Drink Your Way Around California

If you’re a fan of EPCOT at Walt Disney World, you’ve probably heard of “drinking your way around the world”. For those unfamiliar, this means spending a day grabbing a drink at each pavilion, enjoying all that each country has to offer.

Disneyland doesn’t have a World Showcase, but it does have a park dedicated to different regions of the western coast: California Adventure. Unlike its magical next-door neighbor, California Adventure is not a dry park. Most lands have some great places to sit, unwind, and enjoy a refreshing beverage. With that in mind, the following is a brief guide to drinking your way around California!

REDWOODS

Start your tour of California in the northernmost region of the state: the Redwood forests! When you arrive in California Adventure, turn right at the end of Buena Vista Street, and you’ll arrive in Grizzly Peak. This is the land dedicated to the California wilderness, and has two places to grab a drink. To stay in the scenery, stop by Smokejumper’s Grill. For a fancier stop, cross the bridge into the Grand Californian and visit the Hearthstone Lounge. Note: if you use this entrance into the Grand Californian, you’ll have to go through Downtown Disney to get back into the park unless you are a guest of the hotel.

VINEYARDS

Once you’ve finished with the forest, it’s time to head into wine country. Follow the path through Grizzly Peak toward the waterfront, and then take a left. On the left hand side, you’ll see two tasting terraces: Mendocino Terrace and the Alfresco Tasting Terrace. Both offer a huge selection of California wines, and offer a taste of wine country living. You can also enjoy a large selection of drinks from the restaurant: the Wine Country Trattoria.

COAST

When most people think of California, they think of two things: beaches and palm trees. The waterfront section of the park (Paradise Gardens Park) celebrates California’s coastlines, as is one of the most popular places in the park to enjoy a beverage. Try some drinks from the nearby carts, and enjoy the view of the bay. You can also grab a drink at Bayside Brews and swing by the nearby patio to enjoy some live music.

CANNERY ROW

When you’re ready to move on, cross the bridge into Cannery Row, modeled after a famous street in Monterey. Cucina Cucamonga and Rita’s Baja Blenders both serve a selection of drinks, which go perfectly with some ice cream from Ghirardelli! Grab a table by the water, and you’ll have spectacular views of Paradise Bay and the vineyards.

ROUTE 66

Though Cars Land is set in the fictional town of Radiator Springs, it does draw inspiration from the very real Route 66, which passes through California near Los Angeles. There are two places in Cars Land to grab a drink: the Cozy Cone Motel or Flo’s V8 Café. No matter which spot you choose, take your drink to Flo’s back patio. You’ll enjoy a unique vantage point of the mountain range and racetrack!

HOLLYWOOD

The last stop on your drinking tour is by far the most glamorous: Hollywood! When you’re finished in Cars Land, follow the main path back toward the entrance, and keep right at the circle. You’ll see Carthay Circle on your right. The first floor is a very cool old-fashioned bar and lounge, and an awesome place to enjoy a nightcap.