A cold pint on a sunny day is just as popular in the US as it is in the UK and it’s no wonder when America is the biggest producer of craft beer in the world.

 Travellers will have no problems discovering delicious and unique beers no matter what state they are in, all brewed locally, from the East Coast to the West. This National Beer Day, we’ve pulled together a thirst-quenching mix of ways to celebrate some of America’s best ales, hops and malts to inspire beer-lovers to head further than the local pub this year. From pioneering craft beer movements in Pittsburgh, to micro-brewing companies in Florida started by three friends, all the way to entire brewery trails visitors can follow through Bakersfield in California and Flagstaff in Arizona, fans of a refreshing beer won’t go thirsty when they visit.

Florida’s Paradise Coast, Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades

As an up and coming craft beer and foodie destination, Florida's Paradise Coast has a wide array of options for those looking to explore local beer. One unique destination is the Bone Hook Brewing Company. Started by three friends with engineering backgrounds, it is the only brewery in Southwest Florida that uses an in-house spectrophotometer to measure beer bitterness (IBU’s) and diacetyl, as well as microbiological analyses. Made with scientific precision in their on-site lab, they produce 20 different beers including a range of styles such as saison ales, American pale ales, an English golden ale and more which are served in their restaurant. Those looking for a social hangout can also check out the newest addition to the craft beer scene on the Paradise Coast, Akrolab Brewing. The brewery is pet-friendly and has its own tap room and beer garden in the Bayshore Arts District. With regular visits from a variety of food trucks, as well as events like trivia and bingo nights, it’s a good spot for a fun night out with friends. Florida’s Paradise Coast

Bakersfield and Kern County Brewery Trail, Bakersfield 

Bakersfield, California is home to endless craft breweries so visitors can easily explore the town and its surroundings by following the Bakersfield and Kern County Brewery Trail, visitors can attempt to visit all 12 breweries on the trail or choose just a few to visit. All of the breweries make their craft beer in Bakersfield, so the area has an incredible variety of beers to taste. Some of the spots on the trail are smaller bars and tasting rooms in the centre of Bakersfield, 2nd phase brewing and Lengthwise Brewing Company, whose brewery is just a 12 minute drive away. Some that are based further out of the city are larger, brewing their beer on site such as Kern River Brewing Company.

For more information visit www.visitcentralvalley.com   

Sonora Brewing Company, Tuolumne County

In the heart of Sonora on Washington Street, sits Sonora Brewing Company, the perfect place for visitors to treat themselves to a cold refreshment after a long day exploring Tuolumne County. They have over 12 types of beers on tap to try here and new beers are brewed each week. With IPAs and pale ales there is something to every beer drinker's tastes on the menu here, alongside burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts, Sonora Brewing Company will quench visitors thirst and satisfy their hunger. 

For more information visit www.visittuolumne.com

The Flagstaff Brewery Trail, Arizona

As Arizona’s leading craft beer city, Flagstaff offers beer drinkers a special introduction into northern Arizona’s craft brew scene. From crisp ales to local lagers, there is something for everyone. Consisting nine breweries, each with their own unique quirks, the trail makes for a great addition to any holiday. For added fun and excitement, visitors can pick up a Flagstaff Brewery Trail Passport at the Flagstaff Visitor Centre (or print one out at home) and collect a sticker at each stop along the way. Travellers can then redeem a free pint glass with their completed passport. www.visitarizona.com

Penn Brewery, Pittsburgh

Recently awarded the best beer city in the U.S. for 2023, Pittsburgh is a must-see destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Full of 60+ unique, Only in Pittsburgh breweries, the scene here continues to grow, impress and draw industry attention. Penn Brewery began brewing craft beer back in 1986, making them one of the earliest pioneers in the American craft beer movement. They started out brewing classic lagers and German beer styles, and expanded their lineup to include IPAs and other contemporary styles like chocolate and pumpkin beers. Penn brews all of their beers by hand with top-tier barley and hops. As winners of nineteen Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup medals, you know their beer is good. www.visitpittsburgh.com

Aspen Brewing Company, Aspen

At an incredible height of 7,908 feet, Aspen Brewing Company brews crisp cold beers at the foot of the incredible Elk Mountains Range. As the only licensed brewery in Aspen, they serve a wide variety of tasty brews from limited-edition IPA’s to German style pilsners alongside pizza and other bar snacks. This summer, Aspen Snowmass welcomes the brand new Deja Vu festival, a tribute to the Snowmass Craft Beer and Chilli Pepper & Brew festivals from previous years. The festival, hosted by Two Parts, will celebrate the best of craft beer and with a full day of tastings from favourite breweries in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. www.aspenchamber.org  / www.gosnowmass.com

California Craft Beer Festival, Sacramento

From September 6th to 8th, Sacramento will host a celebration of California’s craft beer scene, the California Craft Beer Festival, two days of educational seminars led by industry leaders, networking, trade shows, and curated food and beer tastings and everyone is welcome to join. Brewers, retailers, distributors, craft beer lovers, and homebrewers all come together to learn more and share their knowledge. The two-day Craft Beer Summit is followed by the largest beer festival on the West Coast, featuring more than 160 California craft breweries on Capitol Mall.