Driving to California’s best breweries is so last season. Riding the train to them? Now that’s the move! Next time you’re thinking about taking a trip to see some of the best local breweries in California, consider trading your car keys for a train ticket. The Pacific Surfliner makes it easy (and fun!) to sip your way up or down the California coast— no GPS, traffic, or designated driver required.
From beachfront taprooms to award-winning brewhouses just steps from the station, here’s your guide to the ultimate California brewery crawl by rail— with at least one must-sip stop in every major stop along the Pacific Surfliner route.
SLO on Tap
Source: Visit SLO
The northern stretch of the Pacific Surfliner route ends in San Luis Obispo, a mellow college town with a quietly excellent craft beer scene. While most breweries aren’t quite walkable from the station, a quick rideshare opens the door to some of the Central Coast’s tastiest pours.
Central Coast Brewing
A local favorite just a 5-minute car ride from the San Luis Obispo station, Central Coast Brewing delivers a solid lineup of IPAs, blondes, and seasonal brews in a friendly, no-frills space. The variety on tap makes it a great intro to the SLO beer scene. Central Coast is the kind of place where you can kick back on the patio, grab a bite from a food truck, chat with the bartender, and feel like a regular— even on your first visit.
There Does Not Exist
About a 10-minute drive from the San Luis Obispo station, There Does Not Exist is a minimalist, design-forward brewery known for crisp lagers, balanced pale ales, and creative saisons. The space has a cool industrial feel, with clean lines, bold artwork, and a laid-back energy that lets the brews take center stage.
Funk Zone Favorites in Santa Barbara
Source: Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
Just steps from the Santa Barbara station, the Funk Zone is one of the most walkable and eclectic stops on the Pacific Surfliner route. Packed with tasting rooms, galleries, surf shops, and street art, this artsy district is also home to some standout breweries. The best news? It’s all within a few blocks of the station!
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Just a 3-minute walk from the Santa Barbara station (0.2 miles), Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. is a laid-back taproom pouring Central Coast–brewed beers inspired by the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. Founded by a father-and-son team, Figueroa proudly brews up a wide range of styles, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, alongside a dog-friendly patio and a welcoming vibe that makes it easy to settle in with a pint.
Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
A 7-minute walk from the Santa Barbara station (0.4 miles), Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop does craft beer a little differently (in all the best ways). With 20 rotating taps, a curated bottle shop, and local wines, this is a laid-back spot that’s big on variety. The vibe is casual and beer-smart, and you can grab tasty food from The Nook’s walk-up window right next door!
Breweries by the Beach: Ventura & Moorpark
Source: Ventura Coast Brewing Company
Hot train tip: The Ventura area is ideal for earlybirds and easygoing beer fans. Both of these stops are super walkable from the station, so you can get straight to the good stuff.
Ventura Coast Brewing Company
Just a 5-10 minute walk from the Ventura station (0.4 miles), Ventura Coast Brewing Company is a local staple known for its easygoing vibes and tasty brews. Their roomy setup hosts a rotating selection of local food trucks, live music and, of course, a beer list that hits everything from crisp West Coast IPAs to rich coffee stouts. Day drinkers, rejoice— Ventura Coast Brewing Company opens by noon every day, so you can sip in the sunshine without waiting for happy hour!
Enegren Brewing Company
Another 10-15 minute walk from the Moorpark station (0.5 miles), Enegren Brewing Company is a must-stop for lager lovers or anyone with a soft-spot for beer brewed the old-school way. Specializing in traditional German styles, Enegren serves up everything from crisp pilsners to malty dunkels, all poured in full-bodied pints that feel straight out of Bavaria. This classic beer garden makes it easy to settle in for a while— doors open at 11am daily, so you’ve got plenty of time to raise a glass. Prost!
Big City Brews in Downtown LA
Source: Homage Brewing
In a city known for car culture, the Pacific Surfliner gives you something better: award-winning beer without the parking nightmare. Downtown LA’s brewery scene is thriving, and two of the city’s best breweries just happen to be within walking distance from the train station. Coincidence? We think not!
Highland Park Brewery
A 5-minute rideshare or 20-minute walk away from Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles (0.8 miles), Highland Park Brewery is one of California’s most beloved beer spots. This breezy taproom is known for pitch-perfect hazies, snappy lagers, and a constantly rotating list of small-batch experiments. The indoor-outdoor space has the easygoing charm of a neighborhood hangout, plus way better beer quality. It opens at noon most days, making it a great midday pour pit stop.
Homage Brewing Chinatown
Just a short car ride or 15-minute walk from Union Station (0.7 miles), Homage Brewing is all about fermentation finesse— saisons, spontaneous ales, and beautifully balanced mixed-culture beers are par for the course at this low-key, artful alternative to the downtown beer scene. Their Chinatown location is minimalist and bright, with a calm, creative energy that makes it ideal for catching up with a friend over a thoughtfully brewed pour. Homage opens later on weekdays and earlier on weekends, so whether you're stopping by for a golden-hour drink or a full afternoon hang, there’s always something special on tap.
Coastal Pours in San Clemente
Source: Docent Brewing
Orange County’s craft beer scene is wide-reaching, but along the Pacific Surfliner route, San Clemente is where it all comes together. This beachy stop offers a couple standout breweries within reach— perfect for a laid-back SoCal tasting detour.
Artifex Brewing Company
Just a 5-minute rideshare from the San Clemente station, Artifex Brewing Company is a local favorite with a serious knack for bold, flavorful beers. Their downtown tasting room is small but mighty, with a rotating selection of juicy pale ales, crispy lagers, and seasonal specialties. It's a great first (or final) stop on your San Clemente crawl if you want to be close to the action, but a little off the beaten path.
Docent Brewing
Also a 5-minute ride from the station, Docent Brewing is known for its inventive beer lineup and a kitchen that goes way beyond typical taproom fare. Their tap list leans adventurous, with bold IPAs, dark ales, and creative collab brews. Their food is “inspired by all things fermented,” and it shows (in the best, most snackable way possible).
San Diego Sips
Source: Pure Project Brewing
The southern leg of the Pacific Surfliner’s journey offers a perfect blend of sun, surf, and standout beer— with plenty of breweries worth visiting along the way.
Pure Project Balboa Park
Just a 5 or 10-minute rideshare from San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot station, Pure Project’s Balboa Park taproom is a serene, sustainability-focused stop with small-batch beers brewed using local and organic ingredients. The space is warm, minimalist, and perfect for slowing down with an IPA, fruited sour, or crisp lager. They’ve partnered with Empanada Kitchen for tasty bites, and also welcome outside food from nearby spots— so feel free to sip and snack to your heart’s content!
Stone Brewing Liberty Station
A 5–10 minute rideshare from San Diego’s Old Town station, Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station is part brewery, part bistro, part garden escape. Housed in a historic building, it features a beer garden, bocce ball court, and even an outdoor cinema space! With 40 taps pouring Stone staples, seasonal releases, and guest brews, plus a globally inspired food menu, it’s a perfect spot to grab a pint, a bite, and a little sunshine.
From bold IPAs to crisp coastal lagers, the Pacific Surfliner makes it easy to experience the best local breweries in California, without the hassle of traffic or parking. Whether you're looking for a laid-back brewery crawl through California or planning a full train brewery tour from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, the Pacific Surfliner route is packed with craft brewery stops just waiting to be poured into your California beer adventure.