Craving a delicious break with ocean breezes and a touch of elegance? Then you’re in for a treat with the best afternoon tea in San Diego!
Whether you’re strolling through Balboa Park, shopping in La Jolla, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, San Diego offers a variety of charming spots to enjoy this timeless tradition—served with a sunny SoCal twist.
Indulge in finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and irresistible pastries and sweets, all beautifully presented on tiered stands. Want to level up the experience? Add a glass of bubbly or a refreshing iced tea to match that coastal vibe!
From luxurious hotel lounges to whimsical tearooms and hidden garden cafés, the best afternoon tea in San Diego is perfect for celebrations, catch-ups, or a little “just because” indulgence.
So gather your tea-loving crew, sip, snack, and enjoy teatime the San Diego way!
Best Afternoon Tea San Diego Has To Offer
The Grand Tea Room
145 West Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
Located in Escondido’s historic downtown district, this elegant and cosy tearoom serves five types of afternoon teas – from a simple Cream Tea to the two-hour Grand Tea.
Enjoy sandwiches and savoury pastries, scones with cream, lemon curd, and preserves, and petite desserts that can all be ordered a la carte.
Visit the website for further details
Marlene’s Tea and Cakes
14677 Via Bettona, San Diego, CA 92127
Less than 20 minutes east of Solana Beach, Marlene’s Tea & Cakes is a British-style tea room. Everything is made fresh daily.
Their High Tea includes soup, a savoury selection, scones and a selection of desserts including trifle.
Visit their Facebook page for further details
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
Afternoon tea in the Lobby at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxury worth treating yourself to.
The three-course service includes scones and jam, fluffy petite pastries and dainty finger sandwiches, plus a large tea selection.
Served Friday to Sunday from 2.00-4.00pm
Aubrey Rose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942
Nestled in the La Mesa Antiques district Aubrey Rose has been serving its English-style tea since 2003.
The Queen Victoria and Lady Anne afternoon teas each come with a selection of sandwiches, savouries, seasonal fruit, scones, and petite sweets, plus unlimited loose-leaf tea.
Served Friday to Sunday at 11.00am or 1.30pm
Visit the website for further details
Coral Tree Tea House
2490 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110
Relax in one of the dining rooms where every seat offers a beautiful view of the park and indulge in a generous array of delicious savouries, tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and decadent desserts.
Relax in Victorian-era splendour in San Diego’s Old Town.
Served Thursday to Sunday from 11.00am
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe
3719 India Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Selina, who hails from Surrey, grew up watching her beloved Grandma Lucy bake in her kitchen, so this is the most authentic British afternoon tea in town.
Shakespeare’s generous spread includes sausage rolls with Branston pickle and scones with real Devon double cream.
They often have English themes, like Agatha Christie, Dr. Who and Harry Potter, that are held throughout the year.
Currently open everyday except Thursdays at11.00am, 1.30pm & 4.00pm
Visit the website for further details
Morning Glory
550 West Date Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Wrapped in gleaming shingles of polished copper, the second-level space has a set of 24 articulated windows that will move and undulate throughout the day and a floor of custom pink and black terrazzo.
CH Projects ode to non-basic breakfast might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking about afternoon tea, but their midday tiered tower of sweet and savoury treats is a feast for the senses.
Visit the website for further details
The Westgate Hotel
1055 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
French interiors, crystal chandeliers, and a live harpist set the scene for an elegant afternoon tea at The Westgate.
Choose from a dozen tea selections before tucking in to handmade sandwiches, buttermilk scones and assorted petite-fours.
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