Washington DC: Craft Brewery Tour with Tastings & Transport

DC breweries up close with local stories tastings and laughs

You’ll taste your way through three unique DC breweries with a local guide who knows every story behind each pour. Expect exclusive tastings, snacks between stops, and round-trip transportation so you can relax into the city’s craft beer scene without planning, or worrying about getting home after. It’s social, easygoing, and full of those small moments you remember later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit three top DC breweries

• Tour Hellbender Brewing process
• Explore DC Brau flagship brewery
• Visit Right Proper Brewing Company

The experience

Ever wonder what DC tastes like in a glass? I didn’t really know what to expect when I signed up for this DC brewery tour. Just that I wouldn’t have to worry about driving or picking which spot to try first. We met our guide, Marcus, right by Union Market (he actually remembered everyone’s name, which still impresses me). The van smelled faintly of hops and something sweet, maybe someone had a pastry stashed? Anyway, the city felt different through the window as we zipped past the Capitol toward our first stop.

The first brewery, Hellbender, was loud in that good way. You could hear the clatter of kegs and people laughing over their flights. Marcus explained how they use less water and grain but somehow get more flavor out of each batch. He handed me a pale ale that tasted almost grassy-fresh, and I swear I caught a whiff of citrus before my friend knocked her glass into mine. There was this moment where we all tried to pronounce “Hellbender” in our best salamander voices (don’t ask), and even one of the brewers joined in.

We hit two more spots (DC Brau and Right Proper), and each had its own vibe. At DC Brau, someone behind the bar told us about brewing during snowstorms. At Right Proper, you could smell bread baking somewhere nearby, mixing with the yeasty tang from open fermenters. Snacks came out between pours (pretzels, mostly), and by then it felt like everyone was just hanging out together instead of being on some official “tour.” I liked that nobody rushed us or made it feel scripted. You could ask anything about beer or just talk about DC neighborhoods if you wanted.

By the end, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone hours ago. We piled back into the van with new favorites (mine: a saison that tasted like summer) and just watched the city lights flicker past. Not sure if it was the beer or just being around good people for an afternoon, but yeah. I still think about that view sometimes.

What’s included

Your experience includes round-trip transportation between three top Washington DC breweries, guided tastings of twelve local craft beers led by an expert beer guide who shares stories along the way, plus snacks to keep you going between pours before returning to your starting point together.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDepartures at 12:45 and 17:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Under 21: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by City Brew Tours - DC

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many breweries are included in the DC brewery tour?

The tour visits three different breweries in Washington DC.

Does the tour include transportation between breweries?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included throughout the day.

Are snacks provided during the brewery tour?

Yes, snacks are included along with your beer tastings.

What breweries might be visited on this tour?

The itinerary varies but may include Hellbender Brewing, DC Brau, Right Proper Brewing Company, and others.

Is there a guide on this Washington DC craft brewery tour?

Yes, an expert local beer guide leads the group at every stop.

Can vegetarians join this brewery tour?

A vegetarian option is available. Please advise when booking if required.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Guests meet at a designated meeting point.

What is the minimum age for joining this craft beer tour?

The minimum age is 21 years old, no exceptions.