Fuel your Highway 1 road trip with a freshly-brewed cup of coffee. From bold beans to specialty lattes, find an array of energizing offerings served daily at a range of coastal coffee shops. With bright, modern coffee houses and cozy cafes perfumed with the scent of just-made pastries, there’s something for everyone at Highway 1 coffee shops. Savor a bevy of unique hot and iced drinks alongside enticing breakfast and lunch plates sure to complement that jolt of java. Savoring the first sip of the day is easy with this comprehensive guide to the best coffee spots along Highway 1.
San Simeon & Ragged Point Coffee Shops
Ragged Point Inn
Ragged Point Inn serves up an unforgettable cup of coffee in a stunning coastal setting. Located on one of Highway 1’s most scenic stretches, this iconic Inn boasts a full espresso bar serving a wide range of specialty coffee drinks, including frothy lattes, foam-topped cappuccinos and luxurious flavored drinks. With alluring options like pistachio rose lattes and a toasted marshmallow mocha, be sure to ask the barista what’s new on the menu. Savor hot and cold coffee options or a cup of fragrant tea all alongside the property’s famous cliffside views. Visitors are welcome to stroll the lawn, where several breathtaking photo opps mark the Gateway to Big Sur.
Cambria Coffee Shops
Mojo’s Village Bean
Mojo’s Village Bean in Cambria is a local go-to for organic espresso, coffees and teas in Cambria. Find handcrafted espresso drinks alongside a range of mouthwatering morning meals, including baked goods and satisfying breakfast sandwiches. Indulge in classics like the rich and creamy latte, frothy cappuccino or go for an indulgent treat like the decadent mocha, white mocha, Mexican mocha or affogato served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Visitors seeking a bold pick-me-up will find robust espresso and a spicy dirty chai to savor. For a smooth and satisfying option, try the americano, velvety cortado, macchiato or flat white. Matcha lovers can enjoy the antioxidant-packed tea in classic, roasted or iced iterations. On warm days, refresh with an invigorating cold brew, iced coffee or a scoop of locally made, small-batch ice cream. For the kids, find Italian sodas, root beer floats, sweet chai tea, hot chocolate and more.
Cambria Coffee Co
A proud Roaster Guild of America member, Cambria Coffee Co upholds an unwavering commitment to artisanal coffee roasting. With a discerning palate and expert knowledge, roasters handcraft house-made gourmet blends showcasing balanced flavor, richness and acidity. Enjoy a classic hot “coffee of the day,” latte, cappuccino or americano or choose from flavored favorites like the caramel macchiato, mocha, white mocha or Baja mocha. Cold coffee lovers can opt for a decadent blended drink or try a refreshing nitro cold brew. Plus, find a range of other satisfying drink options, from fruit smoothies and chai tea lattes to hot chocolate, matcha green tea, matcha lattes, hot teas and more. Fans of Cambria Coffee Co can even sign up to receive bags of house-roasted beans. Visitors are also encouraged to ask about tasty second line beignets served Sunday mornings.
Lily’s Coffee House
Lily’s Coffee House in Cambria perks up visitors and locals alike with a range of enticing coffees and culinary creations. Featured in Sunset Magazine, this hidden gem features a charming pet-friendly deck with colorful umbrellas, plus a collection of eclectic gifts and souvenirs. The espresso bar employs friendly baristas crafting quality coffee and tea drinks perfect for on-the-go runs or a dine-in indulgence. This celebrated family-owned establishment also offers a full breakfast and lunch menu served all day, so be sure to check out the menu for seasonal specials, including egg dishes, salads, wraps, toasts and flatbreads. Combined with a wide variety of mouth-watering desserts like homemade brownies, cookies, scones and Lily’s ever-popular carrot cake, this Cambria coffee house is a great place to enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon. Plus, sweet and savory crepes are served on the sunny deck each Saturday.
Cayucos Coffee Shops
Cayucos Coffee
Nestled in a charming Old West beach town, Cayucos Coffee beckons with a blend of exceptional coffee, live music and vibrant ambiance. A locally-owned coffee establishment, savor local Joebella Coffee Roasters coffee as well as regional kombucha offerings. Medium and dark roasts are always rotating at this Cayucos hot spot, so be sure to ask what’s new in the brewed coffee department. Visitors are invited to enjoy a classic espresso, americano, cappuccino, macchiato, gibraltar or cafe au lait. However, do note that all espresso shots are “double shots.” For an energizing alternative, opt for a red eye (mix of brewed coffee and espresso), bold cold brew, spicy chai latte, tea latte, mache latte or a hot cup of tea, including yerba mate, Earl Grey and White Tip Jasmine. Locally-crafted Whalebird Kombucha is a fun option for visitors seeking a fizzy, probiotic pick-me-up. First-timers may also be intrigued by the “superfood latte,” which can be ordered up either in “golden orange” or “maca cocoa jade” variations. Smoothies, hot chocolate and sweet blended frappes round out the mix, ensuring everyone can take part in this Cayucos tradition. Pair it all with fresh baked goods, house made quiche or a bowl of granola for a uniquely satisfying breakfast.
Luna Coffee Bar
Luna Coffee Bar, a beloved fixture in Cayucos, is the go-to destination for specialty coffees and breakfast burritos. On the hot side, pick from freshly-made espresso, cappuccino, americano, red eye, latte, macchiato, cortado, white mocha, Mexican mocha or caramel macchiato offerings or opt for enticing seasonal lattes spiked with cinnamon, vanilla, gingerbread or caramel pumpkin spice flavorings. On the cold side, ice-blended frappuccinos come in frosty flavors like caramel, Maui mocha, charcoal mocha, vanilla bean, matcha green tea and Tahitian vanilla. Tasty alternatives include a hot chai tea latte, matcha green tea latte, hot chocolate, hot tea, Thai tea, iced tea, cold brew and fruit smoothies. Enjoy Luna’s great coffee drinks paired with delectable sweet pastries or savory meals like avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches and elevated breakfast burritos served with chips and house made salsa (there are more than six burritos to choose from, including a kid’s version). Proudly family-owned, Luna Coffee Bar embodies the philosophy that “home is where the coffee is,” inviting visitors to relax and unwind in their cozy interior or spacious outdoor patio area. For those with furry companions, fear not—Luna Coffee Bar extends a warm welcome to four-legged friends, offering freshly-made dog treats on-site.
Honey Girl Cafe
Honey Girl Cafe is a small beachside cafe in Cayucos named after the owner’s “Kupunawahine,” or grandma, in Hawaiian. Enjoy a variety of breakfast offerings in a cozy locale, including coffee, tea and morning stapes like cinnamon rolls, bagels and lox, acai bowls and smoothies. Stop in for a hot brewed coffee, cafe au lait, black eye, espresso, cappuccino, americano or hot cocoa or choose from a stable of flavored mocha, white mocha, Mexican mocha and Dominican mocha lattes. Visitors are encouraged to inquire about Honey Girl Cafe’s seasonal food menu, known to include everything from vegetarian sandwiches to house made chicken salad.
Bijou Bakery
Located at Cayucos’ historic Cass House, Bijou Bakery is a charming place to sip a cup of coffee alongside French-inspired pastries. Explore premium hot coffee, espresso, cappuccino, americano, latte and hot tea offerings or grab a sweet chai latte, vanilla steamer or hot chocolate. Unique to Highway 1 bakeries, Bijou Bakery also offers house made lemonade, fresh-squeezed orange juice and sparkling mimosas perfect for celebrating special occasions. Owned by accomplished baker Janice Grimshaw, the food menu focuses on French pastries like croissants, morning buns, cakes, popovers and muffins as well as exquisite savory brunch items made with local ingredients. Enjoy ever-changing quiche incarnations, avocado toast made with house made focaccia, egg white soufflé paired with seasonal veggies, breakfast salads and “Pain Bijou,” a savory bread pudding made with farm fresh eggs, sausage, white cheddar and green onions.
Los Osos Coffee Shops
Nautical Bean
Home of creative craft coffee drinks, Nautical Bean offers a twist on java in Los Osos. Perched on the Los Osos/Baywood waterfront, this family-owned coffee house is a beloved local hangout for all ages, thanks to the funky decor and crowd-pleasing house favorite, “Nutty Bean” coffee. The menu encompasses classics like lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, iced tea, hot tea, yerba mate, matcha and mocha drinks. That said, it’s the specialty house drinks that set Nautical Bean stand apart: Explore unique offerings like the sweet vanilla latte, carmel sutra, black and white, rainforest latte (with soy chai matte), chocolate butterscotch latte, mint chip mocha latte or energizing “white lightning,” a large drip coffee containing two shots of espresso and white chocolate flavoring. For folks seeking a spicy option, go for a “shot in the dark,” or zesty Mexican mocha. Non-coffee sippers will appreciate Nautical Bean’s range of blended juices as well as the “downtown detox,” a virtuous elixir of iced matte boosted with lemon, honey and pomegranate juice. Paired with a hearty breakfast menu of bagel sandwiches and breakfast burritos—as well as the possibility of a post-breakfast kayak through the estuary—visitors can choose their own adventure.
Ascendo Coffee
Blending community and coffee in one artful location, Ascendo Coffee is more than a place to caffeinate with a fresh morning cup. Discover handcrafted lattes, matcha lattes, macchiatos, flat whites, cappuccinos and americano offerings alongside tea-drinker favorites like The Lady Grey, featuring Earl Grey tea with a light and gentle citrus flavor. Choose from organic Japanese Gen Mai Cha tea, Royal Jasmine iced green tea and Moroccan mint tea with a bright and refreshing aroma—just ask the barista for a rundown of the expansive tea offerings (there are nearly a dozen to choose from, including ginger, yerba mate and classic black). For something kid-friendly, grab a hot chocolate, apple juice, milk steamer or Thai tea. Hungry patrons are encouraged to pair their cup with crunchy granola goodness or flaky shortbread biscuits, great for an on-the-go nosh.
Avila Beach Coffee Shops
Kraken Coffee
Kraken Coffee in Avila Beach is an ever-popular coffee spot thanks to its coveted seaside location and expansive menu. Directly across from Avila Beach’s white sand view, this locally-owned coffee house is no stranger to busy mornings. Explore coffee, espresso, cappuccinos and seasonal flavored lattes plus a selection of hot and iced teas. On warm days, a nitro cold brew, nitro lemonade or nitro iced tea hits the spot, while brisk coastal mornings are warmed by a hot chai or mocha latte. Kiddos will rejoice at the selection of ice cream and hot chocolate, including affogato and cookies. For the hungry, grab snacks ranging from pastries to oatmeal to breakfast burritos. Be sure to check out the array of unique gifts and logo merchandise here, great for coastal souvenirs.
Big Al’s at the Beach
A longtime local favorite among Avila Beach residents, Big Al’s at the Beach is the place to go for hot coffee and cold shave ice by the sea. This friendly. locally-owned business specializes in authentic Hawaiian shave ice, plus fruit smoothies, boba drinks and locally roasted organic espresso and coffee. For a smooth-drinking experience any time of day, try a nitro cold brew, nitro ice tea or even a scoop of nitro ice cream. While lines can grow long at Big Al’s during the popular spring and summer months, this beachside coffee experience is always worth the wait.
Arroyo Grande Coffee Shops
Cafe Andreini
Nestled in the charming Village of Arroyo Grande, Cafe Andreini provides a cozy setting for mingling over hot coffee and tea offerings. Serving lattes, americanos, cordados, cappuccinos, flat whites, mochas and chai offerings, be sure to check out the cafe’s popular specialty drinks, including a creamy vanilla bean latte, matcha latte and “chai charger.” There’s a drink for everyone, regardless of flavor preference: Tea drinkers and kombucha lovers will find their own cup of happiness behind the counter. Breakfast comes in an array of flavors, with golden waffles, acai bowls and pastries served alongside a host of egg-stuffed breakfast burritos, tacos and croissants.
Oceano & Nipomo Coffee Shops
Deltina Coffee Roasters
Step into Deltina Coffee Roasters in Oceano for specialty coffees crafted with the utmost care. Specializing in sustainable and ethically-sourced beans, Deltina’s small-batch offerings are truly distinctive, with beans sourced from traditional farms dotting the globe. The full service espresso bar serves up the house “Cypress espresso blend,” made with dark-roasted South American beans. Two shots of this top shelf espresso goes into Deltina’s cappuccino, americano and latte offerings, all made with fresh milk or premium milk alternatives. Coffee aficionados are sure to appreciate Deltina’s daily “batch brews” (bring a reusable mug for a discount), customizable AeroPress Coffee options and house cold brew crafted with grounds steeped overnight for a strong flavor. The carefully-curated menu is rounded out by popular coffee alternatives, including luscious mocha drinks, matcha lattes, chai tea lattes and an assortment of fine teas.
Bubbles & Tea Coffeehouse
Bubbles & Tea Coffeehouse in Nipomo satisfies multiple morning cravings, from breakfast to lunch and beyond. The lively coffee bar encompasses espresso, double espresso, cappuccino, latte and americano offerings with signature lattes crafted in more than 20 fun flavors. Choose from pumpkin spice, white chocolate or coconut lavender or go for a surprisingly sugar-free option, including caramel, pistachio, hazelnut and brown sugar variations. Hot tea, iced tea and sodas keep everyone happy while a rich hot chocolate offering delights kids of all ages. Distinctive breakfast and lunch menus encompass artful avocado toast, “Skinny Chia Pudding,” a savory breakfast muffin drizzled with spicy mayo and even a full gluten-free breakfast spread complete with eggs, brown sugar bacon, avocado and tomato. Grab a quick bagel, pastry, donut or croissant, or sit down for a leisurely brunch. Mouthwatering lunch hour eats include creamy tomato basil soup, a BLT wrap and turkey pesto sandwich, among other favorites. Worldly wines make a welcome appearance for afternoon sipping, with fancy French champagne, fizzy Spanish lambrusco and Italian prosecco just an order away. With a unique atmosphere centered on local comedy nights, live music and burlesque performances, visitors are encouraged to check the Bubbles & Tea Coffeehouse calendar for upcoming events.
