St. Augustine: Beer & History Walking Tour

If you’re visiting Florida’s oldest city, St. Augustine, and want to combine your love of history with a taste of its emerging craft beer scene, the St. Augustine: Beer & History Walking Tour offers a unique way to explore. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-balanced experience filled with local flavor, engaging storytelling, and plenty of good drinks.

What we love about this tour is its small-group intimacy — limited to just eight guests — which promises a more personal and relaxed experience. Plus, sampling up to 12 different craft beers across three well-chosen stops is a great way to really get a feel for Florida’s burgeoning brewing culture. The inclusion of a delicious food pairing at the second stop adds a satisfying touch, making this more than just a tasting; it’s a full sensory experience.

One potential drawback is that it’s a walking tour, which means you’ll need decent shoes, and the pace is leisurely rather than hurried. For travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a bus tour, this might not be ideal. But for those who enjoy strolling through historic streets with a cold drink in hand, this tour hits all the right notes.

This experience will appeal most to travelers who want a fun, educational, and flavorful journey through St. Augustine’s streets. Beer lovers, history buffs, and those eager to meet fellow travelers in a small, friendly group will find plenty to enjoy.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 8 guests ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Variety of Beers: Taste up to 12 different craft beers, showcasing Florida’s brewing diversity.
• Historic & Scenic: Explore charming streets and notable landmarks of St. Augustine while learning local stories.
• Food & Drink Pairings: Enjoy a thoughtfully curated food bite at the second stop, enhancing the tasting experience.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are licensed and well-versed in both the city’s history and its brewing scene.
• Flexible & Practical: Tour is wheelchair accessible, takes place rain or shine, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

How the Tour Unfolds

This 3-hour stroll begins at the Dog Rose Brewing Company, where your licensed guide will meet you and your small group. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended so you can settle in and get ready for what promises to be an engaging tour. The setting itself, a local brewpub, sets the tone—intimate, friendly, and perfect for kicking off your tasting journey.

From there, you’ll explore the historic streets of St. Augustine, a city that boasts a layered past from Spanish colonization to modern-day Florida. But instead of wandering aimlessly, your guide will lead you to notable landmarks and hidden gems, weaving stories about the city’s early days and its current craft beer renaissance. It’s a blend of history and modern brewing, illustrating how the city’s past influences its present.

Beer Tastings and Food Pairings

Expect up to 12 beer styles across three stops. These aren’t random samples but carefully curated tastings designed to highlight Florida’s craft brewing strengths. The second stop is especially notable for its delicious food pairing, which complements the beers and enhances the tasting experience. While the details of the food are not specified, reviews mention it being particularly tasty and well-matched, elevating the overall value.

Throughout the tour, you’ll have water available between tastings, helping you pace yourself and stay hydrated. This thoughtful touch ensures the experience remains fun and safe, especially if you’re sampling a variety of brews.

The Guides: Knowledge and Charm

The reviews praise the guides—particularly Alex and Russ—as enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and personable. They not only share stories about Florida’s brewing history but also ensure the group feels welcomed and engaged. One reviewer describes Russ as “a very good tour guide,” highlighting the importance of a friendly, well-informed host in making the experience memorable.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value for the Price

At $149 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience: multiple tastings, a food pairing, and ample storytelling. Given the small group size, you’ll get individualized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions or simply relax with newfound friends. For lovers of craft beer and local history, this price point is reasonable, considering the quality and depth of the experience.

Practical Considerations

The tour’s duration of 3 hours makes it a manageable addition to your day in St. Augustine. It is generally available in the afternoon, fitting well into most sightseeing schedules. The walk is slow and comfortable, making it suitable for most visitors, though you’d want to wear comfortable shoes. The tour is wheelchair accessible and operates rain or shine, so always check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Authentic Experiences and what the Reviews Say

Travelers consistently praise the guides’ personalities and knowledge, with reviews highlighting the fun and educational nature of the tour. Raymond calls Russ “a very good tour guide,” while NP notes that Alex “was a great host,” emphasizing the importance of engaging, personable leadership.

The beer selection is also a standout, with guests appreciating the variety and quality of the brews. One reviewer mentions enjoying both beer and wine, indicating that the tour’s offerings are diverse, even if primarily focused on craft beers.

The food pairing at the second stop is another highlight, elevating the tasting experience beyond just drinking. Reviewers have noted that the snacks are delicious and well thought out, adding both flavor and a pause before continuing the tasting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just a casual pint—they’re looking for an engaging blend of history, culture, and craft beer. It’s especially suitable for small groups, those who appreciate local stories, and anyone eager to support Florida’s craft brewing industry.

If you enjoy learning about places you visit, appreciate well-curated tastings, and want a relaxed, friendly environment for discovering St. Augustine, this tour will check all those boxes.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For the price of $149, this tour offers excellent value in terms of variety, storytelling, and local flavor. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for both St. Augustine’s historic charm and its innovative brewing scene. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it a memorable, personal experience—something that often makes a day in a new city special.

This tour is particularly suited for beer enthusiasts, history lovers, or travelers who enjoy tasting and exploring in good company. It’s also a great way to break up a day of sightseeing with something fun and flavorful.

If your idea of a good time includes a leisurely walk, good drinks, and stories from passionate guides, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Since it’s a walking tour, it might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges, though the pace is slow and comfortable. It is wheelchair accessible, which helps.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and a valid ID or passport. Water is provided, but you might want to carry a small bag for personal items.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour is focused on craft beer tastings, so if you choose not to drink, you may want to skip this experience or ask about non-alcoholic options ahead of time.

Are the beer tastings limited to certain types?
You’ll sample up to 12 beer styles, giving you a broad look at Florida’s craft brewing scene. The selection is curated to showcase local flavors.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for under 21s?
No, the tour is not suitable for those under 21, as it involves alcohol consumption.

To sum it up, whether you’re a craft beer devotee, a history enthusiast, or just someone looking to enjoy a leisurely, authentic experience in St. Augustine, this walking tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to spend part of your day. Expect good stories, great drinks, and a chance to see the city from a local’s perspective—all in just three hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: