Deemed outdated for the past couple of decades, vinyl records have had a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as many have turned to them as collectors’ items.
Record collecting has become one of the biggest new trends in the consumption of music, with many accounts dedicated to it on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.
Artists have started taking advantage of the vinyl comeback by releasing their newest albums in the format, often with colorful variants encouraging collectors to buy multiple copies. Music purists would argue that record collecting is not a trend, however, but essential to the music listening experience due to the high audio quality of vinyl.
Whatever interests you about collecting vinyl records, there are more ways than ever to get into it. However, they are not always easy to find.
Luckily there are many record shops in Orange County, California that provide whatever needs a record collector in the area might have. Here are the top five best record stores in Orange County.
Record Stores in Orange County
1. Port of Sound Record Shoppe
Port of Sound Record Shoppe at 1500 Adams Ave #104B, Costa Mesa, CA
First up on our list of the best record stores in Orange County is the Port of Sound Record Shoppe in Costa Mesa. This is a must-visit for any record lover in Orange County, due to its huge selection of records for fair prices.
Port of Sound has a little bit of everything, with any genre you could think of. No matter what you’re looking for, the odds are Port of Sound will have it.
Anyone into records should check it out, as it is a great experience with good service and a fun atmosphere. You won’t regret it!
2. Analog Record Shop
Analog Record Shop at 12872 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA
Smaller but still impressive, Analog Record Store has a significant selection of records with some harder to find collector items as well. Everything at Analog Record Shop is moderately priced and they even have a clearance section with plenty of choices.
Analog Record Shop is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for any newer rare records in Orange County.
3. Rasta Cowboy Records
Rasta Cowboy Records at 155 E Main St, Tustin, CA
Located in Old Town Tustin, Rasta Cowboy has a lot to offer. Appropriately, reggae is played over the speakers, but they sell all genres with plenty of classic records as well as newer ones, both hard to find vinyls and more accessible options. For CD fans, they have a sizeable selection too.
Aside from music, they have plenty of collectibles and other items as well. Nice ambiance here with plenty of decorations and genuine character.
Rasta Cowboy is absolutely a must-visit for those in Orange County looking to add to their record collection.
4. Creme Tangerine Records
Creme Tangerine Records at LAB Anti Mall, 2930 Bristol St C-103, Costa Mesa, CA
Creme Tangerine Records is located inside the Lab Anti Mall, so you can always visit if you’re ever in the mood for a shopping spree. What makes this place stand out is that it is inside a repurposed trailer, making for a unique shopping experience.
Creme Tangerine Records has a selection of both new and vintage vinyls as well as collectibles, and the entire place has the perfect aesthetic for those who want to post about their record finds.
5. Factory Records
Factory Records, 440 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA
A little hole in the wall, Factory Records in Costa Mesa is a fun trip worth going to if you’re looking for anything older or more obscure. They sell a little bit of everything, but if you’re into the vintage side of records, then this is the place to go.
Their prices are fair and they have a really good clearance section with some unique options that are often overlooked. Overall, Factory Records may be small but it is perfect for those looking for older vinyl and oddities.
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About Elijah Cross
Elijah Cross is a 22-year-old writer in Orange County, California. Originally from Tennessee, he moved to Irvine to pursue a career in media in hopes to become an author. In his free time, he enjoys thrift shopping, record collecting, and occasionally skating.