Washington DC may be famous for its monuments and museums, but the city also boasts a surprisingly lively and diverse drinking scene. Its breweries are flourishing, historic bars are filled with stories, and even ghostly spirits haunt some of the oldest establishments. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a history lover who wants to explore DC’s bar scene, or someone interested in haunted tales, there’s a tour tailored for you. These Washington DC drinking tours are a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective—by enjoying its drinks and stories as you go.
Many tours include insider access, behind-the-scenes looks at breweries, or engaging guides who bring local history to life. With options ranging from affordable pub crawls to more elaborate craft beer experiences, your choices are plentiful. Planning ahead makes a difference—book early for popular tours, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of drinking experiences in Washington DC. You’ll find guided brewery tours that explore the city’s craft scene with VIP access, historic pub crawls blending DC’s past with local drinks, and spooky haunted pub adventures. For scenic relaxation, options like the sightseeing brunch cruise and even a pirate ship cruise with open bar keep things lively on the water. To keep the fun interactive, there’s also an app-led bar crawl that mixes trivia with city exploration. Now, let’s look at each tour in detail.
1. DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Starting with the DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour, this 3.5-hour small-group adventure immerses you in Washington DC’s craft beer scene. It includes round-trip transit from downtown DC, so you don’t have to stress about logistics. You’ll visit three prominent breweries, including Hellbender Brewing and Port City Brewing, both known for their innovative approaches and local favorites. Each brewery offers a behind-the-scenes tour, where you’ll learn about the brewing process directly from experts.
This tour stands out because of its focus on environmentally friendly brewing and flavorful beers. Hellbender, with its name inspired by the largest salamander in North America, emphasizes sustainability, using less grain and water while still delivering bold tastes. Port City in nearby Virginia offers a different flavor profile with its Northern Virginia roots. Expect to sample up to 12 craft beers, making this an excellent choice for those who want a deeper dive into DC’s craft scene. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the reviews highlight friendly guides and a fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for craft beer lovers who want in-depth brewery visits with VIP access, all in a relaxed group environment. Expect quality beers, engaging stories, and a memorable experience.
2. Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl
At number 2, the Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl combines DC’s historic landmarks with local drinking spots for an engaging two-hour exploration. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour takes you through historic bars and pubs where political deals, presidential favorites, and Prohibition stories come alive. You’ll visit iconic spots like Old Ebbitt Grill and the Occidental Grill, each with their own stories tied to the city’s past.
The tour is highly rated for its entertaining guides and the mix of history with drinks. You can opt for the happy hour version, pre-booking four draft beers, or choose to buy drinks as you go—whichever suits your style. It’s a good fit for travelers who want a quick, fun overview of DC’s rich history combined with a relaxed drinking experience. The reviews praise the guide’s humor and knowledge, making it both educational and enjoyable.
Bottom Line: A lively, historical pub crawl ideal for those wanting a quick, fun, and informative way to see DC’s historic bars and learn some local lore while enjoying your drinks.
3. Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For those intrigued by DC’s haunted side, the Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a 2-hour journey into the city’s ghostly tales. Visiting eight haunted sites, including the historic Round Robin Bar inside the Willard Hotel, you’ll share drinks and stories of spirits, scandals, and political intrigue. The tour includes stops at bars reputed to be haunted by notable figures like President Grant’s ghost and stories of prohibition-era bootleggers.
What makes this tour unique is its blend of ghost stories and historic landmarks, with some participants enjoying a toast in places where history and hauntings intertwine. The intimate small-group setting (max 15 people) means plenty of personal attention from your guide, Anton, who narrates DC’s spooky stories with flair. The reviews mention the vivid storytelling and fun atmosphere, though some note the price doesn’t include drinks.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those interested in ghost stories, spooky legends, and a bit of DC’s darker side, all paired with a few drinks in historic bars.
4. DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures
Another haunted pub crawl, the DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures offers a slightly shorter, two-hour experience. Visiting five historic spots, including the Old Ebbitt Grill and the John Wilson Building, this tour emphasizes DC’s paranormal sightings and historical secrets. The highlight is the visit to the Round Robin Bar, known for its ghostly visitors, and the chance to sip a classic Gin Rickey—the drink believed to have originated here.
Guided by expert storytellers, this tour is perfect for curious travelers who want a spooky twist to their night out. It’s worth noting that drinks are not included in the price, which can add to the overall cost if you’re planning to drink generously. The reviews praise the engaging tales and the intimate group setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for ghost story enthusiasts and those curious about the paranormal history of DC, especially if you enjoy a lively storytelling environment.
5. Washington DC: Sightseeing Brunch Cruise with Open Bar
For a different kind of drinking experience, the Sightseeing Brunch Cruise combines scenic views of DC with a delicious brunch buffet and unlimited drinks on the Potomac River. This 2-hour cruise offers spectacular vistas of the city’s monuments, Capitol, and waterfront while you enjoy a hearty brunch and a selection of drinks from an open bar, including cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
This tour offers a relaxed, scenic experience with plenty of opportunity for photos and conversation. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a leisurely meal and drinks. The reviews emphasize the quality of the buffet and the professionalism of the onboard music system, making it a comfortable and enjoyable outing.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want to enjoy Washington’s skyline with good food and drinks, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxing morning.
6. Washington DC: Pirate Ship Cruise with Open Bar
A fun twist on river cruising, the Pirate Ship Cruise with Open Bar offers a 2-hour adventure on a pirate-themed vessel. With a lively atmosphere, this cruise features an open bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks, alongside music and dancing. It’s a family-friendly, entertaining way to see DC from the water, especially if you enjoy a playful vibe.
The tour’s appeal lies in its interactive theme and casual setting, making it a hit for those seeking a lighthearted, social outing. The reviews note that it’s a fun experience, though the availability of snacks is limited to pre-packaged options.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups or families looking for a lively, themed cruise that combines sightseeing with fun, informal drinks.
7. Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam
The Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl by Let’s Roam offers a modern, app-led experience. This scavenger hunt-style tour takes you across the city, solving trivia and challenges at landmark and hidden bars. It’s a great way to combine interactive exploration with some drinks, perfect for groups looking for an active, social night out.
Though it currently has no reviews, the format is designed for fun and team-building, making it ideal for bachelor parties or friends wanting a more engaging way to discover DC’s nightlife. The tour lasts around two hours and costs about $12.31 per person, making it a budget-friendly option.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who enjoy games and friendly competition while exploring DC’s bar scene.
8. DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack
Last but not least, the Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack takes you through three of DC’s most beloved breweries over roughly 3.5 hours. This tour emphasizes VIP access to production areas, allowing you to see how the beers are made and sample up to 12 different brews. The inclusion of a snack pairs well with the tasting experience, and the tour is led by a local guide who is knowledgeable about DC’s craft scene.
Rated 4.1 out of 5, the tour is praised for its comprehensive coverage and relaxed pace. It’s especially recommended if you want to learn about beer styles and brewing techniques while enjoying a variety of flavors. The slightly higher price reflects the VIP behind-the-scenes access and the larger number of samples.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded choice for serious craft beer fans who want to understand brewing while sampling a wide variety of beers in a friendly setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour
When selecting a drinking tour in Washington DC, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you’re passionate about craft beer, the DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour or the Guided Craft Brewery Tours offer in-depth tasting and behind-the-scenes looks. For a quick taste of city history, the pub crawl options with historical stories and haunted tales are ideal.
Budget travelers may prefer the Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl or ghost tours, which are more affordable and offer unique themes. If you want a scenic experience, the sightseeing brunch cruise or pirate cruise add a memorable water-based element to your trip.
Book early, especially for tours with limited space or high demand. Check availability during weekends or holidays, as many tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Washington DC offers a wide array of drinking tours that appeal to different interests. For a deep dive into craft beer, the guided brewery tours are hard to beat. History buffs will appreciate pub crawls that mix storytelling with local drinks, and those seeking spooky stories will enjoy ghost-themed pub adventures. Water lovers can opt for scenic cruises that combine sightseeing and drinks in style. No matter your preference, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Cheers to discovering DC from a new angle—through its flavors, stories, and spirits.