Visiting Camino Books in Del Mar, an independent bookstore with ocean views and a relaxed coastal vibe.
My sister and I love visiting bookstores and libraries. It’s our thing.
Ever since she moved to San Diego, I’ve been telling her about this bookstore in Del Mar that I wanted us to visit together. We finally had the chance when our family was in town, and it ended up being the perfect afternoon plan.
Camino Books is located inside Del Mar Plaza. It’s on the street level and faces the ocean, which already makes it elite in my opinion. It’s next door to An’s Hatmakers, a super popular gelato shop where the lines can get crazy long on a sunny weekend. And right next to that is Tamarindo, a Mexican restaurant we dine at often.
The entire plaza is such a great spot to spend the day, especially if you’re already in Del Mar for the beach. You can grab coffee, browse shops, get lunch, and then walk across the street to the ocean. It’s very easy to make a full afternoon out of it.
But back to the bookstore.
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Visiting Camino Books in Del Mar
Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Located in Del Mar Plaza
It was an insanely hot day for February in San Diego – we’re talking high 80s. We already had our coffees in hand and were very ready for some shade and some good book hunting.
Camino Books is a smaller shop, at least compared to a big store like Barnes & Noble, but in the world of independent bookstores, it’s a really great size. It feels cozy without feeling cramped.
And the selection? So good.
My sister and I don’t read the same genres at all. She’s very thriller and horror. I lean more fantasy and romance, with some thriller mixed in. I also love a good political book here and there or anything slightly twisted hahaha.
Camino Books had plenty for both of us.
It didn’t feel like one of those bookstores that leans heavily in one direction. There was a great kids section, foodie books, fantasy, thrillers, literary fiction – something for everyone.
What We Bought at Camino Books
We limited ourselves to two books each, but only because we had already made a few purchases earlier in the day. Self-control was necessary.
I picked up Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes and The Elements of Marie Curie by Dava Sobel.
My sister picked up The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager and another thriller that I somehow didn’t catch the name of because we were too busy debating our TBR lists.
There were definitely more books we were holding and seriously considering. We will absolutely be back for the rest.
The Atmosphere & Community Feel
One thing I loved was how lively it felt.
People were popping in and out constantly. There were so many enthusiastic readers chatting about what they were picking up. It felt very community-driven and local in the best way.
There’s also a lot of great seating throughout the store. You can get comfortable and flip through your new book, read the back covers of ten others, or just sit for a minute and take it all in.
The staff was wonderful too. They checked in on us, offered great book recommendations, and told us about upcoming events at the store. We both signed up for their mailing list so we can stay up to date on new releases and happenings.
It felt welcoming. Not intimidating. Just very “come hang out and read for a while.”
Why Camino Books Is Worth a Stop in Del Mar
If you’re spending the day in Del Mar, especially around Del Mar Plaza or the beach, I definitely recommend stopping into Camino Books.
Grab a book to take down to the sand. Or bring it to a nearby coffee shop. The views in this area are incredible, and there are so many perfect places to sit and read for a while.
It’s one of those little spots that makes a beach day feel even better.
We had such a great time, and I already can’t wait for our next sister bookstore date.
Enjoy!
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About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of San Diego and beyond!
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