Santa Cruz California has a number of wonderful attractions that has people heading here for the weekend. From the beautiful beaches to the many hiking trails (and bike trails!), to the rock climbing - there are plenty of things to do for a weekend outdoors. But sometimes it's nice to stay closer to town and explore the local spots. In recent years, the craft beer culture in Santa Cruz has been blessed with a number of award-winning breweries. Take an afternoon to explore some of the best by bike. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sante Adarius Rustic Ales
Sante Adairius tap room is tucked away in an unassuming corner of Capitola. Riding through a residential neighborhood to get there you almost think you're lost when you find their tap room on the bottom floor of an office building. Yet, you will be nothing but impressed after tasting the ales they brew up in the back. Having won countless awards over the years Sante Adairius Rustic Ales has much to offer on tap and in bottles.
103 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 9501
try their: Anything, honestly.
Beer Thirty
Discretion Brewing
Amidst the bustling 41st avenue, Discretion Brewery offers a quick hideaway for tasty bites and frothy beers. They have a sweet little outdoor patio that allows you to keep an eye on your bike and enjoy a cold beer.
2703 41st Ave, Soquel, CA 95073
try their: Uncle Daves IPA
Lupulo!
If you're not quite sure what you want to drink, but know you want a beer, head to Lupulo. With rotating taps from local breweries and beyond, this downtown spot has something for everyone.
233 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Lupulo's taps are constantly rotating.
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery
We don't like to pick favorites but, if we had to it would be Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. Everything they brew up is spot on and delicious. Whether it's their devout stout or their good ole IPA you're in for a good ole beer. And to boot, with their huge bike parking area, you can sit pretty much anywhere and still keep an eye on your bike. If you're looking to mingle with other cyclists, this is a good spot. With its proximity to mountain biking trails, it tends to be frequented by people fresh out of the mud.
402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Try their: Devout Stout
Suggested Route?
If you're staying on the west side, enjoy an afternoon cruise along the ocean heading east and start at Sante Adairius while the taste buds are fresh. Next head over to Beer Thirty, it's about a 10 minute right through neighborhoods. Then head over to Discretion Brewery, about 10-15 minutes. Then take the refreshing ride to downtown and head over to Lupulo. It will take about 25 minutes but with an electric bike, it will be a breeze. Make one last stop at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery on the West Side for a chill brew and easy times.
For a craft beer map of Santa Cruz, check out this adorable sketch from Edible Monterey Bay.
