National Michelada Day is coming up on Sunday, July 12, and if you’re looking for one of Southern California’s best destinations to celebrate, Santa Ana has plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
Travel Santa Ana has launched a new Michelada Guide, highlighting some of the city’s best spots for the iconic beer cocktail. The guide features everything from traditional micheladas to creative takes, along with vegan and non-alcoholic options inspired by the drink’s rich Mexican heritage.
To mark the occasion, Travel Santa Ana is also hosting a Sip & Stay Giveaway throughout July. One winner will receive a two-night stay at a Santa Ana hotel along with $200 in gift cards to participating Michelada Guide restaurants. To enter, visitors simply need to visit and post about at least two restaurants featured in the guide during July using the hashtag #MicheladaManiaSA. The winner will be announced on August 14, 2026.
“Think of our Michelada Guide as your personal treasure map,” said Wendy Haase-Roberts, president and CEO of Travel Santa Ana. “Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, it’ll lead you straight to the best-kept michelada secrets in our walkable downtown and across the city.”
Among the guide’s standout destinations is Alta Baja Market, located inside 4th Street Market. Known for showcasing regional Mexican flavors, the restaurant offers both classic and inventive micheladas. Favorites include La Mera Mera, a traditional savory michelada, and La Nopalita, a vibrant purple michelada featuring prickly pear and lime that’s also available in vegan and non-alcoholic versions.
For drinkers looking for something over the top, Cali Licious Crab & Brews serves the playful Pelon Pelochela, a michelada inspired by the popular Pelon Pelo Rico candy. Loaded with sweet and savory toppings, it’s one of the city’s most eye-catching creations.
The Michelada Guide features more than 20 participating restaurants, breweries, and bars across Santa Ana, including:
Michelada fans can also join the celebration year-round by sharing their visits on Instagram with @TravelSantaAna and #MicheladaManiaSA. Participants can receive a limited-edition Michelada Guide enamel pin while supplies last, and every quarter one participant will be selected to win a $50 gift card to one of the featured restaurants.
Whether you prefer your michelada classic, spicy, fruit-forward, or alcohol-free, Santa Ana’s growing collection of bars, breweries, and restaurants offers plenty of ways to celebrate National Michelada Day – and perhaps discover a new favorite along the way.
