Yuengling Brewery Tour: America's Oldest Brewery

While you might not take your kids to a bar, the family-friendly brewery offers tours that are open to all ages. Complete your free walking tour with samples of their beverage—perfect after a sweltering day in Tampa.

When to Go

Sunday is a day of rest everywhere, including Yuengling; it's the only day tours aren't offered. Beer also isn’t produced on Sundays, so Mondays through Fridays are the best days to go. There are typically three tours on each weekday—and two on Saturday—offered between mid-morning and early afternoon. Reservations aren't required, but since tour times are subject to change, give the brewery a ring before heading over for a tour. It’s also closed on major holidays.

Getting There

The brewery is about 9 miles northeast of downtown Tampa. If you're staying right in Tampa, use our Tampa travel guide to plan your trip before and after your visit to the brewery. Drive into the "Biergarten Entrance" on 30th Street and you'll find ample parking. If you prefer to kick back and let someone else handle the driving, take the Route 18 bus to 30th Street at East 109th Avenue, and you'll be let off in front of the brewery. Starting the day with a brewery tour and beer tasting could relax you just enough to be ready to take on a hectic amusement park, so it's convenient that Yuengling is located just 2 miles north of the main entrance to Busch Gardens.

What to Expect

Listen to a guide tell the tale of Yuengling's history, which began when a German immigrant named David Yuengling opened his original brewery located in Pennsylvania. You'll be led through the plant on a 75-minute tour of the beer-making process and may get the chance the chat with a master brewer and ask questions. Next, pull up a barstool in the biergarten, which serves as a tasting room. Sip samples of Yuengling's different brews, and go back for seconds if the staff is still serving. Soda is also available for the under-21 set and nondrinkers.

Tips and Guidelines

You may need to save your favorite shoes for another day. You won't be allowed on the tour wearing anything except closed shoes; even shoes with closed toes but openings elsewhere, such as clogs, aren't allowed. If you're over 21 and planning to sample the goods, make sure to bring your ID. Since tours are first-come, first-served, aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. On a rainy day, you won't be the only one trying to duck the drizzle with an indoor tour, so you may want to arrive even earlier to beat the crowds. Bottoms up!

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