Brewery Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour of Nashville

Planning a trip to Nashville often revolves around the city’s legendary music scene, but behind the scenes, Nashville also boasts a thriving craft beer culture. The Brewery Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour offers visitors a relaxed way to sample some of the city’s top breweries without the stress of driving or strict schedules. This tour is a fantastic choice for those who want to combine comfort, flexibility, and local flavor in one outing.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the chance to visit eight well-regarded breweries at your own pace, thanks to the unlimited hop-on hop-off trolley passes. The vintage, climate-controlled trolleys add a nostalgic touch, and the friendly guides help create a welcoming atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that the tour runs for about seven hours, so it suits those eager to spend a full day discovering Nashville’s brewing scene.

If you’re a beer enthusiast, love discovering local spots, or just want an easygoing way to explore East Nashville’s vibrant craft scene, this tour is likely to hit the spot. Just keep in mind that if you prefer a more structured, guided experience or a focus on food, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Visit 8 top breweries with the freedom to hop on and off as you wish
• Ride in style on a comfortable, vintage trolley that’s climate-controlled
• Tour lasts approximately 7 hours, perfect for a full-day adventure
• Guides and drivers are praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• The tour provides good value, especially considering unlimited trolley rides
• It’s designed to be flexible, catering to various beer preferences

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Stops

Starting at the Omni Nashville Hotel, you’ll find yourself near downtown Nashville, a convenient launching point. From there, the tour takes you eastward to explore some of Nashville’s most popular breweries, each offering its distinct vibe and beer styles.

Stop 1: Omni Nashville Hotel

While the hotel itself isn’t a brewery, it’s a central point that makes this tour accessible to visitors staying downtown. It’s the ideal starting position for those arriving by public transit or nearby accommodations.

Stop 2: Honeytree Meadery

This stop introduces you to meads, a honey-based fermented beverage, providing a different taste from typical beers. The review comments highlight the tour’s flexibility, mentioning how guests appreciate the chance to customize their day, which applies here — whether you want to sample or just peek inside.

Stop 3: TailGate Brewery East Nashville

A crowd favorite, TailGate is known for offering a variety of craft beers in a lively atmosphere. The tour’s reviewers often appreciate the range of options, and many mention that TailGate provides great flights, allowing guests to try multiple brews in one visit.

Stop 4: Southern Grist Brewing Company

This spot is praised for its innovative brews and friendly staff. Guests often mention that the breweries outside downtown Nashville, like Southern Grist, make the tour more interesting and less commercial.

Stop 5: East Nashville Beer Works

A true East Nashville gem, this brewery offers a relaxed setting with a diverse beer selection. Reviewers note that it’s a good spot for tasting local flavors without feeling rushed.

Stop 6: Bearded Iris Brewing

Known for its modern approach, Bearded Iris is praised for its stylish environment and quality brews. Guests find it a highlight, especially given the variety of styles offered.

Stop 7: Monday Night Brewing – Preservation Co.

The last stop offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for wrapping up your day. Many reviewers highlight that the tour allows plenty of time at each brewery — for sampling, chatting with staff, or just relaxing.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

The strength of this experience lies in its versatility. You’re not locked into a fixed schedule; you choose where to spend your time, whether that’s sampling a flight, enjoying some food, or just soaking in the local vibe. The unlimited trolley rides mean you can leisurely explore without feeling rushed—an important feature when visiting breweries, where conversation and tasting should take precedence over time constraints.

Plus, the comfortable, climate-controlled trolleys keep guests relaxed regardless of Nashville’s weather, whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a rainy day. The knowledgeable guides, often praised for their friendliness and insights, add a layer of local flavor and help newcomers understand what makes each brewery special.

The price point of $45 per person is quite reasonable considering the full-day access, especially when you factor in the transportation and the variety of breweries covered. For craft beer lovers, this is an excellent way to sample a broad spectrum of Nashville’s brewing scene without the hassle of individual arrangements.

The Authentic Breweries You’ll Visit

Each brewery has its unique character, and visiting them via this tour gives you a taste of Nashville’s diverse craft beer culture:

• Honeytree Meadery offers a sweet alternative with its honey-based drinks.
• TailGate Brewery East Nashville is popular for its lively environment and variety of brews perfect for casual sipping.
• Southern Grist Brewing Company stands out for its inventive styles and friendly staff.
• East Nashville Beer Works provides a laid-back environment to enjoy local flavors.
• Bearded Iris Brewing presents a modern aesthetic paired with high-quality beers.
• Monday Night Brewing – Preservation Co. is a cozy spot to wind down your day, with plenty of options to sample.

Many reviews emphasize that the breweries outside downtown Nashville provide a more authentic experience away from the tourist-heavy core, giving you a chance to see the real East Nashville brewing community.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Multiple reviewers commend the guides and drivers for their knowledge and fun attitude. “Mel was so much fun,” says Jessica R., highlighting how a personable guide can elevate the experience. Others mention the value of being able to customize their day, “enabling you to visit breweries without rushing,” as one guest notes.

Several travelers point out the variety of breweries, with comments like, “Great way to visit breweries outside of the downtown area.” The flexibility to skip or linger at each stop makes it suitable for different tastes and energy levels.

Food is also part of the experience at some stops, such as TailGate Brewery, where guests enjoyed pizza, adding a satisfying complement to the tasting experience.

Transportation and Duration

The trolley ride itself is about 7 hours, which is ample time to explore multiple breweries comfortably. The vintage trolley is a highlight, offering a nostalgic yet modern way to travel between breweries. You’ll ride in style—climate-controlled, smooth, and roomy enough for groups and solo travelers alike.

The tour runs with eight stops, but guests can hop off at any point and reboard later, thanks to the unlimited ride feature. This flexibility is key—if you find a brewery you particularly like, you can spend more time there without worry.

Analyzing the Value

At $45 per person, this tour delivers an impressive value considering the transportation, multiple brewery visits, and the guided experience. When you break down the cost, it’s a good deal compared to organizing separate visits or paying for Ubers between breweries.

On top of that, the positive reviews suggest that this is a well-organized, enjoyable experience that balances guided insight with personal freedom. The included transportation allows you to focus on tasting and enjoying your day without the stress of navigation or driving.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for beer lovers seeking to explore Nashville’s craft scene without the fuss. It’s also great for visitors who want a flexible, social day that combines local culture, good drinks, and comfortable travel. Families, couples, and groups of friends will find it suits a range of interests, especially if they appreciate having control over their schedule.

If you’re visiting Nashville and want to see more than just the music venues, this tour offers a fun, relaxed way to discover some of the city’s best breweries and meet like-minded travelers.

The Bottom Line

For those who enjoy craft beer and prefer to explore at their own pace, this hop-on-hop-off trolley tour hits the sweet spot. The combination of comfortable transportation, flexible stops, and knowledgeable guides makes it a standout option. It’s especially suited to travelers who want an authentic taste of Nashville’s East Nashville brewing scene without the stress of planning each visit individually.

While it’s a full day, many guests find the experience well worth their time, citing the variety, friendly atmosphere, and local flavor as highlights. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a serious beer aficionado, you’ll appreciate the chance to sample Nashville’s best brews in a relaxed and friendly setting.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 7 hours, providing plenty of time to visit all eight breweries at a comfortable pace.

What is included in the price?
The price includes unlimited trolley rides throughout the day, eight brewery stops, and commentary from guides. Food and drink at each brewery are paid for separately.

Can I hop off and on the trolley at different breweries?
Yes, the tour offers unlimited hop-on, hop-off access, so you can explore each brewery at your leisure and rejoin when ready.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers frequently praise the guides and drivers for their friendliness and local knowledge, which enriches the experience.

Is this tour suitable for groups?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for groups of friends or couples looking for a fun, relaxed day out.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and the weather. The trolley is climate-controlled, so no need to worry about the weather during transportation.

Is the tour accessible?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s designed to be accommodating for most guests.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, this tour is booked 25 days ahead. Booking early ensures availability, especially during peak season.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or other poor weather conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I bring food or snacks?
You’re free to bring snacks; some breweries also offer food options, and many guests enjoy pairing their beers with local bites.

Exploring Nashville’s breweries by trolley combines the best of local craft, relaxed travel, and social fun. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through, this tour offers a tasty, flexible way to experience the city’s vibrant brewing scene.