The best book, hobby & craft shops in Santa Rosa

“Whether your household runs on octane or equations, Books & Blocks blends indie bookshop charm with automotive gifts and STEM finds for all ages, plus local author talks and community events. This week, tune up your TBR or get personalized readers’ advisory and mentoring that actually clicks for your student.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, August 28, 2026

“When the algorithm feels noisy, Sonoma Curated Books keeps it simple with handpicked titles that earn a spot on your nightstand. Check it out this week, browse a tight edit, and land on something you cannot wait to start, the kind of book that makes your phone take back seat.”

From the Rohnert Park newsletter, September 15, 2026

“San Francisco Christian Center keeps it simple and sincere with authentic worship, biblical teaching, and a community that actually shows up for each other, with life groups, support, and local outreach. A good place to reset, sing a little, and remember you’re not doing life solo.”

From the South San Francisco newsletter, September 16, 2026

“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

“Corrick's Stationery, Gallery & Gifts pairs gorgeous greeting and wedding stationery with a lively fine art gallery, thoughtfully curated gifts, and in-house custom framing with My Daughter the Framer.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, September 17, 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

“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 Daly City newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Since 1974, Guitar Solo has been San Francisco’s rabbit hole for guitar obsessives, with a massive catalog of printed editions from classical and flamenco to gypsy jazz, surf and slack key. Grab fresh strings, picks, capos, cases and those niche studies you swear you’ll finally master this week.”

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 18, 2026

“From that first chord to your next gig, Bananas At Large keeps Santa Rosa players covered with walls of electric, acoustic and bass guitars, amps and pedals, plus pro audio, drums and keys. Book lessons, get quick repairs, rent gear or sell your gear, and let local delivery save rehearsal time.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, August 12, 2026

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

“Mission Synths is the analog playground for modular heads, with drum machines, pedals, sequencers and an Intro to Eurorack monthly group session to get you patching fast this week. Need something specific? They do special orders from over 275 brands, plus lessons and consignment for your old gear.”

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Since 1948, Sunset Music has been the Sunset’s one-stop spot for record needles, sheet music, instrument rentals, and lessons, with friendly folks who actually know their stuff. Handy when your kid joins band, your turntable needs love, or you finally commit to those piano goals.”

From the San Leandro newsletter, September 6, 2026

“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.”

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Robotspeak is Northern California’s synth playground since 2002, with Eurorack galore, analog and digital synths, drum machines, effects and oddball gizmos you didn’t know you needed. Try gear in person and pick up tips in occasional classes, then head home buzzing with ideas.”

From the Rohnert Park newsletter, September 12, 2026

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

“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.”

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 15, 2026

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

“FLAX Art & Design is that long-running SF staple where paint people, sketchbook nerds, and fountain-pen fans all find their happy place. Think acrylics to Japanese watercolors, Traveler's Notebooks to creative kids kits, plus stationery and gifts... and occasional workshops when you want to learn, not just buy.”

From the San Francisco newsletter, September 16, 2026

“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.”

From the San Rafael newsletter, August 14, 2026

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

From the San Mateo newsletter, August 13, 2026

“From paints, canvases, and sketchbooks to stone and glass beads and calligraphy nibs, Art & Soul of Sebastopol is the all-in-one spot when inspiration hits on a Tuesday. Swing by this week for kids supplies, framing, and classes too, so you can start, finish, and actually hang the thing you made.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Part treasure hunt, part community love letter, The Legacy is a resale craft supply haven where donations keep the shelves surprising. Expect everything from silk and upholstery fabrics to yarn, threads, ribbons, needles, paints, brushes, even sewing patterns... perfect for weekend projects or creative emergencies.”

From the Santa Rosa newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Amoeba Music is your excuse to duck out this week and get lost in bins of new releases, hard-to-find vinyl, CDs, and movies, then stick around for Live at Amoeba in-store sets and staff-curated Music We Like picks that always spark a rabbit-hole listen.”

From the Daly City newsletter, August 19, 2026