Nothing captures the essence of summertime quite like settling into a sandy beach chair with an ice cold beer in hand. When you’re at the beach, beer isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ticket to a relaxing escape filled with laughter, friends, and the occasional seagull serenade.

The best “beach beers” can make you feel like you’re drinking summer in a bottle. But what are the best beers to drink at the beach? And what makes certain beers better than others for drinking on the shore?

Grab some sunscreen, a beach towel, and a willingness to ignore sand in your beer, and let’s find out:

What Makes a Beer a “Beach Beer”?

Beach beers aren’t necessarily meant to make you look sophisticated at a gala, or to impress your friend who only drinks craft beers with hops that were handpicked by Trappist monks. But they do pair perfectly with barbecues and bonfires on the beach—or just those quiet, contemplative moments by the ocean when you realize you left your phone in the car. 

Likewise, good beers for the beach don’t need to be paired with a five-star meal to be enjoyed. Give ’em a hot dog, some chips, and some good conversation shouted over the sound of the waves, and they’re right at home.

Corona Extra: The Epitome of Beach Beers

Corona Extra has become synonymous with the beach lifestyle. But why is this particular brew the unofficial ambassador of sandy relaxation?

Well, it’s not just the inclusion of usual suspects like barley malt, corn, hops, yeast, and water—because let’s be real, that’s what most beers are made of—but rather, how those ingredients are perfectly balanced with each other to create a particularly light, crisp flavor.

It also needs to be said that strategic marketing and branding plays a major role in Corona’s image as “the quintessential beach beer.” In fact, Corona has done such a good job at convincing us it’s the ultimate beach beer that you might feel guilty opening one anywhere but near a body of water.

Of course, Corona Extra is one example among many that has become linked with the beach lifestyle. Still, next time you find yourself in need of a little sunshine in a bottle, you probably won’t go wrong reaching for one. That said, there are some good beers for the beach that act as great alternatives to Corona.

Alternatives to Corona Beers

Although Corona Extra might be a leading name, the world of beach beers is as vast as the ocean itself. (Well, that might be a bit of an overstatement, but the point is, there are definitely some great Corona beer alternatives.)

While some of these beers are definitely “similar to Corona,” there are some decidedly unique beach brews mixed in as well:

• Sierra Nevada Summerfest – A crisp lager with a smooth finish, ideal for hot days on the sand.
• Bell’s Light Hearted Ale – A lighter take on traditional ale, and a perfect beer for the beach.
• Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale – A session beer that was practically (and possibly literally) made to be enjoyed at the beach, with its hints of lime and sea salt.
• Fremont Brewing Summer Ale – Known for its refreshing citrus notes, this beer embodies summer.
• Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy – A refreshing combination of traditional German Weiss beer and lemonade.
• 21st Amendment Brewery’s Hell or High Watermelon – A unique watermelon-infused wheat beer that goes great with basically anything.

Choosing the best beach beer is like picking the perfect spot on the sand—it’s all about personal preference, or just getting tired and grabbing the closest one.

Remember: Moderation is key, even when you’re wearing flip-flops. Keep hydration in mind, and balance your beers with water to keep the good times rolling.

Whether it’s the taste, the branding, or the memories they help craft, beach beers are here to stay. So grab your favorite cooler, pack it with some chilled brews like a Fremont Brewing Summer Ale or a classic Corona Extra, and hit the beach. That’s summer served right.

Final Thoughts

In the panoply of beach beers, every can is a new adventure; every bottle cap a tiny trophy of a summer well spent.

From the ever-present Corona Extra, which has practically become part of the beach’s natural ecosystem, to those crafty beers from smaller, local breweries hiding in the cooler like doubloons in a pirate’s chest, we’ve now pretty much mapped the entire landscape of alcoholic beach refreshment.

And remember: The only thing better than floating on a beer mug pool float is sipping on a great beer while doing it.

For a lot more information about different types of beer and just about everything related to beer—including nutrition/ABV profiles, expert reviews, and more—check out Hops Hunters!