Coffee, Ocean Views & a Mini-Retreat for the Soul I've been to A LOT of places for coffee, and I'll just say it: I'm a coffee snob. So when I say the coffee here is awesome, I mean it! What makes this place special isn't just the coffee--it's the entire experience. Operated by the Catholic Church, this peaceful coffee establishment has a beautiful prayer garden where you can stroll, reflect, and maybe even get your thoughts straight before your second cup. My bride and I spent FOUR HOURS here reading, journaling, talking, and enjoying the serenity. And yes, we were still happily married when we left! The view of the Pacific Ocean is spectacular. You can walk across the street, sit on a bench, and simply listen to the waves. There's also a spacious patio, clean restrooms, friendly and polite staff, and an atmosphere that seems to say, "Slow down...you're allowed to breathe." This isn't just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It's a place to grab a cup of coffee, grab your thoughts, grab your bride, and grab a little peace for your soul. As a Yelp Elite reviewer--and someone who takes coffee VERY seriously--this place gets my enthusiastic recommendation. Great coffee. Great people. Great atmosphere. Incredible view. And a prayer garden thrown in for good measure. Sometimes you don't need a vacation. You just need four hours, two cups of coffee, the Pacific Ocean, and someone you love sitting across the table. #YelpElite #CoffeeSnob #CoffeeLovers #PacificOcean #CoffeeAndViews #PrayerGarden #MiniRetreat #DateDay #GreatCoffee #HiddenGem #CoffeeWithAView #SoulRefreshment read more

Shrine Coffee - Beautiful place to read and reflect! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Tucked inside the church building and opposite the beach, it's an amazing coffee shop in Santa Cruz for hanging out or working all day. It has plenty of parking and ample indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is limited, but everything is good. Service is friendly and quick. The food and drinks were so good that we went twice during our three-day stay in Felton. They also have a cute gift and book shop, and a clean bathroom. read more

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This is the perfect place to go after surfing the Lane. I ordered a chai latte with almond milk. It was one of the best I've had. It wasn't too sweet and it was more spicy than what I've had at other places. There is a lot of seating inside and out. I really liked this cafe. read more

Shrine Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Nice coffee shop in the back of the church parking lot. We were staying at a nearby inn and we're happy to have a coffee shop that we could walk to. I had a latte which was decent and a quiche that was quite good. It was wam an cozy inside on a rainy day. read more

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There was a line but it went fast and we were surprised how quickly we got our delicious coffee and food. The location and setting was incredible and the church and prayer garden were beautiful! I wish I lived closer. We highly recommend read more

Excellent vibe and coffee. This place has some comfortable seats inside that are perfect for working or reading. A gas fueled fireplace makes at all the more cozy. Great ambiance. Unfortunately, there's a bit of construction going on next door. It can get quite loud. Hopefully that will finish in the Sprite early summer 2026. read more

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Top notch pastries with great coffee. Prices are lower than most other places. Holly atmosphere literally.

Beautiful spot tucked away behind a church. It is a perfect distance from the hotels on the beach for a nice morning walk. They have inside seating, but if it is a nice day they also have patio seating near a beautiful mosaic fountain. When I visited I got the "summer fog" which is their twist on an iced London fog. A London fog is one of my favorite drinks, and the summer fog was perfect. Good tea flavor, creamy cold foam, and a nice presentation in a "for here" glass. I also had an apricot pastry which was pretty standard as far as pastries go. read more

Shrine Coffee - Summer fog and apricot pastry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Found this coffee shop in a church by accident and what a pleasant surprise. The coffee was delicious as well as the fresh pastries!! Will definitely visit Shrine coffee on my next visit to Santa Cruz. read more

Absolutely love this place! The ambience, location, service and the coffee and baked goods are delicious! This coffee shop for me is in the most serene and beautiful spot it could be in! It's on a church grounds across from the ocean in beautiful Santa Cruz! What a lovely idea right!? Any way the outside garden with statues of saints and the Virgin Mary and fountain are just perfection. I can't wait to come back here. read more

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Such a cool, tucked-away coffee shop. This feels like one of those hidden gems you're happy to stumble upon. The location is unique, set behind a church, which gives it a quieter, slightly off-the-beaten-path feel. It's a great stop if you're walking from nearby hotels or just exploring the area. The space itself is cozy with a relaxed, peaceful vibe. There's indoor seating, and on a nice day the patio is a great option. It's not a huge shop, but there's enough seating to sit and enjoy your drink. Drinks were really well done, my favorite was Our Frother. Everything tasted balanced and thoughtfully made. The atmosphere feels calm and welcoming, perfect for a slow morning coffee. Overall, a charming little spot with great coffee and a unique setting. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Santa Cruz. read more

Been trying coffee places around Santa Cruz county and Shrine made my perfect vanilla latte! Also such a beautiful cafe and fantastic outdoors. Wonderful place to hang out, we enjoyed walking the grounds. read more

Shrine Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Delicious coffee and tea with amazing pastries! Highly recommend the ham and cheese croissant and almond croissants although everything we have tried so far is great. Lovely indoor and outdoor areas to sit. Highly recommend! read more

A fabulous coffee house attached to the Catholic Church on Westcliff. The coffee is excellent, the service is friendly and doesn't take too long. The pastries are delicious (we loved the ginger raisin scones). It's set back from the road so it feels a little bit hidden but not so hidden that all the tables were occupied on a sunny Sunday morning. There's indoor and outdoor patio seating, next to beautiful gardens, with a gentle ocean breeze and a lovely atmosphere. Grab a coffee and enjoy the walk along the water! read more

Shrine Coffee - Outdoor patio - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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My first and best cafe I've been so far in Santa Cruz. It is located next to a church and it's very convenient for those who want to straight here after church or a long trip going here. When I arrived, it was a long line and probably most people in line are from church next door. The ambiance isn't only nice here but also the exterior. It's a really nice place to hangout and chill especially that it's next to the oceans (well not really close to it). They also have merch that you can purchase I think. I didn't get a chance to eat something here since I want to have cravings elsewhere, but next time when I come back, I'll try any foods here. read more

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Ok confession time which is on brand for a coffee shop run by a church: I must have walked past this place 100 times over the years and never noticed it until recently. There are two doors -- walk in the left side near the church and the holy water (not joking). The line to order sometimes stretches into the hall. In three visits, I never saw the same worker twice but there are lots of them and they all seem to be in good moods. They have several making drinks so the line moves quickly. The coffee is roasted by Cat & Cloud and has a similar profile: clean, fruit forward with less acidity than other places. Spanish latte is made with sweetened condensed milk -- defn sweeter than a whole milk latte but not as sweet as that national chain drinks. The cappuccino is appropriately light and frothy, letting the taste shrine (see what I did there). If you normally drink a latte, I recommend you try this once instead. The Chai latte is decent -- better than most run of the mill places. This one has more cardamon flavors than cinnamon. Banana bread -- while others rave about it, seemed bland to me. More like pound cake. Almond, coconut, chocolate chip scone -- a pleasant surprise. Not dry like some scones and not too sweet. Got it on two diff visits. Apricot croissant: umm, square. But delicious so who cares. If I'm going to quibble about anything, it's they don't clean the tables very often. Ok shrine: zero visits in two years and then three times in one week. Here's to many more to come read more

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I already thought I left my 5 star review for Shrine. This location is so awesome on the same grounds as a church that has a beautiful fountain under eucalyptus and palm trees with views of the mighty Pacific just off West Cliff Ave. They have delicious coffee and latte's here and make the most delicious vanilla latte's. The pastries are heavenly having tasted the ultra moist banana bread, savory bacon quiche, and the awesome apricot danish!!! We had them warmed up. After our feast we walked the peaceful, serene pathway admiring many religious statues and awesome landscaping. The inside coffee shop is decorated with wooden tables and other wooden features taken from a fallen tree. Come to Shrine Coffee! Friendly staff who are experts in what they do. Great location, pastries, customer service, and coffee! An easy 5 stars from me and I don't pass those out often. Shekkitout in Santa Cruz! Only steps away from the surfer statue on West Cliff Ave. read more

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Love love love!!! Been here quite a few times now. There coffee is so good. I've brought food from other shops to come eat here with the coffee because you can not beat the scenery. Also, coffee right after church? Yes please. Love everything about this place. read more

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Quite good coffee. Beautiful seating indoors and out. Perfect location. Service is fast and friendly enough. Prices on par with everything else. Only ONE restroom which is barely enough to keep with the amount of seating offered but otherwise no complaints. And as we've already been a couple of times, we'll be back! read more

Shrine Coffee - Fountain with seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I came alone with my 5 lb dog, they wouldn't let me order a coffee to go since I had my dog.

Very nice cafe near the cliffs. The cortado I ordered was delicious. The outdoor seating area was also marvelously maintained. Baristas were kind. read more

Shrine Coffee - Pain au chocolates - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Wow! What a lovely coffee shop on the grounds of the Shrine of St. Joseph. Fantastic, friendly baristas made me the best flat white. We enjoyed walking through the gardens. We stopped on a bench and at the delicious ham and cheese croissant and raspberry cream pastry we bought at shrine as well. Highly recommend read more

What an amazing coffee spot! The baristas were all friendly and attentive. The drinks came quickly, and tasted great. I highly recommend the Our Frother! The croissants were so good looking I went back for a chocolate one - exceptional! It was a chilly morning so the fireplace was cozy, and its very bright/covered in windows. The outdoor patio has some view of the ocean in the distance and a peaceful fountain. There is also a small flower garden next door. Very close to the trail along the cliffs, and very spacious parking lot. 12/10! read more

The matcha latte here is delicious and affordable! This cafe has a nice ambience and is inside a church with plentiful parking. The latte did come unsweetened but I believe you can ask for syrup as an addition if you prefer it to be sweet (which I usually do, I just forgot to ask!). I love this cafe and will be back! read more

Shrine Coffee - Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Ocean view. Peaceful space. Lots of patio garden seating. We had a cortado and a cappuccino - great crafted coffee with their own roasted beans with beautiful latte art. Also I love the glass cup used for the cortado - it's like a gem!! So pretty! Lots of parking and walking along west cliff is absolutely beautiful - you'll spot surfers, sea lions, birds, and on rare occasions, otters! Their almond croissant is amazing as well! It's flaky, great roasted almonds flavors, and tastes natural - no a strong fake amaretto flavor here. We weren't a big fan of the scone tho - dry with fruit pieces. Still, coffee, views, vibes are amazing. read more

Shrine Coffee - Cappuccino, cortado, almond croissant, and scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Came here for some morning caffeine after driving from the South Bay Area to Santa Cruz. We were in town for a gathering at Lighthouse Field State Beach, so the location of this coffee shop was ideal. The ambience of the shop was nice, very spacious and modern. They also have plenty of outdoor seating as well. I ordered the Summer Fog which is their Iced London Fog. It was delicious and refreshing, a great start to the morning. read more

Shrine Coffee - Summer Fog - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Really lovely find! A coffee shop connected to a church. The patio is beautiful with a fountain and garden. I got the oat milk foam with an espresso shot and it was a bit too sweet but still enjoyable. I would definitely go back when I'm back in town. read more

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Delicious coffee! Staff is also incredibly helpful and sweet, just like their coffee. I have yet to try their pastries but they also look great and I can't wait to try! read more

Shrine Coffee - Large Iced Vanilla Lattes with oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Most delicious coffee in Santa Cruz! Favorite spot with their delicious treats and homemade syrups. read more

Shrine Coffee - Latte and scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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The coffee was goo, staff nice I only wish they had more flavor options. The outside seating was lovely with beautiful views. I would go back every time I am in Santa Cruz. We were there Friday to Sunday and I went every day I was there. read more

Shrine Coffee - Iced mocha latte with vanilla cold foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Has both indoor and outdoor seating. Feels like a community. Good pour. Very nice pastries

My favorite coffee shop in Santa Cruz. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the environment is great. I always enjoy my walk down west cliff to get my coffee, it's the perfect walking distance for me to get to and back from the bus in time. It also makes for the perfect study spot, a bunch of people work here. I always order their Lavender Honey latte. As an iced coffee lover I would strongly recommend getting this drink hot instead! Trust me on this one. I am also a big fan of the almond croissant, make sure to get it warmed up. So yummy. read more

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Really wanted to like Shrine Coffee, but unfortunately, my experience wasn't great. The service felt rushed and impersonal, the barista barely made eye contact and didn't seem interested in helping us at all. On top of that, the atmosphere was honestly kind of uncomfortable. Some of the other customers kept looking at us strangely, almost like we didn't belong there. It wasn't just a quick glance either, it felt awkward and unwelcoming. Between the cold service and the weird energy from the crowd, it didn't feel like the warm, inviting cafe I was hoping for. I was gonna rate one star & three stars is a little bit too much. read more

Great place! Closes waaaaaaay too early! :( Can be a bit windy up there, FYI. Otherwise good coffee, great Meeting place at least until 4 PM :( read more

Perfect coffee shop right by the water. I got the summer special: brown sugar and black berry latte. They have indoor and a nice/large outdoor seating area. I like to come here and then walk along the beach read more

Shrine Coffee - Brown sugar and blackberry latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

FINALLY!! A place where you can gracefully enjoy an amazing caffeinated beverage while basking in the Lord's presence!! It's always a BLESSING to find new coffee shops with uniquely delicious drinks - but we certainly didn't expect to randomly come across one tucked away in a church by the oceanside! A Christmas miracle indeed!!! Parking was convenient, as the church's spacious parking lot is totally reserved for their visitors (including coffee shop guests), and there are signs condemning beach goers so that it doesn't get overcrowded. My wife ordered an iced summer fog, which was fantastic! It was basically a creamy milk tea and we absolutely loved that cream topping, which tasted almost like a frothed vanilla ice cream. A DIVINE pairing if I may say so myself!! I ordered a plain iced latte and was also extremely impressed. Once I took that first sip, I had no choice but to close my eyes and put my hands up! The coffee was so fragrant and the flavor ascended my being to whole new level!! read more

Came back here after years away and was amazed to see how the facility has changed. Last time it was a small booth or food truck in the parking lot. Now it's a beautiful building next to the church. Awesome espresso drinks and delightful indoor and patio seating options. Walking distance from our motel, Sea and Sand Inn. read more

Absolutely perfect location right on west cliff drive. My friend and I were going to grab coffee and go for a walk but it started to rain so we decided to stay and enjoy our coffee inside. We sat at a beautiful wooden table that is more of a communal style. It was very sticky and unsettling. Every time I picked my arm up it was sort of stuck to the table. The bathroom is very dirty with an overflowing trash can. The cleanliness of this place could use some work. I ordered a seasonal drink- the eggnog latte. It was very good without too much sweet artificial taste. The cost was $14.42 after tax for two lattes. The way they broke down the cost was they charged the standard cost of a latte, which is $4.50 and then they added a dollar for the eggnog flavor. Overall, this coffee shop is in a dope location and the vibes are so chill. read more

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Relaxing coffee shop off w cliff. Lots of treats to choose from. We enjoyed banana bread with our iced coffees. Both were spot on. The gals behind the counter were so friendly and helpful. They made all the difference in our experience. Highly recommended! read more

Shrine Coffee - Treats for sale. The banana bread was scrumptious! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Really great coffee - wow! Was super impressed. Super nice, friendly, fast service! Cozy by the fireplace (warm) on cool sunny 46 degree Jan morning! Huge coffee cake (no gf) which the family loved. Wish they had gf (but I brought my own)! read more