If you’re a fan of craft breweries and unique beer, why not plan your vacation around it? There are so many cities that are amazing vacation spots and happen to offer some of the best beer in the world. From a California beach town to charming European cities, these destinations offer the best breweries, taprooms, and beer experiences. Beer lovers, consider this your new travel bucket list. Cheers!
Munich, Germany
Beer is an important part of German culture, and offers some of the best beer in the world. Munich, known as the World Capital of Beer, features hundreds of beer gardens, beer halls, and breweries serving up famous German style beers. Hofbräuhaus is the world’s most famous beer hall and has played a key role in Munich’s history, and there are many other exciting beer halls such as Weisses Bräuhaus—another essential Munich beer institution serving up brews since the 19th century. While in Munich, you’ll sip on beers such as Weizenbier, Hefeweizen, Pilsener, and Kölsch, among others. Get ready to say, “Prost!”
San Diego, CA
Home to over 130 breweries with new breweries popping up every weekend, sunny San Diego is a beer lover’s dream vacation destination. Not only will you be able to have a relaxing beach vacation, you’ll get to sample some of the best craft brews out there. It is the birthplace of some famous beers, such as Karl Strauss and Stone Brewing. No matter where you are in San Diego, there’s a craft beer nearby! A few of the must-try breweries include Ballast Point, Green Flash, Pizza Port, and Alesmith. You can’t go wrong with sunshine, the beach, and delicious beers.
Dublin, Ireland
Although Dublin is the home of Guinness, it is also in the midst of a burgeoning craft beer scene. No matter what your beer of choice is, while in Dublin, stopping for a Guinness is a must. Located in St James’s Gate Brewery, you’ll find the Guinness Storehouse, where you’ll learn all about the history of Ireland’s iconic beer and learn the art of pouring the perfect Guinness. Aside from Guinness, there are plenty of craft breweries and brewpubs in Dublin offering all different types of craft beers that you can only find in Ireland.
Brussels, Belgium
Belgium is known forproducing some of the world’s best beer and has much to offer for beer enthusiasts. Belgium has the largest diversity of original beer styles in the world, with breweries offering unique, creative beers that you can’t find anywhere else. The aromas and flavors of Belgian beer range from light and bitter to dark and sweet. You’ll find some common elements to many Belgian beers, but they all have something different and unique about the way they are made. Some Belgian beers to try while you’re in Brussels include Holy Ales such as Abbey and Trappist Ales, Belgian Ales such as White and Saison Ales, and Sour Ales. Brussels is an exciting city that has tons of incredible bars, restaurants, shopping, and historical sightseeing to enjoy when you’re not trying new delicious Belgian beers.
Portland, Maine
This small coastal town is a hidden gem that offers the most craft breweries per capita than any city in the U.S. It’s also home to beautiful beaches, tons of hiking, world-class restaurants, and more. Portland is a haven for craft beer lovers because not only are there an impressive amount of breweries to choose from, they all produce incredible, high quality craft beers. Some of the most popular breweries in Portland are Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, Allagash Brewing, and Foundation Brewing. You’ll find brown ales, hoppy IPAs, stouts, and German-style lagers, all made right in Portland. There’s a brewery for every type of beer-lover in this small town!
From historical lagers to trendy IPAs, any beer lover will fall in love with these destinations. These cities have tons of amazing breweries, but they also offer incredible restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and historical charm. Taste your way through these destinations for the vacation of a lifetime.
