If you’re a craft beer lover, Santa Cruz is a must-visit beer destination. Even though you might have previous overlooked Santa Cruz as one of California’s best beer towns, that notion can stop here. It’s actually home to some of the best breweries on the West Coast and it’s worth a trip to check them out. You can even make a whole weekend brewery crawl here.
If you’re worried it’s all going to be the typical Hazy IPA that you find everywhere, I promise it won’t be. The breweries here focus on creating unique small-batch quality beers in many different styles. If you’re not an IPA fan, you can sample the sours, Belgian-style beers, or farmhouse style ales instead.
» You might also like the 17 Best Things To Do In Santa Cruz and 10 Best Santa Cruz Wineries to Visit.
We’ve put together a guide to the best Santa Cruz California breweries to visit, from Humble Sea Brewery, known for its experimental brews, to Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, which focuses on organic and sustainable ingredients.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Our Recommended Santa Cruz Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
✔️ Comfortable rooms
✔️ Perfect location
✔️ Breakfast included
Top Santa Cruz California Breweries
If you’re looking for the best Santa Cruz breweries to visit, you won’t be disappointed with the selection. From small batch craft beer to organic and sustainable brewing processes, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top Santa Cruz breweries to check out:
1. Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Humble Sea Brewing Co. is a must-visit brewery in Santa Cruz. With 16 beers on tap, including IPAs, lagers, and sours, there are a lot of choices. There are also a few choices for locations. Their main location in Santa Cruz is on the Westside, but they also have a great spot near the end of the wharf. Both spots are charming, but we love being out on the wharf most of all. We tried their Cherry Lime Seltzer and Rotating Sour.
The brewery also offers Argentine-style empanadas and rotating food vendors, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat. Plus, with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold beer.
- Location: 820 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Website: humblesea.com
2. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing is a local favorite for its sustainable brewing process and use of local ingredients. The brewery offers a wide range of organic beer options, including IPAs, lagers, and sours. They are located right next to all the other great stuff in Westside (around the corner from Humble Sea Brewing), and their outdoor patio is a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a cold beer.
We ate lunch at the brewery while enjoying a taster tray of four beers (Amber, Brown, Porter, and Stout) – can you tell we like dark beers? Liked them all, but the brown ale was our favorite. For lunch we shared a huge Cubano sandwich that was very tasty.
- Location: 402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Website: scmbrew.com
3. Woodhouse Blending And Brewing
Woodhouse Blending & Brewing is a distinctive brewery that prides themselves on being a part of the community, encouraging more small-batch craft beer, while also showcasing local talent and creativity. They have a spacious interior with plenty of room to relax, and they serve Brazilian inspired cuisine.
The brewery’s signature offering is its barrel-aged beer. I personally really like the barrel-aged peach sour. These beers spend months, sometimes even years, maturing in barrels, acquiring complex flavors that are a testament to patience and craftsmanship. They also have plenty of the required hazy IPAs and pale ales.
- Location: 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Website: Woodhousebrews.com
4. Discretion Brewing
Discretion Brewing is a small batch brewery that prides itself on its sustainable brewing process and use of local ingredients. The brewery offers a wide range of beer options, including IPAs, lagers, and sours. Plus, with a beer garden and food trucks on site, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
They have 16 beers on tap in their taproom so you can choose whatever goes well with the Italian menu served by Sugo Italian Kitchen. I highly recommend the capricciosa pizza (but I love artichokes!). They also have live music going every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They’re open every day from 12pm to 9pm.
- Location: 2703 41st Ave Ste. A, Soquel, CA 95073
- Website: discretionbrewing.com
5. Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales is known for its unique and flavorful beers. They say they are highly inspired by the Belgian tradition, but they like to push the boundaries a little. For me, it’s a great place to try barrel-aged beers, which they age in wine barrels for a unique flavor profile. You can taste all the way from their Always in Life to Always in Death – light to dark.
Their brewery is located in Capitola, but the Santa Cruz Portal is on Water Street and it’s a really nice large space with plenty of room both indoors and outdoors. It’s home to Bookies Pizza, masters of “inauthentic” Detroit-style pizza along with lots of other menu options. It’s also dog-friendly.
- Location: 1315 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
- Website: rusticales.com
6. Shanty Shack Brewing
Shanty Shack Brewing is a small batch brewery or nano brewery with a good number of styles to choose from, like their Light Beam Hazy IPA to their The Kettle Makes Three – Kettle Sour with Red Prickly Pear, Pink Guava, and Passionfruit. You’re going to find some pretty unique beers here.
The tasting room is in the Harvey West neighborhood. It’s a nice patio and backyard space where you’ll often find live music and food trucks. It’s a dog-friendly atmosphere as well.
- Location: 138 Fern St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Website: shantyshackbrewing.com
7. New Bohemia Brewing Co.
New Bohemia Brewing Co., often referred to as “NuBo,” is a popular craft brewery located in the Pleasure Point neighborhood of Santa Cruz, California. Known for their commitment to the art of traditional European brewing methods, NuBo delivers a variety of flavorful and high-quality beers.
NuBo takes pride in offering unique styles of lagers, ales, and specialty brews inspired by Old World traditions, but with a touch of California creativity. Their beer menu includes everything from crisp pilsners and full-bodied dunkels to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, catering to a wide range of beer enthusiasts.
- Location: 1030 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
- Website: nubobrew.com
How to Get to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz does not have its own airport, so unless you drive there from where ever you live in California or surrounding areas, getting there will involve a flight into one of the nearby airports, followed by a drive.
You can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJC), or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
If you land at SFO or OAK, you can rent a car (we recommend going through Discover Cars) and drive to Santa Cruz, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. If you land at SJC, the drive will be around 45 minutes to 1 hour. There are more flights from more location to SFO than SJC, but I prefer landing at SJC for the ease of it.
The drive from Los Angeles is about 6 hours, and 8 hours from San Diego. It’s 4 hours from Santa Barbara.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Santa Cruz, there are several neighborhoods to choose from, each offering a different experience. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
- Downtown: If you want to be in the heart of the action, Downtown is the place to be. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. We recommend staying at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz.
- Westside: This laid-back neighborhood is located just a few blocks from the beach and is home to many surf shops and cafes. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the ocean and enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Book at Beach Street Inn and Suites or Dream Inn Santa Cruz.
- Capitola: This charming seaside town is located just a few miles south of Santa Cruz and is known for its colorful houses and quaint shops. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the beach and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Book at Capitola Venetian Hotel or Capitola Hotel to be near the beach.
- Boardwalk: If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, the Boardwalk neighborhood is a great choice. You’ll be right next to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which features amusement park rides and games. Book at Casablanca On The Beach or Courtyard by Marriott.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some Santa Cruz breweries that serve food?
If you’re looking for a brewery in Santa Cruz that serves food, you’re in luck. Many of the local breweries offer delicious food options to pair with their beers. Some of the popular breweries that serve food include Discretion Brewing, New Bohemia Brewing, and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Each of these breweries has a unique menu and atmosphere, so be sure to check them out to find your favorite.
Is there a map of Santa Cruz breweries available?
Yes, there are several maps available that showcase the breweries in Santa Cruz. One of the most popular options is the Santa Cruz Beer Trail map, which highlights the locations of the different breweries in the area. This map is available online and can be printed out for easy reference. Another option is to use a mapping app like Google Maps, which also shows the locations of the breweries.
Are there any brewery tours in Santa Cruz?
Yes, there are several brewery tour options in Santa Cruz. One of the most popular is the Santa Cruz Beer Trail Tour, which takes visitors to several of the top breweries in the area and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. These tours are a great way to experience the local beer scene and learn more about the different breweries in Santa Cruz.
Where can I find a beer garden in Santa Cruz?
If you’re looking for a beer garden in Santa Cruz, there are several options available. One of the most popular is the beer garden at Humble Sea Brewing Co., which features a spacious outdoor area with plenty of seating and a rotating selection of beers on tap. Another option is the beer garden at New Bohemia Brewing Co., which offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of food options to pair with your beer. Be sure to check out these and other beer gardens in Santa Cruz for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?
For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.