Local Love: Our Favorite Breweries

Are you a beer lover? The popularity of craft beer has soared over the last few years, and we’re seeing breweries pop up all along the Gulf Coast. In fact, we’ve found some of our favorite breweries in Pensacola, 30A, Destin, and Gulf Shores this way – right here in our own backyard! No matter where you are staying on vacation with us, you’re sure to find a brewery nearby. Unique craft beers, outdoor seating, and pet-friendly spaces are just some of the factors that will draw you to these local breweries.

Take a look below at some of our favorite breweries in Pensacola, 30A, Destin, and Gulf Shores. You may just find a new favorite, too!

Perfect Plan Brewing Co.

Located in Downtown Pensacola, Perfect Plain Brewing Co. is an excellent place to stop in if you are staying in one of our Pensacola Beach vacation rentals. This 10-barrel brewhouse sits in a beautiful architectural structure with over 75 years of history, reflective of Pensacola’s long and rich history. Their menu rotates regularly – currently, they have 14 beers on tap with names like “You’re on Mute,” “Summer Hours,” and “Buzzer Beater.” In addition to the taproom, they also have Garden & Grain, a cocktail garden and private event space, and The Well, a new space for patrons to gather and spend time together. Although there are a number of breweries in Pensacola, Perfect Plain is by far one of our favorites!

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company

Located off of Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is off the beaten path, but it’s worth it to try out their beers. Currently, they have 12 beers on tap, with everything from pale and farmhouse ales to IPAs and stouts. Not a beer drinker? They also sell cider, wines by the glass and bottle, and non-alcoholic options. If you’re staying with us on 30A for the fall, get your tickets to their Houndfest 2020 event. Live music, food trucks, specialty beers on tap, and over 15 packaged beers are just some of the things you’ll partake in at Houndfest 2020. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to get them while they are available!

Grayton Beer Brewpub

Grayton Beer Brewpub is a staple on 30A, loved by both locals and visitors alike. This brewery, restaurant, and bar is located in the heart of Grayton Beach and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Here, you’ll find over 15 beers on tap in addition to wine and craft cocktails. You’ve probably seen their popular 30A beers at your local grocery or liquor store: 30A IPA, 30A Beach Blonde Ale, and 30A Rose are all brewed by Graton Beer Company. As they say, “Hoppiness comes in waves!”

Destin Brewery

At Destin Brewery, they put the “local” in local craft beer! Their taproom is open daily from 2-7 PM with curbside pickup available too. With a wide selection of gluten-free beers, IPAs, sours, stouts, and more, there is something for everyone at Destin Brewery. They are constantly experimenting with new selections and love local feedback! They’re winners of the “Best Beer Selection” award for Best in Destin in 2019 in addition to “Best Florida Beer” for Destin Ale and other awards. Plenty of outdoor seating and a safe space for your pups to hang out make this a favorite among locals and visitors too!

Props Brewery

Popular with locals and those vacationing in Fort Walton Beach, Props Brewery is a veteran-owned and operated brewery. Their mission is to “brew beer, drink beer, and have fun doing it.” If you’re staying with us this fall, you’re here just in time for their seasonal beers, including the Pumpkin Bomb American Ale. With 24 beers in their inventory, everyone is sure to find a favorite! Props has two locations in Fort Walton Beach: a brewery & grill and a brewery & taproom.

Big Beach Brewing Company

For those who love to vacation in Gulf Shores, a visit to Big Beach Brewing Company is a must! This 10-barrel brewery and open-air taproom has 12 taps with craft beer as the specialty in addition to Pensacola-made Big Jerk Soda. Although there is no kitchen here, local food trucks park at Big Beach Brewing Company during special events. Patrons are also encouraged to bring their own food as well. They serve everything from IPAs to stouts and cream ales and Belgian-style beers and pride themselves on a “tank to tap” operation. This is one of the first places to bring craft beer to Gulf Shores, so you know it’s worth a trip or two!