There are few better ways to wrap up a beach vacation than relaxing with a good local craft beer. During our recent trip to Long Beach Island, my now-wife and I made one final stop before heading home, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our vacation.
Yes, that’s right—we finally tied the knot during the last week of June! After spending several days enjoying the Jersey Shore, we decided to visit Ship Bottom Brewery before leaving Long Beach Island. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable week.
From the welcoming atmosphere to the flavorful beers, Ship Bottom Brewery made a lasting impression, and it’s definitely a place I’d visit again.
Why Ship Bottom Brewery Is Worth Visiting on Long Beach Island
If you’re looking for a local brewery near Long Beach Island, Ship Bottom Brewery is an easy recommendation. The brewery has a relaxed coastal vibe that fits perfectly with the beach community. Whether you’re stopping in after a day on the sand or looking for a place to watch a game with friends, it offers a comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in for a while.
As luck would have it, we visited while the World Cup was on television. There was something fun about sipping local craft beer while watching soccer surrounded by fellow fans. It made for a great afternoon and added even more energy to an already enjoyable experience.
Enjoying a Responsible Craft Beer Tasting Experience
If I have one small regret from our visit, it’s that I didn’t plan and grab an Uber.
Since I was driving, my beer tasting was kept to an absolute minimum. Drinking responsibly is something I take seriously, especially when visiting breweries. Fortunately, ordering a single flight to share allowed us to sample several different beers without overdoing it.
It’s a simple reminder that you can still enjoy great craft beer while making smart choices.
A Fun Craft Beer Flight Served on a Surfboard
One of the first things that caught our attention was how our flight was presented.
Instead of the typical wooden paddle, the four beer samples were served on a miniature surfboard, which fit perfectly with the laid-back beach atmosphere. It’s a small detail, but it added a unique touch that made the tasting experience even more memorable.
Our flight included four very different styles, giving us a nice variety of flavors to explore.
Hop and Hazy
- Style: New England IPA
- ABV: 6%
As the name suggests, Hop and Hazy delivers everything you’d expect from a New England IPA. It pours hazy with plenty of juicy hop character while maintaining a smooth finish. Fans of hazy IPAs will likely feel right at home with this one.
Bomb Pop
- Style: Fruited Sour
- ABV: 6%
This was easily my favorite beer of the afternoon.
Bomb Pop immediately brought back childhood memories of chasing down the neighborhood ice cream truck for one of those classic red, white, and blue frozen treats. The fruity flavors captured that nostalgic experience surprisingly well while still tasting like a quality craft sour.
It was refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for a warm summer afternoon near the beach.
If you enjoy fruit-forward sour beers, this one is absolutely worth trying.
Mermaid
- Style: Blonde Ale
- ABV: 5%
Mermaid offered a lighter drinking option that fit perfectly with the coastal setting. Smooth, easy-drinking, and approachable, it’s the kind of beer that works well whether you’re new to craft beer or simply looking for something refreshing after spending time in the sun.
Retro
- Style: Double New England IPA
- ABV: 7.5%
Retro brings bigger hop flavors and a higher alcohol content than Hop and Hazy while still maintaining the juicy, hazy character that Double New England IPA fans enjoy.
It has plenty of bold flavor but remains surprisingly smooth considering its 7.5% ABV.
My Favorite Beer at Ship Bottom Brewery
Although every beer in the flight had something different to offer, Bomb Pop stood out as the clear winner for me.
The fruity flavors were balanced without being overly sweet, and every sip reminded me of those oversized tri-colored ice pops from childhood. It managed to be nostalgic while still feeling like a well-crafted beer.
Sometimes breweries create novelty beers that sacrifice flavor for creativity. Bomb Pop wasn’t one of them. It delivered both.
The Atmosphere and Service Made the Experience Even Better
Good beer is only part of what makes a brewery memorable.
The atmosphere at Ship Bottom Brewery was relaxed and welcoming from the moment we walked in. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or spending a weekend on Long Beach Island, it feels like the kind of place where everyone can unwind.
The staff was friendly and helpful throughout our visit, making recommendations and ensuring everyone was having a good time. Those little interactions often make a brewery experience stand out just as much as the beer itself.
Combined with the beach-town setting, it created an experience that felt authentic and inviting.
Should You Visit Ship Bottom Brewery?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re already vacationing on Long Beach Island or simply exploring breweries along the Jersey Shore, Ship Bottom Brewery deserves a stop.
Between the welcoming atmosphere, creative beer selection, unique surfboard flight presentation, and friendly staff, it offers everything you’d hope to find in a local brewery.
My personal recommendation is to order a flight so you can sample several different styles. If Bomb Pop is available during your visit, don’t skip it. It was easily my favorite and one I’d happily order again.
Just remember to plan if you’re going to enjoy more than a tasting flight. Having a designated driver or using a rideshare service lets everyone relax and enjoy the experience responsibly.
Final Thoughts on Ship Bottom Brewery
Our wedding vacation gave us plenty of wonderful memories, and ending the trip with a visit to Ship Bottom Brewery was the perfect finale.
Great beer, a fun atmosphere, friendly people, and a chance to relax while watching the World Cup made for an afternoon we’ll definitely remember.
If you’re planning a trip to Long Beach Island and enjoy discovering local craft breweries, Ship Bottom Brewery is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Have you visited Ship Bottom Brewery or another favorite brewery along the Jersey Shore? I’d love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Stevie’s Local Sips for more New Jersey brewery reviews, winery visits, and weekly wine reviews from around the Garden State. Cheers!
