12 California Coffee Shops That Turn Into Pumpkin-Spiced Wonderlands Every October
October in California means pumpkin spice for coffee lovers. Across Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and Sacramento, cafés refresh menus with spiced lattes, cold foam riffs, and limited bakes.
Shops add cozy touches: pumpkins by the register, leaf garlands, cinnamon in the air. Lines stretch early as regulars chase first pours of the season.
Expect playful specials, take-home syrups, and photo-friendly cups without the fuss. Here are some spots that lean into fall with drinks, decor, and treats that make every sip feel like sweater weather.
1. Alfred Coffee (Los Angeles)
Known for its Instagram-worthy aesthetic, this Los Angeles favorite doesn’t hold back when October rolls around. The entire space gets a makeover with pumpkin displays, fall colors, and seasonal signage that makes every corner photo-ready.
Their pumpkin spice latte comes with real pumpkin puree instead of artificial flavoring. You can also find pumpkin cream cold brew and seasonal pastries that pair perfectly with any autumn drink.
The vibe shifts from bright summer energy to warm and cozy as soon as the calendar flips to October.
2. Urth Caffé (Multiple California Locations)
Organic ingredients are the foundation here, so their pumpkin offerings taste fresh and natural. Urth Caffé brings in seasonal syrups made without artificial additives, which means cleaner flavors in every sip.
Their pumpkin pie latte has become a cult favorite among regulars. Pair it with a pumpkin scone or slice of pumpkin bread for the full experience.
With locations across California, you can enjoy this autumn treat whether you’re in LA, Pasadena, or Orange County. The outdoor patios make it easy to soak up fall sunshine.
3. Coffee Dose (Orange County: Costa Mesa, Irvine, More)
Minimalist design meets maximum flavor at Coffee Dose, where October brings a carefully curated autumn menu. The shops keep their clean aesthetic but add subtle touches like mini pumpkins and fall-toned cups.
Their pumpkin chai latte blends traditional spices with a hint of pumpkin for something different. Regular espresso drinks get seasonal upgrades too, with pumpkin foam available on request.
Multiple Orange County locations make it convenient to grab your fall fix. The baristas here know their craft and aren’t shy about customizing drinks to your taste.
4. Better Buzz Coffee Roasters (San Diego Area)
San Diego’s laid-back surf culture meets autumn warmth at Better Buzz. Even though the weather stays sunny, this roaster commits fully to the pumpkin spice experience every October.
Their signature pumpkin spice cold brew is a local favorite that balances sweet and spice perfectly. Hot pumpkin lattes come topped with house-made whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The beachy decor gets autumn accents without losing its coastal charm. You can enjoy your drink on the patio and pretend it’s sweater weather even when it’s 75 degrees outside.
5. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (San Diego)
Serious coffee roasters who take their seasonal offerings just as seriously. Bird Rock sources high-quality beans and creates pumpkin drinks that coffee purists can appreciate without feeling like they’re compromising their standards.
Their pumpkin spice cappuccino uses house-roasted espresso as the base. The pumpkin flavor enhances rather than overpowers the coffee, which is rare for seasonal drinks.
October brings limited-edition pastries from local bakers too. The shop maintains its focus on quality while embracing the fun of fall flavors, making it perfect for those who want substance with their seasonal treats.
6. Verve Coffee Roasters (Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Bay Area)
Starting in Santa Cruz and expanding across California, Verve brings craft coffee culture to the pumpkin spice conversation. Their October menu respects both the coffee and the season without leaning too hard into gimmicks.
The pumpkin mocha here is a standout, combining rich chocolate with subtle pumpkin notes. They also offer a dairy-free pumpkin option using oat milk that tastes just as creamy.
Each location adds its own local flair to the autumn vibe. Whether you’re near the beach or in the city, Verve delivers consistent quality with seasonal charm.
7. Temple Coffee Roasters (Sacramento Region)
Sacramento’s coffee gem transforms into an autumn sanctuary each October. Temple Coffee decorates with real pumpkins, dried leaves, and warm lighting that makes you want to settle in with a book.
Their spiced pumpkin latte uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The baristas here are trained to craft each drink with precision, so your seasonal beverage looks as good as it tastes.
Multiple locations around Sacramento mean you can find your fall fix throughout the region. The original location downtown has the most character, with its historic building adding extra charm to the seasonal atmosphere.
8. La La Land Kind Cafe (Los Angeles: The Grove, Santa Monica)
Plant-based and proud, La La Land Kind Cafe proves that vegan pumpkin drinks can rival traditional versions. Their October menu features dairy-free options that taste rich and indulgent without any animal products.
The vegan pumpkin spice latte uses coconut milk and house-made pumpkin syrup. They also serve pumpkin muffins and cookies that happen to be vegan but taste like regular treats.
Locations at The Grove and Santa Monica make it easy to grab a guilt-free autumn drink while shopping or hanging out. The colorful, upbeat atmosphere matches the fun of fall festivities perfectly.
9. Bluestone Lane (Los Angeles And Orange County)
Australian coffee culture meets California autumn at Bluestone Lane. This chain brings a fresh perspective to pumpkin spice with recipes inspired by Melbourne’s cafe traditions.
Their pumpkin flat white is smoother and less sweet than typical American versions. The balance between espresso and pumpkin flavor feels more sophisticated, appealing to those who want autumn without overwhelming sweetness.
Clean, minimalist interiors get subtle fall touches in October. With multiple Southern California locations, you can experience this refined take on pumpkin spice drinks throughout LA and Orange County areas.
10. Peet’s Coffee (Statewide)
A California institution since 1966, Peet’s takes pumpkin season seriously at all their statewide locations. Their pumpkin latte has been perfected over years of customer feedback and seasonal adjustments.
The drink features Peet’s signature dark roast espresso balanced with creamy pumpkin flavor. You can order it hot, iced, or blended depending on California’s unpredictable October weather.
Peet’s also brings back seasonal pastries like pumpkin scones and pumpkin bread. The familiar comfort of this chain combined with solid seasonal offerings makes it a reliable choice for fall coffee runs.
11. 11th Hour Coffee (Santa Cruz)
This independent Santa Cruz spot captures the bohemian spirit of the area while celebrating autumn traditions. Small batch brewing meets creative pumpkin concoctions that change based on what the baristas feel inspired to make.
Their rotating pumpkin menu might include a pumpkin cortado one week and pumpkin cold foam the next. The unpredictability keeps regulars coming back to see what’s new.
Local art covers the walls, and the autumn decorations blend seamlessly with the shop’s existing eclectic vibe. It feels like drinking coffee in a friend’s cozy living room during October.
12. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Statewide)
Born in Southern California, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf claims to have invented the ice blended drink. Their pumpkin ice blended is a frozen treat that works perfectly for California’s warm October days.
Traditional hot pumpkin lattes are available too, made with their signature espresso blend. The chain decorates stores with pumpkin displays and seasonal signage that creates a festive atmosphere.
With locations across the entire state, it’s one of the most accessible options for pumpkin spice lovers. The consistency across stores means you know exactly what to expect no matter which location you visit.