Jacksonville is a surprisingly lively city for drinking tours, thanks to its booming craft beer scene, historic naval presence, and playful local culture. Whether you’re into sampling local brews, exploring downtown nightlife, or even making your own chocolate bars, Jacksonville offers memorable ways to enjoy a drink. We especially love the Jax Brewery Tour with its carefully curated brewery visits and tuk tuk rides, adding unique local charm. For a more energetic night, the All-Inclusive Sips & Ships pub crawl combines history, craft beers, and party games—all within the downtown core. And if you’re curious about chocolate, the 1 Hour Chocolate Bar Class makes for an unexpectedly sweet experience. Intrigued? Keep reading to see what makes each of these tours stand out.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top-rated drinking experiences in Jacksonville: a craft brewery tour with transport included, a lively downtown pub crawl with historical flavor, and a hands-on chocolate class. Each offers something different—from locally brewed beers to interactive treats—catering to a wide range of interests and styles. Now, let’s dive into the details of each.
1. Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included)
At number 1 is the Jax Brewery Tour (drinks included), which takes you to four carefully selected craft breweries around Jacksonville. For around $134, you get approximately 3.5 hours of fun, with one pint per brewery, making this a great option for those who want to sample a variety of local beers without the hassle of organizing transportation. What sets this tour apart is the use of European tuk tuks to shuttle you comfortably from stop to stop—an authentic and fun way to experience the city.
The tour kicks off at Bold City Brewery, famous for recreating Jacksonville’s original beer in partnership with Pabst. Expect to learn how they craft their award-winning brews. Next, you’ll visit King Maker Brewing, which offers a spacious setting and even a food truck, perfect for a quick bite and that “best darn pretzel” some guests rave about. The third stop is Jacksonville Myrtle Avenue Brewery, where the owner’s consulting work helps produce award-winning beers. Finally, you’ll visit Tepeyolot Cerveceria, a Mexican brewery pairing flavorful beers with pinball machines and a welcoming atmosphere.
This tour offers good value considering the included drinks, local breweries, and transport. It’s perfect for beer lovers wanting an engaging, relaxed social experience. The reviews highlight the friendly guides and well-chosen venues, making it a solid pick for a laid-back day of tasting.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, fun brewery experience that combines local flavor, transport, and a relaxed vibe—ideal for craft beer fans wanting an insider’s look at Jacksonville’s brewing scene.
2. All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl
Next up, the All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl offers a lively, history-infused night in downtown Jacksonville. Priced at $75 per person, this tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and covers notable stops that mix local history with craft drinks. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a shorter, energetic outing with a social atmosphere.
Your adventure begins aboard the USS Orleck, a real battleship now serving as a museum. It’s a striking start, giving you the chance to sip your first drink, snap photos, and soak in some naval history. Moving on, you’ll visit Ruby Beach Brewing, a cozy spot known for small-batch Florida-inspired beers. Then, the tour visits Bold City Brewery, a local staple and pioneer of Jacksonville’s craft scene. The last stop is Decca Live, which offers a rooftop setting, live music, and a chance to relax as the night winds down.
While this pub crawl is shorter on reviews, the combination of history, local breweries, and party games—including chances to win free drinks—provides a lively, social experience. The sunset rooftop finale with a DJ caps off the night nicely, making it ideal for travelers who want a casual, fun night out in downtown Jacksonville.
Bottom Line: A spirited, compact pub crawl that combines historic sites with craft beer fun and a party atmosphere—best suited for those on a time-constrained but energetic night out.
$75.00 per person
3. 1 Hour Chocolate Bar Class in Jacksonville
Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, the 1 Hour Chocolate Bar Class offers a different kind of drinking experience. For just $20 per person, you’ll learn how to craft your own chocolate bars under the guidance of a professional Chocolatier. This class lasts about an hour and gives you hands-on experience in tempering chocolate, which can be surprisingly intricate.
The class begins with a brief history of chocolate, then shows you the art of tempering by hand on a cold marble, a skill that results in glossy, perfectly textured chocolate. You’ll then visit the candy mansion’s second floor to pick from hundreds of toppings—think candies, sprinkles, and nuts—to customize your bars. Once your creations are ready, you’ll demold and leave with three milk chocolate bars to enjoy later.
This experience is less about alcohol and more about indulging in a sweet craft. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a fun, interactive activity that produces edible souvenirs. While reviews aren’t available, the high level of hands-on involvement and the chance to take home your own chocolate bars make it a memorable and unique treat.
Bottom Line: A delightful, hands-on chocolate-making class that combines learning with tasting—excellent for those who prefer sweet experiences over drinks.
$20.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Jacksonville
Picking the right experience depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If craft beer is your passion, the Jax Brewery Tour offers a comprehensive, relaxed outing with transport included and a variety of breweries. For a lively night with a mix of history and party games, the Sips & Ships pub crawl provides a shorter, energetic experience ideal for a fun evening. And if you’re into sweet treats, the Chocolate Bar Class is perfect for a laid-back, interactive activity that ends with delicious souvenirs.
Consider your time availability: the brewery tour takes about 3.5 hours, while the pub crawl is closer to 2, and the chocolate class just 1 hour. Budget-wise, the brewery tour is the priciest but includes drinks and transport, while the pub crawl and chocolate class are more affordable. Think about your interests—beer, history, or sweets—and how active or relaxed you want your experience to be.
Booking early is advisable, especially for tours with limited availability or special times. For the best experience, try to pick a time that aligns with your energy level and sightseeing plans.
In summary, Jacksonville offers a variety of drinking tours tailored to different tastes. The Jax Brewery Tour stands out for its comprehensive brewery visits and transport, making it ideal for beer lovers. The Sips & Ships pub crawl offers a lively, historic, evening out, perfect for social travelers. For something sweet and interactive, the Chocolate Bar Class delivers a unique hands-on experience. No matter your choice, each tour provides a fun, memorable way to explore Jacksonville’s local culture and flavor—just remember to book early and bring your appetite for adventure.