Get a Taste of California's Coffee Scene

North Coast: Mendocino Joe
Visitors exploring the beautiful North Coast are encouraged to stop into Mendocino County for several coffee selections. The baristas of Black Oak Coffee Roasters offer a cup with a side of history, telling the stories of each coffee. Travelers taking the Skunk Train can sit back and enjoy a cup of joe roasted by Thanksgiving Coffee in Fort Bragg. While in Fort Bragg, be sure to check out Headlands Coffeehouse for chill vibes and hot coffee.

Gold Country: Farm-to-Cup
America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital is becoming one of the world’s top coffee destinations with its renowned cafés all rating above 90 out of 100. Temple Coffee Roasters, named one of America’s top roasters by Coffee Review, is a local favorite. Another local favorite, Old Soul Co., is the perfect gathering place for coffee lovers. Other preferences in the state capitol include Naked Coffee and Pachamama Coffee Coop, which is 100 percent farmer-owned and controlled. Just south of Sacramento lies Tuolumne County, the perfect place to get a caffeine fix before exploring Yosemite National Park. Make sure to grab a cup from Union Hill Coffee, Day-O Espresso or Mountain Sage Cafe and Nursery.

High Sierra: Mono County Cafés 
Not only do the High Sierras offer amazing views and adventures, this beautiful region provides several options for those looking for a caffeine fix. More specifically, Mono County has several cafés to choose from including Sweetwater Café and the historic 1881 Coffee Café in Bridgeport. On the eastern side of Yosemite National Park is Epic Café, Mono Cup Coffee and Latte Da all overlooking Mono Lake.

San Francisco Bay Area Craft Coffee
With so much to do in the gorgeous San Francisco Bay Area, it is only right to start off the day’s adventures with a cup of coffee. Stop into Berkeley and get a perfect cup of coffee at the original Peet's, opened by Mr. Peet, who introduced California to craft coffee. Just south of Berkeley is Oakland, California, which is home to many coffee shops including Blue Bottle Coffee, RAWR Coffee Bar, Oakland Coffee Works and Red Bay Coffee. After Berkeley and Oakland, drive over the Bay Bridge and check out Pier 39’s Biscoff Coffee Corner, which was named "Best Coffee Shop in Fisherman's Wharf" by Thrillest.

Central Valley Grounds 
Since the Central Valley is California’s most productive agricultural region, it is no surprise that there is a growing coffee scene. Located in Fresno County’s trendy Fig Garden Village, Café Van Ness is the perfect hangout spot with a cozy interior and outdoor patio. Another local favorite is Lanna Coffee Co. Since 2010, they have worked alongside The Integrated Tribal Development Program (ITDP) to help Thai Highland villages become self-sustainable by purchasing coffee beans grown by the local villagers. Lastly, one Fresno County’s trendiest coffee shops, Kuppa Joy Coffee House, offers several selections that cater to the palate of all coffee lovers.

Central Coast Roast 
For visitors making the epic drive down the historic Highway One, be sure grab a cup of joe along the way. Good Land Organics in Santa Barbara County is perfect for coffee lovers. Experience their coffee farm, the first in the entire continental U.S., with an educational walking tour of the farm for the opportunity to harvest, taste, and pulp coffee cherries. For coffee lovers stopping in San Luis Obispo, check out Scout, Kruzberg or the recently revamped Ascendo. Before hitting the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve, get your caffeine fix at The Central Roast, a family run coffee shop located on Price Street in downtown Pismo Beach. Lastly, make sure to try Honey Cup Coffee and Kitchen at the Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor for specialty organic coffee, and Coffee Bean RAD Roasting Facility in Camarillo.  

Orange County Coffee
Before you experience beautiful beaches and world-renowned shopping options, be sure to get a taste of Orange County’s coffee culture. In Laguna Beach, there are myriad coffee shops and two that you must try, no matter the time of day. The Koffee Klatch, dispensing coffee drinks, sweet treats and casual café fare, including breakfast, is a local favorite. Or you can buy a pound of coffee from Laguna Coffee Company and take a taste of Laguna home with you. Visitors should also try the award-winning Portola Coffee Roasters, with five locations all over Orange County. You can look forward to trying the newly branded BLKdot Coffee, opening three new locations in 2018.

San Diego Brew 
While San Diego is famous for its Cali-Baja cuisine and craft beer, the coffee culture has been quietly brewing for some time now. Por Vida, a family owned and operated coffee house located in the historic Barrio Logan Neighborhood in downtown San Diego, combines café with local art and Mexican pastries. Modern Times, a successful beer brewery, has long been roasting coffee as a beer ingredient and their tasting room offers both craft beer and coffee. Communal Coffee & Flowers in the North Park Neighborhood doubles as a café and flower shop, with outdoor seating next to a plant nursery. Other must try coffee experiences include Manzanita Roasting Company, Point Loma Coffee, and Swell Coffee Co.

Related Content