The best book, hobby & craft shops in Santa Clara

“Real Guitars, San Francisco's oldest guitar shop, keeps a killer rotation of used and vintage guitars, amps, and pedals, plus on-site repair for setups, refrets, and pickups. When your Hayward rig needs mojo, check their inventory and pounce before the good stuff vanishes.”

From the Hayward newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Since 1922, Union Music Company has stocked an extensive lineup of new and used band and orchestra instruments for beginners and pros, plus a deep sheet music selection and private lesson studios with independent teachers.”

From the San Mateo newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Owned and run by Bay Area musicians, Vision Guitar is the boutique spot Gilroy players lean on for Suhr, PRS, Benson, Mesa Boogie, Strymon and other heavy-hitter brands. This week, whether you need one small part, quality upgrades for guitar or bass, or a full pedalboard designed, they’ll set you up right.”

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Music Village keeps Bay Area players covered with month-to-month rent-to-own band instruments, expert in-house repairs for strings, woodwinds, and brass, plus lessons on piano, guitar, voice, drums, and more. They stock trusted names like Yamaha, sheet music, and specialty finds...”

From the Fremont newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Level up your sound at Guitar Wars, the curated showroom for unique, sci-fi-themed instruments and truly rare finds. Swing by this week to chat with their expert team about sales, repairs, or tracking down that oddball tone you've been hearing in your head for years... your next riff awaits.”

From the Union City newsletter, August 7, 2026

“When your rig needs a quick fix or fresh inspiration, The Starving Musician has been serving musicians since 1985 with quality instruments, expert repairs, personalized service, lessons, and a deep selection from guitars and pedals to drums, keyboards, band and orchestra, and pro audio.”

From the Redwood City newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Music Village is the Bay Area stalwart to hit this week for rent-to-own school-band instruments, quick in-house repairs, legit teachers for all ages, and shelves of sheet music, plus fun gear like Yamaha’s Venova and the YDS-150 digital sax. They’ve been at it for over 50 years, so your chops are in good hands.”

From the Mountain View newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Just For Fun & Scribbledoodles / Artsake dishes out a whimsical stash of playthings plus family friendly events like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon play, and a Kids Art Club. Swing by when your routine needs sparkle, then let their rewards program quietly pay you back for being fun.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Retailer offering a wide selection of new and used guitars, drums, keyboards and recording equipment.”

“Veteran store (1974) for guitar aficionados, offering acoustic guitars & their kin, music & strings.”

“Chain selling guitars and other musical instruments. Customers can try out the gear.”

“Analog electronic-music shop selling modular synths, drum machines, effects pedals and sequencers.”

“One-stop music shop since 1948 for record needles & sheet music to instrument rentals & lessons.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Whether you paint, sketch, draft, or build tiny foam cities for fun, Arch Art Supplies has the good stuff: watercolor and oil paints, sketchbooks and papers, pens and inks, brushes, boards and foamcore, modelmaking materials, screen printing gear, and more. Swing by and let a new tool spark a new idea.”

“Classic music shop stocking audio gear for the computer-based home & project studio, plus classes.”

“Retail chain providing a range of guitars as well as drum sets, keyboards and recording devices.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“From a herd of faux fur and shiny vinyls to canvases, paints, glues, and kids art staples, Mendel's is the Haight favorite for turning wild ideas into real projects. Drop in when you need costume bits, yarn, or that one tube of gouache you didn't need…until now.”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Whether you’re hunting for a dream Fender Custom Shop, a bitey Gibson, or something wild from their Vintage Vault spanning the ’20s to the ’80s, Guitar Showcase is your nearby candy store for players. Treat yourself this week to lessons, amps, effects, and pro audio that dial in your sound.”

“Park Avenue Music Center is Silicon Valley’s one-stop for band and orchestra gear, with major-brand instruments and accessories, plus a state-of-the-art repair center for brass and woodwinds ready for refurbs, overhauls, and custom jobs. Rentals and classes make it easy to start playing this week.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Long-running store offering a wide selection of fine art materials, stationery, and gifts.”

“Chasing that perfect chime or nylon warmth, Steve's Guitars of San Francisco buys, sells, and trades fine instruments from electrics and vintage acoustics to mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and lutes. With over 30 years in SF, they also offer lessons and bookable classical or jazz for your next backyard hang this week.”

“Trade doomscrolling for hands-on fun this week at Art and Craft Workshops.”

“This relaxed music store sells an array of ukuleles, plus strings, cases, stands, amps & tuners.”

“Indie music lovers' hangout for free live shows & an eclectic stock of new releases & vintage hits.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”