A Guide to San Clemente Coffee Shops
Bear Coast Coffee
Located across the street from the city’s iconic pier, Bear Coast is a hallmark among San Clemente coffee shops, given its soothing coastal tones set against minimalistic white walls, vibrant plants, natural sunlight, and tantalizing aroma of house-roasted java.
Snag a streetside seat overlooking the shimmering Pacific Ocean, stop in to fuel a fun-filled day at the beach, or take your morning joe on a pleasant stroll along the water’s edge.
High Tide Coffee
Situated just two blocks from North Beach and on historic El Camino Real, High Tide offers guests a dreamy retro ambiance underscored by good vibes, sea blue walls, chic furnishings, lush verdure, earnestly stocked shelves with unique gifts on display, the occasional trivia night or holiday celebration, and remote work accommodations.
The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious specialty lattes featuring freshly roasted direct trade coffee, house-made syrups, and real ingredients.
Sur Coffee
If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, search no further than Sur, which is passionate about intentionally roasting the world’s finest coffee beans on-site.
Furthermore, they’ve got an adorable lounge area complete with warm earthy accents, chic seating arrangements, touches of greenery, cute merch, and amenities for a productive day.
Rapport Coffee by Cafe Smith
Nestled inside an unassuming shopping center just off I-5, Rapport by Cafe Smith is one of the most aesthetically gifted coffee shops in San Clemente, given its cool urban-bohemian ambiance, cherry wood ceiling panels, magazine-speckled wall, and well-nourished plants.
Patrons here not only enjoy the highest quality single-origin and blended coffee, but also have the opportunity to experience specialty coffee brewed by an SCA-certified barista.
Zebra House Coffee
Zebra House serves small-batch roasted organic coffee and scrumptious pastries (gluten-free and vegan options available) amidst cozy digs with walls showcasing local artwork, reliable WiFi, a large front porch, and friendly drive-through service that’ll have you back on the road in no-time.
This beloved family-owned establishment is an easy go-to for casual meetings with colleagues, long-overdue coffee dates, and solo study sessions.
Cafe Hermosa
Tucked a bit more inland, Cafe Hermosa provides guests a relaxed yet refined culinary experience accentuated by brunch dishes ranging from artisan avocado toasts to savory paninis to heavenly waffles.
Whether you’d like to settle into a cozy corner and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, dine al fresco on the lovely sidewalk terrace, or secure the benefits of a health-conscious energy boost from their selection of fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, whatever the case may be, Cafe Hermosa has got you covered.
Alohana
Alohana is a relaxed hole-in-the-wall hangout with tropical decor, countless shakas dappled throughout the space, a rad retail section boasting locally sourced gifts, and an intimately sized common area where visitors can mingle with friends while enjoying refreshing acai bowls made using 100% pure organic Acai, a Flax seed blueberry granola, and customizable fruit toppings.
Moulin
Beginning the moment you step inside, Moulin transports you to France with the smell of fresh, artisan breads, the sight of chickens turning in the rotissoire, and the sound of people speaking French.
Dine on their outdoor patio that’s lined with red umbrellas and green shrubs or take a short stroll to the beach for a romantic picnic by the sea.
Either way, both are an ideal setting for a warm summer evening spent across from that special somebody, and who knows what’ll taste sweeter, true loves kiss or the touch of cream on your lips after enjoying a delicate pastry – guess there’s only one way to find out.
Born and raised in Montmartre, Paris, Laurent created Moulin out of love for the bistro culture that he missed every day since moving to California in the 1980s.
Bluestone Lane
This recent addition to the ever-budding index of San Clemente coffee shops has a wide range of coffees and health-conscious drinks, as well as signature toast options, nutritious bowls, and delectable baked goods.
Favorites from Bluestone Lane’s Aussie-inspired menu include the classic Flat White and Sunshine burrito.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s maintains a reliable work and gathering environment that has tables to sit down at and stay awhile, there’s also a nice terrace shaded by umbrellas. The founder, Alfred Peet, wasn’t trying to start a coffee revolution when he set up shop in Berkeley back in 1966. He just thought Americans deserved a real cup of coffee.
Five decades later, his lone store has blossomed into 200, each holding true to his vision: sourcing directly from the world’s finest estates, hand roasting to order in small batches, and making sure every cup is brewed as fresh and full-flavored as possible.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best San Clemente coffee shops, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Fullerton!
I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page, website, or Google account.