BrewCycle
For the group of friends who want an active experience
Billed as “the most Portland experience,” a Brewcycle is a fifteen seat giant pedal powered trolley that travels super slow but gives the crew a good workout while riding a few blocks to close breweries. There are five different routes: two in Southeast and three in Northwest. I recommend either the Trailblazer route or the Bottom’s Up route.
Why it’s awesome- There’s a crew of sixteen or so people listening to tunes and maneuvering in between cars on the open road. Brewcycle runs rain or shine and it’s good fun!
Length- 2 hours
Price- $$ $30/$35 a person, $4-7ish per beer, and optional tip for guide
Brewvana Tour
For the group of beer connoisseurs
Brewvana tours is the most educational of the experiences, and typically include beer tastings, private brewery tours, food, and a knowledgeable guide who gives you the history and information about Portland and the specific breweries. They also have private parties so if you can finagle 14 or more of your friends together they can give you a tour great for bachelor/ette parties. It’s the most expensive option but also the most comfortable since you’re traveling in a mini bus. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/brewvana
Why it’s awesome- Brewvana has a fun variety of tours available including one that allows kids to come. One example is a zymurgy (the study of fermentation) tour that teaches the basics at a brewery, cidery, and kombucha brewery. I like that Brewvana goes to more local spots and avoids the overly touristy places.
Length- 3-5 hours
Price: $$$$ starting at $69 a person
Pedicab
For an awesome and unique date (or friend date)
Pedicab consists of locals willing to cart you around on a bike to either breweries, urban wineries or distilleries. There are also tours of Portland without the brewery aspect available, including a NSFW “Boobs and Brews” which combines breweries and strip clubs and a distillery and urban wine tour. I recommend the Fifth Quadrant Brewery Experience or the Eastside Brewery Tours.
Why it’s awesome- It’s a more intimate experience since there is one rider/guide for 2 to 3 people per pedicab. Pedicab is also great for sightseeing in the most popular areas of Portland from a leisurely ride in the back instead of having to pedal or being in a bus.
Length- varies, starting around 2 hours
Price- $$$ starts at $25 a person and a recommended $20 minimum tip for the guides
Self Guided Tour
For the adventurous on a budget
There are couple different routes you can take to do a self guided tour of Portland’s breweries. The brewery blocks in the Pearl District have great walking distance breweries, however not all of them are native to Portland. The “PDX Ale Trail” on the Eastside has quite a few different breweries and can be done by bike or parts of it are walkable.
Why it’s awesome- Less expensive than a guided tour, leaving more money in the pocket for beer!
Length- as long or short as you can handle
Price: $
Beer Festival
For the beginner to expert beer lover who wants to sample as many beers as possible
It’s hard to not find a festival on any given weekend in Portland especially in the summer. If there is not a large festival when visiting many smaller breweries have events showcasing different beers. Portland is probably the only place where pumpkin, strawberry, and peach have their own festivals dedicated to them…
Why it’s awesome- It’s impossible to not find a beer that you like with so many different types of beer festivals: fruit beers, hoppy beers, ciders, organic beer, international beers, dark ales, and more! Combine that with great food variety from different food carts and fun settings such as Portland parks, squares, or breweries and there’s a recipe for an awesome day.
Length- as long or short as you can handle
Price: $-$$ varies
