20 Best Places to Shop in Washington, USA

Since 1984, this bastion of bibliophilia has offered new, used, and collectible titles to discerning shoppers. Its shelves are robust in art, photography, and graphic design, as well as plenty of literature inspired by Seattle and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Housed in one of Seattle's most historic buildings, this eclectic assortment will satisfy both the avid reader and the discriminating collector.

More than 1000 cookbooks and other related works fill the shelves of this warm, modern shop. There's often a treat in the oven or on the counter for shoppers to enjoy as they browse the artfully curated selection of new and classic cookbooks; staff are extraordinarily knowledgeable and happy to help. In the evening, the shop hosts author talks and classes, and there's also a small shelf of interesting and local pantry goods that make excellent souvenirs.

This landmark bookstore has a great selection and hosts hundreds of author events every year. The shelves are lined with handwritten recommendation cards from the knowledgeable staff, and this is the place to find Pacific Northwest history books and titles by local authors. A big inventory of bargain books and an appealing café sweeten the deal.

Design devotees and architecture buffs alike gravitate to this beautifully curated shop, where everything on the shelves celebrates form and function. Rare international art, architecture, and design books (including a few for kids) share space with sleek home goods from Alessi and Iittala. You’ll also find elegant notebooks, portfolios, and design tools. For a quirky, memorable gifts that are as beautiful as they are functional, consider a pentagram typography calendar, an Arne Jacobsen wall clock, or an aerodynamic umbrella.

Since 1980, this enormous three-story bookstore has been an anchor of Fairhaven, bringing literary-minded folks together to shop for recent releases, attend readings and discussions, and socialize amid the shop's several spaces for eating and mingling. These include the Colophon Cafe (a full-service restaurant) and Evolve Chocolate + Cafe on the top floor, whose seating areas have grand views of Bellingham Bay. There's a newer branch in downtown Lynden.

Since 1935, this warmly inviting downtown bookshop has been nourishing the minds of literary Olympians. The knowledgeable staff is devoted to stocking the shelves with interesting works, many by regional authors or with a local focus.

This island favorite, with a coffee bar and a couple of cozy seats with panoramic views of the water, specializes in literary fiction and nautical literature. There's also a nice selection of cards, gifts, craft supplies, and children's books.

Japanophiles, get thee to this Tokyo-based chain for a huge collection of books, magazines, office supplies, collectibles, clothes, and gifts. Their manga selection is particularly impressive—nearly every title you could want is represented, and they'll happily order anything you don't find in the store.

This longtime bookseller is stocked with publications on San Juan Islands history and activities, as well as tomes about the Pacific Northwest. There's also a good selection of mysteries, literary novels, children's books, and craft kits, plus greeting cards, art prints, and maps. Many of the items sold here are the works of local writers, artists, and photographers.

Whether you're searching for a laminated pocket map of Seattle or a world map made up of music notes, stop here for a massive selection of books, globes, charts, atlases, antique reproduction maps, and local satellite images. Don't let the store's location in the middle of Pike Place Market fool you: this is a Seattle institution, not a tourist trap.

Langley's independent bookshop, an institution since 1972, stocks a wonderful and eclectic array of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks—and, according to the owners, "books you didn't even know you wanted until you stepped inside."

This poetry-dedicated bookshop (one of only a few of its kind in the United States) is a space for literary-loving community and poetry books of all kinds. New, modern poetry books, used books, well-loved classics, rare editions, and poets from around the world are represented in A Poem Emporium, which occasionally hosts readings and events as well, and proudly represents minorities and contemporary social justice movements through both its book selection and window displays.

With a tiny spiral staircase leading to the basement, and resident cats wandering through the tightly packed aisles, Ophelia's offers a classic used-bookstore experience in an age when so many are disappearing. The owner is known for her excellent taste, and it shows—you'll find major titles from notable authors as well as obscure works and poetry books. Be sure to ask for recommendations—she'll be happy to help.

Comics and geek culture may be more popular than ever but many fans still feel underserved by the shops catering to the traditional audience. Enter Outsider Comics and Geek Boutique, a small, welcoming space that showcases comics and more created by and for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. The unique selection might even make a new comics appreciator out of you.

A gem of an independent bookstore, Phinney Books is owned by local eight-time Jeopardy! champ and reading enthusiast Tom Nissley, who stocks his charming shop with an expertly curated selection of books, including many titles by local authors and a whimsical section for kids.

It seems every Seattle neighborhood has its beloved bookstore, and Queen Anne’s favorite is no exception. The selection is thoughtfully curated, blending popular titles with unexpected finds, and the well-read staff love talking books. They shine in their recommendations for kids’ titles and regional reads. Even better, the shop is attached to Queen Anne Coffee Co., so you can grab a latte, settle onto the patio, and dive right into your new purchase.

Named after the Francis Hodgson Burnett classic, this cozy shop has delighted readers for decades. It stocks a wide array of imaginative literature and thoughtful nonfiction for all ages, but their children's section is particularly noteworthy.

It's hard to miss this excellent used-book store: simply look for the six-foot neon Cheshire cat waving his tail. Inside, you'll find lots more kitties winding their way through the maze of stacks. The specialties here are rare books and out-of-print treasures, but they've got a smattering of everything.

UW's bookstore sells the requisite textbooks in the basement, but that's just part of it's identity. Upstairs, the well-stocked general book department (run by Barnes & Noble) is the site of author events throughout the year, and there's every imaginable type of Huskies memorabilia, from sweatshirts to mouse pads to shot glasses.

Used and out-of-print books covering all fields—with an emphasis on nautical, regional history, and art titles—are arrayed from floor to ceiling in this jam-packed indie bookstore that also carries first editions and other rare finds.