When you think of Jacksonville, Florida, you usually think of great weather, beautiful beaches and super-tasty seafood. But Jacksonville is full of surprises. Turns out, Jacksonville is home to some amazing breweries that produce world-class beer… and they’re happy to give you a taste of what Jacksonville brew houses have to offer!

One of the most famous breweries in Jacksonville is the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Located right around the corner from the Jacksonville Zoo, you can visit wild animals in the morning and tour this world-class brewery in the afternoon. I recently had the chance to take the new Beermaster Tour, and it is not to be missed! If you’re 21 or older, you’re in luck: the friendly staff will give you tasty samples of the beer they’re brewing as they walk you step-by-step through the brewing process. You can take a look at the methods Budweiser uses to craft its world-famous brews, and you can check out all the great memorabilia at the gift shop.

While not a brewery, die-hard Bud fans should not miss Pete’s Bar right on the beach. You can sip Budweiser in a laid-back atmosphere while checking out all the cool antique Budweiser memorabilia. Pete’s has lined its walls with models of the Budweiser Clydesdales, Budweiser lamps, and plenty of other cool Budweiser memorabilia, and is a must-see for Bud aficionados.

Budweiser may be the most famous Jacksonville brewery, but it’s definitely just the tip of the iceberg. The River City Brewing Company serves up delicious microbrews on the banks of the St. Johns River. The atmosphere at River City is second to none. You can enjoy great food and the full bar while overlooking the picturesque Downtown Jacksonville skyline. Not only is River City a great lunch, dinner or happy hour location, but the brewery serves up a full-service marina as well as its signature microbrews, like Jag Light (named for the Jacksonville Jaguars)! That means if you visit Jacksonville by way of boat, you can dock right on River City’s front doorstep, and never be far from a frosty mug full of tasty beer.

If you venture a little further inland, be sure to check out Seven Bridges Brewery. With outstanding service and a laid-back atmosphere, this place aims to please. Dark beer lovers like myself will be in heaven here. Their Brown Ale is excellent, but ask if you can get a glass of the “hand-pulled” Brown Ale. This tasty brew isn’t always on the menu, but it’s definitely worth asking.

One of the newest breweries in Jacksonville is Bold City Brewery in the Riverside neighborhood.  Open Thursday through Saturday, this locally-owned brewery offers several different beers with names like Killer Whale Cream Ale, Bold English Ale and Mad Manatee IPA to quench your thirst on a hot (or cold) day.  Step into the tap room and taste a few or take home a one-gallon Growler filled with your favorite suds.

Whether you’re a fan of dark microbrews or lighter domestics, there’s a brewery in Jacksonville that has the perfect brew on tap waiting for you. From savoring an ice-cold brew on the water to sipping your way through a seafood dinner, discover why Jacksonville, Florida, is the perfect getaway for fans of really great beer!