The Best Trip Ideas for Beer Lovers

Edmund's Oast in Charleston — Photo: Courtesy of Explore Charleston, ExploreCharleston.com

Fans of wine have vineyards, harvests, winery tasting rooms, tours, and destinations around the globe to indulge their love of the grape. Cruises, travel groups, and weekend getaways centered on wine have long been popular, taking travelers afar to explore their favorite beverage. Chatting with winemakers and tasting room staff is often as enjoyable as sipping the wine.

Beer also has plenty of fans, and craft brewerie s likewise have the appeal of small, independent producers anxious to talk about their brews. Craft beer sales are increasing, and the number of small breweries in the United States is growing. Further, a 2019 survey conducted on behalf of Visit Anaheim indicated that tasting tourism is increasing as "seven in 10 Americans have traveled to a destination specifically to sample the alcohol in the region." The same survey tells us that 72% of beer drinkers have spent vacation time going to a tasting at a local brewery. Vacations based on visiting breweries and doing beer-related activities even have a name: "beercations."

If this puts you in the mood to visit a brewery or two, we have some ideas for destinations with plenty of craft breweries and other features that make for a worthy beercation. Several of these cities are known for their beer production, but there are a few up-and-coming beer cities on this list. With this bit of inspiration and a little planning, you'll find your own favorite beercation destination.

01 of 08

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Founders Brewing Co in Grand Rapids, MI — Courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids

It seems only right to start with Grand Rapids, known as "Beer City" in recognition of its more than 80 breweries within an hour of downtown and its "Beer City Ale Trail." But Grand Rapids, set on the Grand River about 30 miles from Lake Michigan, has more to offer than beer. The Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, and the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives should all be on a visitor's itinerary. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, also in Grand Rapids, displays memorabilia from the president's time in office and offers a holographic tour of the White House as it was during his presidency.The Grand Rapids Downtown Market houses more than twenty indoor food vendors, restaurants, a rooftop greenhouse, and an incubator kitchen for food startups and entrepreneurs. Founders Brewery, modeled after a German beer hall and set in a former truck depot, offers a wide selection of seasonal and year-round beers. City Built creates a wide range of brews and serves food with a Puerto Rican flavor. If you need a change from beer tasting, try some hard cider made from apples grown in the local area, another Grand Rapids specialty.

02 of 08

Denver, Colorado

RiNo Arts District tour — Adam Larkey/Courtesy of Visit Denver

The Mile High City, rich in history and diversity, is home to world-class museums, sporting events, and an extensive array of hotels from luxurious to historic to haunted. With the majestic Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, national park adventures are just a day trip away. Denver's approximately 150 breweries make it a major player in the craft brewing scene. Enjoy the extensive variety of breweries on your own, or choose from the many beer and brewery tours. The Lower Downtown Denver Craft Beer Tour includes a historical walking tour. The Denver Food and Craft Beer Tour explores Denver's culinary scene paired with local craft beers, and Rino Beer and Graffiti offers a glimpse of Denver's street art scene. With so many options to choose from, the biggest problem for beer enthusiasts will be deciding which to select. The Grateful Gnome is a casual brewery and sandwich shop featuring live music some nights (and the occasional Grateful Dead cover band). Odell Brewing Company in RiNo is family and employee-owned, and all tips are donated to local charities. Briar Common, a popular destination near Mile High Stadium, is as much about the food as the beer. Liberati Osteria serves a unique assortment of beer-wine hybrids called oenobeers—beer made from grapes.

03 of 08

Charleston, South Carolina

Commonhouse Aleworks in Charleston, SC — Courtesy of Commonhouse Aleworks

Renowned for its southern charm and hospitality, the city of Charleston is rich in history, but it also offers incredible contemporary restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Chosen for its architecture, theaters, churches, and gardens, Charleston is home to the Spoleto Festival USA, one of America's most significant performing arts festivals. Visitors to this lovely city may enjoy a historic Charleston harbor cruise, horse-drawn carriage tour, or perhaps a spooky walking tour of the city's most haunted spots. Tucked into the landscape of cobblestone streets and centuries-old mansions is evidence of Charleston's expanding brewery industry. Commonhouse Aleworks serves a full menu to accompany a selection of craft beers. Rusty Bull Brewing Co. is family friendly with food trucks, live music, and craft beers ranging from pale ales to hearty stouts. For organic seasonal brews, visit the Freehouse Brewery located on the scenic banks of the Ashley River. Dog-friendly Munkle Brewing Company specializes in Belgian and German brews. Pool tables, TVs, outdoor tables, and cornhole add to the atmosphere. With a cool taproom and pub grub including coal-fired pizzas worthy of a fine Zagat review, Edmund's Oast Brewing Company is a must-visit brewery in Charleston. Pub and Brewery Tours offers intimate walking tours and a bus tour complete with tales of Charleston's colorful past and stops at three historic pubs. Charleston Brews Cruise is another bus tour option and includes samples of the unique brews at each stop.

04 of 08

Ithaca, New York

Beer from Ithaca Beer Company with pizza and burger plates — Allison Usavage for Visit Ithaca

The Finger Lakes region has long been known for their vino (specifically, the rieslings and ice wine, though their lighter-bodied reds aren't to be overlooked). However, the beer scene just four hours from NYC is worth traveling for. The epicenter of the Finger Lakes beer scene is, of course, Ithaca Beer Co. Visitors love their indoor-outdoor taproom almost as much as they love the brewery's signature Flower Power IPA. The other heavy hitter in the area is Southern Tier Brewing Company, named for the southwestern part of New York state known as the Southern Tier. Southern Tier is now widely distributed in New York City and they have taprooms across the country — but it all started at their brewery in Lakewood, New York, which you can visit for a hefty pour of Pumpking in the fall (or the classic Southern Tier IPA at any time of year). Continue the tour de Finger Lakes beer at spots like Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) and Bottomless Brewing (Geneva).

05 of 08

Flagstaff, Arizona

Beer flight at Dark Sky Brewery in Flagstaff, AZ — Courtesy of Discover Flagstaff

While Arizona may conjure up thoughts of a hot, dry desert, the town of Flagstaff, located in the northern mountains of the state, boasts four distinct seasons. With summer temperatures in the low 80s, breathtaking panoramic foliage in autumn, plentiful snow in winter, and a gorgeous assortment of spring blooms, adventures await all year long. The Historic Downtown and Railroad District is home to vintage buildings now transformed into shops, restaurants, galleries, and breweries. Located on Historic Route 66, the Mother Road and Dark Sky Brewing Co. both partner with neighbor, Pizzacletta, to serve excellent beer and Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza. Historic Barrel and Bottle House offers upscale bar fare and a wide selection of craft beer on tap. Lumberyard Taproom and Grille is located in a former lumber yard with a taproom, eatery, and patio with a fire pit. These and others are all within walking distance of one another, and most are dog friendly. A short drive south will take you to Verde Brewing Company, That Brewery, and others. Perhaps you'll want to plan your next "beercation" around one of Flagstaff's festivals. Among other fests, Flagstaff Blues and Brews, an outdoor beer and music festival, is held every June, and Flagstaff Brew HaHa, a beer tasting event representing more than 60 local, regional, and national brewers, happens every January.

06 of 08

Portland, Maine

Pouring a beer at Rising Tide in Portlands, ME — Gabs Souza/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images

A stroll through this delightful peninsula city offers historic mansions, quaint shops, restaurants, and ocean views. The lobster is delectable, and there's that iconic lighthouse (the most-photographed lighthouse in the U.S.), dating back to the 1700s. In recent years, Portland has become popular for its large number of excellent breweries packed into a not-so-large area. In fact, the city tops the list with the most craft breweries per capita with 18 breweries per 50,000 people. One of the many notable stops is Foulmouthed Brewing, with its family-friendly atmosphere, delicious beer, and impressive menu. The dog-friendly Rising Tide Brewing Company has a cool layout to go along with excellent beer, a fun ambiance, and a selection of food trucks. For an informative tour with great samplings, try the Allagash, known for superb Belgian-inspired beers, games for the kids, and tasty food truck offerings. The close proximity of many of the brew bars allows visitors to pub crawl on their own, but there are tours guaranteed to heighten the experience. Maine Brew Bus Tours offers a variety of unique experiences including Bike and Brews, Walk, Talk, and Taste, Port City Running Brew Tour, and the Brews Cruise in addition to an assortment of bus tour options.

07 of 08

San Diego, California

The Golden State receives credit for starting the craft brewing movement in 1965 when a young man named Fritz Maytag took over the failing Anchor Steam Brewery and introduced new beers based on lost styles. With around 1,000 craft breweries today, the state is a top location for beer tourism. That made it a bit difficult to settle on one California city, but year-round, San Diego has much to offer visitors in addition to craft beer — nearly perfect weather, beaches, mountains, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, a vibrant downtown, wineries, and great food. With more than 140 breweries, it's easy to find one wherever you may be in the area. Take a tour in a vintage Swiss safari vehicle for a unique brewery experience downtown or in the north county area with Scavengers. Book a unique experience with the San Diego Beer Train Trolley Tour. At Mission Brewery in the East Village, you're welcome to bring your own food and book an hour-long tour that includes tastings. Little Italy's Ballast Point offers casual dining indoors or outside. Border X Brewing features Mexican-inspired beers including Abuelita's Chocolate Stout and Horchata Golden Stout, both rich with spicy aromas. So many breweries, so little time.

08 of 08

Stowe, Vermont

Cans of Heady Topper are filled at the Alchemist brewery in Waterbury, VT — Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

New Englanders have come to see Vermont as a beer mecca, and between the farm-to-table food paired with hop-filled brews and VT's après-ski culture, it's not hard to see why. Perhaps the most iconic brewery in Vermont is The Alchemist — their brew pub has been around since 2003 in Waterbury, Vermont. Known for their unfiltered IPAs, the must-try beer is Heady Topper, which you've almost certainly heard your New England friends rave about. In addition to their long-standing Waterbury brew pub, The Alchemist just debuted a beer garden in Stowe in summer 2021. While in Stowe, you can't miss von Trapp Brewery, Stowe Cider, and Idletyme Brewing. Plus, for a luxury stay — whether you're coming to Stowe for a ski-and-beer weekend or to enjoy the fall foliage — you can't do better than Topnotch Resort, right in the heart of Stowe.

Was this page helpful?