Santa Cruz Coffee Shops with Free WiFi

Alexis Buck

Santa Cruz boasts a wide variety of coffee shops and cafes nestled along the streets of downtown Santa Cruz, near the beach, and in residential neighborhoods. Customers go for the comforting cup of chai or fresh roasted brew, a soft armchair to sink into, and a space to delve into a bit of work or studying. With our crush of tablets, smartphones, and laptops the demand for WiFi access is constant and many coffee shops have risen to the occasion to provide their loyal customers with Internet access. Cafes and coffee shops with WiFi have sprouted up in abundance in Santa Cruz. Each on this list offers their own unique environment, specialty drinks, and comforting atmosphere.

Verve Coffee Roasters

Downtown; Seabright; Capitola

With two locations in Santa Cruz and one in Capitola, Verve Coffee Roasters has become one of the most stylish places to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of joe. Artistic lighting, modern interior decorations, ambient music and a friendly staff complement a coffee shop that serves up some fantastic coffee and pastries. The downtown location is ideal for chatting with a friend or reading a book, while the Seabright location is around the corner from some of the best surfing around.

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Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company

Downtown Santa Cruz

The original downtown hangout, the Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company is frequented by locals, students, tourists and everyone in between. Staff is friendly, the coffee drinks strong and a separate interior room with a couple tables and benches provide a quiet space for checking email and sending off a quick assignment.

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Firefly Coffee House

Downtown Santa Cruz

Tucked away on the outskirts of downtown Santa Cruz, Firefly Coffee House's bold and colorful sign lures in a variety of customers. And for good reason-- their homely environment, delicious pastries, and signature drinks are well worth the visit. A quaint patio offers outdoor seating, while the inside includes even more well-lit seating options. Be sure to taste their freshly baked bagel sandwiches, chai and coffee in this perfect escape from the bustling streets of Santa Cruz.

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The Abbey

Westside Santa Cruz

Directly located off the 10's bus route and downhill from the UCSC campus, the Abbey lends a trademark vibe to its customers. Somewhere between bustling yet relaxed, and hip but welcoming, The Abbey has been serving up some of the best drinks around while also drawing in many students who want to chat and study. Signature drinks include the latte with honey and cinnamon and the zebra mocha. The Abbey also hosts regular live music.

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Lulu Carpenter's

Downtown Santa Cruz

A true passion for coffee make Lulu Carpenters a coffee-lovers dream. The cafe has two locations in downtown Santa Cruz. Stressing the importance of using local and sustainable ingredients, Lulu's is a community just as much as it is a great cafe. The location on Pacific Ave., boasts a small yet cozy outdoor seating area decorated with strung-up lights, while indoors the cafe offers small, closely packed tables that offer both privacy and friendly vibes. Perfect for studying or checking your texts over a cup of coffee.

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Coffeetopia

Santa Cruz

Locally-owned Coffeetopia has three Santa Cruz locations, all of which are known for their traditional gourmet coffees and freshly baked goods. The community mainstay is poised to celebrate their twentieth year of service! The atmosphere is bustling, warm, and comforting, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Not only do they serve up coffee, but a wide variety of tea and smoothies.

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