5 Coastal Craft Breweries to Visit this Summer

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:25 PM ET, Sat May 23, 2015

Beer tourism has emerged as a legitimate industry as more and more breweries pop up across the U.S.

But while the increased availability means craft beer enthusiasts can access new brews without having to leave their city, there are a handful of breweries that can draw brew lovers in with their suds and surroundings.

With summer right around the corner, here we'll examine some of the best coastal craft breweries in America.

*Note: Top-Rated Accommodations represent Expedia.com's highest guest rated with at least 50 reviews.

Ocean City Brewing Company

Where: Ocean City, Maryland

Opened last year in one of the East Coast's premier resort towns - Ocean City, Maryland - Ocean City Brewing Company is located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

"Nuckin Futs," a smooth, sweet honey brown ale, is among the brewery's standouts. And if you're hungry, pair it or any other OC brew with their "Almost Famous" egg rolls or gourmet flatbreads.

Finding a souvenir to take home won't be hard either, as the brewery and restuarant are connected to a gift shop that features a plethora of items, from t-shirts and hats to beer glasses and accessories.

Top-Rated Accommodations:Hampton Inn & Suites Ocean City/Bayfront Convention Center, Dunes Manor Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ocean City

Nearby Attractions:Boardwalk, Jolly Roger Amusement Parks, Northside Park

Maui Brewing Company

Where: Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii, is the only place where you'll find handcrafted beers "brewed with aloha."

Located on the island's west coast in Kihei, the brewery features a tasting room that's open 11 hours daily and offers nearly three dozen different taps ready to fill up flights, pints, or growlers.

If you haven't tried any of Maui's flagship beers, you'll want to start there, as you can't go wrong with any of the four: Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, Coconut Porter, and Mana Wheat.

Top-Rated Accommodations:Aston Maui Hill, Mana Kai Maui, Aston at the Maui Banyan

Nearby Attractions:Kamaole Beach Park, Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Maui Raceway Park

Beach City Brewery

Where: Huntington Beach, California

Representing Orange County, California, Huntington Beach's Beach City Brewery brews beers inspired by, you guessed it, the beach.

Offerings like "PCH" pale ale, "Hang Five" IPA, and "Overcast Summer" wheat can't help but conjure good vibes, but the options don't end there. Beach City Brewery is also the perfect destination for waiting cruise passengers as it's located just a few miles from the Port of Long Beach.

Top-Rated Accommodations:Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, Kimpton ShoreBreak Hotel, Ayres Hotel Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach

Nearby Attractions: Huntington Beach Pier, International Surfing Museum, Huntington Central Park

Cigar City Brewery (and Dunedin Brewery)

Where: Tampa, Florida

Although Florida's Cigar City Brewery isn't quite as close to the coast as some of the aforementioned breweries, the beer is undoubtedly worth driving inland for. Cigar City has received praise nationwide for its creativity, and for a tour that includes beer and a complimentary glass will only cost you about $5.

Meanwhile, Dunedin Brewery, located along Florida's Dunedin Channel, offers guests live music in addition to some of the area's most refreshing brews, including the popular Apricot Peach Ale.

With two stellar breweries so close together, it's no wonder Tampa's craft beer scene is one of the world's best.

Top-Rated Accommodations:SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa North/I-75 Tampa Palms, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Clearwater North-Dunedin

Nearby Attractions:Lowry Park Zoo, Florida Aquarium, Caladesi Island State Park

COAST Brewing Company

Where: North Charleston, South Carolina

Located along the Cooper River, North Charleston's COAST Brewing Company may be heavily underrated, but it brews some of the region's best handcrafted beer hands down.

Plus, it boasts a food truck offering snacks that pair perfectly with its beer.

Despite being a small brewery in often overlooked part of the country, COAST continues to win over East Coast beer lovers with its vast selection, knowledgeable staff, and close-knit atmosphere.

Top-Rated Accommodations:The Restoration on King, Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport/Convention Center

Nearby Attractions:Charleston Waterfront Park, Drayton Hall, Dock Street Theatre


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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