Coffee Houses New things to do in Cali

 

 

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 10 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. Taza - A Social Coffeehouse in Arcadia   - A communal table where strangers can gather and sit and sip and chat makes me love this place even more. What people say most about Taza is that they love the local vibe and love the artisan coffee that is made with care.

2. Full of Beans in Ojai   - If you happen to find yourself in Ojai for a little getaway, this is a coffee shop you should check out. Great atmosphere inside and out including a covered patio in the back that is tucked away from the rest of the world.

 3. Krakatoa in the Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego  - The outdoor space at Krakatoa is a heavenly oasis. Warning: if you check out this coffee shop you may never want to leave. The coffee and food and lush covered patio could easily make you want to stay all day.

 4. Balconi Coffee Company in Los Angeles   -Have you ever heard of the Siphon Method? Well that's what they do here and they do it well. If you don't know what it is, it looks a bit like a chemistry lab while they concoct the best cup of coffee you will ever experience.

5. Dripp in Chino Hills and Fullerton - Specializing in coffee AND ice cream sandwiches -- I think I may have found my new love.

 

6. Old Cal Coffee in San Marcos - 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.

7. Alta Coffee and Restaurant in Newport Beach - 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!

 

8. Another Kind of Sunrise in Venice Beach - This coffee shop is the tiniest one on the list and its cuteness factor is through the roof. Tucked off the street down an artistic looking alley, you will find this locally owned and operated coffee stand that serves "buttery" coffee named after the owner. It also dishes up some dreamy baked goods.

 

9. 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.

10. Hidden House Coffee in San Juan Capistrano - 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.

 

 

18 Beautiful Places You Probably Didn’t Know Were In Los Angeles

And just like that I am off and on a mission to see these places

1. Wayfarers Chapel - visited what an amazing church with amazing views

 

                

 

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Rancho Palos Verdes

This beautiful church overlooking the Pacific Ocean was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son (Lloyd Wright), in the late 1940s.

2. Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

 

 

Location: San Marino

This gorgeous research institution hosts an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century European art. The library is also surrounded by 120 acres of botanical gardens, which include the expansive “Desert Garden” and majestic “Japanese Garden.”
 

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

 

Location: Rancho Palos Verdes

These cloistered tide pools are absolutely stunning at dawn, and a great place to take small children if they want to get up close and personal with a little marine life. The park also offers a mini playground, and lifeguards are on deck every weekend.
 

4. Eames House

 

                

Location: Pacific Palisades

This historic landmark was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949, as a home that incorporated nature and the needs of post World War II couples coping with the modern age.

        

 

 

5. The Getty Villa

                

 

 

 

Location: Pacific Palisades

The Getty Villa is a part of the larger J. Paul Getty Museum, and serves as an educational center for ancient Greek and Roman art. It’s also home to UCLA’s Master’s Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Mount Baden-Powell

 

 

Location: San Gabriel Mountains

Mount Baden-Powell offers some of the most pristine views you’ll ever find in Los Angeles, and it’s perfect for hiking. It was famously named after Lord Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout Movement in 1907.
 

7. Bradbury Building

 

 

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

This famed architectural landmark has been shown in over 63 feature films and television shows, including Blade Runner, (500) Days of Summer, Chinatown, Pushing Daisies, and The Artist. It’s also the oldest commercial building in the city.
 

8. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

 

 

Location: Pacific Palisades

This “spiritual sanctuary” was founded in 1950 by meditation guru Paramahansa Yogananda, and is home to a wide array of plant and animal life from across the globe. It’s a hugely popular destination among tourists who want to relax and find inner peace in their lives.
 

9. The Last Bookstore

         

 

                

 

                

 

Location: Downtown Los Angeles 

The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book store, and is a favorite among book lovers for its impressive collection and laid back atmosphere. It also hosts musical performances, community meetings, and literary gatherings.

 

10. Virginia Robinson Gardens

 

                

 

                

Location: Beverly Hills

This posh estate was the private residence of Virginia Dryden Robinson and her husband, Harry Winchester Robinson, who was the heir to Robinson & Co. The home’s gardens are now managed by the County of Los Angeles and are open to the public.
 

11. Watts Towers

                

  

                

Location: South Los Angeles

These beautiful sculptures located in the Watts community of Los Angeles were built over a period of 33 years (1921- 1954) by Italian immigrant Sabato (“Simon”) Rodia. The structure was originally titled “Nuestro Pueblo,” meaning “our town.”
 

12. Descanso Gardens

                

                

Location: La Cañada Flintridge

This 150 acre botanical garden is especially popular around Easter, when its tulips are in full bloom. This stunning property also boasts a lilac garden, Japanese tea house, and bird sanctuary.
 

13. Murphy Ranch

                

                

Location: Rustic Canyon

This abandoned Nazi base was originally built in 1933 by Winona and Norman Stephens, and came with a sizable water storage tank, fuel tank, bomb shelter, and bunkers surrounding the compound. The site is now owned by the city of Los Angeles, and despite repeated calls for its demolition, it remains a popular attraction for hikers and tourists.
 

14. Mount Baldy

        

                

                

Location: San Gabriel Mountains

Mount San Antonio (or Mount Baldy as it’s commonly known) is a sweeping, majestic respite from the day-to-day haranguing of city life, and is perfect for any L.A. transplant who misses being surrounded by a little snow.
 

15. Malibu Creek State Park

                

                

Location: Calabasas

Malibu Creek State Park is a charming little getaway destination for Angelenos, and is a favorite shooting location for 20th Century Fox. The park has been featured in Planet of the Apes, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Pleasantville, and Secretary.
 

16. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

        

 

 

Location: Simi Valley

Whether you agreed with his politics or not, the fact that you can board Air Force One in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is pretty damn cool. This is also the Gipper’s final resting place — he’s buried in the building’s underground vault.
 

17. Sandstone Peak

        

 

                

 

Location: Santa Monica Mountains

Sandstone Peak offers some of the most memorable views you’ll ever experience in sunny, Southern California. It’s perfect for hikers, rock climbers, and all around nature enthusiasts.
More info here.

18. Sunken City

 

 

Location: San Pedro

This too-cool-for-school surf spot was forged in 1929, when a landslide caused a number of homes to fall into the ocean. It’s also close by to a few other notable San Pedro tourist destinations, including the Point Fermin Lighthouse, Cabrillo Beach, and the Korean Friendship Bell.