50 best cities for beer lovers

From the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, craft beer is gaining momentum. There’s no better way to celebrate than with a trip to one of these 50 cities known for their top-notch craft beer scene. From San Diego’s IPAs to Missoula’s barley wines, these cities have something for everyone.

San Diego

San Diego is the craft beer capital of America. The city has long been home to several venerable breweries, including Karl Strauss and Green Flash Brewing, but in recent years it’s become a hotspot for new microbreweries as well. Located just south of San Francisco, San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in America with a year-round Mediterranean climate. The weather is perfect for hanging out on patios and enjoying some delicious craft beers!

San Diego has many events that celebrate beer culture including a weeklong festival called San Diego Beer Week where local breweries come together to show off their best brews. There are also plenty of other festivals throughout the year such as Baja California Craft Beer Fest and Kickoff Party at Pizza Port Brewing Company where you can sample some great beers by local brewers like Modern Times or Ballast Point Brewing Company. Many restaurants also pair their food with fantastic craft beers so you can try something new every time!

Grand Rapids, Mich.

If you’re not ready to call up your travel agent, it might be time to pick up a beer and explore some of Grand Rapids’ local offerings. The city is known as the Beer City USA and was officially named so by the U.S. Brewers Association in 2011, thanks to its 50-plus craft breweries and brewpubs, including Brewery Vivant, Founders Brewing Company and Bell’s Brewery.

If you plan on dropping by any local watering holes while in town (or simply want something new to try), you’ll find plenty of options on draft at brewpubs like Schmohz Brewery & Pub or One Well Brewing Company; if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere where you can sit down for dinner with friends or family before enjoying a pint together, visit Harmony Brewing Company for unique small-batch beers brewed just steps away from its dining area.

Portland, Maine

As the largest city in Maine, Portland has long been known for its brewing industry. It’s home to the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States and boasts over 20 craft breweries. The city hosts a thriving beer culture that includes a monthly beer festival and an annual Beer Week every May.

Asheville, N.C.

As a beer-loving city, Asheville has a lot to offer. It’s home to more than 40 breweries and brewpubs and hosts an annual Beer City Festival that draws thousands of people. There are also many other festivals and events throughout the year, including two Oktoberfests, several craft beer festivals and even a cider festival (because what’s better than well-crafted cider?).

Asheville is also home to one of the most famous tours in America: Wicked Weed Brewery’s Funkatorium Tour. This tour includes samples at each stop on your journey through Asheville’s vibrant brewing scene with stops at Highland Brewing Company and Burial Beer Co., before ending at Wicked Weed Brewing Co., which was named one of America’s best new breweries by Thrillist in 2017!

Philadelphia

Philadelphia

The city of brotherly love has a rich history as a beer town, particularly during the early 19th century when it was home to dozens of breweries. Today, Philadelphia is still home to some great craft breweries and bars that are worth visiting while you’re in town.

• Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia: This Philly-based brewery has been around since 1994. Their flagship beer, Brawler Pale Ale (5% ABV), is light with citrus notes and pairs well with seafood dishes like oysters or crab cakes. Another popular option is Pynk Gose (4% ABV), which blends fruit flavors from raspberries for an unforgettable taste combination—and an amazing pink color! If you want to try something different from other brewers who focus on IPAs and stouts, Yards Brewing Company will be sure to impress your taste buds with their unique flavors that pair well with most meals..

Missoula, Mont.

Missoula is home to several breweries, including Big Sky Brewing Company and Kettlehouse Brewing Co. The city has a growing craft beer scene, and the local culture is strongly influenced by its beer festivals—which include the annual Brews & Boos Halloween Festival and Montana Brewers in Paradise Craft Beer Festival.

Missoula also hosts a brewery tour organized by the Montana Beer Trail, where you can visit over 15 breweries in one day. There are also plenty of bars around town that serve local brews on tap, including Missoula Beer Garden on South Higgins Avenue or Gandy Dancer Brewpub on East Broadway Street.

Bend, Ore.

Bend, Ore.

Bend is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but it truly comes alive in the summer months. The town offers easy access to outdoor recreation and fantastic food and beer options, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or longer vacation.

Located on the eastern side of Oregon’s Cascade Range, Bend sits at an elevation of around 4,500 feet above sea level and has a population of nearly 89,000 people (according to the 2010 census). That makes it one of the largest cities in Central Oregon—but don’t let its size fool you: Bend has plenty of personality!

Madison, Wis.

Madison, Wisconsin is one of the best cities for beer lovers. The city has a large selection of craft breweries and beer bars that can be found throughout the city. There are also many beer festivals, stores, and tours available. The variety of options makes Madison an exciting place to explore if you’re looking for something different from your typical night out on the town.

The beer scene in Madison is thriving thanks to its proximity to two major cities (Madison and Milwaukee) as well as its popularity with tourists who visit during events like Summerfest or Taste of Madison. These factors make it easy for residents and visitors alike to enjoy some delicious local beer!

Reno, Nev.

It’s no wonder Reno is one of the best cities for beer lovers. The city has more than 20 breweries and brewpubs, including the award-winning Great Basin Brewery, which produces a variety of beers that you can only find in Nevada. They even have a brewery tour called the Reno Brews Cruise—so you can see all those breweries from a boat on Lake Tahoe!

Boulder, Colo.

Boulder, Colo.

Boulder is the home of the largest craft beer festival in the country and is also home to the largest craft brewery in the world. The city hosts the annual “Brewer’s Cup” competition, which often draws more than 1,000 breweries and 50,000 attendees over three days. This year’s event will take place on August 31 through September 2 at Chautauqua Park with tickets starting at $20 for a single day pass or $50 for all three days.

These cities offer a wide array of craft beers and some even have their own breweries with tours and specialty brews that are worth a visit

• Some cities have breweries that offer tours and special brews, as well as beer festivals.
• Other cities have bars with a large selection of craft beers, and some even host tastings or events where you can learn more about drinking beer.
• Beer is available at shops, stores, gardens and other public places where you can enjoy a frosty beverage while meeting new people.

Conclusion

The best cities for beer lovers have all the trappings of a great vacation, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. From breweries and taprooms to brewpubs and bottle shops, these cities have all the beer you could possibly want in one place. With so many breweries opening up every year all over America, it’s never been easier to find something new and exciting from coast-to-coast!