Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in San Diego County

"Set in a downtown La Jolla Yoga studio, Trilogy Sanctuary is a vegan rooftop restaurant and juice bar that boasts Boho chic décor and beautiful ocean views and serves a menu of organic, vegan, and gluten-free fare, super smoothies, and fresh juices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features favorites such as “eggs” Benedict served with cauliflower cheese “eggs,” avocado, sprouts, “Hollandaise” sauce and eggplant “bacon” on a toasted gluten-free bun, the Sunflower Sprout Raw Pizza, and the Kale Superfood Salad. Trilogy Sanctuary also offers detox programs and catering services."

"Superfood Acai Bowl at Trilogy Sanctuary|Courtesy of Sanctuary. Trilogy Sanctuary is a yoga studio, as well as a café serving vegan fare. The menu offers smoothies, bowls, salads, soups, and desserts on top of heartier fare like vegan pasta and burgers."

"Perched on a rooftop in La Jolla, this cafe features mindful menu of bowls, tacos, and other creative entrées that are all 100% organic, vegan...Read More"

"You’ll feel like you’ve been blasted to the past at this iconic coffee shop. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Clayton’s stays true to its roots serving popular diner classics such as biscuits ’n’ gravy, malted shakes, chili cheese fries, and tuna melts. Insider tip: In a rush?"

"If you love that vintage diner feel than you will love Clayton’s. This one is a hit and miss for people. They always have the doors open so it can get drafty and there is usually a long wait."

"928 Silverado St. & 2216 Avenida de la Playa La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92109. If you are looking for an early start to get some work or studying done, Brick & Bell is a perfect option!. They open every day at 5:30am, and apart from roasting their own coffee, they also bake fresh pastry every morning."

"928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037(858) 551-0928Book Your Large Party Here$ | Fresh Cafe. What is better than fresh-baked pastries with a cup of coffee in the mid-morning?. Personally, it sounds like heaven to me."

"Often called (informally of course), “the best coffee in North County,” Lofty’s three locations in Encinitas and Solana Beach mean you might find one without the lines. Its original location near Moonlight Beach is a local cafe and coffee roasting spot with specialty coffee and artisanal food decorated in industrial chic. A locally owned and operated cafe, Lofty roasts its own coffee beans."

"Nekter Juice Bar is a chain juice bar with a spot near La Jolla Cove as well as a few locations throughout San Diego. Here you’ll find healthy snacks, cold-pressed juices, delicious smoothies and an extensive menu of açaí bowls. They have nut-based milk that makes their smoothies and bowls creamy while adding nutritional value."

"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."

"This all-in-one urban park in the East Village populated with repurposed shipping containers and long, communal tables has rotating art installations, free Wi-Fi, and a bar with 26 local brews on tap. Beer-friendly food, like burgers and loaded fries can be had at Burgers and Bites and Seahorse Coffee keeps you fueled with coffee and tea drinks, smoothies, specialty drinks, and an array of pastries, bowls, and paninis. Unfortunately, the dog run is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.How to order: Walk-ins are welcome."

"SOL CAL Café was founded by Jacob Bell, a former NFL player, who said it was his passion to bring healthy, affordable options to the community. The colorful shop offers juices, smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast foods, bowls, and coffee drinks. While not a strictly vegetarian restaurant, many of the dishes are already vegetarian, and most items can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free upon request."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."

"I often point out that a perk of staying in the beachfront La Jolla hotels is access to the adjacent Kellogg Park. It’s steps from the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach but also has a large grassy area for picnics, yoga, pocket kites, and some outdoor park fun. It will soon be even more interesting when “The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza” (a.k.a “The Map”) is finished."

"T his lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or take away from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like the Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area. This playground perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach and not without the sand."

"If you’re searching for free kid-friendly things to do in La Jolla, you’d be surprised at what’s in store for you in Kellogg Park!"

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."