The 3 Best Drinking Tours in Phoenix
Phoenix offers more than just warm sunshine and spectacular desert views. Its vibrant nightlife scene and historic watering holes make it a fantastic place for drinking tours that combine history, fun, and local flavor. Whether you’re a fan of spooky ghost stories, looking for a lively group activity, or eager to explore local breweries, Phoenix has something that will turn an ordinary night into a memorable adventure. The city’s mix of historic pubs, innovative craft breweries, and quirky bar scenes makes it ideal for exploring via guided tours.
These tours are practical ways to enjoy the city’s nightlife, especially if you want to avoid drinking and driving or just prefer a guided story behind the drinks. In this guide, we’ve selected the best drinking tours in Phoenix based on reviews, uniqueness, and value. From ghostly pubs to pedal-powered bar crawls, this list highlights options that fit various interests and travel styles.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include a haunted pub ghost tour that blends Phoenix’s seedy past with spooky stories (more here), an energetic pedal bar crawl that gets your group moving through downtown (check it out), and a custom brewery and vineyard tour that offers personalized tasting experiences (details here). Each tour offers something unique, whether it’s history, lively socializing, or tasting local favorites.
1. Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour
At number one, the Phoenix Haunted Pub Ghost Tour is a standout for its combination of haunted history and lively pub atmosphere. This 3-hour walking experience focuses on some of Phoenix’s oldest and most notorious pubs and hotels, many with stories that will send a chill down your spine. The tour departs from just north of downtown, where your guide—a historian with a flair for the spooky—leads you through Phoenix’s underbelly, sharing tales of crime, ghost sightings, and legendary local characters.
What makes this tour particularly engaging is its focus on true crime stories and the city’s darker past. Stops include the George and Dragon English Pub, site of a notorious act in U.S. history; the Clarendon Hotel and Spa, which boasts a 30-year crime saga; and the Hotel San Carlos, Arizona’s most haunted location, where you’ll meet the spirits that supposedly still linger. The small-group setting enhances intimacy and allows for more storytelling and interaction with the guide.
Guests consistently praise Jared, the guide, for blending humor with detailed historical insights. With a price of $75, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the combination of storytelling, history, and visits to iconic historic pubs. It’s perfect for those interested in true crime, ghost stories, and local history in a social setting.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy spooky stories paired with a fun pub crawl, this tour will keep you entertained while unveiling Phoenix’s darker side. Book early—this popular experience offers an unforgettable night out.
2. Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix
Next up is the Pedal Bar Crawl Tour of Downtown Phoenix, a lively and social way to enjoy Phoenix’s eclectic bar scene. This 2-hour tour involves a party bike, which is essentially a large, pedal-powered vehicle where everyone gets in on the fun. With capacity for up to 15 friends, it’s a fantastic choice for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, or just a night out with a group.
The tour includes VIP access and exclusive drink specials at three carefully selected bars: Arizona Wilderness for craft beers, Stardust Pinbar — a hidden speakeasy behind a pizza joint, and Pedal Haus Brewery, known for its bicycle-themed brewpub in Roosevelt Row. The bike features a state-of-the-art sound system and LED lights, making it a festive ride even before you start pedaling. The certified pilot keeps everything safe and fun, so no need to worry about designated drivers.
Guests rave about how the tour is a great way to combine physical activity, socializing, and discovering downtown Phoenix’s lively bar scene. The $69.99 price is quite reasonable given the included VIP access and the unique experience of pedaling through the city. It’s ideal for groups looking for a fun, interactive, and memorable night.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups eager for a party with a twist, this pedal bar crawl offers a lively, social way to sample some of downtown Phoenix’s best bars. Reserve early, as spots fill quickly.
3. Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour
For those seeking a personalized experience, the Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour is a private, flexible outing that can last between 4 and 8 hours. Starting with a visit to local breweries in Phoenix’s Historic Downtown and Railroad District, you’ll enjoy tastings and behind-the-scenes looks at how Arizona’s craft beers are made. If you prefer wine or mead, that’s easy to include—your guide can customize the itinerary accordingly, even adding a trip to the Verde Valley Wine Region in Northern Arizona.
This tour is best suited for those who want a tailored experience and prefer avoiding the hassle of driving between locations. It includes transportation, so you can focus entirely on tasting and enjoying the scenery. The guide, who is friendly and knowledgeable, helps you discover different brewers and wineries, making each trip unique. The price of $325 per person reflects its private, customizable nature and the likelihood of a more relaxed experience.
Guests note that the guide Steve made the trip memorable, and the flexibility allowed them to learn and taste at their own pace. It’s an excellent choice for groups with specific interests in beer, wine, or mead and those who want to explore beyond the typical brewery scene.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a personalized, no-pressure tasting experience with flexible timing, this private tour delivers. Book well in advance to customize your perfect day.
How to Choose
When deciding among these Phoenix drinking tours, consider your budget, time, and interests. The haunted pub ghost tour is great for history buffs and thrill-seekers interested in local lore. The pedal bar crawl suits groups wanting a fun, social experience with a lively vibe. Meanwhile, the custom brewery and vineyard tour appeals to those wanting a personalized, relaxed tasting day with private transportation.
Think about your group size and activity level as well—if you prefer being active, the pedal bar is perfect. For more relaxed exploration, the brewery tour offers flexibility. Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and customize your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix’s drinking scene is diverse and offers something for every social or curious traveler. For a spooky twist, the haunted pub ghost tour provides a fascinating look into the city’s darker past paired with a fun pub crawl. Those wanting a lively, communal experience will enjoy the pedal bar tour, which combines movement with some of downtown’s best bars. And for those who love to taste and learn at their own pace, the private brewery and vineyard tour offers a customizable and exclusive outing.
No matter which you choose, these tours offer a practical and enjoyable way to explore Phoenix’s unique drinking culture. Book early, and you’ll be sure to have a memorable night out in the Valley of the Sun.