our guide for the 8 Best Day Trips from Tampa Bay. Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures for a chance to be featured!