
Amoeba Music Berkeley
World's largest independent record store, offering an immense selection of new & used vinyl, CDs, and more, plus free live shows.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time

Amoeba Music Berkeley
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's largest independent record store, offering an immense selection of new & used vinyl, CDs, and more, plus free live shows.
"Amoeba Music Berkeley is a music lover's paradise, packed with endless discoveries and vibrant live performances."

Bag Check Required
You'll need to check your bags at the door. Plan accordingly! :handbag:
Arrive Early for Shows
Free concerts get packed. Arrive super early to snag a good spot. 🎫

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Vinyl Collection
Throughout the store
Dive into an ocean of vinyl, from underground gems to classic rock rarities. You could spend hours here!

CDs, Tapes, and More
Throughout the store
Beyond vinyl, discover a huge selection of CDs, tapes, DVDs, Blu-rays, posters, and band merch.

Free Live Performances
Performance area
Catch intimate sets from touring and local artists. Check the schedule for upcoming free shows.

Eclectic Finds & Deals
Throughout the store
Hunt for hidden gems and score great deals on both new and used music. Support this indie music haven!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Amoeba Berkeley
Selling Your Music Collection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bag Check Required
You'll need to check your bags at the door. Plan accordingly! :handbag:
Arrive Early for Shows
Free concerts get packed. Arrive super early to snag a good spot. 🎫
Explore All Sections
Don't miss the CDs, tapes, DVDs, and merch beyond the vinyl. 💿
Support Local Artists
Amoeba is a hub for music discovery. Find your next favorite artist here. 🎤
Tips
from all over the internet
Bag Check Required
You'll need to check your bags at the door. Plan accordingly! :handbag:
Arrive Early for Shows
Free concerts get packed. Arrive super early to snag a good spot. 🎫
Explore All Sections
Don't miss the CDs, tapes, DVDs, and merch beyond the vinyl. 💿
Support Local Artists
Amoeba is a hub for music discovery. Find your next favorite artist here. 🎤
Check Selling Policies
Selling records? SF location may offer better prices than Berkeley. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Amoeba Music Berkeley is a beloved institution for music lovers, praised for its immense selection of vinyl, CDs, and other media, as well as its free live performances. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to discover hidden gems and support an independent business. However, some find the selling appraisal values lower than other locations, and the bag check policy can be an inconvenience.
"Awesome selections, some great deals, lots of hidden gems. Bring your backpack to fill, because they have all the stuff you want CDs, tapes, lps, dvds and blueray, posters and shirts, lp slip mats and great customer service"
Masked Maniac Reviews
"I’ve been to the Amoeba store in SF before, but this was my first visit to the one in Berkeley. As expected, they had everything I could ask for in terms of vinyl. Awesome inventory of many different music types, rarities, box sets, etc. I was very happy with their selection of underground/indie artists, jazz and classic rock. I could shop here for hours given their selection. I was happy with my finds! Support your local record stores!"
Mike Mc
"This was my first time in the store. Lots of selection, prices were decent on used albums, and CDs, lots of new stuff that I haven’t seen in stores at home. The staff that I spoke to were very helpful. I would definitely visit again."
Sean Palmerston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amoeba Music Berkeley is located at 2455 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including BART (Downtown Berkeley station is a short walk away) and AC Transit buses. Parking in the area can be challenging, so public transit is often recommended.
Street parking is available but can be competitive, especially on weekends and during events. There are also paid parking garages nearby. Many visitors opt for public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, Amoeba Music Berkeley is generally accessible for wheelchairs. The store is spacious, and staff are usually available to assist if needed.
Amoeba Music Berkeley is typically open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially on holidays.
No, Amoeba Music has a strict policy of requiring visitors to check their bags at the door before browsing. This is for security reasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Amoeba Music Berkeley is generally free. However, for their free live in-store performances, it's recommended to arrive early as they can become very crowded.
There is no admission fee to enter Amoeba Music Berkeley. You only pay for the music and merchandise you decide to purchase.
There are no age restrictions for entering Amoeba Music Berkeley. It's a family-friendly environment, though live performances might have specific age recommendations.
Amoeba Music generally does not offer reservations for items. It's best to visit the store and browse to find what you're looking for.
Amoeba Music buys used CDs, LPs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. They offer cash or store credit. Be aware that appraisal values can vary between locations, with SF reportedly offering better rates.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Amoeba Berkeley boasts an incredibly diverse selection, covering virtually every genre imaginable, including rock, jazz, soul, hip-hop, electronic, classical, world music, and much more. They have a strong focus on both new releases and vintage finds.
Amoeba Music is known as one of the world's largest independent record stores. The Berkeley location is vast, offering an extensive inventory that can take hours to explore fully.
Yes, Amoeba Music Berkeley frequently hosts free live in-store performances by various artists. It's advisable to check their schedule online for upcoming events.
The vibe is that of a true music lover's paradise – eclectic, bustling, and full of discovery. It's a place where you can spend hours digging through crates and soaking in the atmosphere.
Absolutely! Beyond music formats, you can find a wide array of merchandise, including band t-shirts, posters, slipmats, and other music-related accessories.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Amoeba Music Berkeley does not have an in-house cafe or restaurant. However, the surrounding Telegraph Avenue area is packed with diverse eateries, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, including vegan options.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the store to maintain the condition of the merchandise. There are many places to eat nearby.
Yes, Berkeley, especially the Telegraph Avenue area, has numerous vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. Amoeba itself is noted as a vegan business.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Amoeba Music Berkeley, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other shoppers and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during live performances.
The sheer volume of records and CDs creates visually interesting backdrops. The performance area during a show, or the colorful displays of new arrivals, can make for great shots.
While casual photography is usually fine, professional filming or extensive video recording might require prior permission from the store management.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit