12 Best Drinking Tours In Orlando

Orlando isn’t just about theme parks and sunshine; it’s also a hub for creative drinking tours that blend local culture, scenery, and fun. Whether you’re eager to cruise lakeside pubs by boat, explore craft breweries with a guide, or uncover spooky stories with a drink in hand, Orlando offers a surprisingly diverse mix. We particularly like the Pontoon Pub Crawl for its unique waterborne experience and the Haunted Pub Crawl for a spooky twist on city nightlife. Both tours bring a local flavor that’s hard to beat, especially when you’re looking for something more than just a standard bar hop. If you’re into craft beers, the Sanford Craft Beer and History Tour offers a deep dive into local brewing history, perfect for beer lovers who enjoy learning as they sip.

For those who prefer hands-on fun, the Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery combines culinary skill with craft beer, making it ideal for foodies or couples. And if you’re intrigued by ghost stories, the Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl or the A Toast to the Ghost Haunted Pub Crawl deliver a mix of history, tales, and drinks that make for memorable evenings. Whatever your style, Orlando’s drinking tour scene has a lot to offer—whether you prefer water adventures, historical explorations, or haunted stories.

Quick Overview

This list covers a variety of drinking tours, from boat pub crawls and guided brewery walks to haunted pub adventures and even sushi classes paired with local brews. Each experience is designed to give a different flavor of Orlando’s lively beverage scene, whether you’re into craft beer, spirits, or spooky stories. For a comprehensive look at what’s available, check out the full list below.

1. Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat

At number one, this pub crawl by boat offers a truly unique way to enjoy Orlando’s water and bar scene. Starting in Winter Haven, you meet your helmsman guide at Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar, then hop aboard a small-group pontoon boat. Over approximately three hours, you’ll visit five popular lakeside pubs and restaurants, drifting leisurely through the Chain of Lakes region. Along the way, you can order drinks and bites at each stop (own expense), with wildlife and even alligators possibly making an appearance in their natural habitat. The small group size guarantees a personalized experience, with a relaxed pace and plenty of scenery. Guests praise Captain Dave’s engaging narration and smooth trip, calling it a “fantastic, stress-free experience.” This tour suits those who want a memorable celebration that combines boating, wildlife, and drinks in a scenic setting. The value is excellent, especially considering the personalized touch.

Bottom line: For a laid-back, scenic, and social experience, this boat pub crawl tops the list.

2. Paddle and Brew Adventure in Tavares with Beer Flight Tasting

Next is the Paddle and Brew Adventure, which combines paddling through the Dora Canal with a generous beer tasting. This tour kicks off with a guided paddle through Florida’s protected wetlands, where you’ll see alligators, turtles, and an array of birds — perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. After the paddle, you’ll head to BRÜ Tap House, where a flight of 30 craft beers awaits, along with stories from your knowledgeable guide Katrina. She shares insights into the ecosystem, the history of the canal, and the local wildlife, making the experience both scenic and educational. The relaxed pace and natural beauty make this a favorite for nature lovers who also want a taste of local brews. Reviewers mention how Katrina’s warmth and knowledge elevate the trip, and the post-paddle beer tasting caps off the day nicely.

Bottom line: This tour offers a picturesque combination of wildlife viewing and craft beer tasting, perfect for active explorers.

3. Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

At number three, this haunted pub crawl takes you through Orlando’s darker side. With a focus on spooky downtown stories and local legends, you’ll visit bars that each have their own ghostly tales. The tour includes stops at the courthouse where Ted Bundy was tried, alien sightings at the Kress Building, and a haunted lounge singer at the Grand Bohemian. Led by a lively guide, you’ll sip drinks and listen to chilling stories, making it a fun, spooky night out. Although reviews are limited, the experience promises a blend of local history and ghost stories, ideal for those wanting a late-night adventure with a supernatural twist.

Bottom line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs who enjoy a good scare with their drinks.

4. Sanford’s Craft Beer and History Tour

Number four on our list, this guided walking tour explores Sanford’s local breweries and historic sites. Led by a BJCP Certified Beer Judge, you’ll visit three breweries—Sanford Homebrew Shop, Sanford Brewing Company, and Wops’ Hops Brewing—tasting their best brews along the way. The tour lasts about an hour and 45 minutes, with stops at local landmarks and a chance to learn about Sanford’s role during prohibition. The tour is particularly well-suited for beer aficionados who want to deepen their understanding of craft brewing and history. Guests appreciate the intimate format, which encourages questions and conversations. The fact that it includes a visit to the Sanford Homebrew Shop adds a layer of authenticity to the experience.

Bottom line: An informative choice for craft beer lovers interested in local history and brewing.

5. Orlando: 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery

This hands-on sushi class pairs culinary fun with local brews. Led by Chef Uju, you’ll learn how to prepare sushi rice, sharpen your knife skills, and roll three classic sushi types—California, veggie, and spicy tuna. The class lasts about two hours, with plenty of guidance and room for creativity. As you craft your sushi, you can sip on locally brewed beer, making it a relaxed, social experience. It’s ideal for couples, groups, or solo travelers who want a memorable, interactive activity. The focus on beginner-friendly techniques makes this accessible to all skill levels. The combination of food and drink provides excellent value, especially for those who want a fun night out learning new skills.

Bottom line: Perfect for foodies and craft beer fans who want a culinary challenge in a friendly setting.

6. Orlando: Brews and Bites Brewery Walking Tour

This walking tour showcases Orlando’s craft beer scene across the Mills50 and Ivanhoe Village districts. Over three hours, you’ll visit two breweries and two bars, sampling eight beers and small bites. Guided by a local, you’ll learn about the brewing process and the local beer culture. It’s a great way to explore neighborhoods on foot, with plenty of opportunities to chat and ask questions. Reviewers highlight the diversity of beers and the friendly atmosphere, making it a lively but relaxed experience. The focus on local establishments offers an authentic taste of Orlando’s craft beer scene.

Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to explore neighborhoods and try a variety of craft beers with a knowledgeable guide.

7. A Toast to the Ghost Haunted Pub Crawl in Downtown Orlando

At number seven, this haunted pub crawl combines stories of ghostly encounters with lively downtown bars. Led by a Ghost Ambassador, you’ll hear tales of local hauntings while enjoying drink specials and quick bites. The experience is very social, with opportunities to use K2 meters to sense spirits, though the lively bar scene means it’s more about storytelling and fun than formal ghost-hunting. Costing around $45, the tour offers a spirited review of Orlando’s haunted history, perfect for those who enjoy supernatural tales mixed with drinks.

Bottom line: A fun, social way to explore Orlando’s spooky side in a casual setting.

8. Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl

Number eight offers a combination of ghost stories and local sights in Winter Haven. Led by a seasoned storyteller, the tour visits historic landmarks, haunted theaters, and murals, ending with stories of local spirits at Barrel 239. The 3-hour experience includes several stops for drinks and snacks, making it suitable for those interested in history, art, and ghostly tales. While reviews are limited, the itinerary hints at an engaging mix of history and hauntings, ideal for curious travelers with a love for storytelling.

Bottom line: For travelers who want a mix of history, art, and ghost stories, this tour provides a well-rounded evening.

9. Orlando Bar Crawl: Orlando’s Magical Nightlife Bar Crawl

This app-led adventure hunt is perfect for those who enjoy interactive experiences. The Orlando Nightlife Bar Crawl challenges you to explore local landmarks through trivia, puzzles, and discovery. Costing just $14.99, it’s a quick, budget-friendly way to get a taste of Orlando’s nightlife. As an app-based experience, it’s great for independent explorers or groups who prefer a flexible, self-guided adventure that combines city sights and drinks. No reviews are posted yet, but the format promises a lively and engaging way to see Orlando’s bars.

Bottom line: Best suited for tech-savvy travelers who enjoy a self-guided, puzzle-solving night out.

10. Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour

Number ten is a haunted brewery tour in Sanford, starting at 8:30 pm. Led by BJCP Certified Judge Gary Holmes, the tour explores three local breweries, sharing stories of ghostly experiences and brewing traditions. You’ll sample beers at Dee’s Brothers Brewery and Deviant Wolfe Brewery, all while learning about Sanford’s haunted history. The tour emphasizes storytelling and local lore, making it appealing for those interested in both craft beer and supernatural tales. The intimate, evening setting enhances the spooky vibe.

Bottom line: A perfect choice for night owls who want craft beer paired with ghost stories.

11. Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Orlando

Similar to our earlier sushi class, this experience focuses on learning to make sushi while enjoying craft beer. Led by Chef Uju, you’ll master rolling techniques and ingredient prep, creating three sushi types. The two-hour class offers a relaxed, fun environment, ideal for groups, couples, or solo travelers wanting culinary skills and a social vibe. The inclusion of local beer enhances the experience, with guidance suitable for beginners. It’s a different take on drinking tours—more hands-on and interactive.

Bottom line: Great for culinary curious travelers who prefer making their own sushi with beer in hand.

12. Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl

Rounding out the list, this downtown pub crawl takes you through Winter Haven’s best during happy hour. Visiting multiple spots like Fried Green Tomatoes, Tempi 1930, and Union Taproom, you’ll sample pizza, burgers, craft beers, sushi, sake, whiskey, and cocktails. The tour emphasizes local flavors with a small group of only ten travelers, making it intimate and personalized. The focus on food and drink tastings during happy hour makes it an excellent choice for those who want to combine exploring with a relaxed culinary experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for foodies and drink enthusiasts who enjoy a laid-back, social evening with a variety of tastes.

How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour in Orlando

When selecting a drinking tour, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. If you love scenic water adventures, the Pontoon Pub Crawl offers a relaxing boat experience. For craft beer fans, the Sanford Beer and History Tour or Brews and Bites Walking Tour give insight into local brewing scenes. History and spooky stories? The Haunted Pub Crawl or Ghost Tour are your best bets. If you prefer interactive or culinary activities, the Sushi Making Classes provide hands-on fun.

Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours like the Pontoon Pub Crawl or the Haunted Pub Crawl, which tend to fill up fast during peak seasons. Consider the time of year — Orlando’s warm weather makes outdoor tours especially pleasant in spring and fall.

Final Thoughts

Orlando’s drinking scene extends well beyond theme parks. From scenic boat pub crawls and craft brewery tours to haunted pub adventures and interactive classes, there’s a wide array of options suited for different tastes. For a laid-back water-based experience, the Pontoon Pub Crawl is hard to beat. History buffs and craft beer enthusiasts should consider the Sanford Beer and History Tour, while those interested in spooky stories will enjoy the Haunted Pub Crawl.

Whatever your preference, booking ahead will ensure you secure your spot for these memorable experiences. Cheers to discovering Orlando’s vibrant, diverse beverage scene — it’s worth exploring beyond the parks!