Self-Guided Brewery Tour in Denver (+ Recovery Itinerary)

A self-guided brewery tour in Denver is one of the best ways to explore the city’s beer scene at your own pace. Instead of rushing to keep up with a tour group, you can choose where to go, how long to stay, and when to take a break — making it easy to enjoy both the beer and the experience. 

Denver has more than 100 breweries, so deciding which ones to check out can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite areas where you can visit several great spots close to each other. We’ll also share the best way to recover after your Denver brewery crawl, so you end the day feeling relaxed.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning an adventure as a local, this self-guided tour guide keeps things simple and fun.

Self-Guided Brewery Tour in Denver by Area

Rather than listing every brewery in the city, we’re breaking this guide down by neighborhood. Each section focuses on an area where breweries are close together, making it easy to plan an easy and enjoyable route.

RiNo & Five Points Brewery Tour

Five Points is part of the larger RiNo area, making for the ideal Denver brewery crawl. There are also lots of shops, restaurants, and street art to check out along the way. 

• Our Mutual Friend Brewing – A fun space with bright colors, plus indoor and outdoor seating
• Ratio Beer Works – A large taproom and dog-friendly courtyard
• Odell Brewing Five Points – A popular spot with a rooftop and pet-friendly patio
• Spangalang Brewery – A lively atmosphere in a restored industrial building
• Oakwell Beer Spa – A beer-inspired spa serving locally brewed craft beer

Downtown Denver Brewery Tour

Downtown Denver is just a couple of miles southwest of RiNo, making it easy to explore both areas in one day. While RiNo feels more artsy, Downtown offers a classic, historic city vibe.

• Wynkoop Brewing Company – Colorado’s first brewpub with craft beer, bar food, and pool tables
• Westbound & Down Brewing Company – A brewery in the Dairy Block with beer, wine, cocktails, and indoor and outdoor seating
• Denver Beer Co. Platte Street – A relaxed taproom with locally brewed beer, a pet-friendly beer garden, and rotating food trucks

Captiol Hill Brewery Tour

If you want to explore Denver’s history and art, Capitol Hill is a great place to start. It’s home to the Colorado State Capitol, Denver Art Museum, and History Colorado Center, so it’s easy to pair sightseeing with your self-guided brewery tour in Denver.

• Renegade Brewing – A warehouse-style taproom with a local vibe, indoor and outdoor seating, and regular food trucks
• Black Sky Brewery – A popular spot known for unique beers and house-made pizza
• Crazy Mountain Taproom – A cozy taproom pouring a wide range of Crazy Mountain beers in a laid-back setting

Highlands Ranch Brewery Tour

Highlands Ranch, a suburb south of Denver, offers a quieter, small-town feel. It’s a great option if you want to check out craft beer away from the city’s hustle. 

• Prost Brewing Company – A spacious beer garden serving German-inspired craft beer and classic bites
• Living the Dream Brewing – A casual taproom with a wide variety of beers and daily food trucks
• 3 Freaks Brewery – A small-batch brewery known for creative beers and a relaxed atmosphere
• Oakwell Beer Spa – The Highlands Ranch location of this beer-inspired spa also serves locally brewed craft beer in a relaxing taproom and patio

Denver Brewery Crawl Recovery at Oakwell Beer Spa

Oakwell Beer Spa is the perfect place to recover after exploring Denver breweries. You can relax, reset, and still enjoy craft beer in a peaceful setting. Both the Five Points and Highlands Ranch locations are open daily and easy to work into your brewery crawl plans.

Oakwell Beer Spa is a beer-inspired day spa with various packages for singles, couples, and groups. You can stop in just for a drink or stay for a full spa experience. Here’s what a spa day includes:

• Self-serve taproom – Enjoy beer, wine, cider, tea, and kombucha in a relaxing space
• Private spa suite – Spend 90 minutes in a private suite for up to two people with an infrared sauna, beer bath hydrotherapy, and rain shower (multiple rooms available for groups)
• Vanity room – Freshen up after your session with mirrors, hair dryers, and skincare products
• Relaxation lounge – Add a 15 or 30-minute zero gravity massage for a hands-off, full-body experience

Self-Guided Brewery Tour Denver: Conclusion

A self-guided brewery tour in Denver lets you explore the city’s best neighborhoods without the pressure of a schedule or set locations. Each area, including RiNo, Downtown, and Highlands Ranch, offers a unique experience.

Book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa for a unique, relaxing experience while enjoying the local beer scene.