All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl

Experience Jacksonville’s Nightlife with the All-Inclusive Sips & Ships Pub Crawl

In downtown Jacksonville, an evening with the Sips & Ships pub crawl offers a unique blend of history, craft beer, and lively entertainment for those eager to explore the city’s vibrant scene after dark. For just $75 per person, this roughly 1.5- to 2-hour experience takes you from the decks of a historic battleship to some of the best local breweries, culminating in a sunset rooftop party with a live DJ. Guided by friendly hosts, you’ll enjoy all-inclusive drinks at each stop, making it a worry-free way to socialize and discover Jacksonville’s local flavor.

What we love about this experience is the chance to combine authentic local culture with fun party elements. The highlight for many is starting aboard the USS Orleck, a real warship turned museum, which offers a chance to snap memorable photos while sipping your first drink—an experience that’s both educational and memorable. The visit to Ruby Beach Brewing offers a taste of Florida’s craft beer scene, with small-batch brews that pack character. And the rooftop finale at Sips on the Roof is a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the sunset, and dance to a live DJ, all with Jacksonville’s skyline in the background.

One possible drawback is that the tour’s duration is relatively short—around 90 minutes to 2 hours—so it’s best suited for those wanting a lively, condensed evening rather than a leisurely pub crawl. Also, since all drinks are included at each stop, it’s important to pace yourself if you plan to enjoy the entire experience responsibly. The tour is designed for those 21 and over, so it’s not suitable for younger travelers or non-drinkers.

This experience is ideal for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers eager to make new connections while exploring downtown Jacksonville’s historic and craft beer scenes. If you enjoy a mix of history, good drinks, and lively music, you’ll find this tour ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Historic Start: Begins aboard the USS Orleck, combining a museum visit with a drink.
• Craft Beer Focus: Features two local breweries—Ruby Beach Brewing and Bold City Brewery—offering Florida-flavored brews.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Enjoy exclusive deals and free shots at each stop, with no need to worry about additional costs.
• Fun and Games: Includes party games with chances to win free drinks, adding a playful aspect.
• Sunset Rooftop Finale: Ends on a high note at Sips on the Roof, with a live DJ and stunning city views.
• Limited Duration: Short but packed, making it perfect for those wanting a lively night out without a long commitment.

In-Depth Review of the Sips & Ships Downtown Pub Crawl

Starting Point: The USS Orleck and Jacksonville Naval Museum

The tour kicks off at the Jacksonville Naval Museum, where you’ll step onto the USS Orleck, a real-life battleship turned museum. This is more than just a photo op; it’s an opportunity to soak in Jacksonville’s naval history while enjoying your first drink. Many reviewers have highlighted the unique setting—it’s not every day you can sip a beer aboard a historic warship—and appreciate the way the guide shares fascinating tidbits about the ship’s past.

Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, giving you enough time to explore, snap photos, and get your orientation to the tour. The admission to the ship is included, which adds to the overall value. Several guests have noted that the ship’s stunning exterior and impressive size make for excellent backdrops for photos, making it a memorable start.

Ruby Beach Brewing: Craft Beer with a Florida Twist

Next, the group moves to Ruby Beach Brewing, a cozy, locally beloved brewery named after Jacksonville’s original beach. This stop is about 30 minutes long, during which you’ll sample small-batch craft beers that showcase Florida’s flavors. For many, this is a highlight as the beers are described as seriously Florida, with some reviews mentioning “seriously good” brews and “great local flavor.”

The brewery’s atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are friendly, making it easy to strike up conversations with fellow crawlers. This stop also offers the chance to participate in party games, with chances to win free shots or drinks, adding an element of playful competition.

Bold City Brewery: Jacksonville’s Craft Beer Pioneer

The third stop is at Bold City Brewery, a family-owned brewery that’s been instrumental in shaping Jacksonville’s craft beer scene. Here, you’ll find a pioneering spirit—many reviews mention the pride locals have in Bold City’s history and the bold flavors of their beers. This stop is also 30 minutes long, making it ample time to sample several brews and chat with the staff about the brewing process.

The brewery’s local vibe appeals to those interested in supporting small businesses and understanding Jacksonville’s craft beer evolution. As with previous stops, party games are part of the fun, giving everyone a chance to win free drinks and keep the atmosphere lively.

Sips on the Roof: Sunset, Live DJ, and City Views

The final stop is at Sips on the Roof, a rooftop bar offering stunning views of downtown Jacksonville. You’ll arrive here for about 30 minutes to enjoy the sunset, listen to a live DJ, and participate in fun challenges. Many guests rave about the breathtaking skyline views and the lively ambiance—a perfect way to wind down the night.

This rooftop finale elevates the experience from a typical pub crawl to something special. The atmosphere is described as energetic and fun, with plenty of space to dance or simply relax with friends. The glowing pub crawl cup each participant receives serves as a nice keepsake.

The Ending and Overall Flow

The tour wraps up at Sips on the Roof, just a few blocks from the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring downtown or head back to your accommodations. The entire experience is well-paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy drinks, games, and conversation without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and What You Can Expect

Transportation is primarily walking between stops, which keeps the group moving at a lively but manageable pace. The group size is limited to 25, fostering a friendly and intimate atmosphere. The tour departs at 7 PM on every other Saturday starting September 13th, which is ideal for those looking to kick off their evening right after dinner.

Price at $75 per person includes all drinks at each location, which means no surprises or hidden costs. The inclusion of exclusive drink deals and free shots enhances the value, especially for those who love trying local brews and participating in fun activities.

Weather dependency should be considered—since the sunset and rooftop finale depend on clear skies, bad weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The tour’s cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, giving a little peace of mind.

Group Size and Pacing

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the tour maintains a lively but manageable vibe. This size encourages mingling and makes it easier for hosts to engage with everyone. The 1.5 to 2-hour length is ideal for those wanting a concentrated, energetic evening rather than a long, drawn-out pub crawl.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This pub crawl is perfect for groups of friends looking for a fun, all-inclusive night that combines history, local culture, and lively entertainment. It’s also well-suited for couples or solo travelers eager to meet new people. Since it includes some walking and moderate physical activity, those with a reasonable fitness level will find it manageable. The focus on Jacksonville’s naval history, craft beer, and roof-top sunset views makes it especially appealing for travelers who appreciate local stories, good drinks, and scenic vistas.

The Sum Up

The All-Inclusive Sips & Ships Downtown Pub Crawl offers an engaging way to experience Jacksonville after dark—blending history, local craft beer, and live music in a relaxed, fun environment. The inclusion of all drinks, party games, and a spectacular rooftop finale makes it a fantastic choice for those wanting a lively but well-organized night out.

While it’s a short experience, it packs a punch with diverse scenes—from the deck of a battleship to the rooftop of a vibrant bar. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a memorable, interactive way to get a taste of Jacksonville’s downtown scene. Just remember to pace yourself, especially since drinks are included, and enjoy this lively slice of Florida’s riverfront culture.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
This tour is designed for those 21 and over who want to enjoy drinks; non-drinkers might find it less appealing, but they can still participate in games and social activities.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with stops at four key locations.

Are drinks included at every stop?
Yes, all drinks at each location are included, with exclusive drink deals and chances to win free shots.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 610 E Bay St and concludes at Sips on the Roof, only a few blocks apart in Downtown Jacksonville.

What’s the age requirement?
Participants must be 21 or older.

What kind of drinks are served?
Guests enjoy craft beers at breweries, cocktails at Sips on the Roof, and drinks aboard the USS Orleck. All are included in the ticket price.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Service animals are allowed, but specific accessibility details are not provided—best to check with Jax Tours directly for special arrangements.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual attire is recommended, especially since you’ll be walking between stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund offered.

In summary, the Sips & Ships pub crawl offers a lively, well-paced introduction to Jacksonville’s historic and craft beer scenes, wrapped up in a fun, inclusive package. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable night out, this tour provides a distinctive way to experience downtown Jacksonville.