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Peanut butter and jelly. Baseball games and peanuts. Teens and Snapchat. Some things just go together. For us beer lovers, there’s nothing better than the combination of brews and the beach. There’s just something about the feeling of sand between your toes, the smell of salt air, the sound of crashing waves, and watching a vividly-colorful sunset…it makes you want to kick back, take it all in, and sip an ice-cold frothy beer. Ahhhhh, life is good! With all the action going on in tasting rooms in breweries throughout the country, sometimes all summer requires is great-tasting beer in a beach setting. So what better way to celebrate summer than with a list of must-visit beach breweries? Here are 10 to get you started.
Backshore Brewing Co.
Ocean City, MD
Any brewery that features a VW van is at the top of my “cool” list. AND it’s on the boardwalk. Which means it’s on the beach. AND it has an ocean view. Mic drop. (Personal note: I’d love to turn back time to the summer of 1991 when I lived in Ocean City with my friends a block away from where this brewery is today. Wish this spot was there then! Or maybe that would have spelled trouble…)
My beer picks: Amber Waves of Grain (Amber Ale), Bohemian Rhapsody (Lager), Barley Legal (Barleywine)
Beach Haus Brewing
Belmar, NJ
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I’ve always been a South Jersey shore girl, but I did visit a friend in Belmar one summer in college, and I’m pretty sure I slept on a chair. (Or maybe a sofa, or the floor?) It’s a fun little beach town and now has a fun little brewery with a great rooftop.
My beer pics: Beach Haus Classic American Pilsner, Hopbahn Double IPA, Krampus Spiced Ale (seasonal)
Belmont Brewing Company
Long Beach, CA
Hmmmm, a brewpub in California on the beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I’m not sure there is anything better than palm trees, sand, surf and craft beer. Definitely try their “blends,” two of their signature beers mixed into one drink. Sign me up.
My beer pics: Strawberry Blond (Blond Ale), Top Sail (Amber Ale), Long Beach Crude (Stout)
Cocoa Beach Brewing Company
Cocoa Beach, FL
I love the looks of this welcoming brewery, built in a 1930s-era Navy house. Add in the coast of Florida, palm trees, a family-owned business and a cozy home-like tap room, and you have the making of a truly unique beach brewery experience.
My beer picks: Cocoa Beach Key Lime Cerveza, “Not Just Some” Oatmeal Stout, Sofa King Double IPA
Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Islamorada, FL
Located in the arts and cultural district of Islamorada in the Upper Keys, this has got to be a beach/beer lovers dream. Who doesn’t want to drink some crazy innovative beers in the Florida Keys in a sunny, bright, happy tasting room? Can that be a job? It’s my dream job.
My beer picks: Iguana Bait (Honey Hibiscus Kolsch), Queen of the South (Vanilla Cream Ale), Hurricane Hole (Irish Red Ale)
Good Hops Brewing
Carolina Beach, NC
I’ve never been to Pleasure Island in North Carolina, but when I go, I’m sure as heck going to stop here. Not only do I want to try the innovative beers, the brewery features a 9-hole disc golf course (true story) which should definitely provide some entertainment. (Especially after a few brews.)
My beer picks: Topless Amber, Bilyberry Wheat (Blueberry), Bravehop Scotch Ale
Home Republic
Virginia Beach, VA
This is close to home for me, so I just added it to my summer TO DO list. (This is one to-do that I may actually get accomplished!) Just a block off the beach, I’m looking forward to delving into some delicious pub fare, while hearing waves crash, sipping on some cold brews. Starting my car now…
My beer picks: Orange Creamsic Ale, PB & Oats, Shine On You Crazy Ryemond IPA
Maui Brewing Company
Lahaina, Maui, HI
A tasting room that has a covered lanai…that has got to be a first! (And a genius idea.) This brewery was suggested by a Booze Bin reader (thanks Sean!), who said you can’t beat the beautiful sunsets. With views of both Haleakala and Molokini (that sound amazing), I imagine you’ll be adding this to your brewery (and life) bucket list.
My beer picks: Coconut Hiwa Porter, Pineapple Mana Wheat, Big Swell IPA
Pelican Pub and Brewery
Pacific City, OR
I’m pretty sure the photo says all you need to know. It’s Oregon’s only ocean-front brewery, and being surrounded by lots of little inns and cottages, it sounds like the perfect West Coast getaway. Darn, I’ll fly out there for one day just for the view and a beer.
My beer picks: Tsunami Stoudt, Squawk (Belgian Ale), Imperial Pelican Ale
Volcano Brewing Company
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Oh yes, I did go there. I was lucky enough to visit Costa Rica recently (somebody take me back please) and having beers at Volcano actually inspired me to write this blog post. The brewery sits within Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, so imagine kicking back with a flight of craft beers, watching surfers, smelling salt air, in a spectacular country with amazing sunsets. Ummm, yep. Just go there.
My beer picks: Witch’s Rock Pale Ale, Gato Malo Dark Ale, Hasselhopp IPA
Know of any other beach breweries not on this list? I’d love to hear about them. Post below! Hope to see you soon at a beach, with a delicious craft beer in your hand. Cheers!