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Craft Breweries and Distilleries Worth a Detour in the Coachella Valley
The Coachella Valley has no shortage of reasons to spend an afternoon outside. But if you like your desert adventures with something cold in your glass, the local craft drink scene is worth exploring.
The brewery scene here has grown into something genuinely fun, with everything from easy-drinking lagers and classic IPAs to farmhouse ales, barrel-aged stouts, sours, and beers made with ingredients grown right here in the valley. There are also local distilleries for anyone who prefers spirits. These are the places worth adding to your itinerary. The best part is that each stop has its own personality, so the day never feels repetitive around the valley too.
1. Las Palmas Brewing, Palm Springs
Las Palmas Brewing is an easy place to start, especially if you’re already around downtown Palm Springs. The relaxed taproom pours six rotating house beers, including unfiltered IPAs, farmhouse ales, and lagers, along with natural wines and non-alcoholic options. The beers are fermented at ambient temperatures, left unfiltered, and served fresh, giving them a more raw character. Grab a pint, settle in, and let the afternoon take its time.
2. Coachella Valley Brewing Company, Thousand Palms
Coachella Valley Brewing Company has been part of the region’s craft beer story since 2013, using local citrus, honey, herbs, and spices to bring the desert into its beers. The lineup rotates frequently, so there is always something new to try. You might find a crisp lager alongside a hazy IPA or a rich barrel-aged stout.
3. La Quinta Brewing Co.
La Quinta Brewing Co. has locations in Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Palm Springs, making it one of the easiest local breweries to fit into a trip. Its beers lean toward classic, approachable styles, with favorites such as Poolside Blonde and Even Par IPA. The rotating lineup also includes guest beers and ciders, so groups can find something they like without everyone having to drink the same thing.
4. Desert Beer Company, Palm Desert
Desert Beer Company brings a more experimental personality to the valley. Owner Devon Sanchez previously worked at Coachella Valley Brewing Company before opening this Palm Desert brewery, and that creative background shows. The lineup can include porters, IPAs, sours, and unusual seasonal releases. The Pepino Con Chile Cream Ale is especially memorable, combining cucumber with Anaheim, serrano, and habanero peppers. Live music and food pop-ups add to the neighborhood feel.
5. Luchador Brewing Company, Cathedral City
Luchador Brewing Company brings plenty of personality to Cathedral City. Inspired by Mexican wrestling and craft beer, the brewery serves rotating house-made beers and seltzers in a colorful, lively setting. Expect crisp lagers and Belgian farmhouse ales, plus Tijuana-style street food from the El Camion food truck inside the brewery. It’s a great choice when the brewery stop needs to include dinner too.
