Ready to get groovy, San Diego? Record Store Day is tomorrow and we’re turning the tables on how you listen to music. From classic rock bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd to iconic singers from various genres such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan + Marvin Gaye — there’s vinyl for just about everyone at these local music hubs.
Unplug the aux cord and dust off that old record player. We’ve rounded up 10 vibrant + cool record stores that are well-stocked and totally in tune with your musical needs, along with some Record Store Day celebrations. 🎵
Brendan Boyle, owner of Folk Arts Rare Records, can usually be found casually DJing to chill tunes at his shop. | Photo via @folkartsrarerecords
M-Theory Music, 827 W. Washington St. at Goldfinch Street
Groovin’ since 2001, this family-owned spot in the heart of Mission Hills has a real neighborhood vibe. You can find new + used records and in-store events like art shows, listening parties and live music. For Record Store Day 2022, the doors will open at 8 a.m., with live performances and DJ sets throughout the celebration.
Folk Arts Rare Records, 3610 University Ave.
A San Diego institution since 1967, this shop has long been a haven for collectors + music aficionados. Folk Arts’ Record Store Day 2022 party starts at 8 a.m. and will feature refreshments, art, an info booth from Foodshed, live music (starting at 1 p.m.), and a rare record raffle.
’s easy to get lost in the titles at Vinyl Junkies. | Photo via @wearevinyljunkies
Vinyl Junkies Record Shack, 2235 Fern St.
This South Park shop (across the street from Whistle Stop) has been dropping the needle since 2012 and is beloved for its highly curated selection. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Digger’s Den in the back, where you might find a gem for just $3-$5. Record Store Day 2022 kicks off at 9 a.m. with bands + DJs all day — plus a new batch of used arrivals.
Soul Shack Records, 3535 Adams Ave.
This Normal Heights shop owned by three friends specializes in 45s and is known for its hip-hop, soul + funk collections. Soul Shack’s Record Store Day 2022 starts at 10 a.m. with a sweet lineup of local DJs.
So much soul here. | Photo via @soulshacksd
Feel It Records, 909 E St.
This Veteran-owned East Village hub for vinyl + local art also operates as an independent record label. Feel It has a great selection of 12 and 7-inch records across genres like rock, punk, blues, country, jazz, soundtracks + more.
Nickelodeon Records, 3335 Adams Ave.
Another Normal Heights must-do, this beloved, quirky, female-owned record store has been around since 1984 and is known for its folk + rock records — plus unusual artists + cover art. One area of the shop is dubbed the “smoking section” — where all the artists on the records are pictured holding or smoking cigarettes.
This record store in East Village has it all. | Photo via @feelitrecords
FIVESPACE, 2305 University Ave., Ste. 101
This Black-owned North Park shop specializes in hip-hop vinyl + cassettes. Customers love to proudly pose on the FIVESPACE throne when they shop, too.
Record City, 3757 Sixth Ave.
Located in Hillcrest, this spot specializes in new and out-of-print IPs and singles — including 80s, rock, indie, soul, hip-hop + jazz.
Find this cool little shop in Hillcrest. | Photo via @justforthenostalgia
Re-Animated Records, 8320 La Mesa Blvd.
This mom ‘n’ pop shop in downtown La Mesa is known for its high-quality used records + horror movies in all formats. Browse some of the collection here.
TAANG! Records, 3834 Fifth Ave.
TAANG! is an independent record label, music museum + shop that started in Boston in 1983 and then made its way to San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. It specializes in rare KBD punk, hardcore, and ska vinyl.
For a larger list of independent record stores in your neighborhood participating in the Record Store Day celebration with promotions and RSD titles, use this map to search your zip code.
