America’s Best Brewery Cities

Over the past few decades, the craft beer craze has inspired a new wave of brewing innovation and hoppy appreciation from coast to coast. Enjoying these beers in the places they’re brewed is an experience in itself, one that reveals the histories of both their brewing processes, as well as the local cultures that fostered them. We’ve compiled the cities that are as unique as the craft beers they’re home to.

Seattle, Washington

Despite its long reign as the country’s coffee capital, Seattle is said to have more breweries than any other American city. If you don’t have a month to hit twenty-plus breweries, we recommend starting downtown, where there’s a convenient cluster of some of the city’s best, like The Pike Brewing Company, Old Stove Brewing, and the high-concept Cloudhurst Brewing. That way you can check out key landmarks like the Seattle Great Wheel, Waterfront Park, and the iconic Pike Place Market as you stroll from one brewery to the next.
Nestled in the heart of the hip Belltown neighborhood is the Ace Hotel Seattle, which has the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that Seattle is known for.

Asheville, North Carolina

A key ingredient to craft beer is creativity. Asheville, North Carolina is known for its thriving art scene, so it’s no wonder why so many breweries set up shop here. New Belgium Brewing Company – famous nationwide – has its second HQ here, and sits across the French Broad River from where the real craft brew action happens. Just below downtown is South Slope, where you’ll find a vibrant collection of breweries, such as Green Man, Hi-Wire, Catawba, Twin Leaf, and Eurisko Beer Company. Most offer pub snacks as delicious as their brews, as well as outdoor seating to enjoy the North Carolina sunshine.
Visitors to Asheville love the Haywood Park Hotel, which sits in the heart of downtown but still just a stone’s throw from South Slope action.

Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota

The Twin Cities experience brutal sub-zero winters, but somehow the locals are still crazy about their cold ones. However, after sipping some local craft beers, you’ll understand why. Spend an afternoon sipping your way through the Northeast Arts District of Minneapolis, where crumbling freight train complexes and warehouses have been converted into studio spaces, artisan workshops, local boutiques, and (of course) breweries, such as Indeed, Fulton, and Dangerous Man.
On the other side of the Mississippi, Saint Paul is both the state’s capital and the home of Summit Brewing. Founded in 1986, it’s one of the first craft brewers to take their bold blends to the national stage.
After a day of bouncing between these two great cities, cozy up at incredible heights in the Loews Minneapolis Hotel right in the heart of downtown.

Austin, Texas

Austinites are determined to keep their city weird, and it shows in the names of their local brews. Take Pinthouse Pizza’s Electric Jellyfish, with its bright notes of mango and lychee, or Jester King Brewery’s Atrial Rubicite, which is sure to get any beer lover’s heart pumping. Despite these playful names and Austin’s quirky vibe, this city takes its beer very seriously. After checking out local staples like the 512, Live Oak, and Zilker taprooms in the city, cool off along the shores of Lake Travis at the Oasis Texas Brewing Company.
We recommend the South Congress Hotel, which strikes the perfect balance of rugged, Texas charm and avant garde design.

Fort Collins, Colorado

The look of downtown Fort Collins is the pinnacle of Americana, yet the city’s brews are surprisingly international. This mountain city is home to New Belgium, the fourth largest craft brewery in the country, which paved the way for other local favorites like Black Bottle, Equinox, Horse & Dragon, Odell, and McClellan’s. Once you find your favorite local brew, we recommend going for a hike and picnic in the scenic Horsetooth Mountain Park, only seven miles west of downtown.
Check in to The Armstrong Hotel, which promises the perfect blend of rustic and chic, as well as a bar featuring the city’s favorite brews on tap.