Where to Get the Best Coffee in OC?

If you're like me, you need your daily coffee fix. In Southern Orange County we are lucky enough to have an abundance of great options. Best of all, most of these coffee shops include a variety of food options to start your morning right as well as satiate your breakfast cravings.

High Tide Coffee 

With two locations nearby, one in Laguna Niguel and the other in San Clemente, High Tide Coffee offers a very diversified menu. They have specialty drinks such as a Chagaccino (mushroom coffee), Snickerdoodle Latte, Rose Latte, and many more. Their pastries are so good it will be impossible to resist.

The Coffee Importers 

This coffee spot is one of my absolute favorites because it is located right by the Dana Point Harbor. There is nothing better than sipping on my morning coffee while looking at some spectacular boats parked at the docks. The Coffee Importers has a large food menu available all day!

Bear Coast Coffee 

You can find Bear Coast Coffee in San Clemente or Dana Point. Their coffee is amazing and their shops are in great areas offering a nice ambience. This can be a good place to get in a few hours of work when it is not too busy.

Ellies Table

This is the perfect spot to meet up with a friend or colleague, located in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The coffee is great and the food is even better! Ellies Table also offers Gluten-Free and Vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.

Hidden House Coffee 

Hidden House Coffee is a veteran owned farm to cup coffee shop. All of their beans are roasted in-house at their Santa Ana location. They have a second location in San Juan Capistrano and all of their coffee is brewed to order.

Where to Go For the Best Farmer's Market in Orange County?

Here is a list of my three favorite Farmer's Markets in Southern Orange County. Each is exceptional in its own way with tasty produce and homemade crafts. I love supporting local farmers and vendors and cannot wait for you to visit these markets!

Laguna Niguel Farmer's Market:

I love this Farmer's Market! It is small but includes some amazing local farmers with delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. You can also find some local vendors with homemade goods.

Located in: Plaza de Paz Shopping Center, 27271 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Hours: Sunday 8AM-12PM

Dana Point Certified Farmers Market:

The Farmer's Market at Dana Point is a special one, featuring local farmers and craft vendors. You will find fresh produce, jewelry, clothes, and unique art.

Located in: La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629

Hours: Saturday 9AM-1PM

Farmakis Farms, Certified Farmers Market:

Farmakis is a family-owned tree farm in San Juan Capistrano. Every Friday they hold a Farmer's Market offering fresh produce and some craft vendors. Between June and November on the 2nd Saturday of every month they host craft markets selling one of a kind gifts, art, and handmade products. This Farmer's Market offers a Pumpkin Patch in the Fall and a Christmas Tree Farm in the Winter. You can attend fun events with family with a chance to say hello to the many animals on the farm!

Located in: 29932 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Hours: Friday 9AM-2PM

Things to Do in Dana Point (No. 3 is Our Favorite!)

If you find yourself in Orange County, you definitely want to visit Dana Point. Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, it is a beautiful harbor with so many fun outdoor activities to appreciate the perfect weather Southern California has to offer.

1. Whale Watching Excursions: Dana Point provides year-round Whale Watching tours. Aside from spotting whales you will most likely see dolphins, seals, sea lions and other nautical creatures.

2. Fishing: You can fish off the pier, from the shore, a boat, or a kayak.

3. Boat Tours: You can rent a private boat charter, a catamaran, or a sailboat to ride along the beautiful coast and admire spectacular views.

4. Outdoor Activities: Whether you enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding, surfing, kayaking, or parasailing, Dana Point has you covered!

5. Beach: You cannot miss a visit to one of the beaches of Dana Point to relax and hang out with the family. Doheny State Beach is one of California's most popular beaches, located in Dana Point. Doheny Beach offers picnicking, camping, surfing, bicycling, and swimming.

6. Shopping: This is the perfect place for boutique shopping of unique gifts, clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

7. Food: Have lunch or dinner at a coastal restaurant with a great view. RAYA at the Ritz-Carlton is a great choice!