Jacksonville, Florida, isn’t just about its beaches and golf courses. The city’s craft beer scene has blossomed in recent years, making it a prime destination for anyone looking to sample local brews. But what truly sets Jacksonville apart is its ability to combine fun, authenticity, and a little bit of history into engaging tours.
We love the Jax Brewery Tour because it takes you to four handpicked breweries in a relaxed, scenic way—plus, riding in tuk-tuks adds a fun twist.
Meanwhile, the All-Inclusive Sips & Ships pub crawl offers a lively, social experience with stops aboard a historic battleship and rooftop parties, perfect for a night out. For something sweeter, the Chocolate Bar Class gives you hands-on fun and tasty souvenirs.
Each of these provides a different way to explore Jacksonville’s vibrant drinking culture while keeping things interesting.
Whether you’re a craft beer lover, a nightlife seeker, or a chocolate enthusiast, Jacksonville’s tours offer something for every type of traveler. This guide compares the top options, so you can pick the one that suits your style, budget, and schedule.
1. Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included)
On the Jax Brewery Tour, you’ll visit four of Jacksonville’s best craft breweries, with one pint included at each stop. This 3.5-hour tour is a relaxed way to taste the city’s brewing talent, with the added fun of riding in European tuk tuks from spot to spot.
The tour does a good job of balancing variety and depth, stopping at standout spots like Bold City Brewery—famous for recreating the original Jacksonville Beer—and King Maker Brewing, known for its large, innovative space and excellent pretzels.
The last stops, like Jacksonville Myrtle Avenue Brewery, dive into local brewing expertise and community spirit, while Tepeyolot Cerveceria offers Mexican-style brews and pinball fun.
This tour is ideal if you like a structured yet flexible taste of Jacksonville’s craft scene. The $134.65 price includes all drinks and transportation, making it a solid value for those wanting a comprehensive, social experience.
Reviews indicate a 4.5/5 rating based on seven reviews, with many praising the friendly guides and the fun tuk tuk rides. It’s perfect for those who want to explore multiple breweries without the hassle of planning or driving.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-rounded brewery tour that combines local flavor, fun transport, and a good mix of breweries—great for beer aficionados and social travelers alike.
2. All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl
This downtown pub crawl offers a lively, energetic way to experience Jacksonville’s nightlife in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Starting aboard the USS Orleck, a decommissioned battleship turned museum, you’ll kick off with your first drink while snapping photos of this historic vessel.
The tour then moves to Ruby Beach Brewing, a locally loved spot for small-batch Florida-inspired beers, before heading to Bold City Brewery, a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s craft scene.
The experience culminates on a rooftop with a live DJ, party games, and chances to win drinks and prizes, making it a social highlight.
While the $75 price is lower than other tours, keep in mind this is a shorter experience focused on socializing and nightlife. The tour is geared toward those who want a fun, informal night out with a bit of history thrown in. Although it currently has no reviews, its unique combination of historic ship, local breweries, and rooftop party makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a quick, spirited introduction to Jacksonville’s vibrant nightlife, especially if they enjoy social settings, music, and craft beer.
3. 1 Hour Chocolate Bar Class in Jacksonville
If your idea of a good time involves sweet treats rather than hops or pints, the Chocolate Bar Class is a fun, hands-on experience. Led by a professional chocolatier, this 1-hour class covers the history of chocolate, the art of tempering, and provides a demonstration of hand tempering on a marble slab.
Each participant gets to choose from hundreds of toppings and create their own custom chocolate bars, leaving with three milk chocolate bars as edible souvenirs.
Priced at just $20, this class offers a tasty, educational break from the typical drinking scene. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels, especially for those with kids or a sweet tooth. While there are no reviews listed, the focus on hands-on participation and quality ingredients makes this a worthwhile and memorable experience for those looking for a sweet diversion.
Bottom Line: An affordable, engaging activity that combines learning, creativity, and delicious chocolate — great for families, couples, and anyone with a sweet craving.
How to Choose Between These Jacksonville Drinking Tours
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re serious about craft beer and want a guided, immersive experience, the Jax Brewery Tour offers a comprehensive taste of Jacksonville’s brewing scene.
For a lively night out with friends, the Sips & Ships pub crawl provides a dynamic social atmosphere with history, music, and drinks—perfect if you’re visiting in the evening.
If you prefer something more relaxed and sweet, the Chocolate Bar Class is a charming, budget-friendly option that doubles as a fun hands-on activity.
Consider your fitness level and what kind of experience you want to remember. The brewery tour involves some walking and riding in tuk tuks, while the pub crawl is more about enjoying the atmosphere and socializing. The chocolate class is ideal if you’re after a shorter, more intimate activity. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville offers a diverse array of drinking experiences that highlight its local craft scene, history, and even its sweeter side. For those looking for a lively, day-long exploration, the Jax Brewery Tour balances fun, taste, and culture. If nightlife and socializing are your priorities, the Sips & Ships pub crawl delivers a memorable evening with unique venues and great views.
And for a quiet, creative break, the Chocolate Bar Class provides a delightful hands-on activity that results in delicious souvenirs.
No matter what you choose, these tours give you a chance to see a different side of Jacksonville—one filled with good drinks, good company, and a bit of local flavor. Book early, plan your schedule wisely, and enjoy your taste of Jacksonville’s spirited offerings.