Succulent Cafe Oceanside: A Living Masterpiece
/Coffee and succulents are two of my favorite things, so when Krista told me about the new Succulent Cafe in Oceanside, I almost exploded with excitement! The cafe is located at 322 North Cleveland Street in a courtyard adjacent to Apotheque Lifestyle Spa. You know you've arrived when you see this magical wall of succulents.
As you enter the outdoor garden style cafe, you immediately realize this isn't just a coffee shop that also sells plants. The entire cafe is a living work of art as you are surrounded by a wall to wall succulent masterpiece. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with owner and creative mastermind Peter Loyola.
Peter's passion for succulents began in his own backyard. Unsure if he wanted a cactus or succulent garden, he decided to go with succulents because he thought they would be safer for his kids. As his garden grew, he began making little arrangements to sell at his sister's bakery on Valentine's Day and Mother's day. He would make 50 to 60 arrangements which would sell out every time. After being asked to share some succulent pieces at the Oceanside Days of Art, Peter quickly realized that succulents actually have a fan base and that his arrangements were in fact viewed as works of art. People would constantly ask him if he had a website, business card or store and the answer was always "no". Naturally, he decided to open a succulent garden where he could sell his arrangements year round.
One day while walking downtown, Peter spied the unused courtyard outside the Apotheque Spa. He approached the owner, inquired about the space, showed them his work and they agreed. From the positioning of the sun and pleasant ocean breeze, to the historic building as a backdrop, the space was absolutely perfect for his succulent garden.
Although the initial thought was to make it a garden, Peter decided to combine his love of serving coffee with his passion for succulents and I'm so glad he did. The Succulent Cafe is total perfection. From the quiet music to the gorgeous succulents, the entire ambiance makes you want to come back again and again. Peter hopes that his cafe can be part of changing the face of downtown Oceanside. He says, "I've created this space primarily to offer a peaceful relaxing place not only for locals, but for tourists and visitors. I chose Oceanside because I live here and I'd love to be a small part of making it a better place."
Peter is all about supporting local businesses and artists. He buys all of his plants from local nurseries and his coffee beans come from Revolution Roaster in Leucadia. On the weekends, he welcomes local musicians to perform and local artists to display their work. Peter is so humble and friendly, I wish nothing but the best for him and his amazing cafe.
I had the pleasure of photographing the cafe, but honestly, these photos do not do it justice! If you are in the area, please stop by for a visit. You will be so happy you did!
This vertical frame succulent wall was voted best plant art by San Diego Magazine, August 2013 issue.
Like the Succulent Cafe on Facebook and follow them on Instagram @succulentcafeoceanside for more info.
Comments (11)
Eso está precioso. Quisiera saber como conseguir el plato grande y la jarra que son blancos. A donde debo dirigirme. Por favor. Gracias.
I have always dreamt of having a cafe along with a nursery, but this is a the better or the best version of my dream!!! totallyyyy loved it, if only I could visit it daily or work there...
also I just joined the tribe of plant lovers and planning on following your blog for guidance!! thanks to you, I came across this cafe and will learn a little more about plants everytime I come here.
Love Love Love it !!! I wish one day I can visit. Got me in - think I'll go out and buy some succulents and give it a try.
SuzieChicken
Beautiful pictures! I really like how you have decorated the wall, its very inspiring. My question is, so does cold temperatures effect succulents? Is it possible to have them outside where it gets about minus 10 celcius during the winter?
Regards,
Hjørdis Oline, Norway.
Visited This gem a few years back and Boom! There started my succulent obsession. Gorgeous display of texture and color.
Thank you for this great post! I am going to have to stop by there and check it out. What a beautiful place 😍
Oh, what an incredible place!! Those succulet walls are awesome. I wish we had the climate for it here!! Must be great to go there and sip a cup of tea while looking at all that planty goodness.
Hi, I have a question Will baby chicks as in hen and chick succulents, root if you stick the little root into moss?
Oops that was me. It Jamir ha!
Thank you for sharing Peters passion for succulents with us Tawni!! I got all teary-eyed over it. Maybe it's cause it's been an emotional day for me, finding out our family dog had a mini stroke and seeing her in pain. It's so wonderful to read your blog as you share your passion for succulents with all of us. It really is a day brightner! Your such a good writer too cause with each word the pics come alive. It's like I get to be right there at the cafe with all those amazing succulents.
Oh Jamie, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I'm so happy this post was a day brightener for you. Hugs!