window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-GEQWY429QJ');
Culture June 19, 2018
Book worms get ready!
Whether you are new to L.A. or simply want to find a new spot to enjoy a good book, we have provided a list of 50 different places to read in Los Angeles. From coffee shops to secret spots, this list is bound to have at least one good reading spot for you.
Bourgeois Pig
The Bourgeois Pig is one of L.A.’s best study spots. It is open until two a.m., making it perfect for late night studying. Its funky decor and dim lighting give it a cozy vibe.
5931 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, 90028
Copa Vida
Located in Pasadena, this coffee shop brings together a relaxing feel with a casual environment. It’s a great local spot to grab some coffee and read your favorite book.
70 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, 91105
Eightfold Coffee
This industrial chic coffee shop is the place to go for matcha drinks and tasty pastries. The decor is quaint and simple so as not to distract your from your book.
1294 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026
Caffe Luxxe
Caffe Luxxe’s Malibu location has freshly baked pastries and quality coffee. Their back patio has simple yellow tables that are great for an afternoon read. And who doesn’t like an excuse to go to Malibu?
22333 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265
Coffee Commissary
This is one of the best spots to write in L.A., which also makes it a nice quiet place to enjoy reading a book. Their open floor plan provides a breathable atmosphere with ample space for each customer.
3417 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, 90034
Bricks and Scones
This cafe-style spot is a great reading location. It is dog-friendly and provides fresh food options. If you need a break from the outside world, Bricks and Scones is a nice cozy hideaway.
403 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Verve Coffee Roasters
The West Hollywood location of this coffee chain has plenty of space to find the perfect reading chair. It is located in a very lively part of Los Angeles, making it a great stop if plan on walking around Melrose for the day.
8925 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, 90069
Insomnia Cafe
This casual coffee shop is open late and is a lovely spot to catch up on your book. You’ll be surrounded by many other coffee lovers who are working, studying, reading and writing.
7286 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90036
Alchemist Coffee Project
The owner of the Alchemist Coffee Project hopes to help his customers “take a break from the busy city life by creating a bridge between the artisan coffee culture and the general public.” Its unique lighting structures and varying food options make it worthy of our list of spots to go and read.
698 S Vermont Ave #103, Los Angeles, 90005
The Boy and The Bear
The Boy and The Bear’s comfortable seating pairs nicely with their quality coffee. This relaxing atmosphere is great for some reading.
350 N Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, 90277
Tilt Coffee Bar
If you’re in Downtown Los Angeles for the day, this tiny shop is worth the stop. Their outside seating allows customers to enjoy the sun and their favorite book at the same time.
334 S Main St #1, Los Angeles, 90013
Groundwork
Located right across from North Hollywood’s metro station, Groundwork is perfect if the train is your mode of transportation, even if it’s just for the day. It is located inside a restored train depot, giving it a unique feel.
11275 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, 91601
Chimney Coffee House
In between book chapters, you can order anything from waffles to burgers off Chimney’s menu. Their fun food choices are matched with their large coffee menu.
1100 N Main St, Los Angeles, 90012
Espresso Profeta
Espresso Profeta’s location near UCLA makes it an ideal reading and studying spot for Bruins. This young atmosphere and brick-walled design is a great, quiet place to read.
1129 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, 90024
Paradocs Coffee & Tea
This small space is ideal for a comforting book reading setting. A nice espresso in a cozy corner will brighten anyone’s day.
1032 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, 90019
Found Coffee
This clean, easy-going coffee shop is a lovely place to spend a few hours. It is well-lit and has plenty of space, ensuring that you find a spot to eat, drink and read.
1355 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, 90041
Alfred Coffee Melrose Place
If you want the total L.A. experience while you drink your coffee, Alfred’s on Melrose Place is the perfect destination for you to flip through your book and people watch.
8428 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, 90069
Cafecito Organico
This small chain is a neighborhood favorite. Its outside patio is the ideal place to enjoy some fresh air, good coffee and a good book.
534 N Hoover Street, Los Angeles, 90026
Deus Ex Machina
Deus Ex Machina is a motorcycle shop, art gallery, and coffee cafe. This funky place is a must-see Venice destination.
1001 Venice Boulevard, Venice, 90291
Muddy Paw Coffee Company
Muddy Paw Coffee Company is a dog-lovers hangout. Its outdoor patio consists of friends and dogs hanging out, mixed with food, coffee and some reading.
3320 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026
Echo Park Lake
Echo Park provides a break from the bustling city of Los Angeles. Full of families, nature and activities, Echo Park is a quintessential park to visit. Whether you want to bring a blanket to sit on the grass by the pond on or find a local bench, its the perfect place to get some reading done.
751 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, 90026
Griffith Park
Griffith Park consists of 4,210 acres of land, meaning there is a plentiful space to pick up a nice book. Whether you want to read among the flora and fauna or set up a spot near the famed Griffith Observatory, this park has something for everyone.
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, 90027
Lacy Park
From picnic tables to open green areas, Lacy Park is a reader’s heaven. You can even bring your dog along for this peaceful afternoon. A beautiful, tranquil place is sometimes all we need to feel re-energized. Its one of the best places to read outside in L.A.
1485 Virginia Road, San Marino, 91108
Burton Chace Park
Burton Chace Park is located in Marina Del Rey and has wonderful views of the water. This is a great place for a quiet read and sunset stroll. Its free admission makes it an even more desirable place to spend the day.
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, 90292
Grand Park
This is a twelve acre park with an endless amount of open space. A simple park with a closeby coffee shop is a nice spot to read on the weekends.
200 N Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, 90012
Tongva Park
This sunny, Santa Monica spot is right between Ocean Avenue and Main Street. With some funky architecture and relaxing fountains, Tongva should be your next stop to read.
1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 90401
Palisades Park
Palisades Park is known for its breathtaking views of the ocean. Pick a bench overlooking the beach, and your afternoon will be filled with sun and smiles.
Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 90401
Exposition Park
Exposition has everything from a museum to a rose garden. Located right next to USC, this park is an easy-going spot to get away from the busy, urban downtown vibe.
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, 90037
Lake Hollywood Park
This park combines the much-desired view of the Hollywood sign with a perfect naturesque spot to sit and read. A nice, bright California day is the perfect time to venture here.
3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, 90068
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
This relaxing park is a great way to escape the city. With picnic spots, ponds and landscaped lawns, Kenneth Hahn is the ideal place to read during your free time.
4100 S La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90056
Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
This space consists of twelve different gardens and fifteen thousand plant varieties. Find a nice spot near the bridge in the Japanese Garden, or a quiet bench surrounded by blooming roses. These botanical gardens provide a breath-taking backdrop to your afternoon of reading.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 91108
Descanso Gardens
This botanical garden is one hundred and fifty acres. With flowers blooming year round, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by colorful nature while enjoying your novel. If you would like a break from your book, enjoy the seasonal restaurant, Cafe Descanso just around the corner.
1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Here you’ll read on a quaint little bench situated within the gardens, and you might even see a peacock stroll past you. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the aquatic garden or enjoy the strong scents of the herb garden.
301 N Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, 91007
South Coast Botanic Garden
This Palos Verdes location prides themselves on their “creative land reclamation and environment improvement for all to share.” This is a vibrant, colorful setting to spend some time in and read.
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, 90274
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Storrier Stearns is a japanese garden located in Pasadena. This garden is meant for “contemplation, inspiration and enjoyment, for health and wellness, and for education.” Grab your book and come experience it for yourself.
270 Arlington Drive, Pasadena,91105
The Japanese Garden
This restful and scenic garden is a quality place to read. Filled with Japanese-inspired architecture, its Van Nuys location should be next on your places to go.
6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, 91406
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens
Located on the UCLA campus, these gardens are a great spot for a student, or the public to read for a little. The ponds are filled with koi and turtles and are surrounded by a diverse range of plants.
0001, 707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles, 90095
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanic Gardens
Enjoy the exotic animals and plants at this fun Los Angeles destination. You’ll feel as if you are immersed in nature while enjoying a good read.
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, 90027
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
This non-profit organization is dedicated to native Californian plants. Watch the butterflies breeze past you as you flip your pages.
1500 N College Avenue, Claremont,91711
Arlington Garden
Arlington is Pasadena’s only free, public garden, making it a great place to stop and read. You will definitely find a spot on its expansive three acre land.
275 Arlington Drive, Pasadena, 91105
The Last Bookstore
This funky L.A. spot has everything from signed editions to first editions. This space consists of two floors filled with 250 thousand new and used books. It is one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. Walk through their tunnel of books (literally) and then cozy up in a chair and take out your favorite novel.
453 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, 90013
Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
This is one of L.A.’s secret gems. This temple, shrine and meditation garden is a serene, relaxing environment to read. Founded in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda, Lake Shrine is a place where all religions are accepted and welcomed. You’ll leave this location feeling at peace.
17190 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, 90272
Rendezvous Court
The Rendezvous court is a lobby cafe in the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. This fancy location will make you feel elegant but comfortable while you enjoy a cup of coffee and your favorite book. Its vintage vibe provides a different feel from its outside surroundings of downtown Los Angeles.
506 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, 90071
Central Library
This expansive library is full of chairs and perfect places to read. Its Egyptian-influenced architecture pairs effortlessly with its historic past. You’ll feel as if you are experiencing L.A.’s lively history as you sit in this library. Its one of the best places to read and find new books!
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, 90071
The Wellesbourne
A bar might not seem like the ideal place to read, but The Wellesbourne might be the exception. This book-lined bar has an old-school feel and a moody atmosphere. Enjoy one of their menu specials as you sit and enjoy.
10929 Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90064
Stories
Whether you want to buy a new book or re-read an old one, Stories is a store to add to your list of places to visit. Its great location matches perfectly with its quality atmosphere.
1716 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90026
The Original Farmer’s Market
Filled with food stalls, sit-down eateries, prepared food vendors and produce market, this market is a must-see spot in L.A. It is a historic landmark and also a fun spot to sit, people watch and read. Venture over to The Grove after if you want some high-quality shopping.
6333 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, 90036
Restoration Hardware West Hollywood Rooftop
It may sound like a far-fetched idea, but this furniture store offers a rooftop deck. This deck is technically a public park, so grab your book and come sit on a comfortable couch under an olive tree.
8564 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, 90069
Paper or Plastik Cafe
This cafe is built entirely out of repurposed materials offers a great selection of food. Its impressive interior design should be one of many reasons that motivate you to come read in this funky spot.
5772 W Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90019
Silverlake Reservoir
This beautiful lake is an outdoor sanctuary with plenty of space for everyone. Enjoy the outdoors and bask in the sun while reading your favorite book here.
Silverlake Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90026
Hopefully one, or some, of these places will be your new spot to read. So enjoy that book!