When it comes to savoring the Southern California lifestyle, Orange County delivers on every level—and its brewery scene is proof.
From laid-back coastal taprooms in Laguna Beach and Dana Point to innovative microbreweries in Anaheim and Costa Mesa, each spot offers something special: craft beer, creative energy, and pure California charm.
Whether you’re a local relaxing after a long week, a national visitor discovering new favorites, or an international traveler chasing the perfect pint by the Pacific, these are the breweries that define Orange County’s vibrant, sun-soaked culture.
1. Station Craft Brewery + Kitchen – Dana Point + San Clemente
With two scenic coastal locations, Station Craft brings together small-batch beer and coastal cuisine. Try the crisp Parting Sun hefeweizen or the bold Winning Harmonies IPA—each brewed with care by head brewer Tom Parkin. Paired with chef-driven plates and ocean air, it’s the taste of OC living done right.
2. Capo Leisure House – San Juan Capistrano
Set within the charming River Street Marketplace, Capo Leisure House is where rustic meets refined. Expect a warm, country-coastal vibe, traditional brewing practices, and quality you can taste in every pour. It’s a must-stop for anyone exploring Capistrano’s historic heart.
3. The Bruery – Placentia
Founded from a kitchen dream, The Bruery has grown into an Orange County icon. Its creative lineup—from Rice and Beans Blonde Ale to Minty Scoops Imperial Stout—draws inspiration from vineyards, fine dining, and timeless flavors. Every visit feels like a celebration of innovation and community.
4. Bottle Logic Brewing – Anaheim
At Bottle Logic, beer is science—and art. This Anaheim microbrewery is known for its experimental flair, rotating lagers, stouts, and IPAs, and even fruit-forward hard seltzers. Locals love its playful energy, making it a hotspot for both casual sippers and serious connoisseurs.
5. Laguna Beer Company – Laguna Beach
Nothing captures coastal living like Laguna Beer Company. From the Thousand Steps IPA to the Laguna Especial Mexican lager, each beer is brewed with creativity, color, and surf-town spirit. The coastal-inspired cans alone are pure OC style.
6. Unsung Brewing Co. – Anaheim
At Unsung Brewing, comic-book flair meets craft perfection. With heroic beers and vibrant interiors, this award-winning Anaheim brewery—steps from the city’s best attractions—offers the perfect mix of fun and flavor.
7. Artifex Brewing Company – San Clemente
Born in San Clemente and now a regional favorite, Artifex combines surf-town soul with sophisticated brewing. Order the tropical Trigger Finger IPA or the signature Artifexican Lager—both brewed with the laid-back confidence that defines coastal living.
8. Brewery X – Anaheim
Brewery X is all about good beer and good vibes. Family-friendly and full of life, it serves top-notch brews alongside New York-style pizza, burgers, and live music. With its energetic crowd and community-driven feel, this is Orange County’s social hub for craft lovers.
9. Golden Road Brewing – Anaheim
Just steps from Angel Stadium, Golden Road is Orange County’s pregame paradise. With 30 beers on tap and a beach-inspired biergarten, it’s where locals and visitors alike gather to toast the best of California’s casual, coastal culture.
10. Helmsman Ale House – Newport Beach
As Newport Beach’s only craft brewery, Helmsman Ale House is a must for those who crave house-brewed beers and harbor views. Try the citrus-forward Hazy IPA or the crisp Port to Pasture farmhouse ale in a cozy, nautical setting.
Brewed for the Luxury Lifestyle
Orange County’s brewery culture is more than a trend—it’s a reflection of the region’s upscale yet effortless energy. Each taproom embodies the values of craftsmanship, community, and creativity that attract locals and newcomers to Orange County’s luxury real estate scene.
Whether you’re mingling over a cold IPA in Laguna Beach, exploring Anaheim’s craft corridor, or catching sunset flights in Newport Beach, one thing’s certain: life—and beer—taste better in Orange County.
Live Where Every Pour Tells a Story
Ready to make this lifestyle your own? Whether you’re a local upgrading your coastal address, a national buyer seeking a California escape, or an international investor drawn to the OC lifestyle, your next chapter begins here.
Contact your Surterre Properties specialists today at SurterreProperties.com and let us guide you to your perfect Southern California home. You can also explore our exclusive listings now!
Source: ModernLuxury.com
Best Orange County Breweries – FAQ
1) What are the best breweries to visit in Orange County for a coastal vibe?
For ocean-close atmospheres, head to Station Craft (Dana Point and San Clemente), Laguna Beer Company (Laguna Beach), and Helmsman Ale House (Newport Beach). These taprooms pair fresh craft beer with beach-town energy and easy access to surf, dining, and harbor walks.
2) Which Anaheim breweries are must-stops before a game or concert?
Bottle Logic Brewing, Brewery X, Golden Road Brewing (near Angel Stadium), and Unsung Brewing Co. are all close to top Anaheim venues. Expect rotating IPAs and stouts, expansive patios, and easy parking—ideal for pregame meetups or post-show hangouts.
3) I’m local—what’s a great brewery crawl route in South County?
Start in Dana Point at Station Craft, then drive down to San Clemente for Artifex Brewing Company. Add Capo Leisure House at River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano for a rustic-coastal stop with food options and family-friendly vibes.
4) I’m relocating from out of state—where can I sample the “OC lifestyle” in one afternoon?
Combine beach time in Laguna Beach with a tasting at Laguna Beer Company, then catch sunset in Newport Beach and finish with house brews at Helmsman Ale House near the harbor. It’s a quick, authentic look at Orange County culture, cuisine, and coastal neighborhoods.
5) Which breweries suit international visitors looking for unique, limited releases?
The Bruery (Placentia) is known for avant-garde, small-batch beers, while Bottle Logic (Anaheim) regularly drops experimental releases. Check each taproom’s current draft list and can releases for special editions that travel well as gifts or collectibles.
6) Where can families and groups find a brewery with food and space to spread out?
Brewery X (Anaheim) offers a large, lively setting with pizza, burgers, and live music. Station Craft pairs chef-driven menus with coastal patios in Dana Point and San Clemente. Golden Road Brewing (Anaheim) has a beachy biergarten and 30+ taps near Angel Stadium.
7) What styles should IPA lovers try in Orange County?
Taste West Coast clarity and citrus at Station Craft’s Winning Harmonies, tropical notes at Artifex (Trigger Finger IPA), and inventive rotations at Bottle Logic, Unsung, and The Bruery. For beach-day sipping, Laguna Beer Company’s Thousand Steps is a local favorite.
8) Are there brewery options close to luxury neighborhoods like Newport Coast or Irvine?
Yes. Helmsman Ale House is minutes from Newport Coast and Corona del Mar. In central OC, Anaheim’s cluster—Bottle Logic, Brewery X, Unsung, and Golden Road—sits within an easy drive of premium Irvine villages and South Coast Metro in Costa Mesa.
9) What’s the best way to pair brewery-hopping with Orange County real estate scouting?
Plan tastings around target neighborhoods. Explore Laguna Beach taprooms before touring coastal cottages and view homes, sample Anaheim breweries near family amenities and entertainment, or visit Dana Point and San Clemente before previewing harbor-close or bluff-top properties.
10) How do I connect with local experts to find a home near my favorite OC breweries and beaches?
Contact your local Surterre real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com. Our team guides local, national, and international buyers through Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Coast to match lifestyle, location, and luxury.
