The right beverage is perfect on its own, but your favorite drink can taste even better when you enjoy it with the right people, in the right place. Good company complements any drink, from your favorite hard seltzer to craft cocktails. And, of course, never underestimate the power of a laid-back atmosphere to set the mood.
The right place and company can transform a beverage from just a drink to an experience. Pair your favorite outdoor spots with creative, flavorful drinks, and make ssure to choose drinks that complement the location you have chosen.
Maybe you want to check out some brews at a local beer garden (or Biergarten, if you’re feeling especially authentic). On the other hand, maybe an open-air outdoor patio is more your style, complete with picnic tables and live music.
There’s no doubt that dining and drinking al fresco can make you feel more at peace with nature, but there’s more to love about the outdoors, too. Whether you’re getting some fresh air during happy hour or enjoying a rooftop bar downtown, there’s something for everybody.
No matter what kind of hangout you prefer, here are the top five best outdoor drinking spots in the U.S.
The Best Places for Outdoor Drinking in the U.S.
When it comes to outdoor drinking, it’s all about cultivating an experience. Hanging out in your own backyard can be just as fun and memorable as any outdoor bar at a local restaurant, especially when you have your favorite drink in your hand.
Every place on our list is worth checking out, but it’s still up to you how you want to enjoy them. Our top recommendation is spending time out in nature and sipping on some crisp, invigorating Hard Kombuchas or Hard Seltzers. No matter which spot you choose, you can’t go wrong when enjoying some botanical ‘booch on a hike or in your favorite park.
Malibu, California
Malibu, California, is a favorite spot for celebrities and us little people alike, and it’s easy to see why. The town offers views that will impress even the most well-traveled visitors. The old question of whether you prefer the beach or the mountains is answered in Malibu, and the answer is simple — both!
This beachside town is perfect if you feel at peace with your toes in the sand or are always down for a brisk hike. The Santa Monica Mountains are renowned worldwide for the views they offer, so make sure not to miss them. When you’re done with your hike, go for a walk along the beach or a quick swim in the Pacific Ocean.
Malibu has plenty to offer nature-lovers, but it also gives guests some of the best outdoor dining and drinking you can find. Whether you want a wine bar complete with panoramic views of the Pacific, any number of cocktail bars, or a Mexican cantina with tacos and tequila, you will find it here.
Ojai, California
On your next outdoor drinking tour of California, mainstays like Los Angeles and Malibu might come to mind, but there is another gem that you can’t miss. Ojai, California, is located northwest of Los Angeles, nestled in a valley of the Topatopa Mountains.
Ojai is just as well known for luxury accommodations as it is for a rustic, rugged charm. Whether you crave endless amenities or would prefer to become fully acquainted with the outdoors, Ojai has it all. Since the view is so breathtaking, there is no lack of outdoor seating in this town.
A brunch spent outdoors can be a particularly exciting way to kick off your day, but Ojai experts know that another time is even more exciting. This city is known the world over for its unbelievable sunsets. Only the most vibrant pinks, yellows, oranges, and other hues adorn this valley town’s horizon.
For a truly unique Ojai experience, enjoy anything from sangria to slushies on some patio seating around sundown. Then, simply breathe in the fresh air and prepare for nature’s show.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The past two entries on our list have more in common than just both being in California. They are also towns that, while lively, largely focus on the nature that surrounds them. New Orleans, Louisiana, on the other hand, has a spirit that’s completely unique and infectious in the best possible way.
Where Malibu and Ojai might be more about reconnecting with yourself, New Orleans is all about experiencing life alongside others. The city’s culture is as vibrant and lively as the people themselves.
An outdoor experience doesn’t have to be surrounded by mountains to be spectacular. City views can be equally exciting, if not more so, depending on who you are.
Some people might feel renewed in the depths of nature, with only a crackling fire and some drinking fountains to keep them company. Others might find the most joy while listening to the hustle and bustle of a big city. Each is completely legitimate, and you might crave each at different times in your life.
Before heading out on your nighttime adventure, make sure to save room for the phenomenal food in New Orleans. The French Quarter is famous for its bar scene and nightlife, but it also is home to a variety of world-class restaurants. For an outdoor eating experience, food trucks and other pop-ups are always fantastic options.
New Orleans offers another unique selling point to visitors as well: you can enjoy an open alcoholic beverage while walking through the streets. That’s typically not the case in American cities and towns. The idea of walking down the French Quarter’s Bourbon Street, drink in hand, seems too good to be true, but you really can do it.
Havre, Montana
Havre, Montana, is much easier to enjoy than it is to pronounce.
Havre is known primarily as a railroad town, but the mountain views are what really set it apart. The relatively small town is neighbored by the Bear Paw Mountains, a range that attracts visitors from near and far.
For anyone searching for a quaint and rustic getaway with no shortage of stunning nature, Havre, Montana, might just be the spot for you. After all, there are worse ways to spend an evening than enjoying a beverage with mountain views by your side.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania, is named for how close it is to Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. With state parks and lighthouses to explore, everyone will find something to enjoy here.
While the lovely views are no shock, some people are surprised to find out just how many top-tier wineries populate this port town. There are almost two dozen spectacular wineries to be found in Erie, which are sure to satisfy both fans of fine wines and those who enjoy sprawling green views.
Hard Kombucha: Perfect for Outdoor Adventures
An outdoor excursion pairs best with a drink that’s as natural as the scenery itself. Our hard kombucha offers just the right mix of deliciously tangy flavors while making use of some of Mother Nature’s favorite ingredients.
But of course, some options work better with different scenes than others. Here’s our take on what hard kombucha should accompany you for your next outdoor adventure.
What’s the Best Hard Kombucha for a Sunrise Hike?
The mimosa is a brunch mainstay for a reason — because its bright flavors bring to mind the sunniness of bright mornings and good company. A sunrise, however, offers many more colors and hues, and that should be reflected in your drink of choice.
After a particularly invigorating hike, keep the good vibes going with the help of an Orange Passion Mimosa Hard Kombucha. In this drink, citrus and tropical notes entwine to create a final product that will set your tastebuds alight.
What’s the Best Hard Kombucha for Camping?
Camping is one of the best ways to stay connected to nature, and the drinks you take on your next camping trip should help you do just that.
Whether you’re hiking and camping in the Bahamas or Appalachia, our Tropical Hops pack will keep you feeling at one with nature. With flavors like Guava Citra, Passionfruit Simcoe, and Spicy Mango Mosaic, you’ll feel refreshed and one with nature.
What’s the Best Hard Kombucha for Lake Days?
A day spent by the lake is always fun, and juicy citrus flavors can highlight that feeling you can only get from time on the water. Our Grapefruit Thyme Hard Kombucha is equal parts fruity, fresh, and tangy.
What’s the Best Hard Kombucha for Poolside Hangs?
Even if you’re just by the pool, a day spent outdoors is still a cause for celebration. For hot poolside hangs spent under umbrellas, or for exciting rounds of cornhole and other outdoor games, we have just the drink.
Our Watermelon Basil flavor will bring you back to barbecues from your youth while still maintaining a delightfully adult-themed twist.
Find Your Perfect Flavor
Regardless of whether you prefer an entirely natural scene or a night spent downtown, there’s a drink to complement it. Your perfect flavor might vary depending on where you are and how you are feeling, but the great outdoors will complement your selection, no matter what.
Sources:
New Orleans Drinking Laws Explained for Mardi Gras Visitors | Thrillist