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.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View
  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View
  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

    View
  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View