The Washington Road Trip Route That Leads To 9 Cool Record Stores

There is nothing quite like the warm crackle of a vinyl record. Slipping a record from its sleeve and placing it on a turntable evokes memories of a simpler time. For over a decade, record companies have seen a resurgence in sales of vinyl, surpassing the compact disc in popularity. Even with the convenience and ease of online streaming, vinyl record sales nearly doubled from 2020 to 2021. Whether you’re looking for vintage vinyl or a new release, Washington has plenty of record stores to keep your collection growing. Check out this list of nine cool record stores we’ve mapped out for you. Maybe you’ll find that rare gem you’ve been looking for!

Your record store adventure is just over 80 miles.

It takes about 2 1/2 hours to drive this route but you'll want to add in ample time for browsing.

1. Hi-Voltage Records (Tacoma)

Hi-Voltage Records and Books is Tacoma’s premier independent record store. High Voltage is proudly owned and operated by musicians who really know their stuff.

2. Turntable Treasures (Tacoma)

With over 120,000 titles and knowledgeable staff, Turntable Treasures is the perfect place to find a new album or upgrade your sound system.

3. Yard Elephant Records (Milton)

Located inside Kristi’s Country Store, Yard Elephant Records offers a wide selection of Motown, Jazz, Classic Rock, and hard-to-find records.

4. Time Tunnel Records (Burien)

Known for their cool vibe and awesome selection, Burien’s Time Tunnel Records is your stop to buy or sell records, tapes, DVDs, books, and more.

5. Easy Street Records (West Seattle)

Named one of the best record stores in the USA by Rolling Stone Magazine, Easy Street Records in West Seattle has been a successful record store and live music venue since 1988. With the addition of a café and bar, Easy Street has become a popular hang-out for locals and tourists.

6. Sub Pop Records (Seattle)

Sub Pop on 7th is the new flagship retail store in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy perusing the aisles of vinyl albums, tee shirts, hats, and memorabilia from longtime independent record label, Sup Pop Records.

7. Holy Cow Records (Seattle)

Tucked inside downtown Seattle’s Pike Place Market, you’ll find Holy Cow Records, a record shop specializing in rare LPs and 45s. If you’re looking for rare or older music, we have two words for you; Holy Cow!

8. The Vinyl Garage (Lynnwood)

Kevin Grigsby runs The Vinyl Garage Record Store out of his garage at his home in Lynnwood. According to Kevin, the Vinyl Garage is, "the best record store in the freaking state". Open Thursday through Sunday and by appointment.

9. Vortex Records (Kirkland)

Thousands of LPs, DVDs, and collectibles await you at Vortex. From classic, old movies to obscure and rare vinyl, you’ll enjoy hunting for the perfect treasure to take home.

Conclusion: Do you enjoy spinning a vinyl over streaming music?  Have you visited any of the record stores on this list? We’d love to hear about your record store adventures in the comments.