Vacationland Beer Tours: A Guide to Maine’s Best Breweries

Many pints are poured throughout the state of Maine, but which breweries are the best to stop and sip during a trip? While you’d be hard-pressed not to find an outstanding tour or tasting during your visit to Vacationland, these Maine breweries from York to Bar Harbor will inspire an addition of ale to your itinerary (or even spark a brew-focused getaway).

Vacationland Beer Tours: A Guide To Maine Breweries

Kittery-Ogunquit Area (South Coast)

Maine’s Southern Coast is home to several breweries, the most popular being Tributary Brewing Company, known for its hand-crafted beers by New England brewing legend Tod Mott. While in the area, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of SoME Brewing Company’s cozy tasting room in York, or tap your feet to jammin’ live music at Shipyard Brew & Pub during their Summer Breeze Concert Series.

Catch one of the Best Brew Tours (with locations in Ogunquit, Kittery, and York) for a little ale-on-wheels action. Any given tour is likely to feature these southern Maine breweries, but you’ll also cross the border to try some brew from Portsmouth, N.H.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport won’t disappoint a New England beer lover — this marine city sees several spots with quality brews and quality views to match. Watch the ships roll by at Federal Jack’s, a picturesque pub and restaurant located right on the waterfront, or get a full-fledged taste of Maine at Sebago Brewing Company whose product is brewed with all-American malt, hops and crisp water from its namesake Sebago Lake.

Greater Portland Area

With 17 microbreweries in operation, Portland, Maine has the highest rate of breweries per capita out of any city in the country. Hop aboard The Maine Brew Bus to get a taste of The Forest City’s best brews, including (but certainly not limited to) the long-time fan favorites: Allagash Brewery, Rising Tide Brewing Company, and Bissell Brothers Brewing.

Midcoast Maine

Making your way to Midcoast Maine? Put Rock Harbor Brewing in downtown Rockland on your brew tour checklist — not only does this brewpub craft a wide range of beers and delectable pub fare, but it also hosts regular event nights from trivia to live music to Cribbage tournaments. Or, trade downtown views for waterfront vistas on West Penobscot Bay at Andy’s Brew Pub in Lincolnville, also known as The Lobster Pound. You can’t visit Vacationland without sinking your fork into some authentic Maine lobster, after all.

Bar Harbor

Don’t let your Down East vacation go without a visit to the Atlantic Brewing Company, the beer-pouring pride of Bar Harbor. With award-winning brews like the Thunder Hole Ale and Cadillac Mountain Stout, daily brewery tours, and a cozy tasting room just minutes from downtown, Atlantic Brewing alone will cap a beer-centric Maine getaway.

In Maine, brew is as bountiful as beaches and lobster rolls — try them all at a beer fest thrown by the Maine Brewers’ Guild. No matter which section of the Pine Tree State you choose to raise your glass in, be sure to make a reservation at one of our inns or resorts — we’ll be your resident guides to the best places to say “cheers” in Maine.