Beerland

Santa Cruz Beer Trail

Looking for true hoppiness? The Santa Cruz Beer Trail has microbrews popping up all over town, and makes a great thirst-quencher post outdoor adventure. (For the best savings and deals on these microbrews, purchase a passport and beer map online and pick it up in person at Seven Bridges Cooperative.) Seabright Brewing Company, Santa Cruz’s oldest brew pub, has frothy libations from one of the area’s only female master brewers. Munch down on a couple of fish tacos (they claim to have the best in town!) and don’t miss the Double Maple Bacon Stout.

New Bohemia offers a complimentary tasting of their refreshing German-style summer brews. Sip their Orange Crush, made with Valencia oranges. Discretion Brewing Company has an eclectic array of creative brews and a sunny, dog-friendly back patio. The Hibiscus Wit can’t be beat, and the beer-braised pork sliders are delicious. Sante Adairius, in the heart of sea-side Capitola, has elegantly crafted, malty, and refreshing beers richly steeped in the Belgian tradition.

BONUS BEACH STROLL: New Bohemia is within close walking distance to Pleasure Point, one of California’s most iconic surfing coves and a terrific spot for a beach walk (sunsets here are gorgeous). The beach views will fill you with warmth, happiness, and serenity. Or maybe that’s just the beer!

NOTE: Whether you sample from all of the breweries or select just one or two, be smart about your transportation choices and know your limits. Designate a driver, or call Go Green Cab, (831) 246-1234, for a taxi service offering vintage biodiesel sedans to drive you around.

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