Caffeine Time: Best Local Coffee Spots

As a college student, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s my survival tool. Whether it’s powering through early morning lectures, fueling late-night study sessions (which I probably have too many of), or just giving me an excuse to take a much-needed break, coffee has become a crucial part of my daily routine. Luckily, there are some amazing local spots that not only keep me caffeinated but also offer a cozy atmosphere to unwind or get work done. Here are a few of my favorites in town.

Foxtail coffee has several locations surrounding campus so no matter where you live there is one close by. The closest one to campus is located in OneDaytona by the Speedway. This coffee shop always gives such cozy vibes and a vibrant charm. They offer a variety of brews, a full espresso bar, and various seasonal favorites. Even though it may not feel like it in Florida the fall season has begun and so have the flavors. Foxtail has a delicious Maple Pancake Latte that taste like a warm pancake with syrup.

I personally enjoy having a treat with my coffee and Foxtail has some great options. My go to options are either the ham and swiss on a sub roll or the double chocolate muffin. They have so many incredible options that there is something for everyone.

Here’s the link to their website: https://www.foxtailcoffee.com/locations/foxtail-coffee-one-daytona

Coffee Therapy

Located in South Daytona, Coffee Therapy offers so many delicious beverage options. One of my favorite things about them is that they offer sugar free options. They offer a wide variety of seasonal drinks to encompass all the autumn flavors. My current seasonal favorites are:

  • Witches Brew: Butterscotch and Pumpkin Spice
  • Sugar Free Chocolate Macadamia Nut
  • Shake it Offee: brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk

All of their drinks can be made iced or hot. Living in Florida I mostly go with the iced option. However as soon as it gets cool I’ll start getting my drinks hot.

They have a lot of comfy seating options which is perfect for study dates or hanging out with friends. They don’t have a website but you can check their Facebook page for any menu and seasonal updates.

If you’re searching for a coffee shop that radiates good vibes and creativity, Aura Coffee in Holly Hill is a must-visit. It’s more than just a place to grab caffeine — it’s an experience built around connection, positivity, and handcrafted flavor.

Their menu has everything from your favorite classics like cold brew, lattes, and americanos to some truly unique signature drinks. A few standouts include the Bloom (espresso with rose and lavender) and Honey Bear (espresso with honey, cinnamon, and macadamia). Each one has its own personality — and they’re all made with organic ingredients.

Aura’s mission goes beyond coffee; it’s about spreading positive energy and love through every cup. The cozy space and ocean-inspired design make it the perfect spot to slow down, recharge, or catch up with friends.

You can find Aura Coffee at 1122 Riverside Drive in Holly Hill, open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM — and trust me, it’s worth the stop.

Here is a link to their website: https://auracoffee.co/

Copperline Coffee

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to grab your morning coffee or spend a slow weekend brunch, Copperline Coffee + Café is definitely worth the stop. Their menu goes way beyond your typical coffee shop fare — blending rich espresso drinks, creative flavors, and some seriously good comfort food.

They serve up everything from cold brews and pour-overs to signature lattes like the Honeysuckle (a mix of vanilla, honey, and cinnamon) and the Ube Latte, which is as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, their coffee flights let you sample a few different brews — perfect for coffee lovers who can’t pick just one.

But what really sets Copperline apart is their food menu. Think flaky biscuits loaded with fried chicken, red pepper jelly, and pimento cheese, or sweet treats like triple chocolate cake and vegan carrot cake. It’s the kind of place where you can grab breakfast, stay for lunch, and still find an excuse to take dessert to go. I say that from personal experience and long study sessions with friends.

They’ve got locations in Port Orange and South Daytona, so wherever you are, you’re not far from good coffee and good vibes. Their location close to Halifax has a wonderful outdoor and indoor seating area so not matter what the weather there will be a great place to get work done.

Some of my personal favorites: the Honeysuckle Latte and the Chicken Biscuit with Pimento Cheese. Trust me — you’ll want to go back for seconds.

Here is a link to their website: https://www.copperlinecoffee.com/

Beach Bros Coffee

If you’re ever in the mood for local specialty coffee, Beach Bros is the place to go. Their menu features a wide variety of options including cold brew, hot, iced, and blended drinks — even a few extra-caffeinated choices for those who need an extra boost. By combining the laid-back vibes of the sea with their coffee creations, they’ve crafted unique flavors like coconut, pineapple, mango, and many more.

Beach Bros has locations in both Port Orange and Daytona Beach, so no matter which side of town you’re on, there’s one nearby.

Some of my personal recommendations are The Seaside Bonfire and Biscoff — both are absolutely worth a try!

Here’s the link to their website: https://beachbroscoffee.com/


I hope that this list has helped you find your new study spot, caffeine fix or even just a great place to catch up with friends.

Don’t forget to take a step back and relax during the chaos of the semester or busy workday. Take some time this weekend to enjoy time with friends, go to the beach, or relax on the couch.

Have a great weekend!

~ Grace H. 🙂

Study Locations

You need a place to study in between classes and meetings. Sometimes the main floor of the Student Union is a bit noisy or there are just no seats left or you really really need a change of scenery. Here are some of my favorite spots on campus and a bit about them!

  • NR3 Study Room: The New Residence Hall 3 building has a great study room in the lobby. It can get busy in evenings during exam weeks, but other than that it is fairly quiet. The tables are whiteboards, and there are rolling whiteboard in there too. It is a really great place to meet a study group for exam cram sessions. I do recommend bringing your own markers though; they go missing around there.
  • Honors Center: If you are an honors student, the honors center in the first floor of NR3 has a library with tables & beanbags, computer lab, and some other study rooms further back in the hallways.
  • College Lobbies: A super underrated place to go study in place is the lobby of many class buildings. COAS has a little nook with a couch by the back door. COAS also has a very nice study area on the 5th floor which overlooks the runway and Micaplex with a quiet environment, nearby restrooms, and tons of room in general. On COAS 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors there are some couches by the windows right next to the elevators which are also wonderful study spaces if you can claim a spot! Lehman has many seating choices including booths and comfy chairs by the 1st floor elevators; there are also nooks with booth and chair seating and tables by the vending machines on the 2nd and 3rd floors. If you like outdoor spots, there are some tables outside by the labs on the 3rd floor of Lehman. The M Building in back of Lehman also has a little sitting area with vending machines right when you walk in, but there are outlets only on one wall. The lobbies of IC, COB, and COA are also very nice with various seating choices.
  • Student Union Balcony: When the weather gets nice, the balcony by Starbucks is a PRIME seating choice for studying. You can even watch the planes take off and grab a coffee!
  • Physics Lounge: If you are a Physics student, we now have our own study space/lounge in COAS 315 with computers, whiteboards, whiteboard tables, markers, comfy couches, and more! Great place to do homework and talk to classmates.