Looking for the best 805 breweries? From the beaches of Ventura County to the wine country of Paso Robles and the Central Coast communities of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, the 805 region of California is home to a diverse and growing craft beer scene.

This guide to breweries in the 805 highlights breweries, brewpubs and craft beer destinations throughout Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. Whether you are searching for a local brewery, planning a brewery tour, or simply looking for a great place to enjoy a fresh pint, there are plenty of options to explore.

Craft beer and 805 breweries in CaliforniaPhoto by Elevate on Unsplash 

 

Explore the Best 805 Breweries

The 805 is an ideal destination for craft beer fans. The region combines coastal communities, agricultural areas, college towns and the Paso Robles wine country, creating a beer scene with plenty of variety.

You'll find everything from hazy IPAs and West Coast IPAs to lagers, saisons, stouts, sours and experimental small-batch beers. Many local breweries also offer food, outdoor patios, live music, food trucks and family-friendly spaces.

Below is our guide to breweries across the three counties (ranked by county) that make up the heart of California's 805 region.

 

Ventura County Breweries

Ventura County has one of the most recognizable craft beer scenes in the 805. Ventura's downtown and industrial areas are home to several breweries, while Camarillo, Oxnard, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Ojai and Simi Valley add even more choices.

 

Ventura Breweries 

MadeWest Brewing Company

MadeWest is one of Ventura's best-known craft breweries, with locations serving the city's downtown and harbor areas. Its beer lineup includes a variety of West Coast-inspired ales, IPAs and other rotating releases. Its Ventura locations make it a popular stop for visitors exploring the city's beaches, restaurants and downtown. 

Topa Topa Brewing Company

Topa Topa Brewing Company is a major name in the Ventura craft beer scene. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers and has multiple Ventura-area locations, making it an easy addition to a Ventura brewery tour.
 

Ventura Coast Brewing Company

Ventura Coast Brewing Company is a downtown Ventura brewery focused on approachable craft beer in a relaxed setting. Its location makes it convenient for visitors combining a brewery visit with a trip to downtown Ventura or the nearby waterfront.
 

Poseidon Brewing Company

Located near Ventura's harbor and industrial district, Poseidon Brewing Company is known for its creative beers and relaxed taproom atmosphere. It is a longtime part of Ventura's independent craft beer community.
 

Seaward Brewing

Seaward Brewing is another Ventura brewery worth adding to your beer itinerary. The brewery offers a selection of craft beers in a casual taproom setting and is part of Ventura's growing brewery cluster.
 

Transmission Brewing

Transmission Brewing is located in downtown Ventura and adds another stop to the city's walkable craft beer scene. Its taproom is a good option for visitors looking to sample locally produced beer while exploring downtown.
 

Rincon Brewery

Rincon Brewery is a Ventura County craft brewery with locations in Ventura and Carpinteria. The brewery combines handcrafted beer with a restaurant-style experience.
 

Leashless Brewing

Leashless Brewing has been part of Ventura's independent beer community and is known for its focus on organic brewing. It offers a distinctive alternative for visitors exploring Ventura's craft beer scene.

 

Camarillo Breweries 

Institution Ale Company

Institution Ale Company is one of the most established breweries in Camarillo. Its large brewery and taproom offer a wide variety of craft beers along with food, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
 

Flat Fish Brewing Company

Flat Fish Brewing Company is a Camarillo craft brewery offering locally brewed beer in a relaxed taproom environment. It is another worthwhile stop for anyone building a Ventura County brewery tour.
 

Topa Topa Brewing Company – Camarillo

Topa Topa also has a Camarillo location, giving beer fans another opportunity to sample the brewery's rotating lineup without traveling into Ventura.

 

Oxnard Breweries 

Red Tandem Brewery

Red Tandem Brewery is an Oxnard Shores brewery that brews its beer on site. Its location near the coast makes it an especially appealing stop for visitors looking to combine craft beer with an afternoon near the beach.
 

Wagon Wheel Brewing Company

Wagon Wheel Brewing Company is another name associated with Oxnard's local craft beer scene. Check its current schedule and taproom information before visiting. 

Note: Casa Agria Specialty Ales, formerly one of Oxnard's best-known breweries, permanently closed in February 2026 and is therefore not included as a current brewery in this guide.

 

Moorpark Breweries 

Enegren Brewing Company

Enegren Brewing Company is a Moorpark brewery known for its German-inspired beers and traditional brewing influences. It remains one of the better-known craft beer destinations in the eastern part of Ventura County.

 

Thousand Oaks Breweries 

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company is a Thousand Oaks brewery offering a selection of house-brewed craft beers in a casual environment. It is a convenient option for beer lovers exploring the Conejo Valley and western Ventura County.

 

Ojai Breweries 

Ojai Valley Brewery

Ojai Valley Brewery brings craft beer to the distinctive mountain town of Ojai. A visit pairs well with exploring Ojai's shops, restaurants, hiking trails and surrounding scenery.

 

Simi Valley Breweries 

Simi Valley Brewing Company

Simi Valley Brewing Company is a new addition to the Ventura County craft beer scene. The brewery opened in August 2026 at 20 W. Cochran Street in Simi Valley, making it one of the newest brewery destinations in the 805.

 

Santa Barbara County Breweries

Santa Barbara County breweries offer an especially scenic way to experience the 805. Craft breweries can be found in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos and surrounding communities.

 

Santa Barbara Breweries 

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company is one of the best-known craft breweries on California's Central Coast. The brewery has multiple locations throughout the region and offers a broad selection of beers, including IPAs, lagers and seasonal releases.
 

Third Window Brewing

Third Window Brewing is a Santa Barbara brewery known for creative, small-batch beers and a strong connection to the local community. It is a popular destination for beer drinkers looking for something beyond standard brewery offerings.
 

Brass Bear Brewing

Brass Bear Brewing is a Santa Barbara brewery with locations designed for both casual drinking and social gatherings. Its beers, food and lively atmosphere make it a popular stop in the city.
 

M. Special Brewing Company

M. Special Brewing Company is a Santa Barbara-area brewery with a strong following for its rotating selection of craft beers. The brewery has locations in Goleta and Santa Barbara.
 

Draughtsmen Aleworks

Draughtsmen Aleworks is a popular Santa Barbara County brewery with a Goleta location and additional Santa Barbara presence. Its beers span a range of styles and the brewery is a well-known part of the local craft beer community.
 

Night Lizard Brewing Company

Night Lizard Brewing Company is a Santa Barbara brewery offering locally brewed craft beer in the downtown area. It is another option for visitors building a brewery-hopping itinerary in Santa Barbara.
 

Topa Topa Brewing Company – Santa Barbara

Topa Topa's Santa Barbara location brings one of Ventura County's best-known brewery brands into Santa Barbara's craft beer scene.

 

Goleta Breweries 

Captain Fatty's Brewery

Captain Fatty's Brewery is a Goleta favorite offering house-brewed craft beer in a relaxed neighborhood setting. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors exploring western Santa Barbara County.
 

Draughtsmen Aleworks – Goleta

Draughtsmen Aleworks' Goleta brewery is known for a rotating lineup of handcrafted beers and a community-oriented atmosphere.
 

M. Special Brewing Company – Goleta

M. Special's Goleta location offers another opportunity to sample the brewery's locally produced beers and rotating releases.

 

Carpinteria Breweries 

Island Brewing Company

Island Brewing Company has been brewing in Carpinteria since 2001 and is one of the longest-running breweries in the Santa Barbara County beer scene. Its location near the Carpinteria coastline makes it a natural stop for visitors exploring the South Coast.
 

Rincon Brewery – Carpinteria

Rincon Brewery's Carpinteria location combines craft beer with a restaurant experience. The brewery remains an active part of the local beer scene even though its former Santa Barbara Funk Zone location closed in March 2026.
 

brewLAB

brewLAB is a Carpinteria craft beverage destination known for experimental and small-batch brewing. It adds another distinctive option to the area's growing collection of independent producers.

 

Buellton Breweries 

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Firestone Walker is one of the most famous breweries associated with California's Central Coast. Its Buellton brewery is a major destination for beer fans traveling through Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley.
 

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company – Buellton

Figueroa Mountain's Buellton location is another important stop for visitors exploring the Santa Ynez Valley beer scene. The location offers access to the brewery's wide selection of Central Coast beers.

 

Solvang Breweries 

Solvang Brewing Company

Solvang Brewing Company combines craft beer with the distinctive Danish-inspired atmosphere of Solvang. It is an easy addition to a day of exploring Solvang's restaurants, bakeries, shops and wine tasting rooms.

 

San Luis Obispo County Breweries

San Luis Obispo County breweries are an essential part of the 805 craft beer experience. From downtown San Luis Obispo to the breweries of Paso Robles and the beer destinations of Atascadero, the county offers a remarkable variety of locally produced beer.

 

San Luis Obispo Breweries 

SLO Brew

SLO Brew is one of the most recognizable names in the San Luis Obispo beer scene. The brewery and entertainment destination combines craft beer with food, music and events in downtown SLO.
 

Bang the Drum Brewery

Bang the Drum Brewery is a San Luis Obispo craft brewery known for small-batch beers and a relaxed atmosphere. Its lineup includes a range of traditional and experimental styles.
 

Central Coast Brewing

Central Coast Brewing has been an important part of the San Luis Obispo craft beer community. The brewery has offered locally produced lagers, ales and other styles at its SLO locations.
 

Libertine Brewing Company

Libertine Brewing Company is known for creative beers and a brewing approach influenced by fermentation and winemaking techniques. Its San Luis Obispo location makes it a popular destination for adventurous craft beer drinkers.
 

Oak & Otter Brewing Company

Oak & Otter Brewing Company offers craft beer in a welcoming, dog-friendly environment. The brewery is also known for food and live music, making it a good option for a longer visit.
 

BarrelHouse Brewing Co. – SLO

BarrelHouse Brewing Co. has a downtown San Luis Obispo location in addition to its larger Paso Robles-area operations. The brewery is known for a wide range of beers and lively taproom experiences.
 

Liquid Gravity Brewing Company

Liquid Gravity Brewing Company has been part of San Luis Obispo's independent craft beer community, producing a variety of hop-forward and specialty beers.
 

Tap It Brewing Company

Tap It Brewing Company is a San Luis Obispo brewery known for its locally produced craft beers and broad selection of styles.

 

Paso Robles Breweries

Paso Robles is best known for wine, but the city has also developed a strong craft beer scene. The combination of breweries, beer gardens and the Tin City area makes Paso Robles breweries a popular destination for beer-focused road trips. 

BarrelHouse Brewing Company

BarrelHouse Brewing Company operates a major brewery destination in Paso Robles, with a large outdoor setting and a wide range of craft beers. The brewery has grown into one of San Luis Obispo County's best-known independent brewing companies.
 

Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Firestone Walker's Paso Robles brewery is one of the most important craft beer destinations in the entire 805. Beer fans can experience the brewery, taproom and a wide selection of beers produced by one of California's best-known craft brewing companies.
 

California Coast Beer Company

California Coast Beer Company is a Paso Robles craft brewery offering locally produced beer in a downtown setting. It is an excellent addition to a Paso Robles brewery itinerary.
 

Silva Brewing

Silva Brewing is a small Paso Robles brewery focused on handcrafted beer. Its downtown location makes it convenient for visitors exploring the city's restaurants, tasting rooms and shops.
 

Kilokilo Brewing Company

Kilokilo Brewing Company is part of Paso Robles' expanding independent beer scene. Beer fans visiting the Tin City area can combine brewery stops with the area's wineries, cideries and food producers.
 

927 Beer Company

927 Beer Company is another craft beer destination in the Paso Robles area, adding to the city's growing selection of independent beer producers.

 

Atascadero Breweries 

Wild Fields Brewhouse

Wild Fields Brewhouse is a family-friendly Atascadero brewpub featuring house-brewed beer, food, games and entertainment. The brewery has become a notable destination in San Luis Obispo County's North County beer scene.
 

Tent City Beer Company

Tent City Beer Company is an Atascadero craft brewery offering house beers along with a rotating selection of other craft beers. It is a longtime local option for beer lovers exploring North County.
 

Colony Mash Brewing Company

Colony Mash Brewing Company is an Atascadero brewery known for an eclectic selection that includes lagers, kettle sours and other experimental beverages.
 

Spent Grain Brewing

Spent Grain Brewing is another Atascadero-area brewery contributing to the city's growing craft beer community.
 

Blast & Brew

Blast & Brew offers a large selection of craft beer along with food and entertainment. Its Atascadero location is part of a Central Coast collection of locations and provides another casual stop for beer fans.

 

Grover Beach & South County Breweries 

Apogee Brewing Company

Apogee Brewing Company is associated with Grover Beach and adds another option for craft beer fans exploring the southern portion of San Luis Obispo County.
 

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company – Arroyo Grande

Figueroa Mountain has also had a presence in Arroyo Grande, extending the brewery's Central Coast footprint into southern San Luis Obispo County.

 

Planning an 805 Brewery Tour

Because the 805 covers a large portion of California's Central Coast, it is better to plan your brewery trip by region rather than trying to visit everything in one day.

 

Ventura Brewery Tour

For a Ventura brewery tour, concentrate on downtown Ventura, the harbor area and nearby brewery districts. Topa Topa, MadeWest, Ventura Coast, Transmission, Seaward and Poseidon are among the breweries that can be combined into a craft beer-focused day.

 

Santa Barbara Brewery Tour

A Santa Barbara brewery tour can include downtown Santa Barbara, the Funk Zone, Goleta and Carpinteria. The area is especially appealing because beer stops can easily be combined with beaches, restaurants, shopping and other Central Coast attractions.

 

Paso Robles Brewery Tour

For a Paso Robles brewery tour, consider combining downtown breweries with the Tin City area. Paso Robles makes it easy to create a beer-and-wine weekend because many breweries, wineries, cideries and restaurants are located relatively close together.

 

San Luis Obispo Brewery Tour

Downtown San Luis Obispo is another excellent location for a craft brewery tour. Several breweries and taprooms are located within or near the downtown area, making it possible to explore multiple beer destinations without driving long distances.

 

What Makes 805 Craft Beer Special?

The 805's craft beer culture reflects the character of the Central Coast. Coastal cities such as Ventura and Santa Barbara bring a relaxed beach-town atmosphere, while San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles combine craft beer with agriculture, wine country and outdoor recreation.

Local breweries range from small experimental operations to nationally recognized breweries. That variety is one of the best reasons to explore the 805 craft beer scene instead of limiting your brewery trip to one city.

 

Find More 805 Breweries

The craft beer scene in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties continues to change, with new breweries, taprooms and beer destinations opening while others close or relocate. For that reason, it is a good idea to check a brewery's official website or social media before visiting for current hours, menus, tap lists and special events.

Whether you're searching for breweries near me, planning a weekend in Paso Robles, looking for Ventura breweries, exploring Santa Barbara breweries, or visiting San Luis Obispo breweries, the 805 offers plenty of opportunities to discover something new.

Cheers to exploring the 805, one local brewery at a time!

 



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