Scripps Bookstore

The Scripps Bookstore occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any bookstore in California, perched on the La Jolla cliffs adjacent to the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where the Pacific Ocean provides both the view and the subject matter. The marine science collection is unmatched, drawing on the research output of one of the most important oceanographic institutions on the planet, with titles ranging from deep-sea biology to ocean chemistry to marine mammal behavior. The ocean conservation section reflects the growing urgency of protecting marine environments, with books on plastic pollution, coral reef decline, and fisheries management that inform and inspire action. The climate science collection connects the ocean to the broader story of planetary change. The children's ocean books section introduces young visitors to the wonders of the underwater world. The cafe serves sustainably sourced coffee and snacks, and the outdoor seating area overlooking the tide pools and the open ocean creates a reading experience that is as much sensory as intellectual. A visit here changes how you think about the sea.