Jacksonville is known for more than just its beaches and vibrant arts scene. It’s also a surprisingly good destination for drinking tours that highlight local flavors, history, and fun experiences. Whether you want to sample craft beers, learn how to make chocolate, or explore the city’s haunted bars, Jacksonville offers options that combine entertainment and education with a relaxed Southern charm. These tours give you a chance to enjoy the city’s rich brewing scene, indulge your sweet tooth, or chase some ghosts — all while having a good time with friendly guides and fellow travelers.
What makes Jacksonville stand out for drinking tours is its variety. You can hop between craft breweries on a tuk-tuk, get hands-on with chocolates, or hear spooky stories from historic pubs. Each tour showcases different sides of the city — from its innovative craft beer culture to its mysterious past. If you’re curious about Jacksonville’s local brews or want a fun way to explore its stories, these tours are worth considering.
Quick Overview
Below, we review the top three drinking experiences in Jacksonville. The list includes a brewery tour with drinks included, a chocolate-making class, and a haunted pub crawl. Each offers a unique way to experience the city’s flavors, history, or both, and I’ll help you decide which fits your interests and schedule best.
1. Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included)
For around $135 per person, the Jax Brewery Tour is a solid choice if you want to sample multiple craft breweries while enjoying a relaxed, guided experience. This 3.5-hour tour visits four carefully selected breweries, each offering a pint included in the price. The tour uses European tuk-tuks for transportation, adding a fun, quirky element to your day.
The tour kicks off at Bold City Brewery, known for recreating Jacksonville’s original beer in partnership with Pabst. Then, you’ll head to King Maker Brewing, which boasts a large, unique space and a popular food truck with top-notch pretzels. Next, Jacksonville Myrtle Avenue Brewery features an owner renowned for consulting on award-winning beers and often hosts weekend food vendors. The final stop is Tepeyolot Cerveceria, a Mexican brewpub with pinball machines and a friendly vibe. Each stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to enjoy your pint and soak in the atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of local craft beer, small-group intimacy, and fun transport. The reviews are positive, with many praising the friendly guide and the quality of the breweries. It’s great for beer lovers wanting to explore Jacksonville’s thriving craft scene with a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy craft beer and a lively, social atmosphere, this tour offers good value at $134.65, especially with drinks included and tuk-tuk rides to spice up the journey.
2. 1 Hour Chocolate Bar Class in Jacksonville
At just $20 per person, the Chocolate Bar Class is an affordable, hands-on experience for chocolate lovers. This 1-hour class introduces you to the art of making chocolate, guided by a professional chocolatier. You’ll learn about the history of chocolate, the process of tempering, and watch a demonstration of hand tempering on a cold marble.
What makes this class different is the opportunity to customize your own chocolate bars. You’ll visit the second floor of the candy mansion to select toppings from hundreds of candy and chocolate bins. After your bars are finished, you’ll demold them, leaving with three milk chocolate bars per person. It’s a fun, interactive activity that’s both educational and tasty.
The class is well-suited for families, couples, or anyone curious about chocolate craftsmanship. Since it’s a short session, it’s best paired with other activities or as a quick treat. While it doesn’t include drinks, you can enjoy your freshly made chocolates afterward or pair them with a local coffee.
Bottom Line: For a sweet, creative break in Jacksonville, this class offers a memorable experience at a budget-friendly price, ideal for chocolate fans and curious cooks alike.
3. Jacksonville: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For $27, the Haunted Pub Crawl combines Jacksonville’s spirits and spirited stories over 2 hours of exploring some of its most haunted bars. Led by Jacksonville Ghosts, this tour pairs drinks with tales of ghostly apparitions, including the story of a woman in a red dress seen near the Ferris Wheel and the activity around Jacksonville Pier during Prohibition.
The tour visits several bars, including the lively Hoptinger Bier Garden, where you can enjoy drinking games and hear spooky stories. The focus is on the city’s haunted history, making it perfect for those interested in local legends and a bit of nightlife. The tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for an evening activity, and it’s accessible for most fitness levels since it involves walking between bars.
Reviews are limited but generally positive, praising the mixture of history, storytelling, and drinks. It’s a fun, slightly spooky way to enjoy Jacksonville’s nightlife, especially if you like stories about ghosts and a casual bar crawl atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in Jacksonville’s haunted side and enjoy storytelling with a drink in hand, this tour offers a memorable, spooky night out without breaking the bank.
How to Choose
When deciding among these tours, consider your interests and schedule. If craft beer is your priority, the Jax Brewery Tour offers a comprehensive tasting in a fun, mobile setting. For those with a sweet tooth or wanting a creative experience, the Chocolate Class provides hands-on fun and delicious results. If spooky stories and a lively bar crawl pique your interest, the Haunted Pub Crawl combines Jacksonville’s ghostly tales with social drinking.
Think about your budget, how much time you have, and whether you prefer beer, sweets, or ghosts. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours. Check the weather if planning an outdoor or walking activity, and consider pairing a tour with other local attractions.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville’s drinking tours offer a diverse range of experiences. For a relaxed, social beer adventure, the Jax Brewery Tour is a great pick. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the creative Chocolate Class, and those craving a spooky story can’t miss the Haunted Pub Crawl.
Each tour provides a different way to engage with the city’s flavors and stories, making Jacksonville more than just a place to visit — it’s a place to experience. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through, these tours are worth booking early to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun.