Brew with a view: 10 Coffeeshops with Amazing Scenery
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Indian Gardens
- Location: Sedona, Arizona (3951 N. State Rt 89A)
- Highlight: Amazing food & coffee
- Scenic view: Oak Creek Canyon
- Nearby tourist attraction: Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive
This is another great coffeehouse in the Sedona area. Indian Gardens is located along the 14 mile scenic drive known as Oak Creek Canyon drive. This gorgeous route travels from the high altitude pine tree forests of Flagstaff, to the brilliant red rock of Sedona. Along the way lie numerous attractions including the gem Indian Gardens. This was my breakfast spot nearly every weekend when I lived in Kachina Village (just 5 min from the start of the drive).
If you are seeking a great place to enjoy a healthy delicious breakfast, along with high end coffee and a terrific ambiance, this is the place to do so. The coffee here is amongst the best I’ve ever had anywhere. Beans are roasted in small batches at local sister company, Garland Coffee. The breakfast is also amazing! You will be back again before you leave Sedona. Guaranteed. Do try the Breakfast Burrito or the Grains and Greens bowl.
7. Spill the Beans
- Location: Greenville, South Carolina (531 S. Main St)
- Highlight: Gelato and coffee all in one place!
- Scenic view: Reedy river waterfall
- Nearby tourist attraction: Falls Park
Greenville is the newest hot spot of the South. Popular with foodies and nature lovers, the thriving downtown is bustling with local businesses and pretty parks. Right next to beautiful Falls Parks sits a busy gelato/coffeehouse which is understandably super popular during the touristy summer season. Although the coffee is not quite the best in town, the views surely cannot be matched.
Take your drink outside on the patio during the warmer season and enjoy the views of the beautiful waterfall. Afterwards, try one of the dozen plus refreshing homemade gelato flavors. During the winter months, cozy up with a tasty Americano (or hot cocoa) and enjoy the tranquil setting and quiet wintry views of the park.
8. High Five Coffee Roasters
- Location: Woodfin, North Carolina (2000 Riverside Drive)
- Highlight: Serves highly regarded Counter Culture coffee
- Scenic view: French Broad river
- Nearby tourist attraction: Downtown Asheville, loaded with 100s of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants
Asheville, the foodie hotspot of North Carolina, offers no shortage of interesting options when it comes to the indie coffee scene. High Five is one of the area’s premier coffeehouses, and fortunately, they have 3 convenient locations. The best of the bunch is located about 15 minutes outside of town in tranquil Woodfin, along the French Broad river. It’s worth the drive for the quiet riverside setting. It’s not too often that you get to savor a perfectly brewed cup of coffee while also taking in gorgeous river scenery.
They serve Counter Culture, a renowned North Carolina roaster often rated one of the best in the country. Coffee is only served in to go cups at this location, so bring your own mug if you prefer a proper drinking experience. And, as usual, a tempting selection of fresh pastries is there to entice you as you place your order. Their bagels and homemade cream cheese (from a local bakery) are awesome.
9. Riverpoint Coffee
- Location: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Highlight: Conveniently located across the hot springs
- Scenic view: San Juan mountains
- Nearby tourist attraction: Soak in Pagosa Hot Springs
Update: Root House Coffee now operates at this location. The views are still wonderful!
Pagosa Springs is a wonderful mountain oasis in secluded Southwestern Colorado. It’s one of my favorite western vacation destinations. Asides from miles and miles of pristine hiking trails, the town is home to the world’s deepest hot springs. After exploring the great outdoors, schedule a massage and soaking session. The warm mineral enriched pools have been used by tourists and locals for decades, and reportedly cure various ailments. You will have access to about 10 pools of varying temperature.
Of course, you will want a nice cup of coffee to get revved up for your outdoor adventures (consider planning a hike to Treasure Falls). Consider stopping by Riverpoint Coffee House for a delicious cup of coffee (they serve coffee from All Good Things, a regional small batch roaster). In addition to regular drip coffee, they offer a number of espresso drinks plus specialty seasonal drinks. Food fare includes quiche, yogurt, assorted pastries, and smoothies. During the summer season, take a seat on the patio and enjoy views of the hot springs and surrounding mountains. The setting really is gorgeous and tranquil.
10. Starbucks Uptown Sedona
- Location: Sedona, Arizona (101 N. State Route 89A)
- Highlight: Amazing patio
- Scenic view: Red rock formations
- Nearby tourist attraction: Hike the stunning Teacup trail.
While I normally favor independent coffeehouses over chains, this particular Starbucks in Sedona deserves a place on this list for the jaw dropping setting. Enjoy all of the usual favorite Starbucks concoctions like frappuccinos, mochas, and cold brew, only with the addition of stunning views of red rock formations. The patio here offers the most mesmerizing view of some of the most outstanding rock formations in all of Sedona.
Because this Starbucks is located in the center of Uptown Sedona, there is plenty to do and see after you get revved up. Galleries, local restaurants, pink jeep tours, various hiking trails, and the Oak Creek Canyon drive are all within easy access.
- 1
- 2
