Best Cars and Coffee Events in California (2026 Guide)

California is the birthplace of car culture in America, and the Golden State delivers more Cars and Coffee events than anywhere else in the country. With 33+ active gatherings from San Diego to the Bay Area, there is literally a car meet happening every single weekend within driving distance - no matter where you are in the state.

What is Cars and Coffee?

Cars and Coffee is a casual, early-morning gathering where car enthusiasts meet to show off their vehicles, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with fellow gearheads. No registration or judging - just show up with your ride (or come as a spectator) and enjoy the automotive eye candy.

Southern California

Southern California is ground zero for car culture. The mild weather, car-friendly lifestyle, and sheer density of enthusiasts make SoCal the undisputed capital of Cars and Coffee.

### 1. Donut Derelicts (Huntington Beach) Location: Adams Ave Donuts, Huntington Beach When: Every Saturday Time: 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM

The OG. Donut Derelicts has been running since the 1990s and is arguably the most famous informal car gathering in the country. The early 5 AM start time is part of the charm - if you want to see vintage hot rods, muscle cars, and customs alongside fresh donuts and coffee, set that alarm. The vibe here is authentically old-school California.

### 2. South OC Cars and Coffee (San Clemente) Location: Outlets At San Clemente When: Every Saturday Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Website: southoccarsandcoffee.com

One of Southern California's largest weekly meets, attracting 1,000 to 3,000 vehicles every week. Hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle, hot rods - you name it, it shows up here. No registration required and spectators are always welcome.

### 3. Cars & Coffee Los Angeles (Griffith Park) Location: Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round Lot #1 When: Last Sunday of every month Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The iconic Griffith Park setting with the Hollywood Hills as your backdrop makes this one of the most photogenic car meets anywhere. The monthly schedule draws serious machinery from across LA County.

### 4. Classic Cars And Coffee (Northridge) Location: Bob's Big Boy, Northridge When: Every Sunday Time: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Bob's Big Boy and classic cars - name a more iconic SoCal duo. This weekly gathering at the legendary restaurant is a time capsule of California car culture.

### 5. Manhattan Beach Cars & Coffee (El Segundo) Location: The Point, El Segundo When: Last Saturday of every month Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

A curated monthly gathering near the beach. The Westside LA crowd brings out some incredible exotics and modern supercars.

### 6. Marina del Rey Cars and Coffee Location: Starbucks, Marina del Rey When: Every Sunday Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

A laid-back weekly meet with ocean breezes and a solid mix of daily drivers and weekend toys.

### 7. Coffee N Cars Valencia Location: Western Bagel/McDonalds Parking Lot, Valencia When: Every Saturday Time: 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM

The Santa Clarita Valley's go-to Saturday morning car fix. Early risers get the best spots.

### 8. Conejo Valley Cars & Coffee (Thousand Oaks) Location: Firestone Service Center, Thousand Oaks When: First and Third Saturday Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

A biweekly meet in the Conejo Valley that draws Ventura County's car community together.

Inland Empire & Desert

### 9. Cars & Coffee Corona Location: The Shops at Dos Lagos, Corona When: Every Saturday Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

The Inland Empire's premier weekly gathering. The Dos Lagos shopping center provides plenty of space for a growing crowd.

### 10. Temecula Cars & Coffee Location: Promenade Temecula (near Macy's) When: First Saturday of every month Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wine country meets car culture. Temecula's monthly event draws enthusiasts from across the IE and San Diego County.

### 11. Coffee and Cars La Quinta Location: Main Street Coffee, Old Town La Quinta When: Every Friday Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

A unique Friday morning meet in the Coachella Valley. The desert setting and small-town Old Town La Quinta vibe make this one special.

Central Coast

### 12. Santa Barbara Cars & Coffee (Montecito) Location: Lower Manning Park, Montecito When: Every Sunday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Santa Barbara's weekly gathering in the beautiful Montecito area. The mix of wealth and taste in this community means you will see some truly exceptional vehicles.

### 13. Pismo Derelicts & Donuts (Pismo Beach) Location: Golden Donut Shop, Pismo Beach When: Every Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

A Central Coast gem inspired by the legendary Donut Derelicts. Beachside donuts and classic cars - pure California.

Central Valley

### 14. Fresno Cars & Coffee Location: Near Woodward Park at Starbucks, Fresno When: First Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Central Valley's flagship monthly meet. Fresno's car scene punches above its weight with a passionate community.

### 15. Cars at the Pointe (Fresno) Location: Campus Pointe, Fresno When: First Sunday Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

A second Fresno option for those who prefer Sundays. The Campus Pointe venue near Fresno State provides a great setting.

### 16. Cars & Coffee South Valley (Fresno) Location: Starbucks, Fresno When: Fourth Sunday Time: 9:00 AM

South Fresno's monthly gathering rounds out the Valley's active car meet calendar.

### 17. Modesto Cars & Coffee Location: Vintage Faire Mall (near JCPenney), Modesto When: Second Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

In the city that inspired American Graffiti, car culture runs deep. Modesto's monthly meet honors that heritage.

### 18. Pharoahs of Visalia Cars and Coffee Location: Mary's Vineyard Shopping Center, Visalia When: Every Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

A weekly meet run by the Pharoahs car club. Visalia's dedicated enthusiasts keep this one going strong.

San Francisco Bay Area

### 19. Benicia Cars and Coffee Location: Starbucks parking lot, Benicia When: First Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

A charming waterfront town setting for the North Bay's monthly car gathering.

### 20. Niles Flying A Classics and Coffee (Fremont) Location: Niles Flying A Gas Station, Fremont When: Second Sunday Time: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

A historic gas station setting gives this East Bay meet a unique character. The Niles district itself is worth exploring.

### 21. Ohlone College Flea Market with Cars and Coffee (Fremont) Location: Ohlone College, Parking Lot G, Fremont When: Second Saturday Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

A combo event pairing a flea market with a car gathering. Browse for bargains and browse some beautiful cars.

### 22. Napa Valley Hot Rods Cars n Coffee Location: Brewed Napa, Napa When: Second Sunday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Wine country and hot rods - only in California. This biweekly Napa Valley meet brings out some seriously cool iron.

Sacramento Region

### 23. Cars & Coffee Carmichael Location: Bel Air Parking Lot, Carmichael When: Every Sunday Time: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Sacramento's weekly fix for car enthusiasts. Consistent attendance and a welcoming community.

### 24. Cars and Coffee Folsom - El Dorado Hills Location: El Dorado Hills Town Center When: Every Saturday Time: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM

The foothills community draws a great mix of cars every Saturday. One of the most active weekly meets in NorCal.

### 25. Roseville Cars & Coffee Location: Bridgeway Christian Church, Roseville When: First Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Placer County's monthly gathering in the fast-growing Roseville area.

### 26. Cars and Coffee Grass Valley Location: Daily Donuts, Grass Valley When: Every Saturday Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

A foothill community gem. The small-town feel and dedicated regulars make this one special.

Monterey Bay & Santa Cruz

### 27. Caffeine Cruisers Event (Capitola) Location: Starbucks parking lot, Capitola When: Every Saturday Time: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM

A Santa Cruz County staple near the beach. The Capitola village setting is quintessential coastal California.

### 28. Salinas Cars and Coffee Location: Starbucks parking lot, Salinas When: Every Sunday Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

In the shadow of Laguna Seca Raceway, Salinas knows a thing or two about cars. This weekly meet reflects the Monterey Bay area's deep automotive roots.

### 29. Hollister Coffee and Cars Location: Target Parking Lot, Hollister When: First and Third Saturday Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

A biweekly gathering in the town famous for the 1947 motorcycle rally that inspired The Wild One.

North Bay & Wine Country

### 30. Fairfield Cars and Coffee Location: Journey Coffee Company, Fairfield When: Second Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Solano County's biweekly meet at a local coffee shop. Great community feel.

### 31. Hot Rods & Burgers (Santa Rosa) Location: Machado Burgers, Santa Rosa When: Every Sunday Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Not your typical early-morning meet - this Sunday afternoon gathering pairs classic cars with burgers. The later start time is a welcome change if you like sleeping in.

San Diego County

### 32. Rancho Santa Fe Cars and Coffee Location: Downtown Rancho Santa Fe When: Every Saturday Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

One of the most upscale car meets in the state. The affluent Rancho Santa Fe community brings out jaw-dropping exotics, and the charming village setting is gorgeous.

Tips for Attending Cars and Coffee in California

### Arrive Early Especially for popular meets like Donut Derelicts and South OC. The best spots fill up fast, and some events wrap up earlier than listed.

### Check the Weather (Mostly Just Fog) California weather is generally perfect for car meets, but coastal events can be foggy early. The sun usually burns through by mid-morning.

### Respect Parking Lot Culture Follow the unwritten rules: no revving, no burnouts, no touching other people's cars. California events have been shut down over bad behavior - keep it classy.

### Bring Your Camera California car culture is endlessly photogenic. Golden hour light plus world-class cars equals incredible shots.

### Explore the Region Many of these events are in areas worth exploring. Combine a Cars and Coffee visit with a coastal drive, wine tasting, or a hike.

### Check Social Media for Updates California events can change locations or take breaks. Follow the event's Instagram or Facebook page for the latest info before making the drive.

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Looking for Cars and Coffee events near you? Check out the full Cars and Coffee Directory for all California events, complete with maps, schedules, and details.