The Best Craft Beer Towns in California
California is a dream destination for craft beer lovers. The state is home to numerous microbreweries and taprooms, fueling a vibrant craft beer movement led by creative brewers. From the hoppy West Coast IPAs to unique experimental beverages, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Various destinations also host exciting craft beer festivals and beer trails for even more memorable experiences. So, pack your bags, fill your growler, and get ready for a beer-filled vacation in California.
San Diego
San Diego stands out with over 150 independent craft breweries—more than any other city in the U.S. Known for its sunny beach atmosphere, San Diego has claimed the title of the “Capital of Craft.” An annual Capital of Craft IPA is created in collaboration with the San Diego Brewers Guild each year to launch San Diego Beer Week in the fall, available on tap for a limited time in the county. The city hosts a variety of craft beer events year-round. To maximize your beer vacation in San Diego, consider booking a tour with Brewery Tours of San Diego or San Diego Brew Tours.
Where to Stay
For a cozy stay, consider the Hillcrest House B&B, located in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood. It’s within walking distance of shops, entertainment, restaurants, and breweries, offering individually styled guest rooms named after nearby attractions.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is emerging as a notable craft beer destination nestled among the scenic vineyards of Sonoma County wine country. Recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Beer Cities of 2024, Santa Rosa features an impressive array of both established and new breweries, tasting rooms, historic pubs, and vibrant beer festivals. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or a casual drinker, you’re sure to find a beer that delights your palate. Some must-visit breweries include the acclaimed Russian River Brewing Company, famous for its limited-release Pliny the Younger, HenHouse Brewing Co., Moonlight Brewing Company, Old Possum Brewing Co., and Fogbelt Brewing Company. Each February, the town celebrates with a month-long pub crawl known as FeBREWary.
Where to Stay
Guests at The Gables Wine Country Inn can easily access several breweries within three miles of their Gothic Victorian estate. Mention “Best Beer City” when reserving online to receive a complimentary 4-pack of local brews upon check-in.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is home to a rich tradition of craft brewing that has been flourishing since the 1980s. Local brewers have honed their recipes, producing a wide range of ales, stouts, lagers, and more. The iconic North Coast Brewing Co., established in 1988, is renowned for its acclaimed labels, such as the Scrimshaw Pilsner, Red Seal Ale, and Foggy Day IPA. Visitors can also enjoy unique small-batch brews at Overtime Brewing Co., while Tall Guy Brewing has quickly become a local favorite with its slogan “If you want the beer, you gotta get it here,” emphasizing its direct sales model.
Where to Stay
Noyo Harbor Inn is a beautifully restored Arts and Crafts-style hotel featuring a rotating selection of local beers on tap and by the bottle. They also host brewmaster dinners throughout the year. For stunning ocean views and a peaceful retreat, consider the Brewery Gulch Inn, set atop a bluff.
Santa Barbara
The craft breweries in Santa Barbara are gaining significant attention. In recent years, the beer scene in this beautiful California coastal town has evolved from a small group of artisanal brewers to a dynamic community of microbreweries, taprooms, and tasting rooms. The Funk Zone is particularly popular for its variety of tasting experiences, featuring local gems like Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. and Validation Ale. Just a short walk away, State Street in downtown Santa Barbara is home to Institution Ale Company, which offers an array of unique flavors, while M Special provides live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Night Lizard Brewing Company produces beers named after endangered species, showcasing their commitment to environmental awareness.
Where to Stay
The Craft House Inn, a charming 100-year-old boutique bed and breakfast near downtown, invites guests to participate in craft cocktail-making classes and enjoy private patio tastings of local brews and wines. Alternatively, the upscale Hotel Santa Barbara is conveniently located on State Street, close to several craft breweries, including Institution Ale and M Special. (Editor’s note: As of press time, Hotel Santa Barbara is undergoing phased renovations. Please contact the hotel directly for updates.)
Chico
Chico is a center for craft beer innovation, located about 90 miles north of Sacramento. It is home to several independent craft breweries, including the nationally-recognized Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., known for its iconic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which transformed the industry when it debuted in 1980. While much of Chico’s brewing heritage can be enjoyed in the pedestrian-friendly downtown area, new microbreweries and taprooms are also becoming popular. Local favorites like Farmers Brewing Co., Ramble West Brewing, and Secret Trail Brewing Co. provide excellent sampling opportunities. For those with gluten sensitivities, Eckert Malting and Brewing crafts rice-based beers.
Where to Stay
The Goodman House, a grand Colonial Revival inn built in 1906, features five beautifully furnished guest rooms. It’s located on a lovely tree-lined street within a mile of downtown and other attractions.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is synonymous with craft beer, just like its famous Boardwalk, surfing culture, and the beauty of Monterey Bay. With its diverse neighborhoods, including the West Side and East Side, as well as the Santa Cruz Mountains and local agricultural areas, numerous breweries and taprooms offer distinctive flavors that keep visitors returning. A great starting point for newcomers is Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and Humble Sea, as well as Steel Bonnet Brewing Company in Scotts Valley, Discretion Brewing in Soquel, and Corralitos Brewing Company in Watsonville.
Where to Stay
In the Live Oaks neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the Belle Notte Inn is just two blocks from Twin Lakes Beach and close to many attractions and craft breweries. For a more luxurious experience, consider the West Cliff Inn, a charming B&B overlooking the Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf, conveniently located near a variety of restaurants and landmarks.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo (SLO) is elevating its reputation as a fantastic craft beer destination along the Central Coast. The area features numerous microbreweries from downtown SLO all the way to the flourishing hills of Paso Robles. While beer lovers can enjoy a wide variety of local brews, West Coast IPAs are especially popular here. Collaborative brews are also common, resulting in unique limited-edition offerings. The SLO brewery scene goes beyond tastings, often featuring local music, pop-up dining events, and community gatherings. Antigua Brewing Company crafts beer from locally grown hops, while Central Coast Brewing is known for unique ales and lagers.
Where to Stay
The Granada Hotel & Bistro is an industrial-chic boutique hotel located in downtown SLO. This restored historic building features exposed brick walls and an intimate bar with a cozy, speakeasy vibe. Also in the downtown area, the contemporary Hotel San Luis Obispo offers full amenities, including an outdoor pool and rooftop terrace bar.
Encinitas
Nestled on the northern edge of San Diego County, Encinitas is a blend of surf culture and craft beer excitement. Famous for the Swami’s surf break (sung about in the Beach Boys’ classic “Surfin’ U.S.A”), Scofield-Encinitas boasts family-friendly Moonlight State Beach and a bustling downtown filled with restaurants and trendy taprooms. Modern Times Beer and Culture Brewing Company are popular for their innovative small-batch craft brews, while nearby Fox Point Brewing Co. takes a unique farm-to-tap approach, using ingredients grown on-site.
Where to Stay
Just minutes from the surf, the Inn at Moonlight Beach promotes sustainability and wellness, recognized as the first WELL™ Certified hotel in the world.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a picturesque getaway off the Southern California coast, situated between Long Beach and San Clemente. This paradise is perfect for kayaking in clear ocean coves, hiking rugged trails, observing marine wildlife, and strolling through the historic waterfront promenade lined with shops and eateries. It’s also home to the only brewery on the island, Catalina Island Brew House, which specializes in small-batch brews, often named to celebrate the island and crafted with local resources, including desalinated seawater.
Where to Stay
The boutique Aurora Hotel, just a couple of blocks from the waterfront in Avalon, offers modern accommodations with contemporary decor, while the newly renovated rooftop deck provides sweeping ocean views.
Tuolumne County
Located in California’s Gold Country, Tuolumne County serves as a convenient gateway to Yosemite National Park, pristine lakes, and historic gold mining towns. Visitors seeking to complement their adventures with local brews will enjoy exploring the Tuolumne County Craft Beverage Trail. The craft beer scene includes crowd favorites like Around the Horn Brewing Company in Groveland, Bear Tent Brewing Company in Jamestown, and Sonora Brewing Company in Sonora. This downloadable Craft Beverage Trail guide also features cider houses, boutique wineries, and special discounts at local businesses.
Where to Stay
The McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn is a charming retreat nestled in the Sierra foothills near Twain Harte. Its spacious, individually styled rooms offer peaceful forest views.
Benicia
Situated on the north bank of the Carquinez Strait in the San Francisco Bay Area, Benicia is a small, historic maritime town that offers a calm waterfront experience without overcrowded tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, harbor events, shopping, dining, and a budding craft beer scene featuring local breweries and lively pubs. Notable spots include Mare Island Brewing Company and Bruehol Benicia Brewing, which specializes in German-style brews and is recognized as one of California’s 30 women-owned breweries.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Benicia Bay, built in 1854, combines period architecture with modern updates while honoring the local maritime history. It’s conveniently located just a block from downtown Benicia.
San Francisco
San Francisco uniquely combines its rich brewing history with innovative craft experimentation. From hazy IPAs to barrel-aged sours, the city’s local taprooms offer distinct, small-batch creations for beer enthusiasts. The diverse neighborhoods create an inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy a drink with stunning waterfront views or a spicy saison in an industrial-chic brew house. With events like SF Beer Week, numerous brewery tours, and an evolving tap list, San Francisco’s craft beer scene provides endless exploration opportunities. Plus, the compact size of the city makes it easy to hop from one brewery to another thanks to convenient public transport.
Where to Stay
The Queen Anne Hotel, exuding Victorian charm, offers a central location with excellent access to breweries and taprooms across the city. The contemporary White Swan Inn, located near Union Square, blends the warm ambiance of an old English hotel with the stylish flair of 1960s London.
