Hop this way: Brewery tours near Philadelphia

Local craft beers of all styles have dominated shelves of local grab-n-go spots, distributors, and taps at our favorite watering holes. Have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes to see how those hoppy ales get made?

Well, Pennsylvania and its surrounding regions are in no short supply of brewery tours.

From Philly's own Yards to Delaware's Dogfish Head, here are some local breweries worth visiting and some of their must-try signature suds.

Yards Brewing Co. (901 North Delaware Ave. - Philadelphia, PA)

Located on Delaware Avenue, Yards Brewery offers a wide range of beers with many different styles to choose from, even ales named after our founding fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Tours are free on the weekends and run noon through 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon through 3 p.m. When the tours are not happening, grab a brew from the tasteroom and try bar bites like quesadillas, grilled cheeses, and soup.

Year-round beers: Yards ESA , Love Stout, Yards IPA

Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Frankford Ave. - Philadelphia, PA)

What was originally home to the Weisbrod and Oriental Brewing Company in 1885, was revamped into Philadelphia Brewing Co. in 2008. This local favorite offers free tours and complimentary tastings on Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m. The tasting room is only open during tour hours. We suggest getting there early and call for a reservation if you are bringing a large group.

Year-round beers: Newbold IPA, Kenzinger beer, Walt Wit witbier

Tröegs (200 East Hershey Park Dr. - Hershey, PA)

You've heard of Mad Elf, now see the folks behind it! Self guided tours are free here and available during normal hours: Sunday- Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Guided tours  are $5 and your admission gets you an exclusive look at the factory, beer samples and a souvenir glass to take home. Guided tours are Sunday – Thursday: 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and Friday – Saturday: 11:30 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 1: 30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

Year-round beers: Troegenator double bock, Hop Back Amber Ale, Java Head Stout

Dogfish Head (6 Cannery Village Center - Milton, DE)

From the mind of Sam Calagione comes Dogfish Head, a craft beer company that isn't scared of trying out-of-this-world brews (scrapple..!). Not only does this tour show you how they create beer, you get to taste it, too. After the guided tour, you can grab a bite at Bunyon's Lunchbox, or play fun tailgating games such as corn hole. The steel tree house, located outside, is an Instagram favorite. Tours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday,Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Year-round beers: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Namaste witbier, Palo Santo Marron brown ale

Victory Brewing Co. (420 Acorn Ln. - Downingtown, PA)

The home of Victory offers guests the chance to see what goes on during the process of brewing their finest ales and get a history lesson about the brand and  its vision. Tours are offered on Friday at 3 p.m., 4p.m., 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sundays at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.

Year-round beers: Hop Devil IPA, Golden Monkey Belgian-style tripel, Storm King Imperial Stout

Weyerbacher (905 Line St. - Easton, PA)

Check out the folks who bring to you Merry Monks Belgian ale and the Imperial Pumpkin ale. Weyerbacher offers free tours that dive into the history and background, its distribution process, and a fun trivia & beer tasting to cap it off. Tours are on Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Year-round beers: Last Chance IPA, Blithering Idiot barleywine, Verboten Belgian-style pale ale

Flying Fish (900 Kennedy Blvd. - Somerdale, NJ)

Founded in 1995 by Gene Muller, this New Jersey craft brewery offers tours when the tasting room is open:Wednesday through Friday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Self guided tours are also available.

Year-round beers: Abbey Dubbel, Red Fish red ale, Hopfish IPA

Sly Fox Brewing Company (331 Circle of Progress Dr. - Pottstown, PA)

Visit the brewing company that hosts goat races and is proud to provide beer cans with their innovative "360" lid. The Pottstown location offers brewery tours on Saturdays and Sundays and recommends calling for a reservation: 484-300-4644.

Year-round beers: Helles Golden Lager, Pikeland Pils pilsner, 113 India Pale Ale

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. (909 Ray Ave. - Croydon, PA)

From cool label designs to a beer called J.A.W.N., Neshaminy Creek is a must-go-to spot for beer enthusiasts. Beer tours are available on Wednesday-Thursday at 4 p.m. – 7p.m., Friday- Saturdays 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., and Sundays at 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Self guided tours are also allowed during these hours.

Year-round beers: Tribute Tripel, Churchville Lager, Croydon Cream Ale

D.G Yuengling & Son Inc. (501 Mahantongo St. - Pottsville, PA)

America's oldest brewery, who created the staple lager  available at any decent bar inr Philadelphia, Yuengling gives free tours Monday-Fridays at 10:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays are available but it is best to make a reservation. Yuengling Summer Wheat was voted Beer of 2014 by Joe Sixpack.

Year-round beers: Yuengling Lager, Yuengling Porter, Yuengling Black & Tan 

River Horse Brewery (2 Graphics Dr. -Ewing, NJ)

Hippos may not occupy the oceans of New Jersey, but they are the mascot for this Garden State company. The brewery offers weekly tours on Saturdays and Sundays with a four beer tasting at $5 per person. The times are: 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m.

Year-round beers: River Horse Special Ale American amber, Hop Hazard Pale Ale, Tripel Horse Belgian style ale

Broken Goblet (1500 Grundy Ln. - Bristol, PA)

If you're a fan of beer infused with oddball flavors such as green tea, Broken Goblet is the place for you. Tours are offered during regular business hours ( you can also get aprivate tour) Call 267-812-5653 for details.

Year-round beers: Ying-Yang Oatmeal Stout, Bubba's Tea Bag Ale, Steinbeiser's Buried Treasure cream ale

Iron Hill (All Locations)

If you're dining at one of the brewery's restaurants, it's quite simple to get a tour of their equipment—just ask. The staff will be happy to give you a look. The showings are offered during hours of operation.

Year-round beers: Pig Iron Porter, Vienna Red Lager, White Iron Wit

Prism (810 Dickerson Rd. - North Wales, PA)

Named after an old television channel launched in the late seventies, this brewery offers tours at 3 p.m. on Sundays and weekday tours upon request. If you miss out on a tour, just use your eyes. There's glass windows located behind the bar so you can peek inside.

Year-round beers: Felton IPA, Bitto Honey IPA, Partea Pale Ale

Stoudt's Brewing Co. (2800 N. Reading Rd. – Adamstown, PA)

Visit one of the original makers of craft beer in Pennsylvania who have been doing it since 1987. Stoudt's brewery tour will provide you with a history lesson on the company and views on supporting local craft companies. Tours are given on Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m.

Year-round beers: Scarlet Lady E.S.B, Stoudt's American Pale Ale, Stoudt's Pilsner

2nd Story Brewing Co. (117 Chestnut St.)

This Old City brewery opened in 2014 and offers house-beers and a rotating craft list. Without even taking a tour, you can see brewing take place on the second floor (hence, the name). Tours are also given daily until 9 p.m. Just ask!

Year-round beers: Five Mile English Mild Ale, 117 Pale Ale, Evolve IPA

Dock Street Brewery (701 S. 50th St. - Philadelphia, PA)

Do you want to see the brewery that mixed goat brains with beer as a tribute to AMC's The Walking Dead? Dock Street Brewing offers tours by appointment on Saturdays from 12 p.m. through 6 p.m.

Year-round beers: Man Full of Trouble Porter, Brown Bomber Ale, Rye IPA

Free Will Brewing Co. (410 E. Walnut St. - Perkasie, PA)

This Bucks County, kid-friendly brewery offers tours on Saturday's at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Aside from the tour, you'll get to see their new taproom that includes 18 beers and you'll find out how they transformedn this room.

Year-round beers: Techno IPA, Destiny's Wit, Citra Pale 

Lancaster Brewing Co. (302 N. Plum St. - Lancaster, PA)

This brewery straight out of Lancaster County holds tours weekly by appointment only. The layout of the building gives visitors an inside look at their brewing process throughout the bar and restaurant. Tours are Monday-Friday at 1 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday at 3 p.m.

Year-round beers: Lancaster Milk Stout, Hop Hog IPA, Strawberry Wheat

Cape May Brewing (1228 Hornet Rd. - Rio Grande, NJ)

This is a great place to stop if you're vacationing at the shore or in the South Jersey area. The brewery offers free guided tours Monday – Friday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour.

Year-round beers: Cape May IPA, Devil's Reach Strong Ale, Avalon Coffee Stout

Vault Brewing Company (10 S. Main St. – Yardley, PA)

Welcome to prohibition-themed Yardley. Vault Brewing Company brings something special to the table by using whole flower hops and making small seasonal batches. Since each batch typically lasts a month, you're likely to find something new to try each visit. Brewery tours are offered on Saturdays at 1 p.m. with two options: take the free tour or pay $5 and receive a tasting and complimentary glass to take home.

Beers brewed here: Rye Pale Ale, English Wild Ale, Café Sweet Potato Ale

Manayunk Brewery (4120 Main St. - Philadelphia, PA)

This is quite the place to catch a nice view of the river, enjoy some food, and sip a local brew. The Main St. pub offers tours by appointment only. Call 215-482-8220 for availability.

Year-round beers: Dreamin' Double IPA, Burton English Style Ale, Philadelphia Porter