St. Augustine Beer & History Crawl

If you’re looking for a way to soak in the sights and flavors of one of America’s oldest cities, the St. Augustine Beer & History Crawl offers a compelling mix. This 3-hour tour combines the charm of centuries-old streets with a tasting journey through craft beers and local bites, all with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy learning as they sip, and who want a relaxed, intimate experience — the tour caps at just eight guests.

Two things we love about this experience are the small group setting, which fosters personal attention and rich storytelling, and the variety of tastings that showcase both the city’s history and its vibrant craft beer scene. But a possible consideration: if you’re not a beer drinker, the tour still offers limited wine or cider options, but it’s primarily geared toward those who enjoy local brews. This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want to combine history, good company, and a little local flavor.

Key Points

• Small-group tour capped at 8 for personalized attention
• Combines historic walking with brewery visits and tastings
• Led by passionate, knowledgeable guides
• No two tours are the same – a mix of stories, sights, and sips
• Approximate duration of 3 hours, with a focus on value and authentic experiences
• Vegetarian options available at the breweries

What to Expect from the Tour

An Afternoon of History and Craft Beer

The St. Augustine Beer & History Crawl starts at 77 Bridge Street, where your guide will meet you to kick off an adventure blending the city’s past with its present. The tour begins with a visit to some of the most notable historic sites before heading to three local breweries for tastings. It’s a seamless mix of storytelling and sampling that keeps the pace lively and engaging.

The Historic Stops – Small Streets with Big Stories

Your walk takes you along Aviles Street, one of the city’s narrow, brick-lined streets that has held onto its colonial character. You might appreciate the charm of wandering down a street that hasn’t changed much since the 1800s.

Next, you’ll explore St. George Street, the bustling heart of the city. This stretch is packed with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks, making it an ideal route to learn about the city’s development while enjoying modern-day vibrancy.

One notable site is the O’Reilly House, dating back to 1691. As St. Augustine’s oldest standing home, it offers a tangible link to the past. The house was once home to Father Michael O’Reilly, a key figure in constructing the Cathedral, and is now operated as a museum.

The tour also passes through the Plaza de la Constitution, a gathering place since 1573, offering a glimpse into the city’s long-standing social heart. You’ll also find the Seven Feet Wide Street, built tiny at just seven feet to prevent theft during colonial times — a quirky detail that highlights the city’s clever architecture.

Finally, the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest and largest masonry fort in the U.S., stands as a proud reminder of the city’s strategic importance. While not part of the National Park Service, it’s an impressive structure that survived British attacks and gives a real sense of the city’s resilience.

Brewery Visits and Tastings – Savoring Local Brews

After soaking in the sights, your guide will lead you to three local breweries and bars, each offering a selection of craft beers. The focus is on quality and local flavor, making it a tastemaker’s dream. Reviews highlight the top-notch beer selections and the engaging stories from guides that make each stop memorable.

If beer isn’t your thing, don’t worry — the tour offers wine and cider options at each brewery. You’ll enjoy a single drink per stop, which keeps the experience relaxed and social, without the need for flights or heavy drinking.

The Experience of the Guides

Multiple reviews praise the guides — especially Alex and Steve — for their wealth of knowledge, friendly demeanor, and knack for storytelling. One reviewer called Alex “awesome and a wealth of knowledge,” while others appreciated how guides made history fun and accessible. This personal touch elevates the experience from a simple tasting tour to an educational outing.

Value for Money

At $119 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded experience. The price includes three beer tastings, a local snack, bottled water, and the storytelling that makes the experience richer than just visiting bars. It’s a reasonable investment considering the personalized attention, the quality of tastings, and the opportunity to explore the city in a leisurely, informative way.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about three hours, making it manageable even for those with limited time. Meeting at 77 Bridge Street and ending at 3 St. George Street keeps things convenient for exploring on your own afterward. The group size, capped at just eight, ensures you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide, making it a more intimate experience.

It’s worth noting that the tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through historic streets and some uneven surfaces. Also, vegetarian diets are accommodated, but vegan, gluten-free, or other restrictions are not.

Who Would Love This Tour?

Travelers who enjoy small-group experiences, storytelling, and authentic local flavors will find it especially appealing. History buffs will appreciate the context provided at each site, while craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy sampling some of the best local brews. Families or groups wanting a relaxed, engaging afternoon will also find this a memorable choice.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through historic streets, some with uneven surfaces, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Can I join if I don’t drink beer?
Yes, the tour offers wine and/or cider options at each brewery. It’s limited to a single drink per stop, but it’s a nice way to participate without beer.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including walking and tastings.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 77 Bridge Street and ends at 3 St. George Street, both centrally located in St. Augustine.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get three beer tastings at different breweries, a local snack, bottled water, and an engaging guide.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegetarian options are available; however, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets are not.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 33 days ahead, indicating it’s a popular choice.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families with older children, especially those interested in history and local food and drink.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

The St. Augustine Beer & History Crawl offers a well-curated blend of education and entertainment, perfect for those wanting a deeper connection to the city’s past while enjoying some of the best local brews. The small group size ensures a personal experience — no crowded bus or hurried stops here. Instead, you’ll gain insider stories, enjoy thoughtfully selected tastings, and explore streets that have seen centuries of change.

This tour is especially suited for curious travelers who appreciate a good story and a good pour. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a craft beer lover, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this three-hour adventure. It’s a fantastic way to make your visit to St. Augustine memorable — not just for the sights, but for the tastes and tales that make this city truly special.

If you’re looking for a fun, authentic way to see the city and sample its local flavor, this tour is a smart choice. It offers a unique peek into what makes St. Augustine a charming, enduring destination — one sip, and one story at a time.