Brew with a view: 10 Coffeeshops with Amazing Scenery

While most hotels today are equipped with a Keurig machine, it’s nice to get out and about and explore small businesses while traveling in a new area. I love coffee and especially drinking a great cup in a cute local shop. Wherever I travel, I immediately seek out the best independent coffeehouses. Nothing starts off a vacation better than a great cup of local coffee. Today, you can find fantastic indie shops pretty much anywhere you travel. No need to resort to a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts with so many great local options around. Even better than simply serving the perfect brew (and tasty treats to go along with it) are the rare coffeeshops that also offer a stunning view.

The coffee shops I have highlighted in this guide all offer amazing coffee, food, and an unbeatable ambiance. And, most importantly, they are located within close proximity to magnificent natural wonders.

1. Savaya Coffee

• Location: Oro Valley, Arizona (11177 N. Oracle Rd)
• Highlight: Turkish coffee
• Scenic view: Santa Catalina mountains
• Nearby tourist attraction: Hiking trails at Catalina State Park

Tucson is no stranger to the specialty coffee scene. The city is loaded with excellent independent coffee shops. One of the best-of-the-best is Savaya, which operates several locations throughout the metro. The best place to enjoy your caffeine fix is at the beautiful Oro Valley location, a suburb surrounded by the gorgeous Santa Catalina mountains. Take a seat on the beautiful patio and enjoy your drink alongside fabulous mountain scenery. During the spring season, you will be surrounded by gorgeous Palo Verde trees in full bloom with the most gorgeous yellow flowers. I enjoyed my morning cup here at least twice a week while living at the beautiful attached Encantada Steam Pump apartments.

Savaya offers 2 specialty coffees of the day plus a full espresso menu. High quality single origin, organic beans are sourced from around the world and then roasted on-site to bring out the amazing flavors. The 2 drips of the day are always bursting with flavor. The Americano is always perfectly smooth. If you are up for something new try the Turkish coffee. This is one of the most exquisite methods of brewing coffee, although unfortunately, few coffeeshops offer the service. Although Savaya offers few food options, the local pastries they do carry are delicious.

2. Press Coffee

• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (8300 N. Hayden Rd)
• Highlight: Excellent pour over, organic & fair trade coffee
• Scenic view: Scottsdale Waterfront
• Nearby tourist attraction: Hiking at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

You would never think that one of the most scenic waterfront coffeehouses would be located in Arizona out of all places. Nevertheless, Lakeview coffee sits on the gorgeous Scottsdale waterfront. The beautiful Scottsdale Greenbelt is one of the best places to jog, bike, or take a leisurely walk in the Phoenix area. There is so much greenery along this trail, from parks to golf courses, that you almost forget you are in the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy a great local cup of coffee and then join in the fun along the 11 mile path.

Press Coffee is an excellent independent coffeehouse with a huge patio overlooking the water. There’s lots of comfy seating outside and plenty of shade. Simply kick back enjoy your drink and a lovely view of water in the middle of the desert. Lakeview serves organic coffee and partners with local bakeries and dairy suppliers. The mocha here is really terrific, one of the best in town. For those into specialty coffee, they do offer pour over. A variety of treats including gluten-free fare is available.

3. Deep Creek Coffee

• Location: Springdale, Utah (932 Zion Park Blvd.)
• Highlight: Organic food & coffee
• Scenic view: Colorful rock formations
• Nearby tourist attraction: Hiking at Zion National Park

Zion is one of America’s most beautiful national parks. It definitely should be near the top of any nature lovers and photographers national park bucket list. Along with beautiful trails and scenic drives, there is a great little downtown in Springdale, just a few miles outside of the park. The highlight here is a wonderful local coffee shop.

At Deep Creek Coffee, you can enjoy expertly roasted coffee drinks alongside a fabulous view of the colorful rock formations. Take a seat outside and savor your cup of joe along with a breathtaking red rock view. Research shows that coffee may boost your exercise performance, thus enabling you to enjoy more of Zion’s immense beauty. As a bonus they offer ample breakfast fare. Enjoy a breakfast sandwich, bagel, acai bowl, smoothie, or bowl of oatmeal to fuel up pre-hike.

4. Mozart coffee roasters

• Location: Austin, Texas (3825 Lake Austin Blvd)
• Highlight: Wonderful patio
• Scenic view: Ladybird Lake
• Nearby tourist attraction: Ladybird Hike & Bike trail

Austin, Texas is a gorgeous city that it is home to many outdoorsy attractions including the most scenic lake in Texas. Ladybird Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. This is the best place in Austin for any type of outdoor recreation. It was my first stop on my first vacation to the city. After enjoying the Hike & Bike trail, a scenic 11 mile course around the lake, take a break and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at Mozart’s. Austin is just as well known for their independent coffee scene as they are for their foodie offerings and craft beer scene.

Mozart’s has long been Austin’s favorite local coffee shop due to the picturesque patio facing the lake. Coffee beans are sourced from around the world and roasted in-house so the brews are always super fresh. Baked goods vary throughout the year. Options range from cannolis, to an elderflower eclair, to a vegan red velvet cupcake. Quiches, empanadas, and sandwiches are also available for anyone who prefers a more savory start to the day.

5. Pink Java Cafe (now Before and After Java Cafe)

• Location: Sedona, Arizona (204B N. AZ 89a)
• Highlight: Conveniently centrally located in Uptown Sedona
• Scenic view: Red rock formations
• Nearby tourist attractions: Check out one of these amazing Sedona red rock hikes

Sedona is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With towering ancient red rocks dominating the landscape, it’s no surprise that the city was nicknamed “Red Rock Wonderland.” There are so many fabulous hiking trails to explore here. At one point, the city was basically devoid of any business as there were regulations in place to preserve the beauty of the natural scenery. Unfortunately, today, new businesses seem to sprout up every year. Luckily we still have tons of great hiking trails to explore the great natural vistas.

If you do find yourself seeking a cup of coffee pre-hike there are several convenient options. Java Cafe brews Starbucks coffee and also provides a number of quick bites. You really cannot miss this place as it is located right in the middle of bustling Uptown Sedona, right amidst some of the most jaw dropping red rock views in town. The highlight here is a little patio with an awesome prime view of the red rocks. Really you will want to take in as much of the red rock scenery as possible during your visit, not missing a minute.