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Amoeba Music Berkeley

4.6
·872 reviews·Berkeley, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
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Building

Amoeba Music Berkeley

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(872 reviews)

"Amoeba Music Berkeley is a music lover's paradise, packed with endless discoveries and vibrant live performances."

Vertical photo
TIP

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. 🎫

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 872 reviews

Type

Store

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Vinyl Collection

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

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

Free Live Performances

Performance area

Catch intimate sets from touring and local artists. Check the schedule for upcoming free shows.

Eclectic Finds & Deals

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!

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Amoeba Berkeley

Amoeba Music Berkeley is a massive independent record store, so give yourself ample time to explore. Arrive early for free live shows to secure a good spot, as they can get crowded. Be prepared to check your bags at the door as per store policy.

Selling Your Music Collection

If you're looking to sell records, the SF location reportedly offers better value than Berkeley. While Berkeley staff might be friendlier, the Haight-Ashbury store is recommended for maximizing your cash or store credit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings for shows
Why
Experience free live music
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, more selection
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

my last vid :( #gracieabrams #gracieabramstour #goodriddancetour #goodriddance #goodriddancealbum #goodriddancegracieabrams #gracieslaybrams #amoebaberkeley #amoebamusic #berkeley #fy #fyp #fypage #foryou #foryoupage @gracie abrams @GracieAbramsHQ
@hehegraciehehe
15.8K likes • 85.3K views

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. 🎫

Amoeba Music @amoebahollywood is a music chain based in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Hollywood, California. Due to the onset of COVID-19, the original Sunset Boulevard store closed earlier than planned for relocation. In April 2021, a new store was opened on Hollywood Boulevard. Continuing the tradition of free live shows for customers, the new store frequently hosts free performances by well-kn...
designer_in_la
42 likes • 3K views
If you're in the market for a new vinyl to add to your collection, head to @amoebahollywood. The independent music store chain opened its first store in 1990 in Berkeley. It’s old Hollywood store opened in 2001 on Sunset and Ivar. It also has a San Francisco location which opened in 1997. The new Hollywood location opened in April and is located at 6200 Hollywood Blvd. What is your favorite viny...
ourgoldenstate
100 likes • 6.5K views

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. 🎤

Fall 2022 Gallery Highlight 🎉 Amoeba Music Rebrand "Amoeba Music is an American independent music store chain with locations in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. The rebrand identity system of Amoeba music is dedicated to providing customers with a diversity of music, the pleasure of exploring the unknown, but it is also the most inclusive world for artists, the lov...
artcentergx
1.5K likes • 467.8K views

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

4.6
(872 reviews)

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

Vast music selection
Great deals on used items
Free live shows

What People Dislike

Lower selling appraisal
Bag check policy

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Yes, Amoeba Music Berkeley is generally accessible for wheelchairs. The store is spacious, and staff are usually available to assist if needed. Reddit

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. TikTok

No, Amoeba Music has a strict policy of requiring visitors to check their bags at the door before browsing. This is for security reasons. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter Amoeba Music Berkeley. You only pay for the music and merchandise you decide to purchase. TikTok

There are no age restrictions for entering Amoeba Music Berkeley. It's a family-friendly environment, though live performances might have specific age recommendations. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎶 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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Beyond music formats, you can find a wide array of merchandise, including band t-shirts, posters, slipmats, and other music-related accessories. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Berkeley, especially the Telegraph Avenue area, has numerous vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. Amoeba itself is noted as a vegan business. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

While casual photography is usually fine, professional filming or extensive video recording might require prior permission from the store management. Instagram

Amoeba Music Berkeley (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide