Since I published my San Diego Coffee Guide back in 2018, I’ve been thinking about creating an article with the Instagrammable version. The difference? The coffee guide mentioned earlier is all about the perfect spot to work, eat, study… and this one focuses on aesthetic. Keep reading for the Most Instagrammable Coffee Shops in San Diego.

*Last updated 10/15/2020*

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shops in San Diego

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #1: Better Buzz Hillcrest

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giulia🌴 San Diego | Style & Travel Content Creator (@palmtreesandpellegrino)

Better Buzz Coffee is buzzing all around San Diego opening locations left and right. A little birdie actually told us that a La Jolla location is coming soon and we’re pretty excited. One of my favorite locations however is Hillcrest – the decor is amazing, there’s all sorts of nooks to sit in, and it makes for a great study spot.

Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Location: 801 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: 6 AM – 9 AM
What I ordered: avocado toast, iced americano

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #2: Parakeet Cafe

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giulia🌴 San Diego | Style & Travel Content Creator (@palmtreesandpellegrino)

Other than having fun wallpaper and neon signs, Parakeet Cafe will make the diet-restricted person in your life really happy. There are tons of vegan and gluten-free options. Everything feels healthy and I’ve been working my way through the menu.

Neighborhood: La Jolla, Little Italy & Del Mar
Location: View the locations here.
Hours: Different depending on location
What I ordered: acai bowl, avocado toast, latte

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shops in San Diego #3: Frost Me Cafe & Bakery

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giulia🌴 San Diego | Style & Travel Content Creator (@palmtreesandpellegrino)

Frost Me Cafe & Bakery came to fame through the show Cupcake Wars. This bakery and coffee shop serves Ritual Coffee (one of my favorite brands). They’re located right in the heart of Little Italy. So after you’ve had your fill of coffee and pastries, pop out the door for one of the many restaurants in the area.

Neighborhood: Little Italy
Location: 555 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours:
- Sun – Thurs 6 AM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sat 6 AM – 10 PM
What I ordered: oat milk latte

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #4: Communal Coffee

Communal Coffee is 1 part flower shop, 1 part cafe, and all parts Instagrammable. Get their early to snap a pic in front of the coveted “Coffee + Flowers” mural.

Neighborhood: North Park
Location: 2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #5: Communal Coffee Airstream

Related to their main location is the Communal Coffee airstream. This spot was too cute to not make the list. I love the boho vibes that are very reminiscent of Joshua Tree. Opt for this spot on a sunny day when you’re looking to catch up with friends.

Neighborhood: South Park
Location: 2221 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104
Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily
What I ordered: iced cold brew

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #6: Moniker Coffee

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuBwdhTnkkM/

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moniker General (@monikergeneral)

Located inside Liberty Station, Moniker is a go-to when you want some peace and quiet from the busy-ness of the food hall. This desert-inspired space also has a chic minimalist store on site.

Neighborhood: Liberty Station
Address: 2860 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs 7 AM -10 PM
- Fri – Sat 7 AM – 11 PM
- Sun 7 AM – 9 PM
What I ordered: waffles & iced coffee

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #7: Holy Matcha

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giulia🌴 San Diego | Style & Travel Content Creator (@palmtreesandpellegrino)

Holy Matcha is a Barbie dream house filled with greens and pinks. Go early (right when they open) to get the place to yourself.

Neighborhood: North Park
Location: 3118 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Hours:
- Mon – Fri 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sat – Sun 9 AM – 7 PM
What I ordered: matcha latte

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #8: The Grounds Bean Bar

I don’t want to discriminate (since I love all the coffee shops on this list) but Grounds Bear Bar might be my new favorite. The coffee was smooth, and I was living my best life with that decor. And if there aren’t enough photo ops for you inside, there is a cute coffee mural outside.

Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
Location: 1571 La Playa Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: 6:30 AM – 7 PM daily
What I ordered: cold brew

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #9: Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

Wayfarer is more bread shop than cafe, but let me tell you – their seasonal scones are to die for. The coffee itself is incredibly smooth (always a plus in my book), and there is a huge selection of savory baked goods. After stuffing yourself here, head down to the water for a walk.

Neighborhood: Bird Rock
Location: 5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours:
- Mon – CLOSED
- Tues – Fri 7:30 AM – 3 PM
- Sat – Sun 7:30 AM – 7 PM
What I ordered: blueberry scone, oat milk latte

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #10: Devil’s Dozen

While driving along Kettner Blvd, you may have spotted what looks like a little walk up window for grabbing coffee and a donut next to Kettner Exchange. Well, that’s Devil’s Dozen. What you may not have noticed was the small staircase leading upstairs to a rooftop lounge. Let me tell you – I don’t know what was more shocking – how good the coffee was, the beauty of this hidden lounge, or the fact that I didn’t get to try a donut.

Neighborhood: Little Italy
Location: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Mon – Fri 7AM -3 PM, Sat – Sun 8AM – 3PM
Pro Tip: Get there early for the donuts! I went around 11 AM on a Tuesday and they were completely sold out. They must be good.

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #11: The Invigatorium

How can we describe The Invigatorium? For starters, it’s like nowhere you’ve ever seen. There’s a life size dragon, rotating discoball, Ronald McDonald sitting on one of the couches, and T-Rex chilling on the bar. Not to mention that one side is a coffee shop that serves breakfast, and the other side is a bar throughout the day that has a pretty extensive menu! All I can say is that the vibe is cool and that you’ll feel cool while sipping your cocktail or iced coffee here.

Neighborhood: East Village
Location: 631 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Daily 7AM – 6PM
What we ordered: Cold brew & iced tea

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #12: Yerba

The Yerba Bar may not be your traditional coffee shop, since what they’re actually known for is their Yerba Mate. Yerba Mate is a tea well known in South America with lots of good health properties. BUT, they make the list since they technically do serve coffee (we went with the lavender latte and loved it).

While it is on the busy Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach, you’ll feel like you’re being lifted into an adorable relaxing ambiance the second you walk in. And make sure to explore their somewhat hidden patio on the side (perfect for getting some work done)!

Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
Location: 956 Garnet Ave. San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: Daily 8AM – 8PM
What we ordered: Lavender latte

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #13: Garden Coffee

The name of this coffee shop is perfectly fitting as it feels like a scene out of the Secret Garden. If you don’t know it’s there, you may just walk on by. This plant shop / cafe is perfect for reading a good book with your coffee or catching up with a friend.

Neighborhood: Old Town
Location: 2611 Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110
Hours: Wed – Sat 10 AM – 3PM
What we ordered: iced latte

Most Instagrammable Coffee Shop in San Diego #14: S3 Coffee Bar

I had been wanting to visit S3 for a few years (literally) before I finally made it there. Because of the pandemic, most of the indoor seating was closed off. But think: marble tables, velvet chairs, and then this super cool corner of art. Definitely unique! Pro Tip: During the fall, they offer lattes in pumpkins on select days.