Brewery Crawl vs Beer Spa in Denver: When to Swap the Tour for a Soak

Denver is one of the best beer cities in the country. With dozens of breweries spread across the metro area—and a dense concentration of RiNo breweries within walking distance—it's easy to spend an entire day exploring taprooms.

Some people do that, but you don’t want too much of a good thing. If you're searching for a brewery tour alternative Denver visitors don't always know about, add a beer spa to your itinerary. It’s the perfect addition to a beer crawl and gives you a much-needed space to rest after a day on the town. 

Learn the differences between a beer spa vs brewery tour, plus tips for building a more memorable, relaxed beer day in Denver that you’ll love.

Brewery Crawl Versus Beer Spa: What’s the Difference?

If you’re deciding between a Denver brewery crawl and beer spa—well, who says you have to choose? 

A brewery crawl keeps the energy high as you hop from one taproom to the next. A beer spa lets you hit pause while enjoying a different kind of beer-inspired experience.

During a brewery crawl, you:

1. Visit multiple breweries in one trip
2. Sample a variety of craft beers, usually from one brewery
3. Walk a lot in a fast-paced environment
4. Hang out in busy taprooms with lively crowds
5. Taste great new beers

If you've already visited three RiNo breweries, there's a good chance everyone's starting to feel it. Maybe you've sampled enough IPAs for one day or your feet are tired from walking. 

Instead of squeezing in one more tasting room, head to Oakwell's walkable RiNo location. You'll trade the bustle of a brewery for a private suite where you can relax in a warm herbal beer-infused bath, enjoy the infrared sauna, rinse off in the rain shower, and settle into a zero-gravity massage chair before grabbing a drink in the taproom.

Oakwell Beer Spa shares some elements with a brewery tour, but with a twist that complements your day on the town. At Oakwell Beer Spa, you:

1. Relax in one thoughtfully designed space
2. Sample a curated selection of craft beer from multiple breweries, plus wine, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks
3. Slow down in an environment designed to relax
4. Enjoy a social atmosphere in the taproom, plus get access to a private spa suite just for your group
5. Taste great new beers, but with relaxation included as part of the experience

Plus, our taproom’s revolving selection of craft beer is perfect for beer aficionados. It’s a self-pour tap wall, so you’re free to try a small sample of each brew and go back for your favorites. 

If you're looking for a brewery tour alternative in Denver that visitors won’t expect, this combination offers the best of both worlds. You still get the excitement of Denver's brewery scene, but you finish with a memorable experience that leaves everyone feeling refreshed instead of ready for a nap.

A Sample Brewery Tour Alternative in Denver 

You don't have to choose between brewery hopping and a beer spa. Here’s how to plan a day around Denver’s famous beer scene without the stress. 

Stop 1: Kick Things off at a Couple of RiNo Breweries

Start your afternoon exploring two or three RiNo breweries within walking distance of one another. Take your time and try a few different styles. There's no rush—the goal is to enjoy the experience, not check breweries off a list.

Stop 2: Hit Pause With a Beer-Inspired Spa Experience

After a few tastings, it's time to slow down. Instead of heading to another brewery, walk over to Oakwell for a private beer spa experience. Relax in a warm herbal beer-infused bath with hops, barley, and herbs (don't worry—you won't be bathing in beer), warm up in the infrared sauna, rinse off in the rain shower, and sink into a zero-gravity massage chair.

If you're visiting with friends, consider Oakwell’s Garage Party for the crew, which lets your group enjoy the experience together.

Stop 3: Finish With One Last Drink—Without Another Brewery Stop

Before heading to dinner or calling it a night, settle into the Oakwell taproom for one final craft beer, cider, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage. After a relaxing soak, you'll find yourself lingering over conversation and sharing tasting notes with your friends.

3 Tips for Combining a Beer Spa With Your Brewery Crawl

Not sure how to pull off planning a beer crawl and a visit to the beer spa? Follow these tips so you don’t have to choose between a beer spa vs brewery tour:

1. Stick to 2-3 brewery stops: It can be tempting to squeeze in “just one more” brewery, especially in RiNo, where so many are within walking distance. But you’re going to lose steam after a few, which is the perfect time to swap another tour for a change of pace at Oakwell. 
2. Book a late afternoon beer spa appointment: The beer spa is a transition experience between brewery tours and the rest of your evening. After exploring a few breweries, settling into a warm herbal beer-infused bath gives everyone a chance to recharge before a concert or a night out.
3. Remember to hydrate: Craft beer and plenty of walking can leave you feeling dehydrated. Drink water between brewery stops and continue hydrating during your spa appointment so you can enjoy every part of the experience.

End Your Beer Day the Right Way 

There are too many breweries in Denver to count. You can’t fit them all in one visit, and that’s the fun of it! You can plan multiple brewery adventures with your friends and stop by Oakwell to unwind after a day on the town. Whether you're planning a date, a bachelor or bachelorette celebration, or a day out with friends, end your Denver brewery crawl with a relaxing soak.

Ready to cap off your RiNo beer adventure? Book a Garage Party for your group and see why a beer spa is the perfect stop for a Denver beer day.