My Favorite Breweries in California

I’ve enjoyed California’s energetic brewery scene since I turned 21 and I can walk you through some of the most popular (and my favorite) breweries in the state! 

It feels like the widespread fervor for craft beer caught on quicker than most other fads in California. But visiting the breweries to sample a wide range of beers is arguably one of the best things to do in California. Here are my picks for the top 19 breweries in California!

19 Best California Breweries

Stone Brewing

The famous handcrafted brews of this large SoCal brewery can be found in 40 countries around the world.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Stone Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Not Served | 📞+16264407243

Stone Brewing is one of the largest breweries in Southern California and the ninth largest in the United States. You can find Stone Brewing beer at most major liquor and grocery stores. Stone Brewing specializes in IPAs and is one of the pioneers of the West Coast-style IPA.

The large Escondido brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is next to the first Stone Brewing restaurant, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. This brewery is one of the best breweries in San Diego. I highly recommend ordering the Bavarian Pretzel and the Stone Delicious IPA.

Laguna Beer Company

This Laguna Beach brewery is the best place in Orange County to sample craft beers while listening to local musicians.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Laguna Beer Company Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞(949) 715-0805

You’ll find Laguna Beer Company where Laguna Canyon Road meets the Pacific Ocean. Visiting this lively brewery is one of the best things to do in Orange County because it hosts fun weekly events like live music and game nights.

The signature brews at this beach tap house include the Thousand Steps IPA, Laguna Especial Mexican Lager, and the Second Reef Blonde Ale. Tasty treats like pretzels and quesadillas complement the hops. My go-to meal is a warm, freshly-made pizza.

Laguna Beer Company also has a sister location in Rancho Santa Margarita,  25 minutes from the Laguna location at the base of Trabuco Canyon. The menu is slightly larger at this location but the beachy brewery vibes are top-notch at both.

Venice Ale House

Watch cresting waves from this waterfront brewery.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Venice Ale House Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞+13103148253

Enjoy a beer right on the Venice Beach waterfront, one of the most entertaining beaches in Southern California. Although the establishment itself is small, the character of Venice Ale House is larger than life.

This boardwalk gastropub offers a wide selection of craft beers and specializes in tasty organic dishes. From taco plates to breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and fresh salads, make sure you visit Venice Ale House on an empty stomach. 

Its local beers on tap include a variety of pale ales, IPAs, and even beer that is 9% alcohol for those with a high tolerance. My favorite beer at Venice Ale House is always the California Organic Blonde Ale.

Old Stump Brewing Company

Listen to local musicians every weekend at this Inland Empire brewery.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Old Stump Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Trucks | 📞 (909) 860-9052

Easily one of my favorite craft breweries, Old Stump Brewery is a good place for big parties and lovers of craft beer culture. The biggest draw to Old Stump is its live music every Sunday and the delicious variety of food trucks.

Some of Old Stump Breweries’ cleverly named, tasty craft beers include Show Me Your Melons Watermelon Blonde, Muffin Top Blueberry Blonde, Double D’s Double IPA, and Rusty Gasket Rusty Irish Stout.

There are also seltzers available at Old Stomp for visitors who don’t like beer, but there is no wine or other alcohol offered.

Lagunitas Brewing Company

This brewery in Northern California has crafted perhaps the most popular beer in California, available statewide in grocery stores.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Lagunitas Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞(707) 284-1020

You can find Lagunitas Brewing Company beers almost anywhere you turn in California. This is one of the most popular craft breweries in the state and it has IPAs that are salivatingly good. It’s located in Petaluma, so you should plan to stop here next time you’re in the San Francisco area.

Popular beers include the Marshall Martian IPA, Cappuccino Stout, and Dip Trip IPA. Lagunitas Brewing Company also offers brewery tours, live music, and small bites. 

Golden Road Brewery

A famous Los Angeles brewery responsible for creating the delicious Mango Cart ale.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Golden Road Brewery Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞+1 714-363-3537

Golden Road Brewery is a SoCal classic with locations in Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach.

My favorite Golden Road beer is the light wheat ale, Mango Cart, which is also widely found in convenience and grocery stores throughout the state. Inspired by California, most of Golden Road’s other beer styles also center around the West Coast like the Ride On West Coast IPA.

Beer lovers are attracted to Golden Road not only for the lagers and IPAs but also for the tasty food like chicken fingers, pizza, and California fish tacos. 

Sequoia Brewing Company

Sip on an ice-cold beer amidst the world’s largest trees.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Sequoia Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 (559) 434-2739

This brewery in Northern California has three locations in the vicinity of Sequoia National Park including two in Fresno and one in Visalia. Many locals can be found at Sequoia Brewing on Fridays for karaoke and on Saturdays for live music from 8-11 pm.

Sequoia Brewing Company has an array of signature beers cleverly named after Sequoia landmarks. The Half Dome Blonde is a fan favorite as well as the General Sherman IPA and the Sequoia American Pale Ale.

Sequoia Brewing offers much more than just craft beer. You can also find wine and cocktails at all three locations as well as a full food menu. Try the cheese curds to start followed by a Sequoia’s Cobb Salad and a Grizzly Giant Burger. 

📚 Related Reading: While you’re in the area, check out Sequoia National Park, one of the top California National Parks.

South Lake Brewing Company

A Sierra Nevada Mountain brewery with alpine views and a welcoming mountain community.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 South Lake Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞(530) 578-0087

Lake Tahoe is paradise on earth and one of the most romantic destinations in California. With an abundance of outdoor recreation activities like skiing and fishing, nothing compliments an entire day spent outdoors like a nice cold beer.

South Lake Brewing Co. brews its beers on-site. Favorites include the Festbier German Pale Lager, Marlette Sunrise Blood Orange Blonde, and the Shred Ninja Juicy IPA. South Lake Brewing Co. also employs rotating food vendors so brewery-goers can satisfy their appetites after trying the unique beers.

Temblor Brewing Company

The entertainment hub of Bakersfield with weekly trivia nights.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Temblor Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞(661) 489-4855

Check out Temblor Brewing Co. next time you’re in central California. This spacious, industrial brewery is a Bakersfield highlight and offers tasty brews, modern pub food, and live music. 

Its beer selection consists of American lagers, Mexican lagers, wheat beer, brown ales, IPAs, blondes, seltzers, porters, and sours. I love to visit Temblor for trivia night, every Tuesday at 7 pm. Temblor also hosts Family Game Nights every Wednesday at 4 pm. 

Central Coast Brewing

A San Luis Obispo County brewery with one-of-a-kind brews to choose from.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Central Coast Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 (805) 783-2739

Central Coast Brewing was established before the turn of the century in San Luis Obispo County. It’s known for its one-of-a-kind lagers and ales. Enjoy a fresh beer on the outdoor patio or inside while watching the game. I recommend trying the Lucky Day IPA, Monterey Street Pale Ale, or the Terrifico Mexican Lager. 

Even if you can’t make it to the brewery in person, you can still find Central Coast brews in the area’s convenience stores.

👉 Pro Tip: Use this helpful guide to figure out where to stay in San Luis Obispo so you can enjoy the best of the area.

Three Weavers Brewing Company

A family-owned brewery with rotating food trucks and mouth-watering small bites.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Three Weavers Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Trucks | 📞 (310) 400-5830

Three Weavers Brewing Co. is a top brewing company in Los Angeles. This Inglewood brewery has an inviting, modern dining area and taproom. 

Three Weavers is a family-owned brewery and frequently hosts different food trucks. There are core and seasonal beers on tap at all times like the Expatriate West Coast IPA, Cloud City Hazy IPA, and Sun Trap Sour Beer. 

Libertine Brewing Company

A coastal brewery with a huge selection of beers on tap.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Libertine Brewing Company Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 (805) 548-2338

Libertine Brewing Co. is a unique brewery that utilizes its natural environment. The original Morro Bay facility used hot lava rocks to produce a top-of-the-line brew.

Libertine Brewing Company also has a coffee shop and restaurant where you can find tons of tasty food and cocktails.I recommend trying the Belgian Sours, Double IPAs, and Barrel-Aged Stouts

Knee Deep Brewing

A pet-friendly microbrewery with golf simulators and other fun games.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Knee Deep Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Trucks | 📞 (530) 797-4677

Knee Deep Brewing Co. is a family-run microbrewery just north of Sacramento. Visiting this brewery is one of the best things to do in Northern California and its beers can be found throughout the U.S.

Knee Deep is pet and kid-friendly and open 7 days a week. I personally like its Beautiful Blonde beer, but the Hola Senor Mexican Lager and Citra Extra IPA are also fan favorites.

Knee Deep Brewing stands out because it has golf simulators in the back room, which are available for reservation daily. There are 84 championship courses to choose from. There are also 13 multi-sport games like baseball and football. 

Russian River Brewing

The surrounding redwood forest draws many to this Sonoma County brewery.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Russian River Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 (707) 545-2337

Russian River Brewing Company is the happening place to be in Santa Rosa. Not only is this a great place to drink beer, but it also specializes in mouthwatering homemade pizza.

The surrounding redwood forest makes Russian River Brewing a must-visit. The brewery stands out in a region filled with vineyards.

Russian River Brewing Company has a few beers that are only available in-house like the Mind Circus Hazy IPA. But others like the Damnation Golden Ale can also be found at local convenience stores. 

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

This Northern California brewery’s Pale Ale is one of the best-selling craft beers in the country. 

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞+15308933520

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company rose to fame in 1980 with its Pale Ale, and it’s been one of the most popular craft breweries in the nation ever since. The flagship brewery in Chico offers tastings, merch, sustainability tours, and farm-to-table food. 

While at Sierra Nevada, you can taste over 15 brews on tap, including seasonal or limited releases. Don’t miss the famous Pale Ale, which is my personal favorite. The Hazy Little Thing (a hazy IPA), Torpedo (an IPA), and Sunny Little Thing (a citrus wheat ale) are also delicious. 

Sierra Nevada also has a large restaurant onsite which offers some of the best brewery food I’ve ever had. The pretzel with homemade beer cheese is particularly life-changing. 

Lost Coast Brewing Co.

This coastal brewery is located in one of the quirkiest towns in Northern California. 

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Lost Coast Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞+17072679651

Most people know the funky fishing city of Eureka as the gateway to Redwood National Park and the Lost Coast. But while you’re there, don’t miss one of my favorite breweries in the state: Lost Coast Brewing Co. 

Lost Coast’s large brewery offers free tours daily where you can get a unique insight into how your favorite brews are made. Searching for a more casual visit with food included? Visit the Lost Coast restaurant downtown, where you can snack on delicious pub grub while sampling the full range of beers offered. 

Lost Coast Brewing Co. gets its name from the ultra-famous Lost Coast Trail, a 3-day wilderness hike along the longest undeveloped coastline in California. Check out parts of the stunning coastal walk, then head up to Eureka and grab a pint! 

Burning Barrel Brewing

A Northern California brewery that hosts food trucks and a weekly bingo night.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Burning Barrel Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Trucks | 📞 (916) 382-4846

Burning Barrel Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in Northern California, just east of Sacramento in Rancho Cordova. Enjoy your brews in the air-conditioned taproom or the spacious patio next time you’re up north. 

More adventurous beer lovers can try the notorious Cacao Killer, an 14% alcohol Imperial Barrel Aged Stout. I personally like lighter beers, like the Bear Country Blonde (only 5.9% alcohol). That said, Burning Barrel is known for its IPAs. 

Barrelhouse Brewing

Right off Highway 101, this scenic brewery draws hundreds of music lovers to its huge outdoor stage.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Barrelhouse Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Served | 📞 (805) 296-1128

Barrelhouse Brewing is the perfect stop to make on your awesome California road trip. This Paso Robles brewery draws hundreds of thirsty customers on the weekends during the grand musical performances held on the huge patio.

Barrelhouse is one of the biggest family-owned breweries in San Luis Obispo County. Besides the Paso Robles location, Barrelhouse also has breweries in San Luis Obispo, Fresno, and Visalia. 

The brewery devises new flavors monthly and has tasty core brews like the Sunny Daze, Mango IPA, and Big Sur IPA.

Monkish Brewing

A small but mighty LA County brewery that’s pet-friendly.

📍 Google Maps | 🍻 Monkish Brewing Website | 🍽️ Food Trucks | 📞 (310) 295-2157

Enjoy the intimate atmosphere and tasty beer at Monkish Brewing. It has two locations, so you can check it out in Torrance and Anaheim. 

Monkish has indoor and outdoor seating options, to-go beers, frequently varying food truck options, and a kid and pet-friendly environment. 

You will find several dark ales at Monkish all with a 9% alcohol content or more. Lighter beer lovers also have their fair selection of blondes. IPA folks take delight in their huge selection of house-made IPAs. 

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You’ve made it to the end of the list. I hope you now know exactly where to find your new favorite beers. Have fun and remember to drink responsibly!

–Laura McFarland contributed to this post.