8 Instagrammable Coffee Shops in San Diego

San Diego isn’t short of Instagrammable coffee shops that are brand brag-worthy with the perfect backdrop to make your photos pop. However, one of the hardest parts about choosing a coffee shop that feels like a good fit for your brand is knowing what the aesthetics are inside and how to align it with your brand, then selecting the right wardrobe. 

That’s why I wanted to share my top list of Instagrammable Coffee Shops in San Diego. Seeing previous photos I have taken at each location might help you find some inspiration. I even included a few branding style tips that I share with my clients. 

Going out to local businesses is one of my favorite ways to incorporate my client’s brand colors. It’s a great excuse to get outside, use the natural light, and have fun! (Margaritas are highly encouraged!)

Instagrammable Coffee Shops #1: Holy Matcha 

Brand Vibe: Pink & Green 

In addition to Margaritas, my other favorite drink is an ice-cold Matcha which is why I love Holy Matcha in North Park or East Village. The space is vibrant bright pink with greenery scattered throughout. Holy Matcha added a modern twist with gold accent tables that are the perfect spot to grab a few cute laptop photos. I always suggest ordering your favorite Matcha beverage for a little afternoon pick me up, then snapping some magical images on the floral wall and super funky green & pink palm wallpaper. 

Link to maps

Instagrammable Coffee Shops #2: Cafe Gratitude  

My Favorite Instagrammable Cafe

It’s no secret that I often take my clients to Cafe Gratitude in San Diego for their Instagrammable coffee shop brand photos. I love the crisp white decor and how simple the space is designed but with lots of texture. It’s such a magical space but also perfect for clean brands since they are a plant-based business. The white textured walls are the perfect added element for lifestyle shoots with negative space. 

Instagrammable Coffee Shop #3: Palmy’s 

Brand Vibe: Boho Beach with Neutral Tones

If your brand is all about the boho beach vibes or centered around wellness then Palmy’s will be perfect for you. Imagine, a little bit of Tulum but dropped in the center of Pacific Beach, San Diego. Palmy’s has a simple Island-style interior but the patio and outside area are what make it one of my favorite Instagramnable coffee shops.

Link to maps here

Instagrammable Coffee Shop #4: Communal Coffee Noth Park and South Park

Brand Vibe: Greenery, Murals and Florals 

     Communal Coffee is a local San Diego favorite with three locations in the city. One of my favorites is the South Park location because it has a retro camper and lots of natural light. It’s set in a private garden-looking space so if you want a few causal photos in your yoga gear, such a great space. All the locations have beautiful coffees and adult beverages if you need a cute prop to add to your photo. All of the Communal locations are pet friendly if you want your furry assistant to join you on set. Each of the locations also has a great mural to use as a background and neutral furniture that is perfect for working shots. 

             Link to maps here

Instagrammable Coffee Shop #5: The Invigatorium 

Brand Vibe: Moody, Funky, and Weird 

Is your brand a little bit outside the box and do you want a space to match it? Well, look no further, The Invigatorium is an epic instagrammable coffee shop in San Diego with dinosaur statues, disco balls, and a life-size Ronald McDonald. The San Diego space is perfect if you are more of an espresso martini connoisseur rather than a Latte girl. This space has more masculine vibes but is so much fun! I haven’t done a photoshoot here yet but it’s on the bucket list. 

Link to map here 

Instagrammable Coffee Shop #6: The Grounds Bean Bar 

 Brand Vibe: Black, Gold and Funky Prints 

A little hidden oasis in Birdrock San Diego that has all the tropical vibes! I haven’t done a photoshoot here but would love to add it to my collection, feel free to contact me to set up a full day session. The atmosphere inside is a mixture of modern and boho with a tropical twist. Grab your favorite coffee, strike a pose in front of the wall and create some cute walking photos in front of the palm wallpaper. If you like the classic black and white look then sneaking in a few outdoor shots on the patio is for you.

Link to map here 

Instagrammable Coffee Shop #7: Better Buzz

 Brand Vibe: Each Location Is Unique with lots of design elements

If coffee is part of your brand then snapping photos at a Better Buzz location will be your happy spot. Not to mention, each location is unique. A few Better Buzz locations feature bright colors and others with dark warm colors. My two favorites locations for brand photos are the La Jolla and the Hillcrest location if you can’t tell from the photos below. If you love to wear leather, leopard print or brown then the Hillcrest location will make you look magic on camera.

Instagrammable Coffee Shop #8: Moniker General

Brand Vibe: Industrial Meets Boho 

    If you are looking for a raw warehouse vibe with open beams and light fixtures then Moniker Coffee & General is your IG brag-worthy spot. Inside you will find a mural that is a perfect addition to any photo or a light installation made of custom wood. They also have a great bar counter with a neon cocktails sign if you want to do a quick wardrobe change, order a wine, and get some evening shots.

Link to map 

So do you have a favorite? Don’t forget to pin this blog and save it for later, come back to it when you are planning your content day or when you book a full-day session with me. 

Bonus Location: The Rising Co.

Brand Vibe: Neutral palette

If you are up in North County San Diego then you must stop by The Rising Co. to walk around the stunning space. Not only is it an instagrammable coffee shop but they have a small boutique that highlights local vendors. Then to top it off you can get a delicious coffee at the cafe inside called Seaborne Coffee. You don’t want to miss the epic black and white mural.

Link to map