Three Breweries in and Around Fort Myers Worth the Risk of Buying a Beer T-Shirt
Discover the top breweries in Fort Myers with this easy guide to the best beers, local food pairings, and tips for planning a safe, fun brewery tour.
After a day at the beach, nothing beats relaxing with a fresh pint in hand.
Luckily, Fort Myers has built a reputation as one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting craft beer destinations.
From laid-back taprooms to inventive brewery spaces, you’ll find a variety of beer styles here. Many spots also offer live music, food trucks, and family-friendly spaces, making it more than just a beer stop.
Visiting local breweries is a great way to experience Fort Myers’ culture and enjoy the community’s signature coastal vibe. In a hurry? Here’s what we’ve covered below.
- Fort Myers Brewing Company: Award-winning beers, huge beer garden, food trucks, and a dog-friendly vibe.
- Point Ybel Brewing Company: Beach-town charm, rotating experimental taps, live music, and trivia nights.
- Crazy Dingo Brewing Co.: Farm-to-glass brews, goats and chickens, family and pet-friendly atmosphere.
- Perfect Local Food and Beer Pairings: Easy, go-to combos for IPAs, lagers, stouts, wheat beers, and pale ales.
- Planning Your Brewery Tour: Best times to go, transport tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
- Heads-Up on Drinking Safely While on Vacation: Pace yourself, hydrate, plan your ride, and know your limits.
- FAQ: Fort Myers Breweries: Quick answers on when to go, where to eat, family-friendly spots, and take-home beer.
At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you.
We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.
Wondering where to start your brewery quest? Here’s a guide to the top breweries to visit in and around Fort Myers.
Let’s dive in!
1. Fort Myers Brewing Company
Where the Beer is Cold and the Locals are Warmer
One of the pioneers of the local craft beer movement, Fort Myers Brewing Company has grown from a small operation in 2013 to a 22,000-square-foot beer haven. This family-owned spot has become a cornerstone of the community, known for its award-winning beers and lively events.
What’s on tap?
The High 5 IPA is a fan favorite, earning multiple awards, while the Gateway Gold blonde ale is perfect for a warm Florida afternoon. Seasonal releases, a decadent Chocolate Stout, and refreshing hard seltzers keep the menu fresh for all tastes.
The experience
Expect an energetic, welcoming atmosphere. Food trucks rotate daily, live music fills the outdoor beer garden, and Thursday nights feel like a local festival. Bring the dog, the outdoor area is pet-friendly, and plan to linger over a pint or two. Big annual events like Oktoberfest draw crowds from across the region.
Highlights:
- Award-winning flagship beers
- Large outdoor beer garden
- Regular live music and food trucks
- Dog-friendly
2. Point Ybel Brewing Company
The Kind of Place You “Accidentally” Stay at for Four Hours
If you’re looking for a relaxed beach-town feel with your pint, Point Ybel Brewing Company is the place. Just minutes from Fort Myers Beach, it pairs coastal charm with a creative tap list.
What’s on tap?
The Sanibel Saison is a must-try, along with an ever-changing lineup of IPAs, porters, and fruited brews. They’re known for experimenting with unique flavors, one week it might be a coconut porter, the next a mango-infused IPA.
The experience
The tasting room has a rustic-meets-beach style, complete with surfboards and local art. Live music plays several nights a week, and trivia Wednesdays are a local favorite. Join their mug club for perks and your own personalized mug on display.
Highlights:
- Close to Fort Myers Beach
- Rotating, experimental tap list
- Live music and trivia nights
- Cozy, coastal-inspired space
3. Crazy Dingo Brewing Co.
Beer, Goats, and Sunshine — What Could Go Wrong?
For a truly different brewery setting, head to Crazy Dingo Brewing Co., located on the grounds of Southern Fresh Farms. This farm-to-glass concept combines fresh beer with a family-friendly outdoor experience.
What’s on tap?
The lineup often includes a crisp house IPA and lighter ales, with some brews featuring ingredients grown right on the farm, from fresh herbs to seasonal fruits.
The experience
This is one of the most family-oriented breweries in the area. Kids can meet goats and chickens, play in open green spaces, and join seasonal activities like pumpkin picking. The shaded picnic area is ideal for a laid-back afternoon. Food trucks and occasional farm-to-table events add to the charm.
Highlights:
- Unique farm setting
- Family- and pet-friendly
- Beers brewed with farm-grown ingredients
- Seasonal events and markets
Perfect Local Food and Beer Pairings
Pairing your pint with the right bite makes the experience even better, and Fort Myers offers plenty of options.
- IPAs + spicy foods: Try Viva La Taco’s street tacos at Fort Myers Brewing with a High 5 IPA.
- Lagers + pizza: Grab a slice from Downtown House of Pizza and pair it with a Gateway Gold.
- Porters/Stouts + BBQ: Brisket from The Smoke Truck at Point Ybel pairs perfectly with a robust porter.
- Wheat beers + salads or seafood: Lighter fare works beautifully with these refreshing styles.
- Pale Ales + burgers: Classic comfort with a balanced pint.
Planning Your Brewery Tour
A little preparation will help you make the most of your Fort Myers beer adventure.
Timing
Most breweries open around midday. Weekday afternoons are quieter, while weekends, especially during November to April tourist season, are busy. Thursday nights at Fort Myers Brewing and Friday evenings at Point Ybel are popular with locals.
Getting around
- Use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft
- Book a guided brewery tour
- Hire a private shuttle for groups
Tips for a smooth visit:
- Check social media for events and beer releases
- Bring cash for food trucks
- Wear sunscreen and a hat for outdoor spaces
- Carry water to stay hydrated
- Sign up for brewery newsletters for special updates
Heads-Up on Drinking Safely While on Vacation
Exploring breweries on vacation is a treat, but it’s worth keeping a few common-sense tips in mind so your beer tour ends with memories, not mishaps:
- Pace yourself: Enjoy smaller pours or share flights so you can sample more without overdoing it.
- Hydrate often: A glass of water between beers keeps you feeling good, especially in Florida’s heat.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach: Pair pints with food to slow alcohol absorption and keep energy up.
- Plan your ride home before you start: Book a rideshare, hop on a brewery tour shuttle, or designate a driver.
- Know your limits: The goal is to savor the experience, not to test your tolerance.
With a little planning, you can enjoy every pint without sacrificing safety, comfort, or the rest of your vacation.
FAQ: Fort Myers Breweries
How do I choose the best Fort Myers breweries for a first visit?
Start with Fort Myers Brewing for a classic lineup, then add Point Ybel for beach-town energy and Crazy Dingo for a farm setting. This hits variety, vibe, and location in one sweep of breweries in Fort Myers.
Do I need a car to visit Fort Myers breweries?
Not necessarily. Rideshares cover most areas, and guided tours connect multiple stops. Plan transport before your first pour.
When is the best time to visit Fort Myers breweries?
Weekday afternoons are calm. Winter and early spring bring bigger crowds. Arrive early on popular music or food truck nights.
Do Fort Myers breweries serve food?
Most rely on rotating food trucks, pizza nearby, or light snacks. Check daily lineups on social feeds before you go.
Which breweries are family or dog friendly?
Fort Myers Brewing and Crazy Dingo are popular with families and dogs outdoors. Policies change, so confirm day of visit.
How much should I budget for a brewery crawl?
Plan for flights, a couple of pints, and food truck bites. Expect moderate prices across the best breweries in Fort Myers.
Can I bring beer back to my vacation rental?
Yes, many spots sell cans, crowlers, or growlers. Store cold, follow house rules, and enjoy your Fort Myers brewery haul responsibly.
Wondering Where to Stay in Fort Myers
To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever.