San Diego Spins: My Go-To Spots for Vinyl Finds
If you didn’t already know, beaches aren’t the only thing San Diego has to boast about. The city is sprinkled with some of the grooviest record stores around! As someone who’s been collecting records since middle school, I’ve scoured the city for the best (and cheapest) spots to dig through. The shops listed below are by far my most frequented favorites out of all the ones I’ve visited in San Diego. So whether you’re a seasoned collector looking for a new place to hunt or a beginner just starting your collection, these stores are worth checking out.
Beat Box Records | Barrio Logan
Located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Beat Box Records has been my go to shop since I started collecting in high school. The vibes are always high, the staff always nice, and killer records are always spinning. Though the store may seem small I can assure you their selection is anything but, the store is filled to the brim with carefully curated vinyl from every genre. I would spend hours rummaging through their collections, having found some of my greatest finds within their stacks.
Inside the Stacks
Broke College Student Approved
I’ve never spent more than $20 on a vinyl here! Their pricing is incredibly reasonable, making Beat Box perfect for anyone just starting their collection. Honestly, their prices have completely changed how I shop for records.
Huge Jazz, Funk, & Soul Selection
One of the biggest draws for me is how big the shop’s Jazz, Funk, and Soul selection is, having dedicated about half the store to the genres. Most of the Jazz records I own come from Beat Box
Not Just Vinyls
Upon entering, the shop is decorated in vintage posters, figurines, and toys all of which are for sale. The shop also has an awesome collection of CDs and Cassette tapes.
Lack of Modern Artists
Unfortunately, for those into newer music, Beat Box records has only a sprinkle of modern artists in their collection (though really it's not a big deal for most vinyl collectors). So, if you’re hunting for that Clairo vinyl, you might have better luck elsewhere.
Folk Arts Rare Records | City Heights
The biggest shop on my list, Folk Arts Rare Records is a vinyl lover’s paradise. The shop is huge, and every inch of it is put to good use, the walls are lined with shelves overflowing with records. I get absolutely giddy and overwhelmed whenever I visit! I never know where to start and you would need at least a week to go through the whole shop. One of California’s oldest record stores, the shop has stacks on stacks of vinyl ranging from 1960’s Rock and Roll, Jazz, and even Japanese city-pop. The shop also doubles as a music venue, having hosted shows such as San Diego’s very own Skatejazz.
Inside the Stacks
Massive Selection
One of the biggest selections I’ve ever seen. No matter the genre or era, you’ll find something to take home. Their mix of modern and classic records is perfectly balanced.
Broke College Student Approved
Another very reasonably priced shop! Prices vary depending on rarity, but even their harder-to-find records are surprisingly affordable.
Organized
Considering how big the store is, the records are well organized. Standout artists and bands within each genre are labeled separately, which makes browsing way easier.
Not Just Vinyls
The shop also has a huge selection of both CDs and cassettes! As someone who just started collecting cassettes, almost all of my collection is from here.
M-Theory | Hillcrest
Dedicated to my modern music lovers, M-Theory is the place to be if you’re looking for newly released albums or CDs. Out of all the shops in my list, M-Theory’s set up and decor is my absolute favorite as I could imagine a number of Indie films being shot within its aisles. Similar to Folk Arts Records, M-Theory boasts a staggering amount of variety within their selection. One of my favorite things to do when I visit is to go through the staff picks crates which are so lovingly separated by the names of each worker. I am so jealous of those who have this shop as their neighborhood record store.
Inside the Stacks
Modern Music Galore
M-Theory carries a very large collection of both new and used modern music. Whenever I’m looking for newer artists my first stop is always M-Theory.
Wide Selection
Don’t be fooled! Just because the shop carries plenty of newer artists doesn’t mean M-Theory is short on the classics. They’ve got an awesome selection of older records.
Fair pricing
I say “fair” and not “broke college student approved” because they carry a lot of newer releases, which naturally cost more than your average 90s vinyl, especially if they’re fresh off the press.
Not Just Vinyls
M-Theory also sells music books, music DVDs, and accessories for your record player! They also have a huge selection of cheaply priced CDs.
Nickelodeon Records | Normal Heights
Run by two lovely ladies, Ruth and Elizabeth, Nickelodeon Records has been open since 1984! Both ladies bought records through the 70s, making the shop a treasure trove of vintage records across genres. Nickelodeon Records is absolutely overflowing with memorabilia from Ruth and Elizabeth’s time in high school in the 60s and 70s. The shop has the most unique organization systems with some of the records categorized by the record’s cover art!
Inside the Stacks
Broke College Student Approved
Just like Beat Box records, one of the biggest reasons I frequent Nickelodeon Records is how cheap it is! I’ve never spent more than $15 on a record here.
Vintage Records Galore
From what I’ve seen the shop doesn’t carry music past the 90s. So for anyone trying to grow their vintage collection or trying to find an artist from the past I definitely recommend paying Nikelodean Records a visit.
Wide Selection
The shop carries a variety of different music, their biggest collection being their Rock n Roll. I specifically visit to dig through their jazz selection which never disappoints.
Written by: Ayla Sta Agueda
Cover Design: Shaena Denize Dilayre
