Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee Shop in Town
North County San Diego offers plenty of friendly coffee shops to explore. Whether you're searching for the perfect breakfast menu for a family gathering or local restaurants to grab a fresh cup of coffee, there are so many amazing options near Encinitas.
Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Encinitas!
This town is really the perfect location to find a cool cafe especially if you love beach vibes, cool breezes, and the smell of salt in the air. Want to eat in or get takeout? You can always enjoy a cup of coffee in this fun beach town.
This list covers some of the best coffee shops in Encinitas, with locations in Downtown Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
I’ll be adding more great locations to this list in the future.
*Updated as of September 2022
Better Buzz |
Better Buzz Coffee Encinitas
Better Buzz offers quick single-origin drinks like macchiato, latte, cortado, to name a couple. Their handcrafted beverages, served hot or cold, include options such as Best Drink Ever® (classic americano with their signature creamy vanilla), Honey Latte (espresso, creamy vanilla, honey, steamed milk), and more things to sip on. This cute shop also has teas, smoothies, sandwiches, fancy toasts, and cold brew on tap. Free Wi-Fi, open for takeout, dogs are allowed, vegan options too.
Address: 578 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 487-5562
Website: Better Buzz Encinitas
Coffee Coffee
In this space, you'll find organic coffee roasted on-site by Revolution Roasters. Gotta love a quality coffee roast! The aroma smells delicious. Get a quick bite to eat from Coffee Coffee's breakfast menu with food such as the Jose Especial made with scrambled egg, spinach, tomato, red onion topped with avocado and feta. Pick between the housemade salsa fresca or choice of bread. lox bagel, acai bowl, avocado toast, breakfast wrap, and a lot more. They serve lunch too if you want to come for an afternoon meal.
Address: 970 N Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 436-2233
Website: Coffee Coffee
Related reading: Things to Do in Encinitas: North County San Diego Gem
Encinitas Cafe
This cafe has a long history in town, originating in the 1930s as Fred's Cafe, then known as Zim's cafe into the 1950s. By 1960, the name was The Coffee Mill. The Encinitas Cafe name has stuck since 1989. If you're on the hunt for food, as in a full-on breakfast brunch, lunch menu scenario, this is the perfect spot to check out. Encinitas Cafe has an extensive four-page menu filled with breakfast classics such as delicious eggs benedict, mimosa, scrambles and lunch items like burgers, soup, salads, and hot open-faced sandwiches.
Address: 531 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 632-0919
Website: Encinitas Cafe
GOODONYA® Organic Eatery
Find organic coffee and tea, such as a classic coffee to the Repair latte with collagen, lucuma, raw honey. From breakfast scrambles to organic sandwiches and salads, GOODONYA® offers a variety of organic, non-GMO goodies. This is one of those restaurants that has a little bit of everything. Open for delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, sit-down dining, indoor and outdoor seating, you name it. Great place to eat outside or grab a quick coffee by the coast.
Address: 1051 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (858) 264-8550
Website: GOODONYA® Organic Eatery
Lil Jungle Java
On a mission to support small businesses? Then this Encinitas coffee shop is worth your time. Available in the drive-through/takeout only, you can pick up a quickie drink before heading to work or on your next errand. Located in Encinitas Village Square II, Lil Jungle Java is a local favorite and hidden gem because it's a coffee stand versus a larger shop.
Address: 1500 Encinitas Blvd
Phone: (760) 917-5589
Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California
Lofty Coffee |
Lofty Coffee Company
Lofty is a popular spot with multiple locations in San Diego County. I also included Lofty Coffee in my Carlsbad Coffee Shops guide: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California. This coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating too. They serve fresh coffee, tea, pastries, hand-rolled croissants, muffins, and cookies. Who doesn't love a quality cookie?! They have yummy things such as their house coffee, Kyoto-style cold brew, Iced Hibiscus Lemon Grass and Blood Orange Tea, baked from scratch pastry and dessert such as almond croissant. Eat outside and enjoy the great scenery.
Address: 90 N Coast Hwy 101 #214
Phone: (760) 230-6747
Lofty Coffee Encinitas Roasting Works
Address: 97 N Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 230-6747
Website: Lofty Coffee Encinitas
Related reading: Things to do in Oceanside, California - visit here to read!
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters |
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
Order ahead to takeout and pick up at the counter or stay around to enjoy your beverage at this locally-owned Encinitas coffee shop. Ironsmith Coffee Roasters is a fresh, independent coffee shop and roastery that sells espresso beverages, specialty drinks, tea, chai tea, hot chocolate, and retail bag coffee to purchase to make at home. Roasts on pour might range so be sure to ask what they have or check their current menu.
Address: 458 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (626) 429-6397
Website: Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
Bump Coffee
This little coffee shop is located in Cardiff by the Sea park; it has a hole-in-the-wall vibe that you might just walk by on accident. Bump Coffee selects ingredients from geographically diverse regions in South America. Come for the coffee but stay for the empanadas.
Address: 126 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007
Website: Bump Coffee
Pannikin Coffee & Tea
Pannikin has been serving the local community with coffee, tea, and other baked treats since 1968. This family-owned and operated business based in the heart of Leucadia, California roasts coffee and bakes daily for all four Pannikin locations in San Diego County. The Encinitas CA Pannikin is located in a historic Santa Fe Railroad Station built in 1888.
Address: 510 N Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 436-5824
Website: Pannikin Coffee & Tea
Peet's Coffee
You might have heard of this coffee shop chain that sells handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly made coffee, Mighty Leaf teas, as well as warm breakfast. Peet's Coffee in Encinitas Village Shopping Center has the Peet's standard range of menu including hot coffee, seasonal drings, hot tea, iced drinks, and more.
Address: 1486 Encinitas Blvd
Phone: (760) 274-1280
Website: Peet's Coffee
Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee has quite a few locations throughout California as well as Chicago and the D.C Metro area. They serve some pretty interesting drinks in their featured creations, from Iced Coffee Rosé smooth and sweet iced coffee, topped with subtle rose cream to the Tesora, original coffee blend, which they recommend with cream and honey.
Address: 1060 S Coast Hwy 101
Phone: (760) 230-6880
Website: Philz Coffee
Queenstage Coffee House
Coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch
Address: 190 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Website: Queenstage Coffee
Surfdog's Java Hut - Temporarily Closed
Address: 1126 S Coast Hwy 101
Woodsy Coffee
This cute spot features menu items such as the beet hummus toast or the buttermilk biscuit served with maple butter and local jam. They have specialty lattes like honey lavender and salted maple, coffee drinks, tea, and smoothies too!
Address: 875 Santa Fe Dr
Phone: (760) 452-6380
Website: Woodsy Coffee
Zumbar Coffee & Tea
Established in 2003, this San Diego boutique coffee roaster has locations in Sorrento Valley and Cardiff. Zumbar Coffee & Tea sells, you guessed it, coffee and tea: espressos to 16 oz. cold brew coffee to pastries such as locally baked almond croissants. People tend to love the friendly service and good prices.
Address: 111 Chesterfield Dr #115, Cardiff, CA 92007
Website: Zumbar Coffee & Tea
Coffee, Tea, and More in North County San Diego
Experience coffee with a view! Grab a cup of coffee then head near Moonlight Beach to watch the waves ebb and flow. Encinitas CA is close to Carlsbad/Carlsbad Village. You can also find a range of cafes in the area as well. These are more than what you'd consider an average coffee shop. L’Atelier de Paris is popular for its drool-worthy desserts. Visit a couple of the best coffee shops in Encinitas and savor the gift of caffeine. Click here to visit Encinitas Visitors Center website.
What are your favorite Encinitas coffee shops? Do you have a go-to order?
The LAB Anti-Mall Costa Mesa, California
The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa, California feels fresh. It's the cool spot I would like to have hung out at with friends every weekend if I were 12 again. An enormous fiddle leaf fig plant towers over the open space common area touching the wooden ceiling as it tries to makes its way through the skylight. Three neon signs that say Yes, No, Maybe hang on the wall. People sit at varying seats, stools, chairs, & tables sprawled out; typing on their laptops, nibbling on a bite to eat, chatting with a friend. Other patrons walk to & fro with their masks on as they shop. The world comes alive again as it adjusts itself in a world with COVID. From restaurants to small local businesses, The Lab Anti-Mall Costa Mesa isn't your average shopping mall experience.
The Lab Costa Mesa
I sit down at a tiny table with a pair of mismatched chairs at the LAB Anti Mall. I take off my mask to enjoy a bite of my mini donut haul from Good Town Doughnuts. I snagged the Raspberry Pistachio & Chocolate Strawberry doughnuts. Good Town Doughnuts offers vegan & non-vegan options. We accidentally picked both vegan versions since the flavours just appealed to us. I particularly loved the Chocolate Strawberry with the chocolate doughnut base & tart strawberry glaze. Take a look at the Good Town Doughnuts Instagram page for photos of their delightful doughnuts. This is the perfect destination to go shopping in Orange County.
The LAB Anti-Mall Costa Mesa, California Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States
Located at 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States, the LAB Anti-Mall has food & drink options, clothing shops, thrift stores, barbershop, hair salon, record store, & some other bits & bobs. I've actually been here before, although it was quick, in & out. This time I was able to get a better feel of the LAB Anti-Mall & What makes it so great, exciting. I'm glad to be back. Take a look at the LAB website!
Fred & I said what the hell, drove an hour away from our usual haunts to explore Costa Mesa, California. Located close to the 405 Freeway on Bristol Street, LAB Anti-Mall was a doughnut, vegan food whirlwind.
Please check out my Instagram post about my Orange County day trip to the LAB Anti-Mall. There are plenty of online reviews so you can really get a feel of places nearby, what people think, the type of art, the best restaurant to check out, & more.
Whether you're an Orange County local or came to Costa Mesa CA for a day trip, there's quite a lot to see at the LAB. If you're tired of the same old same old then you'll like the unique shops & restaurants that the LAB Anti-Mall provides. This place is different. There's music, art, & installations, an attention to detail in every corner. Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States.
Related reading: Things to Do in North County San Diego, California
Parking
There are parking options throughout the LAB. However, if you come on a busy day, it's likely that all the spaces in the parking lot will be full. We came on Sunday & it was busy. We drove around a couple of times & had to do a bit of walking from our parking space. I'm not sure if there's street parking, at least not very close by.
You could check out LAB Anti-Mall's other restaurants, eateries, & drinkeries Baba's Chicken, Bootleggers, Habana, Hana Re, Nook Coffee, Refresh Stream, Ruin Bar, Seabirds Kitchen, & The Den (formerly known as Gypsy Den).
Fun Fact: "LAB" stands for Little American Business. Their goal to combat retail monotony began in 2003. Now it's a relatively popular hotspot for pretty much any age group to shop, eat, & enjoy Costa Mesa.
Experience unique shopping opportunities at the LAB's stores. You'll find a great variety. We went to 2nd Street USA; Fred & I each scored something. This thrift store has a mix of funky vintage blouses to modern name brand sneakers, so men & women alike can get some shopping done. If you want to find a great place to shop local, LAB Anti-Mall is one of those one-stop shops.
Store hours may vary: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. View the LAB store list website for links to each business & up-to-date hours.
Popular shops include Urban Outfitters and Buffalo Exchange. Find some music at a record shop or eat a doughnut in the sun at one of the outdoor seating areas. This eclectic destination area is a little bit more exciting than your average shopping mall experience. Bring a friend and make it a day.
Lab Anti Mall Store List
Shopping
Blends + Carve
Buffalo Exchange
Eco Now
Red + Blue Vintage
Sundressed Inc
Terra Nova Vintage
Urban Outfitters
Food & Drink
Baba's Chicken
Bootleggers
Good Town Doughnuts
Habana
Hana Re
Nook Coffee
Refresh Stream
Ruin Bar
Seabirds Kitchen
The Den
Other Shops
Barber Shop
Crew Salon
Creme Tangerine Records
The Artery
We had dinner at Nice Guys Vegan, an all-vegan restaurant that ultimate vegan comfort foods such as burgers, fries, & desserts). Think vegan fast-casual restaurant. The BBQ Bacon Burger & Spicy Chicken Burger. Both were absolutely incredible & believe me because I’ve had a lot of crapy burgers in my 15+ years of being meat-free.
Then there's the eco-friendly retail campus, The CAMP, that's dedicated to supporting the community through an active, healthy lifestyle mindful of environmentalism. View The CAMP website for more information.
Located at 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, you could spend the day at the LAB Anti-Mall shopping, exploring the place, taking cool photos of the art and culture. The indoor-outdoor aspect means you can have shelter on rainy days & still enjoy the sunshine on those beautiful California days. It really is the best of both worlds. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, this small anti-mall feels pumped with life & a thriving community. So yeah, that's my review of the place. Read the Yelp or TripAdvisor LAB Anti Mall reviews to see what places call to you. Please leave a comment to share your thoughts - have you visited? It's like a South Coast Plaza alternative with more affordable and artsy vibes. From fun shopping to restaurants and coffee, there is a lot to do in this cool area. Search online to learn about updated hours and and Covid updates.
Related reading: Warner Brothers Studio Tour Gilmore Girls in Burbank, CA
Have you been to the LAB Anti Mall? What are your favorite shops?
Related reading: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California
Traveling to France: Paris Travel Tips
Paris Tips
Three facts about the writer, Carmen: I always have fresh eucalyptus hanging in the shower. One time I spent the night at London Gatwick Airport. Out of all the cities in the world, I've explored Paris the most.
Paris Travel Tips
How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Paris, France: Do’s & Don’ts of Paris. Consider these France travel tips. |
1. Don’t Speak Extremely Loud, Do Be Aware of Your Volume
One of the first France travel tips is to mind your voice volume. This is applicable wherever you travel. I’ll never forget the American male tourist practically yelling in the metro station that he couldn’t understand the map. His booming voice echoed through the metro, implying his tourist stats to the two hundred or more people through the station. While I completely understand the frustration, the metro can be overwhelming for even a Paris novice, but he created an easy target on his back to get pickpocketed. Travel tips for France: Not only is it courteous to be aware of your volume, but you might blend in more or be less noticeable to pickpockets, scammers, etc.2. Don’t Dress Like a Tourist, Do Dress More Parisian
Traveling to Paris doesn't have to be scary. You can tell when someone is a tourist because French people are dressed nicely, probably commuting to work or heading to dinner with friends, but as a tourist, we’re dressed for comfort, you don’t have your entire wardrobe to choose from. Travel tips for France & anywhere: I’m a tourist, a traveler myself, but I try to blend in when I can. While this isn’t 100% here are some things to keep in mind: Parisians often wear neutrals. Parisians wear sneakers over the standard tennis shoe or running shoe. Think Stan Smith Adidas - here's a real photo from Paris of three types of white shoes. Look French, that's one of the easier France travel tips.3. Don’t Walk Around Naked, Do Wear Headphones
When you visit Paris, look around & you’ll see loads of people wearing their little white iPhone headphones or the occasional person with a wireless Bluetooth headphone, either way, many Parisians, especially the younger generation wear headphones while walking around town, commuting via metro or bus. Visiting Paris? Travel tips for France: You’ll blend right in if you listen to a downloaded podcast on Spotify or look at your phone's map to figure out the best places to visit in Paris, just do it with your headphones in. Sometimes I write notes on my phone, it helps me remember details & it looks like I’m a cool Parisian texting all my Parisian friends. Travel tips for France on how to not look like a tourist in Paris? Headphones or earbuds!4. Don’t Always Speak English, Do Learn Some French words - Even a Word or Two
Traveling to Paris? Learn some French words if you're visiting Paris! I took three years of French in high school since my family lives in France. It was always my goal to communicate with my cousins, but alas, I’ve forgotten most of the verb conjugations & all the accents: accent ague? Sometimes Fred & I can have an entire interaction in our butchered French. Let go of any language shame - just try. I literally pointed to a baguette & said “un croissant, s'il vous plais.” twice while the cashier was like…. “uh…c’est un baguette.” Like I know what it is, my brain messed up. Don’t worry, you’re going to feel silly, but you can’t improve if you don’t try. If anything, you'll learn travel tips for France from this post.5. Don’t Forget to Greet People, Do Say Your “Bonjours” and “Bon Soirees”
French culture means never not saying goodbye. In the USA, we often have “ghosting” culture where you leave without saying goodbye, you just kind of evaporate, disappear. Not when you're visiting Paris, honey. That’s seen as extremely rude. You’ll almost always be greeted when you enter and establishment & you’ll be wished a good day when you leave. For example, when you enter a boulangerie (a French bakery), the cashier will often say, “Bonjour Madame, Bonjour Monsieur.” You should always respond back. My travel tips for France: I usually just say exactly the same thing back to the person. After you order and are about to leave, they usually say “Bonne journée” if it’s day time - which means "Have a nice day." In the late afternoon & evening, many people will send you off with a “Bonne soirée” - basically "Have a good evening." Again, I simply say my pleases & thank you (si’l vous plait & merci) & then regurgitate what they say to me. At our flat in Paris, every time anyone walked passed you, you’d say “bonjour” or at least some acknowledgment or their presence. At my apartment in the USA, you can walk past your neighbor of 3 years without a hello, without even knowing their name. While walking the halls, this While I’m pretty introverted, it’s just different here & you have to push yourself out of the comfort zone. Traveling to Paris is an experience like no other.6. Don’t Go Without Internet, Do Get a SIM Card
You can't go traveling to Paris without a SIM card. I've done the bulk of my travels without the internet, simply relying on public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Some cities are easier, but in Paris, unless you hop inside a McDonald’s or Starbucks, you’ll be hard-pressed to find free internet. Plus you risk someone stealing your information, passwords, and potentially hacking you. I know, I had no clue about any of this either. I was blissfully logging into every free Wi-Fi. You can easily find SIM cards in Paris at the little phone, gadget, internet kiosks throughout the city. We purchased a 20 gig SIM card for 25 Euro. It allowed us to view maps on our phone without busting out a huge I’m-a-tourist paper map.7. Consider Getting the Paris Pass
Top Things to Do in Paris for First Timers
Are you traveling to Paris soon? What are your France travel tips? Are you visiting Paris? Do you have travel tips for France?
Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
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.
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
History of Oceanside California
Downtown Oceanside
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.
Jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen, Oceanside restaurants to try. |
Visit the Top Gun House
Downtown Oceanside Restaurants
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.
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.
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
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.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.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
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.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.
Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
Start your day in the heart of the city at Queretaro's historic center. You could easily spend your experience walking along the streets of Querétaro's historic center, watching cars drive on the road, eyeing the menu of a restaurant or two.
About Carmen
I've been to Queretaro City twice & enjoyed it even more the second time! I adventured through the top things to do in Queretaro Centro as well as other parts of Queretaro state; I ate some of the best (vegan) tacos of my life, bought my very own handcrafted Maria doll from a local woman, & gazed at the dazzling display of Christmas decorations throughout the city. Click here to find out more about me & my travel history. Or you can follow me on Instagram.How far is Queretaro from Mexico City?
Need a day trip idea? You're already in Central Mexico, so perhaps you're wondering how far is Queretaro from Mexico City? Where is it located? Mexico City is about 134 miles/217 km or 160 miles/259 km away from Queretaro depending on your route. Just look at Google maps. Definitely worth a trip if you can muster it, perfect for day trips!Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
How far is Queretaro from San Miguel de Allende?
The Aqueduct / El Acueducto de Querétaro
El Cerrito Archaeological Zone (Zona Arqueológica El Cerrito)
Buy snacks & goodies from the vendors. |
Walk the Streets
There are plenty of things to do in Queretaro. The thriving city feels clean despite the hubbub of locals & travelers; you might see workers sweeping up leaves or trash at any given time. Walk around the streets of Queretaro Centro to get a feel for the landscape. Some might say people watching & strolling around are some of the best top attractions in Queretaro City.Things to do in Queretaro: Walk around the shops & restaurants |
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas historic center feels like the heartbeat of Queretaro Centro, important, historical, interesting. It's always lively with kids playing, families walking around town, people dining, people selling dolls, t-shirts, crafts. There are water fountains, perfectly trimmed shrubs, & plenty of places to sit. Jardin Guerrero is the perfect spot to chill.Cerro de las Campanas
Peña de Bernal
Jardín Zenea (Zenea Garden)
Support Local Shops in Queretaro Centro
We walked around Queretaro de Arteaga as a family. There are so many local vendors showing off their handcrafted goods in the city center. Why not take a look while you're visiting? I bought a blue & silver hand-beaded bracelet for my mom.Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo
Things to do in Queretaro Centro: Browse the churches & missions! |
Churches & Missions
Queretaro has some exquisite churches & even some Franciscan missions. Awe at the pale yellow towers of Templo de la Congregacion de Guadalupe. Take a tour of Templo y ex-convento de la Santa Cruz de los Milagros. There's the Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Viterbo.Gorditas being made at a restaurant in Queretaro Centro, Mexico. |
Eat Everything
Best things to do in Queretaro City? Eat, eat, eat again, eat some more. Whether you're looking for places to eat a sit-down meal, the famous fresh churros con chocolate, or maybe a little snacky snack from one of the vendors (think candies, gum, mini portions of popular Mexican snacks), Queretaro Centro is a hub for foodies. Food bloggers & lovers rejoice! Bring your pesos and let's eat.Museums / Museos en Queretaro
Quertaro's museums are filled with knowledge and art waiting to be dis Find the Museo Regional in the former Convent of San Francisco; reviewers particularly love the colorful patio. There's the MUCAL Museo del Calendario. There are plenty of museos en Queretaro, take your pick! Go to the art museum. There is a lot of wonderful art around the city!Hanging out at the Queretaro Airbnb with my adorable Maria doll, made by a local woman. |
Queretaro Tourism and Social Media
Wander around and enjoy exploring the city. Queretaro's social media presence and events calendar is impressive, which I love as a social media professional. It's one of those little things that bring me joy in life. Anyway, I digress. Take a look at the Queretaro Travel website, a visitor guide for all things in the state of Queretaro.Where Should I Stay in Queretaro? Hotel? Airbnb? Does It Matter?
Airbnb Accommodations
I stayed in a Queretaro Airbnb both times I've stayed in Queretaro City since we're usually traveling with a group. In Queretaro, Mexico, it might be cheaper for a group of 5 adults & 3 kids to pitch in for an Airbnb rather than stay in 2-3 hotel rooms each night.Hotels Options Nearby
Searching for Queretaro hotels to stay in? There are plenty of options in Queretaro Centro & the surrounding area if you want to be within distance of top attractions. Take a look at some of the hotels in the area.What to Do in Queretaro with Kids
We traveled around Queretaro Centro with a five-year-old, six-year-old, 8-year-old, two 20-somethings, a 30-something, & two 50-somethings. The kids had fun trying out foods from different stands. Mexico tends to be lean on the affordable side so the kids can feel like they're princes & princesses without the adults having to burn tons of cash. Buy little toys from the vendors or shop cute jewelry, trinkets, & other gifts from other shops.Whether you're traveling by yourself, with family, friends, or on business, you'll find tasty food & interesting things to do in Queretaro, Mexico. You can do nothing & just stay inside your Queretaro hotel or Airbnb. You can spend the day hopping from museum to museum. You could do a food tour.
Do you have any questions? Leave a comment below & I'll do my best to help. I hope this was helpful. Have you explored Queretaro, Mexico? Have any recommendations on the best things to do in Queretaro City? Share your best tips or moments.