Coffee shops are where we go to experience the vibe of a new city or to check out the local flavor of a neighborhood. These 4 unique coffee shops in Southern California offer a whole lot more than just a great cup of java. You’ll find spots with killer outdoor spaces, some with live music, and others with a unique brewing technique that you may have never heard of before. Whether you are in your own town or on a little mini getaway somewhere new, these coffee shops are a treat to check out as they will infuse your day with a cup full of happiness.

  1. Old Cal Coffee in San Marcos

Yelp/Jan V.

yelp/Andrew J. The sense of community is one of the first things you notice at Old Cal Coffee, which is the oldest coffee shop in the area. People gather here to connect and they are made to feel welcome. For local music this place can’t be beat as they regularly feature local musicians that brew up some epic coffeehouse concerts.

  1. Alta Coffee and Restaurant in Newport Beach

Yelp/Timothy A

Yelp/John P. Tucked off the main road, this coffee shop is a quaint find with great food and a nice lineup of events including live poetry and music. But the best part about this place is that it feels like home. Just as an example, there is a wall dedicated to regular customers where they keep their very own coffee mugs. How’s that for local charm!

  1. Joshua Tree Coffee Company

Yelp/Joshua Tree Coffee Company If you don’t have plans go to Joshua Tree for its epic beauty, at least go there to experience Joshua Tree Coffee Company. They first started roasting beans in a small roaster in their kitchen and have since graduated to much larger and fancier equipment. They believe in only the best coffee beans that are organic, fair trade and rain forest alliance certified; they are passionate about educating the public on why buying and consuming this type of bean is important. This place is special and not just because it’s in Joshua Tree, but because of the passion and heart that is apparent in the product they produce.

Yelp/Joshua Tree Coffee Company The Siphon Method in action at Joshua Tree Coffee Company, too.

  1. Hidden House Coffee in San Juan Capistrano

Hidden House Coffee/Facebook

Hidden House Coffee/Facebook Old fashioned and charming in every way. This gem is tucked away on a delightful street with old homes that have been converted into shops and boutiques. Hidden House makes me want to perch on the patio in a cozy spot with a cup of coffee and a good book.

All of these spots make me want to linger for a while. Did you see any of your favorite places on the list? Let us know what other coffee shops are a must to experience in Southern California for great coffee and a great atmosphere.

Yelp/Jan V.

yelp/Andrew J.

The sense of community is one of the first things you notice at Old Cal Coffee, which is the oldest coffee shop in the area. People gather here to connect and they are made to feel welcome. For local music this place can’t be beat as they regularly feature local musicians that brew up some epic coffeehouse concerts.

Yelp/Timothy A

Yelp/John P.

Tucked off the main road, this coffee shop is a quaint find with great food and a nice lineup of events including live poetry and music. But the best part about this place is that it feels like home. Just as an example, there is a wall dedicated to regular customers where they keep their very own coffee mugs. How’s that for local charm!

Yelp/Joshua Tree Coffee Company

If you don’t have plans go to Joshua Tree for its epic beauty, at least go there to experience Joshua Tree Coffee Company. They first started roasting beans in a small roaster in their kitchen and have since graduated to much larger and fancier equipment. They believe in only the best coffee beans that are organic, fair trade and rain forest alliance certified; they are passionate about educating the public on why buying and consuming this type of bean is important. This place is special and not just because it’s in Joshua Tree, but because of the passion and heart that is apparent in the product they produce.

The Siphon Method in action at Joshua Tree Coffee Company, too.

Hidden House Coffee/Facebook

Old fashioned and charming in every way. This gem is tucked away on a delightful street with old homes that have been converted into shops and boutiques. Hidden House makes me want to perch on the patio in a cozy spot with a cup of coffee and a good book.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

The Wonderful World of Southern California October 02, 2022 Will Suphan Southern California is home to world-famous cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, but there’s much more to discover here than you might realize. Let’s explore what SoCal has to offer! What are the best road trips I can take in Southern California? Southern California has long been a popular spot for people to simply get out and drive. The entire state is known for wineries, and one of the best areas is the DePortola Wine Trail in Temecula Valley, where the views are as delicious as the wines. If there’s anything Californians love, it’s tacos, and you can drive from Ventura County to San Diego county and try out the vast varieties of scrumptious tacos. Did you know Southern California has a great many castles? Driving in Glendora, Agoura Hills, and Pasadena will bring you face to face with some majestic marvels. What are the best festivals to attend in Southern California? With so much sunny weather, Southern California is home to a plethora of festivals year-round. You can find Renaissance Festivals all over the country these days, but did you know they got their start in Irwindale? Check out the original Ren Faire at Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area during April and May. SoCal is known as the heart of the film industry, and the Newport Beach Film Festival held every April screens feature films, documentaries, and short films with more entertainment after the movies. Do you like balloons? Do you like wine? How about balloons AND wine? The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held every June and you can sample local wines while enjoying the sight of hot-air balloons drifting through the sky. What are the most memorable restaurant experiences in Southern California? SoCal is well-known for amazing food, and there are several that you’ll have to put on your bucket list, and then get to work checking them off! If there’s anything this state is known for, it’s seafood and Tony’s on the Pier in Redondo Beach has been tantalizing tastebuds with fresh catches since 1952. Have you ever dined on a mountaintop? If not, get yourself to Top of the Notch at Mt. Baldy Resort and take in stunning mountain views with your delicious meal. For a taste of the Old West, check out The Old Place on the Mulholland Highway where you can get a steak worth salivating for.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Wonderful World of Southern California

October 02, 2022

Will Suphan

Southern California is home to world-famous cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, but there’s much more to discover here than you might realize. Let’s explore what SoCal has to offer! What are the best road trips I can take in Southern California? Southern California has long been a popular spot for people to simply get out and drive. The entire state is known for wineries, and one of the best areas is the DePortola Wine Trail in Temecula Valley, where the views are as delicious as the wines. If there’s anything Californians love, it’s tacos, and you can drive from Ventura County to San Diego county and try out the vast varieties of scrumptious tacos. Did you know Southern California has a great many castles? Driving in Glendora, Agoura Hills, and Pasadena will bring you face to face with some majestic marvels. What are the best festivals to attend in Southern California? With so much sunny weather, Southern California is home to a plethora of festivals year-round. You can find Renaissance Festivals all over the country these days, but did you know they got their start in Irwindale? Check out the original Ren Faire at Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area during April and May. SoCal is known as the heart of the film industry, and the Newport Beach Film Festival held every April screens feature films, documentaries, and short films with more entertainment after the movies. Do you like balloons? Do you like wine? How about balloons AND wine? The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held every June and you can sample local wines while enjoying the sight of hot-air balloons drifting through the sky. What are the most memorable restaurant experiences in Southern California? SoCal is well-known for amazing food, and there are several that you’ll have to put on your bucket list, and then get to work checking them off! If there’s anything this state is known for, it’s seafood and Tony’s on the Pier in Redondo Beach has been tantalizing tastebuds with fresh catches since 1952. Have you ever dined on a mountaintop? If not, get yourself to Top of the Notch at Mt. Baldy Resort and take in stunning mountain views with your delicious meal. For a taste of the Old West, check out The Old Place on the Mulholland Highway where you can get a steak worth salivating for.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

What are the best road trips I can take in Southern California?

Southern California has long been a popular spot for people to simply get out and drive. The entire state is known for wineries, and one of the best areas is the DePortola Wine Trail in Temecula Valley, where the views are as delicious as the wines. If there’s anything Californians love, it’s tacos, and you can drive from Ventura County to San Diego county and try out the vast varieties of scrumptious tacos. Did you know Southern California has a great many castles? Driving in Glendora, Agoura Hills, and Pasadena will bring you face to face with some majestic marvels.

What are the best festivals to attend in Southern California?

With so much sunny weather, Southern California is home to a plethora of festivals year-round. You can find Renaissance Festivals all over the country these days, but did you know they got their start in Irwindale? Check out the original Ren Faire at Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area during April and May. SoCal is known as the heart of the film industry, and the Newport Beach Film Festival held every April screens feature films, documentaries, and short films with more entertainment after the movies. Do you like balloons? Do you like wine? How about balloons AND wine? The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held every June and you can sample local wines while enjoying the sight of hot-air balloons drifting through the sky.

What are the most memorable restaurant experiences in Southern California?

SoCal is well-known for amazing food, and there are several that you’ll have to put on your bucket list, and then get to work checking them off! If there’s anything this state is known for, it’s seafood and Tony’s on the Pier in Redondo Beach has been tantalizing tastebuds with fresh catches since 1952. Have you ever dined on a mountaintop? If not, get yourself to Top of the Notch at Mt. Baldy Resort and take in stunning mountain views with your delicious meal. For a taste of the Old West, check out The Old Place on the Mulholland Highway where you can get a steak worth salivating for.