There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book, no matter which genre you prefer or what age you are. And why would you order something from Amazon or Barnes & Noble when you could support your local bookstore and get more than just a walk-in, buy and walk-out type of experience? Maybe you want to buy secondhand and save some trees, maybe you’re interested in a nice cup of tea while you soak up the paper-scented ambiance, or maybe you want to listen to an author wax poetic (or kvetch) about the writing process. For all that and more, look no further!
The 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Book Passage (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Bookstore picks see below.
Our 2025 Shopping category sponsor is Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine. View the rest of the shopping category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and West Marin.
Southern Marin
Sausalito Books by the Bay
Sausalito
This experienced and passionate team of booksellers has over 30 years of cumulative time spent in the book business… and they love what they do. Their specially curated collection for Sausalito includes local authors, nautical and maritime reads, best sellers, classics, cookbooks, travel, wildlife and the environment, and much more. Check out their author meet-ups, book clubs, and special events.
100 Bay St, Sausalito, 415.887.9967
The Depot Cafe and Bookstore
Mill Valley
There’s no better place to grab a good book to dive into while you sip coffee and munch on a croissant. If you’re a local author, call up the The Depot and Cafe and Bookstore and they’ll smack your book onto their shelves with a proud tag declaring the book to be written by a genuine Marinite. If you want something they don’t have in stock, the staff will order it for you and you can grab a tasty lunch on your way out to tide you over while you wait. Kids can enjoy the comfy Children’s Corner or parents can browse the aisles there for presents.
87 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.384.8921
Central Marin
Book Passage
Corte Madera
Founded in 1976 by Elaine Petrocell, Book Passage is nationally known as a model for independent bookstores, and their fourth year in a row as Readers’ Choice speaks to this. Besides books, offerings include gifts, children’s and travel titles, writing classes, author events and more.
51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, 415.927.0960
Buteo Books
San Rafael
Buteo Books is a family-owned bookstore specializing in ornithology and natural history. Located on San Rafael’s Miracle Mile, it offers one of the world’s largest selections of new, used, and rare birding titles, serving researchers, birders, and conservationists alike.
2240 4th St Ste A, San Rafael, 800.722.2460
Copperfield’s Larkspur
Larkspur
Copperfield’s offers a wide selection of books, gifts, magazines and more. What makes it truly special is a focus on making sure every child has access to a good book. The store has kids storytime events, fundraisers for local schools and online book fairs.
2419 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, 415.870.9843
Copperfield’s San Rafael
San Rafael
Copperfield’s offers a wide selection of books, gifts, magazines and more. What makes it truly special is a focus on making sure every child has access to a good book. The store has kids storytime events, fundraisers for local schools and online book fairs for the Covid-concious parents. The Copperbox program (available for kids and adults) drops a box with books, puzzles and more to your doorstep every month. Adults also can join drop-in bookclubs to scope out the action and make friends who share the same literary interests.
1200 4th St, San Rafael, 415.524.2800
San Anselmo
Nestled in downtown San Anselmo, this small, women-owned bookstore offers new and used books.
706 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.459.7323
Town Books
San Anselmo
Town Books is a volunteer-run used bookstore supporting the San Anselmo Library. They offer a wide selection of books across genres, including a dedicated children’s section, with proceeds benefiting library programs.
411 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.526.3791
Northern Marin
Copperfield’s Novato
Novato
Copperfield’s offers a wide selection of books, gifts, magazines and more. What makes it truly special is a focus on making sure every child has access to a good book. The store has kids storytime events, fundraisers for local schools and online book fairs for the Covid-concious parents. The Copperbox program (available for kids and adults) drops a box with books, puzzles and more to your doorstep every month. Adults also can join drop-in bookclubs to scope out the action and make friends who share the same literary interests.
999 Grant Ave Ste 105, Novato, 415.763.3052
West Marin
Point Reyes Books
Point Reyes Station
Point Reyes Books is an independent bookstore known for its curated selection of titles and community events. They focus on literature that reflects the natural world and host author readings, fostering a vibrant literary community.
11315 CA-1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1542
Shopping Sponsor
Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine
Belle Marin is the creation of Dr. Faye Jamali, a physician who is committed to providing you with the highest level of treatments and care possible. Dr. Jamali’s self-described style — “minimalism with a touch of luxury” — is at the heart of every treatment. Her goal is to deliver superb results without complicated recovery times and cumbersome surgical risks. Dr. Jamali has proudly called Mill Valley home for 15 years since moving from San Francisco. Belle Marin, founded in 2018, reflects her commitment to serving her local community with exceptional care and services.
Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine | Mill Valley | 415.887.8718 |
bellemarin.com
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