🍺 Best Breweries in Santa Cruz
Craft beer, IPAs & local favorites
Santa Cruz Craft Beer Scene
Santa Cruz has a thriving craft beer scene with breweries ranging from hazy IPA specialists to farmhouse ale artisans. Whether you're looking for a casual taproom with food trucks or an experimental brewery pushing boundaries, you'll find it here.
Many breweries feature outdoor seating perfect for enjoying Santa Cruz's beautiful weather. From organic brewing to traditional Czech lagers, the diversity of styles reflects the creative spirit of the local beer community.
Top Breweries
1. Humble Sea Brewing
Known for hazy IPAs and beach vibes. Multiple locations including Westside and Felton. Fresh, hoppy beers with a laid-back atmosphere.
2. Discretion Brewing
Award-winning brewery with family-friendly taprooms. Great outdoor seating and food trucks. Known for balanced, flavorful beers.
3. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Organic brewing with sustainable practices. Local ingredients and environmentally conscious. Great selection of organic beers.
4. Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Artisanal farmhouse ales and barrel-aged beers. More experimental and sophisticated. Perfect for beer enthusiasts.
5. Steel Bonnet Brewing
Scottish-inspired ales in a cozy taproom. Regular food trucks and community events. Friendly neighborhood brewery.
6. New Bohemia Brewing
Czech-style lagers and traditional brewing. Downtown location perfect for after-work drinks. Classic European beer styles.
Beer by Style
🌫️ Hazy IPAs
Juicy, fruity, and unfiltered. Perfect for hop lovers.
Humble Sea Brewing
🏆 Award-Winning
Balanced, flavorful beers that have won competitions.
Discretion Brewing
🌱 Organic
Sustainably brewed with organic ingredients.
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
🍺 Farmhouse & Barrel-Aged
Artisanal, experimental, and sophisticated.
Sante Adairius
🍺 Brewery Pro Tips
- 🚗Brewery Hopping: Many breweries are close together. Plan a brewery tour and use ride-share for safety!
- 🌮Food Trucks: Most breweries have regular food truck schedules. Check their social media for today's truck!
- 🐕Dog-Friendly: Many breweries welcome dogs in outdoor areas. Perfect for bringing your pup along!
- 🎵Live Music: Check brewery calendars for live music events, trivia nights, and special releases.
- 🍺Flights: Order a flight to sample multiple beers. Great way to find your favorites!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best brewery in Santa Cruz for IPAs?
Humble Sea Brewing is famous for their hazy IPAs. Discretion Brewing also has excellent award-winning IPAs.
Which breweries are family-friendly?
Discretion Brewing is very family-friendly with outdoor seating and food trucks. Steel Bonnet also welcomes families.
Where can I find unique or experimental beers?
Sante Adairius specializes in farmhouse ales and barrel-aged beers. They're perfect for beer enthusiasts looking for something different.
What's the best brewery for outdoor seating?
Discretion Brewing has excellent outdoor spaces. Humble Sea's locations also have great outdoor areas.
Are there organic breweries in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing focuses on organic ingredients and sustainable brewing practices.