The 20 best breweries to visit in the United States

A staple among all craft beer drinkers, Samuel Adams continues to evolve with the times while also keeping true to the brews that put them on the map. Its main brewery is still located in Boston. In addition, there is a second taproom in the heart of the city as well as one in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its Boston Lager remains its most popular beer, while its seasonal releases like Cold Snap and Summer Ale lace the store shelves in winter and summer, respectively. 

How can you not include a stop at "America's Oldest Brewery" on your tour? The Pottsville, Pennsylvania production began in 1829, even lasting through the Prohibition Era. Fun fact: during that time, they produced beer that was 0.5% ABV, which didn't qualify as beer, which made it so that they could sell it. The history can be felt while taking the tour, and it's certainly worth it to learn about the intricacies of its facility, which has withstood the test of time. Yuengling also has a location in Tampa, Florida. 

Its main production facility is situated in the heart of Milton, Delaware, but it also boasts a collection of taprooms and restaurants, including its signature Alehouses with locations in Maryland and Virginia. The craft brewery was acquired as part of a merger with the Boston Beer Company in 2019 but has continued to operate as usual, producing a wide range of experimental beers along with their spirits. The Milton Brewery features its iconic Steampunk Tree House, which is always an ideal spot for photos. 

This California-based brewery is among the most well-known in the country. If you're on the East Coast, fret not because they also have a taproom in North Carolina serving up their beers. The main production operates out of Chico, where the likes of its core brews, including Pale Ale and Torpedo, are produced. Both locations featured full-fledged kitchens and a wooden interior that created the perfect drinking environment. 

It's no secret that the New England area is ripe with pristine beer. Treehouse Brewing may sit atop the rest as evident in their highly-rated beer on unTappd. It's Gggreennn! is the top-rated New England IPA on the beer rating app, and fourth on that list also belongs to them with Aaalterr Ego. If you want to try their beer, the only catch is this: they don't distribute. That being said, all six of their locations are as picturesque as they come.  

The largest brewery in Southern California certainly warrants recognition on this list. Along with their main facility, there are also eight other Stone locations throughout the country, including one in Richmond, Virginia. Their staples include Stone IPA and their Arrogant Bastarđ Ale. Their Escondido location boasts 36 taps while also proudly sourcing their ingredients from the local market. 

Their All Day IPA is among the top-selling craft beers in the country. Founders lay claim to being one of the biggest breweries in the state and infuse their Michigan heritage in all of their beers. Their Grand Rapids facility features all of their core beers along with plenty of taproom exclusives, which — along with their unique building that formerly was a trucking depot — makes Founders a must-visit when near the Great Lakes State. 

Michigan is home to some major players in the beer scene, and Bell's is near the top of the list. Their flagship beers feature Two Hearted IPA, Hazy Hearted IPA, and their Oberon beers. Visitors can check out their two locations in the state, including where it all began in Kalamazoo. 

They have some main beers that are well-known, like the Troegenator Double Bock and their Perpetual IPA, but their seasonal and once-a-year-beers are where they really separate themselves. From Nimble Giant and Blizzard of Hops to the always-popular and oh-so-strong Mad Elf, which clocks in at 11%, Troegs Independent Brewing is a brewing mecca in the heart of Pennsylvania. Their brewery is also a stone's throw away from Hersheypark. 

This Tampa business is Florida through and through. From its owners to the ingredients used, Cigar City embraces the Sunshine State with every opportunity. Its Jai Alai IPA is a staple down south, with citrus coming through in this 7.5% flagship. Other mainstays include the aptly named Florida Man Double IPA and the Maduro Brown Ale. Cigar City has three locations throughout the state, including one at the AMALIE Arena, home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Situated in Portland, Maine, Allagash specializes in Belgian-inspired beers, none more so than its Allagash White. This was the first beer ever produced by Allagash and has been recognized with numerous awards, including nine gold medals across major events like the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. The brewery is perfectly suited for the New England region, and making a visit even more worthwhile is that it's located a little more than six miles from another brewing giant, Shipyard Brewing. 

Harpoon Brewery produces some unique beers, none of which fits this label more than its Dunkin series. This line includes the Dunkin Pumpkin, the Dunkin Boston Creme, and the Jelly Donut IPA. What's a better match made in heaven than two Boston icons like Harpoon and Dunkin? Their Boston facility is located right on the water in the Seaport District. They also have a building in Windsor, Vermont. 

The pictures alone make this worth a visit. Pelican Brewing Company might not have the name recognition that many others on this list do, but if there's one brewery that truly is worth a visit, it has to be this one. They boast four locations, including a beachfront property in Pacific City, Oregon, where pictures don't do justice. 

Southern Tier has become a national brand as its reach extends to 30-plus states. They were born in Lakewood, New York in the early 2000s and have since expanded to five locations across four states. If you're not strictly a beer drinker, this place checks off another box as they produce their own distilling line. The parent company, Craft Revolution LLC, has three other brands in its portfolio: Victory Brewing, Sixpoint Brewery, and Bold Rock Hard Cider. Most locations feature a collection of all these brands.  

Nestled in the confines of its namesake New York borough, Brooklyn Brewery has become not just a national brand but one that sees its beer in more than 30 countries. Its brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, is a James Beard award winner, which explains its tremendous success. Brooklyn isn't short of things to do and places to visit, but no trip to the area is complete for a beer lover without stopping by this taproom. 

If you're wondering why this Ireland-based brewery is on the list, here's why: they have a beautiful brewery located on the outskirts of Baltimore. Guinness opened its American location in 2015, incorporating its 260-plus-year history into a state-of-the-art sprawling campus. Their classic beer is, of course, the star here, but there's also a line of experimental beers only found there. When visiting here, try to stop in when the weather is nice, as their outside area is filled with greenery, games, seating, and TVs. 

The brewery behind beers like Fat Tire Classic Ale and Voodoo Ranger IPA, New Belgium has two major facilities in Colorado and North Carolina along with two other locations, including one in San Francisco. Their main property in Fort Collins, Colorado truly feels like a campus ripe with sprawling greenery. 

New York is home to some impressive breweries, but this Cooperstown-based company may take the cake for having the coolest property. They were the first farmhouse brewery upon opening and feature a beautiful landscape that includes a disc golf course. Any baseball fan who makes the trip up to the Baseball Hall of Fame has to swing by this spot. Fans of Game of Thrones may also know this brewery because of its collection of exclusive ales themed after the hit HBO series. 

Oskar Blues Brewery's signature beer is one many beer drinkers have had in their lifetime: Dale's Pale Ale. It has plenty of other beers worth a sip, including Mama's Little Yella Pils, Imperial Hazy Blues, and Tenfidy. The company has a pair of taprooms, one in North Carolina and one in Colorado. 

The Chicago-born brewery is recognized nationwide thanks in large part to its iconic goose head tap handles that can be found across bars. Their brewery oozes with an industrial vibe, creating the perfect environment for crushing their Hazy Beer Hug.