Hipmunk Hotels: A California Beercation Road Trip to Oakland, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, and More

With legendary breweries like Stone Brewing, Green Flash Brewing, and Ballast Point Brewing, San Diego has earned itself a designation as a craft beer mecca. However, navigating the city’s 100-plus breweries can be quite daunting. Which ones are must visits and which ones are meh?

As an alternative to a beercation in San Diego, I suggest a California beercation road trip to see what the rest of the state has to offer. Trust me. There’s a lot more than just wine once you head north. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the rest of the craft beer scene you’ll find along the way.

Photo by Always Taking Pictures via Trover.com

Marina Del Rey

Begin your trip by booking a flight into Los Angeles International Airport and securing a hotel room near Marina Del Rey for a true Los Angeles experience. You’re in the land of the rich and famous, so why not splurge for the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey? While the beer highlight of the area, Firestone Walker Brewing’s new location, isn’t open yet, check out Three Weavers Brewing for your first taste of West Coast craft beer.

San Luis Obispo

Our road trip continues north towards San Francisco with a stop in San Luis Obispo, the happiest city in America. With six breweries in the city, it’s easy to understand why everyone is so jolly. Highlights include Creekside Brewing Company for its scenic location on the San Luis Creek and The Libertine Brewing Company for its open-tank fermented wild ales and barrel-aged cold-brewed coffees. Beer tourists can even book a spot on a brewery tour and visit the many area breweries via a pub-styled limo bus. Book a room at the Madonna Inn and enjoy one of their individually decorated rooms.

Oakland

Next up is Oakland, where there’s a cluster of breweries right in the heart of the city. Diving Dog Brewhouse and Wood Bar & Brewery are both walkable, but you might want to order an Uber to access Pacific Coast Brewing and Linden Street Brewery, as they are slightly farther away.The Oakland Marriott City Center will land you close to all four breweries.

Sacramento

Sacramento is home to more than 10 breweries in the city limits, with many more in surrounding communities. Take the advice of local experts and be sure to visit Oak Park Brewing for their British and Belgian ales with a West Coast kick, and Ruhstaller Brewing for their hop forward ales produced from their own farm-grown hops. The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection is a classy, comfortable hotel that will place you close to the breweries.

Roseville

Last on our California beercation road trip is the lesser-known town of Roseville – about 20 miles outside of Sacramento. Brewery highlights in Roseville include the following: Monk’s Cellar for Belgian inspired food, beer, and atmosphere; Dragas Brewing for their tradition- breaking ales, like Stout of Fire, brewed with vanilla beans and chili peppers; and Out of Bounds Brewing for their innovative ales, such as the award-winning La Matadora Citrus Pale Wheat Session Ale. Rest your head at the Hilton Garden Inn Roseville for inexpensive comfort.

What breweries would you add to this California Beercation?

This article is part of the Hipmunk Hotels series.