Ah, so you’re settling into your vacation on the Emerald Coast—the sun is shining, the waves are crashing gently on the shore, and you’re feeling a sense of peace overtake you. There’s just one thing missing…your morning coffee. And we don’t just mean any coffee; we’re talking about good coffee.
One of our vacation must-haves is a local coffee spot that not only has great-tasting coffee but also a nice atmosphere. In fact, we think coffee can say a lot about a place. Sitting down at a café and enjoying breakfast with the family over a few cups of joe is one of the core memories we have of vacations past.
Follow along with our guide to the top Emerald Coast cafes, and make sure you have the best mornings ever on your Emerald Coast Vacation!
Capriccio Cafe
Destin
We bet you didn’t think you’d get a taste of authentic Italy here in Destin—but here you are! Capriccio Café is known as Destin’s local Italian café, specializing in gourmet pastries, crepes, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Their gourmet coffee alone is worth the trip, but they pride themselves on more than just their incredible caffeinated beverages. The coffee itself, as well as their meats and cheeses, are imported directly from Italy, and we can attest that they are simply delectable. The vibes are right at Capriccio, too. It’s the perfect place to study, relax on vacation, or spend some time catching up with a friend. This classic spot is definitely worth the trip!
Bad Ass Coffee
Miramar Beach
Okay, we know what you’re thinking. And no, the coffee here is not bad. We promise!
Bad Ass Coffee was actually born in Hawaii way back in 1989. Franchises started opening in the mainland states in 1995, and they’ve been a huge hit! The shop has 32 stores throughout the United States, and one of them is right here on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach.
Not only is the authentic Hawaiian coffee absolutely delicious, we also love the brand behind it. Bad Ass Coffee commits itself to sharing the warm hospitality of the Spirit of Aloha and really wants its stores to be a place where customers can not only relax and enjoy themselves but also fuel their inner badass. Stop by and start feeling like a badass on your Emerald Coast vacation!
Sunrise Coffee Company
Santa Rosa Beach
Fondly referred to as “30A’s favorite lil coffee shop”, you won’t want to miss out on the small beach town charm of Sunrise Coffee Company! You’ll feel right at home in this shop, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve become a regular over the years.
Sunrise has a wide selection of coffee drinks, food options, and even an exciting cocktail menu! Enjoy delicious espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, or add a kick to your morning with an Irish coffee. We’re also big fans of their food menu—definitely stop by here for a breakfast sandwich before heading out on your beach adventure of the day!
The Pour
Panama City Beach
The Pour is a staple in the Panama City Beach community. They not only have a passion for serving up great coffee, but they want to give back to the community, as well. As a non-profit, they donate their proceeds back to the local Panama City Beach community and other communities in need. By enjoying a homemade treat or coffee, you’re impacting the neighborhood in a real way!
You’ll feel right at home when you visit the Pour. Their friendly, welcoming atmosphere draws in tourists and locals alike for an inviting cup of coffee served with a smile. Patrons laud The Pour for its incredible pastries and cinnamon rolls (one customer noted it was the best cinnamon roll she’d ever had!) as well as breakfast sandwiches like the Rise & Shine. You don’t have to just take our word for how good The Pour is; it was featured on Yelp’s “Top 100 Florida Restaurants” for 2023!
Raw & Juicy
Alys Beach
This unique spot in Alys Beach is a must-visit on our list of Emerald Coast Cafes. We can’t recommend it enough!
The health-conscious menu has options like cold-pressed juices, coffees, salads, savory bowls, soups, and delicious smoothies. They’re wonderful for those with dietary restrictions, too—they have a gluten-free waffle on the menu for our gluten-free friends and carry exclusively vegetarian options (with the exception of the option to add fresh-caught fish to certain salads). They only use in-house nut milks, coconut oil, and olive oil in their cooking because quality whole foods are their priority!
The organic coffee is fantastic here and well worth the trip on its own. If you’re looking for an amazing dinner, you can also stick around for Supper Club, an authentic farm-to-fork experience with fresh new menus curated weekly. Chef Michael Sichel cooks up something amazingly fresh, organically sourced, and absolutely delicious every single week—if you have the time, you will not want to miss this opportunity. Supper Club was even mentioned in a Vogue article last year!
Book Your Trip to the Emerald Coast with Benchmark Management!
Well, now that you know all the Emerald Coast cafes to hit up on your trip, there’s only one thing left to do—book that vacation! Whether you’re looking to stay in a home with stunning gulf-front views, need to be sure your rental is pet-friendly so you can bring Fido along, or you want to relax in a private pool during your stay, Benchmark Management has everything you need and more to have an unforgettable Emerald Coast Getaway.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to get that trip booked! With excellent customer service and vacation rentals designed with your needs in mind, Benchmark Management is the easy choice. Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your next trip to the Emerald Coast directly with Benchmark Management!