My husband and I love visiting breweries when we travel. It’s always a fun way to sample some unique beers, relax in a casual environment and possibly meet some locals (and get recommendations about what to do and where to eat). Many breweries are dog-friendly, too, which is always a plus since we bring our dog, Emmy, with us on road trips. When we moved to Destin in 2017, we were excited to explore the craft beer scene. Although Destin only has one brewery, there are many others within driving distance. Here are some 30A and Destin breweries that we highly recommend:
Destin and 30A Breweries
Fort Walton Brewing Company is a nano brewery that produces a variety of seasonal beers. From sours and IPAs to pale ales and porters, there is always something new and unique to try! They have an indoor taproom and outdoor beer garden where you can sip on the craft beers, play games, catch up with your friends (and dog) and get a bite to eat from the featured food truck. They also offer a variety of other drinks including ciders, mixed drinks, wines and sodas.
Destin Brewery is the perfect place for the whole family to hang out. Kids and dogs are welcome, so you can spend the afternoon sampling their local brews, playing corn hole and noshing on flatbreads, hot dogs and other tasty snacks. They have year-round staples in addition to seasonal beers, which are available in the taproom. You can also find their beers at restaurants and grocery/liquor stores.
Idyll Hounds is located in Santa Rosa Beach, just north of 30A. This craft brewery always has something new and unique to try! They play around with interesting flavors and ingredients. As I’m writing this, their current menu features a Banana Chocolate Mousse stout, Rosemary Saison Ale, and several fruited sours, but the menu changes frequently.
Grayton Beer Company. Located just down the street from Idyll Hounds, this popular taproom is a great spot to sit back, relax and enjoy the laidback Florida lifestyle. The open-air, industrial space features a tap wall of 20+ unique beers, darts, cornhole, games and a peek at where the beers are brewed. They also have a Brewpub in Grayton Beach and one opening up in Destin soon. Plus, you’ll see their beers both on tap and in bottles/cans around town.
3rd Planet Brewing Co. This family-friendly brewery in Niceville is a 20 – 30 minute drive north of Destin. However, it’s worth the trip for a fun afternoon or evening! The vibrant atmosphere boasts an indoor bar, outdoor seating with grassy area for kids to run around, featured food trucks, events (such as music bingo, trivia night and live music) and of course good beer!
Destin & 30A Taprooms
Growler Garage. Nestled along 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Growler Garage offers a variety of craft beer that can be enjoyed in the taproom, on the patio or at the beach (which is just across the street!). You can also watch football, listen to live music and take in the unique atmosphere, which is decorated with nostalgic signage, custom painted guitars and surfboards and cool bikes.
Beach and Brew on 30A is located in Seacrest Beach, right outside the hustle and bustle of Rosemary Beach. They offer pints, half pints, growlers to go, wine and non-alcoholic beverages in addition to snacks and a fun atmosphere. Dogs and kids are also welcome, so you can cool down after your next beach day or take a pit stop on your bike ride.
The Craft Bar. With locations in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Grand Boulevard and PCB, The Craft Bar is a gastropub that features an array of craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. They have great happy hour deals (like select $5 beers, wine, cocktails and snacks) and weekly specials like Burger Night on Mondays, Local’s Night on Tuesdays, and Whiskey Wednesdays.
