Celebrate National Beer Day: America's Top Brewing Cities for Craft Beer Lovers
Saturday, April 7, marks the 85th anniversary of President FDR reopening the nation’s pubs and breweries, ending Prohibition. National Beer Day is the ideal occasion for a beer-focused getaway to one of America’s premier brewing cities. From New England to the Pacific Northwest, hotels cater to beer enthusiasts with local brews, exclusive tours, and stays in historic brewery settings.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee ignited America’s beer passion over 150 years ago, thanks to German immigrants establishing beer halls and taverns. Blessed with Wisconsin wheat and Lake Michigan water, giants like Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst, and Miller rose to become the world’s four largest breweries. Once the planet’s top beer exporter, Milwaukee now thrives with a craft beer renaissance featuring microbreweries, nanobreweries, and pubs.
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites, in the former Pabst brewery, preserves history with original copper brew kettles, ironwork, and a stunning 1890s stained-glass window of King Gambrinus, beer’s patron saint. Guests receive a six-pack of PBR upon arrival and, during baseball season, enjoy a free shuttle to Miller Park, home of the Brewers.
Brooklyn
Before its fame for Biggie Smalls and Barbra Streisand, Brooklyn brewed beer with over 50 breweries at the century’s turn. After deindustrialization closed many, Brooklyn Brewery revived the scene in the 1980s as the borough’s first new brewery in decades—now one of America’s largest craft operations.
The William Vale hotel places guests just one block from Brooklyn Brewery for tasting room visits or intimate small-batch tours. This year, it unveils All-Wise Meadery by master brewer and former Disney star Dylan Sprouse. Unwind at the rooftop Westlight bar with skyline views and craft cocktails.
Denver
History buffs can sip in Larimer Square’s saloon, where Gold Rush pioneers formed Denver’s first government. Coors harnessed Rocky Mountain springs, sparking over 70 breweries in the Denver Beer Triangle (Boulder, Fort Collins, Denver). With countless options, Denver shines year-round, especially at the September Great American Beer Festival.
In iconic Union Station, The Crawford Hotel offers Terminal Bar’s top craft beers onsite. Surrounded by breweries reachable by 10-20 minute walks, it provides complimentary Tesla service for safe returns.
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s brewing predates statehood, becoming craft beer’s hub in the 1980s. Oregon produces diverse styles, with new hops from Oregon State University’s Fermentation Science labs.
Boasting more microbreweries than any city worldwide, Portland hosts events like June’s Portland Beer Week and Holiday Ale Festival. The Mark Spencer Hotel is steps from breweries, light rail, and streetcars. Rooms feature growlers for local fills, plus onsite wine tastings.
Baltimore
George Washington’s beer rations boosted Baltimore’s production; in 1812, a local brewery floor hosted the “Star-Spangled Banner” flag’s sewing. National Bohemian (“Natty Boh”) fueled Charm City, its mascot still iconic on Brewers Hill.
Pier 5 Hotel guests access free shuttles to taprooms like The Brewer’s Art, Pratt Street Ale House, and Max’s Taphouse. City Brew Tours depart nearby. Weeknights bring “Crabby Hour” demos with beer, wine, and Old Bay.
Vermont
Vermont leads with most craft breweries per capita despite its size. Temperance delayed starts until 1980s legalization. Now, one brewery per 25,000 residents includes Magic Hat, Heady Topper, and Harpoon.
Snapdragon Inn, five minutes from Harpoon, offers Travelzoo members complimentary weekend tours, tastings, and glasses. Unwind fireside with books by guests like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
Elisabeth Barker, a Division 1 athlete turned globetrotter and travel writer based in New York City and Miami, founded @skirtandasuitcase for inspirational travel, fitness, and healthy living.
