Central Square Records

Central Square Records is one of Seaside’s best hidden-in-plain-sight shops. The record store sits upstairs above Sundog Books, reached by walking through the bookstore and following the hand-painted staircase toward the second floor. That slightly tucked-away entrance is part of the charm: visitors move from shelves of books into a compact music space filled with vinyl, CDs, turntables, guitars, shirts, gifts, and coffee.

The inventory balances new releases with older records, making the shop approachable for serious collectors and casual listeners. A teenager looking for a current pop album may browse beside someone searching for a vintage jazz, rock, country, or alternative pressing. The store also carries reissues, boxed sets, local music, and equipment for people beginning a collection. Selection changes constantly as new shipments and used records arrive.

Collectors should inspect used vinyl carefully. Sleeve condition, surface marks, pressing details, and completeness affect both value and listening quality. Staff members are known for being knowledgeable and genuinely interested in music, so questions about editions, turntables, or artists are welcome. Shoppers who want a specific title can ask whether it is expected in an upcoming order rather than relying only on what is visible in the bins.

The shop is worth visiting even for people who do not own a record player. Posters, shirts, gifts, guitars, and the atmosphere itself make it feel like a music destination rather than a narrow hobby store. Jittery Joe’s coffee adds to the relaxed browsing experience, and the connection with Sundog Books creates an easy stop for families whose interests are split between reading and music.

Parking in Seaside is limited and often the most difficult part of the visit. Walking, biking, or using the community shuttle is usually more practical during peak season. The upstairs location requires stairs, so visitors with mobility concerns should contact the shop about access options before arriving.

Central Square Records has the personality that people hope to find in an independent record store: knowledgeable staff, unexpected discoveries, and a collection shaped by music lovers rather than an algorithm. The trip through Sundog Books and up the painted stairs makes finding it feel like part of the experience, and many visitors consider it a required stop whenever they return to Seaside. Parents introducing children to physical music formats can also use the shop to explain album art, liner notes, sides, and the ritual of listening to a record from beginning to end.