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Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
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Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte

Nothing signals the change of the seasons like the seasonal beverages at Starbucks. Whether you have a holiday drink that you like to get each year or you prefer to experiment with newer flavors, there’s always a new limited flavor to test out. The Chestnut Praline Latte isn’t anything new, but it's a popular enough Starbucks holiday menu item that they brought it again for another year. It’s nutty and sweet with the creaminess of the milk and a smooth coffee taste.

Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte Carmen Varner food writer merrier together

What is in the chestnut praline latte at Starbucks? 

The Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte is made with steamed milk, chestnut praline syrup, regular whipped cream, espresso, and chestnut praline topping. It will come with 2% milk unless you customize the type of milk.

Is the chestnut praline latte seasonal? 

Yes, this is a seasonal Starbucks holiday drink found during the late fall or winter season. It is often associated with being a Christmas drink.

How many shots are in a chestnut praline latte? 

For a Grande size, there are two signature espresso shots in the Chestnut Praline Latte. But you can customize this for an additional fee if you prefer more. The Short 8 fl oz and Tall 12 fl oz will have one espresso shot.

Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte Carmen Varner food writer merrier together holiday cup

Did Starbucks get rid of chestnut praline?

As of 2024, it was on the menu.

What are the Chestnut Praline Latte ingredients?

This is the ingredient list: 

milk, brewed espresso, chestnut praline syrup [sugar, water, natural flavor, citric acid, preservative: potassium sorbate], whipped cream [cream (cream, mono and diglycerides, carrageenan), vanilla syrup (sugar, water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, citric acid)], chestnut praline topping [spiced sugar (sugar, cinnamon, ginger, clove), toffee sugar (sugar, vegetable colors (pumpkin, apple, purple carrot, hibiscus), natural flavors, salt, annatto, baking soda)]

Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte Carmen Varner food writer merrier together holiday cup

Final Thoughts

I personally like the Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte. It's not as in-your-face as other seasonal Starbucks winter drinks like peppermint mocha or gingerbread flavors. This has a nutty and rich taste to it, somewhat similar to hazelnut nut not exactly the same. 

What's your favorite Starbucks holiday drink?

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Coffee Hashtags: 100+ of the Best Hashtags About Coffee

Coffee lovers around the globe should use hashtags for their social media photos. If you like coffee or post about it, but haven't been using hashtags, you're missing out on a great opportunity to get your content seen by brands and like-minded individuals. In this blog post, I'll share why you should use hashtags, specifically coffee-related hashtags in order to get more people interested in your posts. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Hashtags have been a staple in the social media world for many years and for good reason. They allow users to categorize their content and at the same time, make it easily discoverable by people who are interested in similar topics. 

Related reading: 100+ Best Fall Hashtags to Use for Instagram, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and More

Coffee Hashtags- 100+ of the Best Hashtags About Coffee Carmen Varner food and travel writer

Expand Your Reach 

If you are primarily a coffee account, adding hashtags can help you get seen by other people and brands. Brands are always on the lookout for relevant accounts to potentially send products to, follow, and interact with.

Hashtags allow your content to reach a wider audience than just your followers. Hashtags give you the opportunity to reach more people, particularly people who are looking for that hashtag or content. This means that even if someone doesn't follow you, they may still come across your post, like, save, and comment on it. 

Related reading: 100+ Flower Hashtags for Instagram, Instagram Reels, and Social Media

Connect with Like-Minded People 

By using coffee-related trending hashtags, you can connect with other coffee enthusiasts from all over. You can use broad hashtags as well as localized hashtags if you'd like to reach people in your area. For example, if you are a San Diego foodie, you could add San Diego-related hashtags or neighborhood hashtags to your post to give it more context. 

You can share your experiences at a coffee shop, coffee recipes, and coffee tips with others who are just as passionate about coffee as you are. This can lead to new friendships, collaborations, and even business opportunities. It doesn't hurt to try! 

Coffee Hashtags- 100+ of the Hashtags About Coffee Carmen Varner food and travel writer

Gain More Followers

Using trending hashtags can help you gain followers and views on various social media outlets, get on the explore page on Instagram, gain popularity, and more. You can either include them in your caption or in the comments section. Either way works. 

When someone comes across your post through a hashtag and likes what they see, they may decide to follow you, like the post, save it, or even simply view it for more information. By consistently using coffee-related hashtags, you can attract new followers who are interested in the same things as you. 

Best Coffee Hashtags For Caffeine Lovers - Build Your Brand 

If you're a coffee blogger, influencer, or business owner, using coffee-related hashtags can help you build your brand. When you consistently use the same hashtags, people will start to associate them with your brand. This can help you establish yourself as a thought leader in the coffee industry and attract more followers who are interested in what you have to say. 

Stay Up to Date with Trends 

Using hashtags can help you stay up to date with the latest coffee trends. By following popular coffee hashtags, you can see what other people are posting and get inspiration for your own content. This can help you stay relevant and keep your content fresh and engaging.

Coffee Hashtags- 100+ of the Best Hashtags About Coffee Carmen Varner food and travel writer

Popular Coffee Hashtags Include: 

  1. #barista
  2. #baristalife
  3. #cafe
  4. #cafehopping
  5. #cafestagram
  6. #caffeine
  7. #caffeineaddiction
  8. #caffeineculture
  9. #caffeinedaily 
  10. #caffeinefix 
  11. #caffeinelover
  12. #caffeineplease 
  13. #caffeinequeen  
  14. #coffee 
  15. #coffeeaddict
  16. #coffeeaddicts
  17. #coffeeart
  18. #coffeebar
  19. #coffeebean
  20. #coffeebeans
  21. #coffeebreak
  22. #coffeeclub
  23. #coffeeculture
  24. #coffeecommunity
  25. #coffeecup
  26. #coffeecupping
  27. #coffeedaily
  28. #coffeefirst
  29. #coffeegeek
  30. #coffeegram 
  31. #coffeeholic 
  32. #coffeehour
  33. #coffeelife 
  34. #coffeelove
  35. #coffelover
  36. #coffeelovers 
  37. #coffeeislove
  38. #coffeemachine
  39. #coffeemaniac
  40. #coffeemug
  41. #coffeeoftheday 
  42. #coffeeplease
  43. #coffeeporn
  44. #coffeeroaster
  45. #coffeeroastery
  46. #coffeeroasting
  47. #coffeeshop
  48. #coffeestand
  49. #coffeetime
  50. #coffeevibes
  51. #coffeeyouneed
  52. #cupofjoe
  53. #drinklocalcoffee
  54. #espressolove
  55. #fortheloveofcoffee
  56. #humansofcoffee
  57. #ilovecoffee
  58. #instacoffee
  59. #instafood
  60. #lattegram
  61. #lattestagram
  62. #localcoffee
  63. #morningbrew
  64. #restaurants
  65. #specialtycoffee
  66. #specialtydrink
  67. #timeforcoffee
  68. #INSERTYOURCITYHEREcoffee (for example #dallascoffee, #vegascoffee, #sandiegocoffee)

Popular Types of Coffee Bean Hashtags

  1. #arabica
  2. #arabicabeans
  3. #excelsa
  4. #liberica
  5. #robusta
  6. #darkroast
  7. #darkroastcoffee
  8. #lightroast
  9. #lightroastcoffee
  10. #mediumroast
  11. #mediumroastcoffee

Coffee Drinks and Hashtags That Describe the Coffee

  1. #americano
  2. #blackcoffee
  3. #cafeaulait
  4. #cappuccino 
  5. #coffeelatte
  6. #coldbrew
  7. #cortado
  8. #dripcoffee
  9. #espresso
  10. #espressodrink
  11. #flatwhite
  12. #freepour
  13. #frenchpress
  14. #icedcoffee
  15. #icedespresso
  16. #latte
  17. #mocho
  18. #nitro
  19. #pourover
  20. #pourovercoffee
  21. #ristretto
  22. #whippedcoffee
Coffee Hashtags- 100+ of the Best Hashtags About Coffee Carmen Varner food and travel writer

Give your photography a boost with some of the best coffee hashtags 

Using popular hashtags on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube video, and more is a great way to expand your reach, increase your engagement, connect with like-minded people, gain more followers, build your brand, and stay up-to-date with trends. By consistently using coffee-related hashtags, you can attract new people who are interested in the same things as you and establish yourself as a thought leader in the coffee industry. So, the next time you post a picture of your morning cup of coffee, don't forget to add some relevant hashtags!
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Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad's beachy vibes make it an ideal spot to sip on a comforting cuppa coffee - or an Earl Grey tea with a  glug of oat milk. From Carlsbad breakfast joints to buzzing coffee spots, I'll break down some of the best coffee shops in Carlsbad. North County San Diego has plenty of local joints to choose from. There are vegan and gluten-free options too.

If you are searching for operating Carlsbad coffee shops near me, you've come to the right place! 

*Updated as of September 2022.

Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California

Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Carlsbad

As a precaution, search online or call ahead to check if these coffee shops in Carlsbad are open or closed. You never know these days. I've done the work & put the address, phone number, & website all in one place for you. No need to do an extensive search, it's right here. Dine in or takeout. You'll have a flavorful experience. California. Coffee? Tea? What'll it be? There are quite a lot of things to do in North County San Diego, California. These are the best coffee shops in Carlsbad, so take a sip and enjoy.

Baba Coffee

I've used Baba Coffee as my office away from office multiple times. They have it all. They have solid Wi-Fi, ample seating, & a full menu of goodies. They actually have one of the most impressive food & drink menus out of the Carlsbad coffee shops. Dine in or takeout. With options like avocado toast, breakfast sandwich, açai bowl, lox bagel sandwich, smoothies, & salads, you won't go hungry here. Don't worry though their beverage menu is even more extensive with a slew of coffees, cold brews, lattes, cold brew tea, hot black teas, herbal teas. Secret menu item: Order the whipped latte or whipped espresso. Ask about it the next time you're there!

Address: 2727 State St #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 994-0666

Website: Baba Coffee

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Carlsbad

You might've heard of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters as they have 6 locations: La Jolla, Bressi Ranch, Little Italy, Torrey Pines, Morena, & Pacific Beach. They're committed to direct trade & sustainability. You can buy their roasted coffee online or head to a brick & mortar location for a different experience. Their menu includes cold brews, pour overs, iced espresso drinks, & hot drinks. Find their Bressi Ranch location near Trader Joe's, Sprouts, & popular grocery stores. Their shop inside the Square at Bressi Ranch has outdoor seating. You'll always find people chatting, sipping coffee, & occasionally someone working on their laptop. 

Address: 2656 Gateway Rd #150, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone: (619) 272-0203

Website: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Cafe Elysa Coffee Shop

This cute cafe in Carlsbad serves breakfast, lunch, & coffee with open patio dining so you can spread out & get out of the house. Dine in or takeout. They have a full menu of breakfast plates, omelets, eggs Benedict, even burgers. Cafe Elysa spreads out tables & staggers line to encourage social distancing. They even have Wi-Fi. Cool space, nice place.

Address: 3076 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008 

Phone: (760) 434-4100

Website: Cafe Elysa Coffee Shop

Cafe Ground Up

The owner is Gaetano Cicciotti, also the owner of the Italian Restaurant, Cicciotti’s right across the street (they also have a location in Cardiff-by-the-Sea). This coffee shop has a menu which includes cafe caldo (hot coffees) such as espresso, hazelnut mocha, & event an affogato al caffe (espresso, vanilla gelato, & cocoa powder). They have frappes, smoothies, & a food menu with a range of sandwiches, fresh pastries, muffins, & more. Inside you'll spot bold green pops of color & an Italian-inspired collage wall with a young Sophia Loren & Italian news headline clippings.

Address: 550 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 637-5077

Website: Cafe Ground Up

Cafe Topes

Fun fact: Cafe Topes & The Goods are family-owned & operated. One brother & his wife runs Cafe Topes while another brother & his wife runs The Goods. Their top items include the dirty cinnamon roll (house made cinnamon roll with extra frosting) or their “double header” Benedict where you can choose twp types of Benedicts on the same plate. As for drinks, the Hawaiian Express is the star of the show with its coconut milk latte, hazelnut syrup, & Ghirardelli chocolate. If you order all three items, you pretty much hit their top-seller list.

Address: 3091 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 434-8673

Website: Cafe Topes

INVITA

INVITA is another family-owned coffee shop in Carlsbad. Once COVID-19 hit & San Diego faced its lockdown, INVITA was afraid of losing the shop. Ten of the women cousins banded together & saved the cafe by working as a team to keep the business afloat. Customers love their lattes & quality Italian ingredients. INVITA imports its coffee beans straight from Italy. Try their crema cafe, a signature drink that's kind of like a whipped creamy coffee. The outdoor space is open & airy, so you don't have to search for a place to sit.

Address: 6806 Embarcadero Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Phone: (760) 685-0411

Website: INVITA Cafe

La Costa Coffee Roasting

The no fuss, no muss ambiance at La Costa Coffee Roasting feels comforting. You can tell by the diverse influx of people that this place is popular amongst locals. The casual coffee shop smells like you're floating in a coffee cloud. The roasting coffee radiates through the air & into your hair similar to the lingering scent of smoke from after a campfire. La Costa Coffee Roasting ethically sources its international array of coffee beans.

Address: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 994-0458

Website: La Costa Coffee Roasting

Leap Coffee Roasters - Temporarily Closed

Leap Coffee Roasters Best Carlsbad Coffee Shops San Diego California Travel Food blogger Carmen Varner Carlsbad Coffee Shops


I've been to Leap more times than I can count. I spent hours at the communal table with the other laptoppers, typing away & working remotely. My go-to is a pot of tea, but they have so many delicious options. Although unintentional, Leap is staffed by all women-owned, managed, roasted, you name it. Men have certainly been a part of the team, but none ever stuck around, so that's how Leap became accidentally fully-female run. Top orders include the Vanilla Bean Latte, Caramel Latte, & the Bee Sting (cortado, half & half, & a drippy drop of honey). Their syrups are housemade. Vegetarian, vegan options are available too.

Address: 5611 Palmer Way Suite D, Carlsbad, CA 92010

Phone Number: (760) 448-6167

Website: Leap Coffee Roasters

Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town (Solana Beach is nearby)

Lofty Coffee La Costa

Lofty Coffee is an Encinitas staple. I included it in my Things to Do in Encinitas, California guide. They also have Little Italy & Solana Beach cafes, so it's no surprise their La Costa location in Carlsbad launched without a hitch. Lofty Coffee allows fans throughout San Diego County to have access to their fine coffees. The Aztec Mocha with dark cacao, cinnamon, & cayenne tastes like a hot chocolate with a spicy kick in the palate. They also have a collection of loose leaf teas available for purchase on their website (along with coffee beans) such as black lavender or hibiscus lemongrass.

Address: 7740 El Camino Real Unit A, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 230-6747

Website: Lofty Coffee La Costa

Peet's Coffee Carlsbad

Although not on the same level as Starbucks, Peet's is a relatively popular chain of coffee with about 200 locations total. Peet's Coffee has a range of espresso drinks, brewed coffees, cold brews, as well as teas. The Espresso Forte stands as the foundation for their signature espresso beverages. All espresso drinks can be made hot or iced. Peet's Coffee has a breakfast menu with offerings such as breakfast burritos or roasted tomato & kale quiche.

Address: 2641 Gateway Rd #103, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 448-1835

Website: Peet's Coffee Carlsbad

Sleeping Tiger Coffees

Best Carlsbad Coffee Shops San Diego California Travel Food blogger Carmen Varner Sleeping Tiger Coffees Witch Creek Winery


Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Sleeping Tiger Coffees offers a large space to enjoy your drinks. Beverages range from espressos, macchiatos, & cortados to their local favorites such as the vanilla bean latte or hibiscus lemonade. They include plant-based milk on the menu: almond, coconut, soy, macadamia, oat. This is one of the best places to work on your laptop with open seating. Stay long enough & it shifts to a winery, Witch Creek Winery that is. Take pictures of the cute, cool, colorful mural of sleeping tigers. 

Address: 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 720-7499

Website: Sleeping Tiger Coffees

Steady State Roasting Co.

Sip the world of coffee right at Steady State Roasting Co, tucked in an unassuming corner of Carlsbad. They have more than 12 kinds of coffee from around the globe. The Indian Summer, a chai latte, is of their fan-favorite beverages. In addition to the chai, customers love the pour over coffees. Their shopfront includes a black accent wall with a minimalist mural of an astronaut driving a van along with indoor seating. Things are different with COVID, so you can now you can get caffeinated under an umbrella in their outdoor seating.

Address: 2562 State St Suite G, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 994-0001

Website: Steady State Roasting Co.

The Goods Doughnuts

Breakfast in Carlsbad is a remarkable experience with a couple outdoor seating options so you can people watch & social distance. Head over to the Visit Carlsbad website for all about the city. The interior feels minimal, modern, with an eye toward design. Munch on delectable donuts that'll make your tastebuds explode at The Goods Doughnuts. Vegan & gluten-free options are available too. There is always the chance they'll sell out, so grab a couple donuts while you can. They have monthly flavors that come & go, like the Banana Almond Cream, a doughnut in a banana almond glaze filled with a banana dulce cream topped with a French macaron. What good is an artisanal donut without coffee? They have house drip, flat white, & all the essentials.

Address: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 994-0458

Website: The Goods Doughnuts

Succulent Cafe

Succulent Cafe Best Carlsbad Coffee Shops San Diego California Travel Food blogger Carmen Varner


The Succulent Cafe feels like a plant oasis amongst coffee shop Carlsbad options. Breakfast Carlsbad choices just got better. Succulent Cafe has coffee, tea, bagels, & other items to nosh on as you're surrounded by a potpourri of succulents & plants. It feels like you're in a garden or a corner of the a gardening store rather than a cafe. 

Address: 505 Oak Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Website: Succulent Cafe

Vinaka Cafe

Best Carlsbad Coffee Shops San Diego California Travel Food blogger Carmen Varner Vinaka Cafe


Carlsbad Village has a thumping life of its own. There are so many food & drink options but Vinaka Cafe remains a staple. It's one of those places in town where you might run into an old neighbor or schoolmate. They have organic coffee, tea, espresso, pastries, sandwiches, & the golden ticket: outdoor seating. Their vegan sandwich tastes scrumptious & fills you up. Vinaka Cafe is not a new trendy place with funky merch & fun designs, it's a Carlsbad staple with hundreds of online reviews dating back to 2014.

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #211, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 720-7890

Website: Vinaka Cafe

Related reading: The San Diego County Fair Tradition

Carlsbad Village

If you're in downtown Carlsbad Village area, you'll find Vinaka Cafe & Sleeping Tiger Coffees very close to each other. Succulent Cafe, Cafe Ground Up, Baba Coffee, & Steady State Roasting around Carlsbad Village as well. Drink in the Carlsbad Village coffee shops, restaurants, fresh seafood, Pacific Ocean air, & sunny days.

Unless something new opened up (or one of these is closed), these are the best Carlsbad coffee shops!

Coffee, tea, blended frappes, & every type of delicious caffeine awaits you in the city of Carlsbad. North County San Diego has plenty of coffee, tea, & other drinks, whether you're in Oceanside or Escondido. 

Search coffee near me online or order ahead to check if a coffee shop is open or closed before heading over directly. There's nothing more disappointing for remote workers than packing up your laptop & everything you need for the afternoon, heading to the coffee shop only to find that it's closed or completely packed. If that happens, now you have pretty much all coffee shops in Carlsbad area right here in this blog post at your fingertips. Visit the downtown Carlsbad Village website for more insight. What's your favorite coffee shop in North County San Diego? Please leave a comment!

What do you think? From cold brew, coffee, tea, and more, these are the best Carlsbad coffee shops.

Related reading: Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See

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Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See

The City of Oceanside feels relaxed while simultaneously evolving toward a metropolitan city in San Diego County. I remember riding the train into Oceanside on my way down south from Orange County. It was a casual beach town, not quite as pricy as other San Diego County beach towns like Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, or Pacific Beach. It was known for its laidback, lowkey vibes like the rock n roll hairstylist dude. Have fun in Oceanside CA North County with lots of family-friendly and fun things to do. Go to Oceanside Harbor, Tyson Street Beach, The Oceanside Museum of Art, Harbor Beach, the Surf Museum, Sunset Market on Pier View Way, Heritage Park Village, and Museum. It's a great place year-round.

Oceanside, California has museums, art, biking, and sightseeing spots. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take in the great views and many ways to relax, whether you want to watch the sunset or swim at the beach.

Top destinations include Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside Pier, Guajome Regional Park, & more. There's a bit of something for everyone, from surfing & sea lions to live music. You might also want to check out Things to Do in North County San Diego, California as well as 8 Things to Do in Encinitas, Ca. Only an hour from San Diego, Oceanside is an exciting city to visit, full of things to do and fun places to enjoy. Have you visited or lived in Oceanside California? What is your favorite restaurant, surf spots, sandy beach location, nightlife spot, nearby town?

About Carmen

Thanks for finding my blog! I'm a San Diego blogger who has lived in Southern California for most of my life. I write about travel, food, drinks. I've worked with tourism boards such as Visit Long Beach, Visit El Paso, The French Ministry of Agriculture, Visit Reno Tahoe, & Discover Torrance. Read my Press + Media for more campaigns I've been a part of. Click here to learn out more about me & my travel history. Or you can follow me on Instagram. Scroll down for all things Oceanside CA. Southern California has a lot to offer.

Related reading: Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California


Artist's Alley  Things to Do in Oceanside California Restaurants Coffee Shops Downtown  Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
Take a look at the murals at Artist's Alley in Downtown Oceanside, California.

History of Oceanside California

O'side has a long history! Its history begins in San Luis Rey Valley, which was rich in agriculture-rich. It was first explored by the Spanish Explorer Portola in 1769. By 1882, they laid a railroad from Los Angeles to San Diego through Colton, Temecula, Fallbrook, and down the coast. Oceanside is about 45 minutes away from Downtown San Diego. 

Downtown Oceanside

Oh, Oceanside CA. I used to walk along Downtown Oceanside to the beach from my social media internship office. There was an acupuncture place, a health food store, a burrito shop. They're all still there. Now the city of Oceanside feels as though it's geared to become the next hotspot for tourists and San Diego bloggers to get content. A new oceanview apartment pops up blocking the view of previous apartments. There's a coworking destination. A tequileria replaces a craft beer gastropub that wasn't even 4 years old. Oceanside CA is growing.

Related reading: Lake San Marcos Marina - what to do!

Whether you're looking for Oceanside restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor activities, or a unique activity, you'll find many things to do in Oceanside CA as it becomes a bustling part of North County San Diego.


Other things to do in California: See Central Perk Cafe from Friends on a Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen, Oceanside restaurants to try.  Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
Jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen, Oceanside restaurants to try.

Visit the Top Gun House

You can learn more about the Top Gun House here!

Downtown Oceanside Restaurants 

One of the top things to Do in Oceanside CA is to eat with a view of the shoreline. Take notes for some of my favorite downtown Oceanside restaurants. Oceanside CA has no shortage of food options and wine tasting. Adventures galore await in Oceanside, from day trips to San Diego to craft beers to cultural events. You can find paid parking and free parking, depending on where you're at. This coastal town features stunning views throughout the year, from summer to winter. 

Beach Break Cafe (
Beach Break Café) - Beach Break Cafe's coffee cake is next level, bonkers delicious.

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail - Spice up your Mondays; Masters Kitchen and Cocktail has happy hour all Monday!

Local Tap House & Kitchen - The jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen (also known as LTH) tastes incredible.

Panca Peruvian Cuisine & Rotisserie *now closed) - Fred & I went to Panca Peruvian Cuisine & Rotisserie years ago when I worked nearby by during my first social media job.

Other eateries include Hello Betty Fish House, Naegi, and more.

There's no shortage of Oceanside restaurants and dinner options. Browse Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google if you have specific needs: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc.

Related reading: What to do at North City San Marcos

Oceanside Coffee Shops

These are some of my personal favorite Oceanside coffee shops but there are even more that I haven't listed.

Banana Dang Coffee - Banana Dang Coffee has coffee, a solid smoothie bar, & Wi-Fi so you can sip n work.

Revolution Roasters - Revolution Roasters is one of the most popular of the Oceanside coffee shops; the steady arrival & departure of people feels regular like an airport. Good coffee, tasty pastries, nice space.

Breweries and Craft Beer

A trip to Oceanside wouldn't be complete without a pint of craft beer. There are over 200 breweries in  San Diego County. In the city of Oceanside, there's Black Plague Brewing, Belching Beaver Oceanside, Oceanside Brewing Company, Legacy Brewing Company, Craft Coast. If you head to Tijuana, Mexico, read my mini-guide to Tijuana's breweries. What your favorite brewery in Oceanside CA?

Oceanside Sunset Market and Oceanside Farmer's Market

Farmer's markets are one of life's simple joys. The Oceanside Sunset Market takes place Thursday evenings from 5 pm - 9 pm. It's the destination to be. You'll find food, shopping, entertainment. The place gets packed. People bring their babies, kids, strollers, dogs. Teens hang out amongst friends. Couples walk around on a date night. It's one of the most quintessential things to do in Oceanside CA. There's also the Oceanside Farmers Market (Oceanside Farmer's Market) which happens in the day time!

Oceanside Fishing Pier Things to Do in Oceanside California Restaurants Coffee Shops Downtown Carmen Varner travel writer San Diego Blogger Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
Enjoy the ocean view from the Oceanside Fishing Pier.

Oceanside Fishing Pier

You can't visit the city of Oceanside, California without walking near the historic Oceanside pier. This is one of the most classic things to do in Oceanside. You used to be able to eat at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier; Ruby's was a 40s-style diner with American classics like fries, burgers, & milkshakes. So sad to see it close, it was such a great destination. Oceanside Pier is iconic. The Oceanside Pier is extremely popular amongst both locals & tourists. Once it opened back up after COVID, people enjoy walking & fishing on the wooden pier. The surrounding beach area also has lifeguard tower, picnic tables, and vendors like hot food booths to grab a bite.

Mission San Luis Rey

The Mission San Luis Rey has self-guided museum tours, and the San Luis Mission Rey mission gift shop. They even host workshops & retreats. The historic Mission Church is a National Historic Landmark, built in 1815. If you like missions, check out La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc, California. Have you been to San Luis Rey Mission? You could visit the National Audubon Society as well.

Ride the Coaster or Amtrak

You can take public transportation from or to the city of Oceanside; you can also ride it down to San Diego. These are excellent modes of transportation near the pier if you don't have a car. As I mentioned earlier, I used to take the train up & down quite frequently. You can take Amtrak all the way up to San Francisco if you're looking for a trip idea. 

Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See Things to Do in Oceanside CA

City of Oceanside Street Art, Murals, & Graffiti

Both downtown & the City of Oceanside have street art, murals, & graffiti to view. While you're near town, be sure to check out Artist Alley to support local San Diego businesses & artists. Learn more Artist Alley Oceanside on their Facebook page. Pictured above is a mural by BB Bastidas at the Pour House Oceanside; there's a different mural there now. Experience some Oceanside street art, click here.

Go to the Beach

It should go without saying, but you should check out the beach & ocean views whilst visiting a city literally named Oceanside. Popular Oceanside beaches include Oceanside City Beach, Tyson Street Beach, Oceanside Harbor Beach, South Oceanside Beach. I could spend the day by Oceanside Pier, soaking in the melodic sound of the waves, reading a good book, & sticking my feet in the sand. Tyson Street Beach, also known as Tyson Street Park, is within walking distance of the Oceanside Pier. Enjoy the wildlife, cruise the sandy beaches, dine at a nearby restaurant.

Traveling to San Clemente? Learn more here for things to do in San Clemente, CA.

Oceanside Harbor Village

After Oceanside Pier, you can always head on over to Oceanside Harbor Village to get a true sense of the seaside town. You can just stroll along the harbor, browse the little shops, or even grab a bite to eat from one of the local restaurants. Obviously, fresh seafood is a good option if you're up for it. It's a small community but worth a visit if you're looking for things to do in Oceanside, California.

Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center

The Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center, located at 2202 S. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 is a popular spot. Their programs help foster knowledge and appreciation for the plants and animals that make up the natural ecosystem of our community.

Going on a trip to Lompoc, CA? Click here for things to do in Lompoc.

Other Activities and Things to Do in Oceanside, CA

The city of Oceanside contains a range of things to do. It all depends on your mood & your budget. Do you want to be outside? Are you hungry for some grub from popular Oceanside restaurants? It's your call. There are outdoor activities like whale watching tours, indoor skydiving, surf lessons. It is a destination spot! You could head to the museums such as the California Surf Museum & Oceanside Museum of Art. Oceanside CA has a lot of beach activity too. 

Other things to do in Oceanside, California include eating lunch or brunch, grabbing a drink at one of the eateries or at The Rooftop Bar, taking in the arts and culture, savoring the amazing beauty of the area, swimming at the beach, going on a hike, staying at a hotel,

Go to Oceanside Harbor, Harbor Beach, the Surf Museum, Sunset Market on Pier View Way. Drive Coast Highway (Coast Hwy). You can rent a bike and spend the morning enjoying the view of the ocean, beaches, people fishing or surfing. There are skate parks, trampoline parks, and plenty more. From wine to events to art galleries to trails to picnic views, visitors could spend a lot of time exploring Oceanside's wonder.

San Diego County is huge. What are your favorite Oceanside restaurants? Can you recommend any cool Oceanside coffee shops, either in downtown or anywhere within the city of Oceanside? What's your favorite thing to do in Oceanside CA? Leave a comment! :] Lots of family-friendly and fun things to do in North County.

There are plenty of Oceanside attractions, hotels, and fun ways to spend a weekend trip for both tourists and local residents. This coastal city does get busier, as expected, during the spring and summer months due to its beach proximity and tourist attractions. One of the best things to do in Oceanside CA is to take it easy. You could eat some tasty food for fish, enjoy the coastline or marina, stroll the farmers market, or head over to the Pacific Ocean to walk around the Oceanside Harbor. Learn about the Oceanside Harbor Restaurants here. Really, you can make your own self-guided tour filled with beach activities, art, local fun, a leisurely stroll of the coast, surfing, fishing, and plenty of places to watch the sunset views.

More recently I am constantly impressed by how this city is growing toward more metropolitan status but without losing what makes it Oceanside (and North County). What are your favorite things to do in Oceanside CA?
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California coffee Food and Beverage

The Best Milk Frother According to Actual Reviews: Frother Wand, Electric Frother, Manual

Everyone on Instagram & the Internet seems to have a really cool milk frother to froth milk. 

Where do they get it? What's the best milk frother on the market? What about the best handheld milk frothers or a frother wand stick? What types of milk can you use?

Are frothers easy to clean? I researched actual customer reviews to determine the best milk frother broken down by category. Scroll down to learn about each one! Use hot milk or cold milk, whatever your preference is. Some milk frother options even heat the milk for you. Most come without batteries, so you'll need to add the batteries yourself.

Best Milk Frother best handheld milk frother Remeel brand manual

You want to know the truth? The best milk frother around is the one that you genuinely like. If your beloved milk frother happens to be a dinky $7 manual milk frothing wand that you keep in your silverware drawer for easy access, well then, that's the best milk frother stick in the world! It doesn't have to be highly rated. Only you have to like it at the end of the day. It can be budget-friendly or high end. It's up to you. It's always good to consider recommendations or reviews but ultimately you get to choose the best milk frother. Get your foam on! Add the foam to a cup of coffee, latte, or cappuccino. Some are fancy and even heat and froth. Frothing is so much fun. Each one has its own shipping so make sure to check it out.

Don't have time to read the details? Ready to shop for some frothers? Here are a few of the hottest, coolest, chicest frothers for easy shopping. Scroll down to continue reading about the best milk frothers out there. These are some of the highest-rated & reviewed products on Amazon.  

My Favorite Manual Milk Frother (Battery Operated): Handheld Frother with Stainless Steel Whisk


Remeel Handheld Milk Frother with Stainless Steel Whisk (Blue) - $6.97
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars from 255 customer ratings

No need to mix your almond milk, coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, collagen with a spoon. Just grab your glass or mug and get a frother wand or manual frother stick. I'd been hearing about the manual milk frother trend for a few months before I finally did some research for myself. I finally settled on the Rameel. As far as the best handheld milk frothers, this is the best handheld milk frother for the price. Frothed milk is next level.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Maker Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel - View it on Amazon.

Although the Rameel is battery-operated, it's a manual milk frother wand meaning you hold it in your hand, turn it on, then manually froth it by moving it around. This is the exact handheld manual milk frother that I have: Remeel Handheld Milk Frother with Stainless Steel Whisk, Portable and Powerful Foam Maker for Morning Coffee, Lattes and Cappuccinos, Hot Chocolate (Blue). These handheld milk frothers also comes in black, silver, & red. For best frothing, you can use cold milk or hot milk. Perfect for quality creamy cappuccinos. 

Stainless Steel Electric Milk Heater and Frother Steamer 


Miroco Electric Stainless Steel Milk Steamer Warmer Foam Maker Automatic Hot and Cold - $39.99
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 602 customer ratings

The automatic electric milk frother is simple to use and doesn't require any legwork. Reviewers on Amazon mention that the Miroco Foam Maker Automatic Milk Frother Electric Stainless Steel looks attractive in the kitchen, works like a charm, froths beautifully, & overall works as described. Ranked as the best stainless steel milk heater and frother, all you do is pour the milk, press a button, & walk away. You'll come back to warm, frothy milk. It's pretty easy to clean. There's a double-wall design for safety as well as a non-stick interior and detachable base. The large opening allows for easy cleaning to the seamless stainless steel interior.

Best Milk Frother best handheld milk frother manual battery operated

Electric Milk Heater and Frother


HadinEEon Electric Milk Frother & Steamer, Coffee Frother Milk Heater - $45. 54
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,401 customer ratings

Reviewers on Amazon say HadinEEon milk heater and frother was love at first sight, exceeding all expectations. Reviewers mentioned that higher fat milks (dairy milk, non-dairy milk, etc.) froth better but someone mentioned good results with USDA Organic almond milk from Costco. The white Automatic Milk Frother HadinEEon electric milk heater and frother has a bazillion reviews, making it one of the highest-rated, best milk frothers out there. Easy to clean for drinks at home.

Hand Pump Manual Milk Frother


Bellemain Stainless Steel Hand Pump Milk Frother - $14.95
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 683 customer ratings

The silver Bellemain is the real deal manual milk frother. Manually pump in order to get froth. No outlet, no plug, no battery, no buttons. Reviewers on Amazon say Bellemain manual milk frother is ideal for travel, to take to work, or go off the grid since it's portable, quiet, & manual. You can't beat the price. Or you can opt for the battery-operated manual milk frother wand (a milk frother stick) like Rameel, this is the one I use.

Name Brand Frother


Keurig Standalone Milk Frother Hot and Cold Frothing, Black - $67.99
3.9 out of 5 stars from 29 customer ratings

You can always use nut milk, cashew milk, or other non-dairy options. Although this milk frother is rated relatively mixed, I'm including it as an honorable mention since Keurig is a respected brand. Reviewers say that it's easy to use, but note the capacity line when pouring in the liquid. I didn't even know they sold a milk frother whatsoever, so perhaps their customers don't know that either. Read the Keurig reviews for yourself to see what people say.

Best Milk Frother: Stainless Steel Electric Milk Heater and Frother Steamer

Leave a Comment

Some might be dishwasher safe, but you definitely need to check. Which is the best milk frother for you? Hand pump manual milk frother? Battery-operated frothing wand or milk frother stick? Something more luxurious like an electric automatic milk frother? Create the frothed foam to a delicious cup of coffee, latte, or cappuccino. Happy shopping. I hope you find the best coffee frother or best handheld milk frother for your needs. Leave a comment - tell me what milk frother you have at home, which sounds the best, or feel free to ask any questions. Do you like lattes?

Related reading: Useful Gift Ideas for Friends & Family

What's your milk of choice? Do you prefer almond milk, cashew, goat? Let's discuss! I'm really into oat milk right now.

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The Best Coffee Shops in Portland, Oregon + What Is a Coffee Cupping?

When I think about Portland, I picture those golden trees with leaves galore, the nippy mornings, the endless walking, the delicious donuts, & the coffee. Oh, the coffee. In order to stay alive & function with all the steps we trekked, Fred & I definitely needed some caffeine.

Related reading:  How to Spend 48 Hours in Portland, Oregon: A Travel Guide

portland coffee

Thanks to Third Wave Coffee Tours*, Fred & I spent one morning exploring some of the finest coffee options in Portland, Oregon. I opted for their Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour, a three-hour guided tour on the east side of the Willamette River.

portland coffee

The Eastside tour starts at 10 a.m. on Fridays & introduces you to top-notch espresso, cold brew variations, & even a cupping experience — the practice of observing the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee, basically a coffee tasting. This tour introduces you to the pioneering micro-roasters that sparked the third wave coffee revolution.

portland coffee

portland coffee

The tour began at Portland Roasting Coffee —  a sustainable & carbon neutral company —  where we waited a few minutes for the rest of the tour members to join. We tried the small but mighty macchiato with a bite of cookie before we were on our way to the next stop, Steven Smith Teamaker.

portland coffee

portland tea

Yep, we went to a tea place during the coffee tour. Steven Smith is actually the mastermind behind Tazo Tea as well as Stash Tea. Go figure. We tried nitro chai tea with a touch of half & half. It was utterly glorious; I still dream about it. We also sampled both the iced & hot tea versions of the Sparkling Strawberry Honeybush. As a tea fan, this was my favorite stop of the day.

stumptown coffee

portland coffee

Then we began the journey to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a brand that focuses heavily on sustainability, direct trade, & paying their coffee farmers liveable wages. The Stumptown visit was abundant in its information & coffee samplings. We sipped on quite a view varieties, but I was particularly in love with the Stumptown Chocolate Cold Brew, which is essentially coffee spiked chocolate milk. Yes please.

portland coffee

portland latte

Next up on the tour was Coava Coffee Roasters with their cool & open wooden interior. Instead of using the traditional but wasteful paper filters, they created their own handmade cones with tiny holes to strain the coffee. We tried a single shot Guatemala macchiato & nibbled on bits of a cookie.

portland cupping

portland coffee

What is a Coffee Cupping?

A cupping is a coffee tasting where you observe the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee. For our cupping experience, we ventured to Buckman Coffee Factory. The cupping begins with smelling the freshly ground coffee & pointing out any odor descriptors such as earthy, floral, spicy, etc. Step two is to add water & smell again. The third step is to break the crust by taking a spoon & pushing the floating coffee grounds away while smelling again. The last step is to taste the coffee & compare notes with the others.

portland coffee

banana bread

Our last coffee shop spot was Upper Left Roasters, where we sipped on their cold brew coffee with hazelnut macadamia milk. To wash everything down, we got a bite of their delicious country wheat toast with macadamia nut butter & banana. I'm not ashamed to admit that I grabbed a second piece of toast.

portland coffee

I left the Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour feeling high on coffee & ready to take over the world. It's the perfect experience for any coffee lover, & I give it bonus points because there was time for tea. If you're in Portland & enjoy your fair share of coffee, Third Wave Coffee Tours is spot on.

* Disclaimer: Third Wave Coffee Tours provided the tour in exchange for an honest blog post about my experience. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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