The Camarillo Beer Trail

Some trails are more refreshing than others! And while the Camarillo Beer Trail isn’t a hiking trail, it is most certainly worth exploring. Make it a day of brews or do a “brews and views” tour by combining a scenic hike followed by some tasty beers.

In whatever order you wish, here’s a quick guide to the Camarillo Beer Trail. Institution Ale: This brewery’s modern interior fits the style of the beers they craft—smooth and flavorful. They’ve also got pizza for pairings. Try the European pilsner with the Pizza Margherita, or get a bit more adventurous with the Tart Cherry Blonde (sour blonde) paired with the spicy fried chicken pizza. Like a double IPA? Try the Disarray. Take it outside onto the expansive patio that includes a fire pit.

Next up, the friendly family-owned-and-run Camarillo Barrel Works. For those who drink beer, you’ve come to the right place. For those who don’t drink beer, you’ve come to the right place! That’s because Camarillo Barrel Works includes Flat Fish Brewing Co. and Cantara Cellars wine. Both are excellent.

Created by husband-and-wife team Mike and Chris Brown, Flat Fish and Cantara are in a warehouse location with an outdoor patio and event space (when we visited, a serious corn hole competition was taking place). The microbrewery here opened in 2018 and the beer is delicious, with the supremely refreshing Go Fish! golden ale a standout for crispness and easy drinking. Get a flight and go from light, to stout, to IPA. Chicken wings, fresh artichoke dip, pizza, and charcuterie are tasty snacks. (Pro tip: Ask Mike about his barrel-aged brandy … coming soon.)

Keep the beer flowing at Topa Topa in Camarillo Old Town. Grab a patio picnic table under the string lights and choose from over a dozen fresh beers. Order at the modern outdoor “tap room.” Topa Topa is cool, no doubt, but you won’t get any fuss and attitude here; the folks running the place are fun and friendly. Try Casey’s Kolsch (honey, biscuit, yum!). Adventurous beer drinkers can go for It’s in the Zeitgeist, a hazy triple IPA clocking in at 10%. Make the Camarillo Beer Trail part of your 2022 zeitgeist.

BONUS VIEWS & BREWS: Combine your brews with views (that’s hike first, drink later). Here are some nearby hiking trails for enjoying mountain and sea scenery, including Hill Canyon Trail, Conejo Mountain via Powerline Trail, and Point Mugu State Park Chumash Trail.

STAY: There’s plenty of lodging in and around Camarillo. For an overnight in Camarillo Old Town, Bella Capri Inn & Suites is close to breweries, and outdoor adventures including Point Mugu coastal hiking and Wildwood Canyon. It's also close to the famed Camarillo Premium Outlets, with 160 retailers including Adidas, The North Face, Vans Outlet, Lululemon, Athletica, and many more.