A brewery tour in San Diego is about tasting beer, engaging in the local craft beer scene’s history, and being creative.
San Diego, often hailed as the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” boasts a dynamic craft beer scene, making brewery tours a popular and enjoyable activity for locals and visitors alike.
With over 150 craft breweries throughout the region, San Diego offers diverse beer styles and flavors to suit every palate.
When you’re in San Diego, you should taste the local beer. The beer brewed here is the perfect drink for all beer lovers.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your brewery tour in San Diego.
Table of contents
- What to expect on a brewery tour
- San Diego Brewery Tour
- North Park Beerucation Tour
- Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego
- Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
- San Diego Club Crawl – Nightlife Party Tour
- A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours
- Little Italy Booze and Bar Bites
- Baja Craft Beer Tasting
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego
- Tips for making the most of your tour
- FAQs about brewery tour in San Diego
What to expect on a brewery tour
San Diego boasts many craft breweries, ranging from small experimental pubs to larger, well-established establishments.
Brewery tours often take you to a selection of these, offering a diverse range of beer styles.
Tastings are central to the experience, allowing you to sample various beers and discover new favorites.
Additionally, many tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing facilities.
You can see the brewing equipment, learn about the ingredients used, and understand the brewing process.
Hosts guide brewery tours, providing insights into the brewing process, the history of the breweries, and interesting facts about the craft beer industry.
Also, some brewery tours include food pairings to complement the beer-tasting experience, ranging from snacks and appetizers to enhance the flavors of the beers.
A brewery tour in San Diego is an adventure that leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the art of brewing.
San Diego Brewery Tour
Discover San Diego’s craft beer scene with a small-group brewery tour.
During the tour, you will visit three breweries to taste different beers and learn about the brewing process.
A craft beer enthusiast will fully guide this tour in a cool open-top van, perfect for San Diego’s weather.
At each stop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the beer on offer and enjoy a tasting flight.
It’s important to note that you must be 21 or older to participate.
All tastings are included in the price of the tour.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 12 pm and last around 4 hours.
Ticket Price: US$95
North Park Beerucation Tour
San Diego is known for beer, and North Park is beer heaven.
Explore the diverse world of beer in San Diego’s trendy North Park neighborhood with the guidance of a local beer expert.
During the tour, you will visit 3 to 4 award-winning craft breweries, where you will taste a variety of local beers and learn about different beer styles and the brewing process.
You’ll also discover how to pair food with beer properly and what it takes to start a successful brewery.
Along the way, you’ll hear the stories and history of North Park, a vibrant area known for its art, culture, and great beer.
This tour is designed for both beer enthusiasts and novices alike.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 12 pm and last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$85
Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego
Join a 2.5-hour food and walking tour of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will take you to various restaurants and bars.
During the tour, you can taste delicious cuisines, sip on drinks, and learn about the district’s history and recent transformation into a lively nightlife destination.
Your guide will share fascinating stories about the area, bringing the history of San Diego to life.
You will explore the seedy past of Gaslamp Quarter while enjoying food samples at four different restaurants and drinks at three different stops.
Additionally, you’ll learn about the district’s early days when women of the night worked there.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$85
Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
Join an afternoon craft beer tour that explores the connection between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.
Your guide will navigate each city and take you straight to popular watering holes and hidden gems for complimentary beer tastings.
With a small group size, you can expect a tailored experience and full attention from your guide.
A local guide leads this comprehensive city tour, which is perfect for first-time visitors.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 2 pm and last around 6 hours.
Ticket Price: US$130
San Diego Club Crawl – Nightlife Party Tour
With this club-hopping group trip, you’ll visit three of San Diego’s most famous pubs and nightclubs.
After that, you’ll go out on the town, stopping at three more nightclubs throughout the evening.
The tour starts at American Junkie, where you’ll receive a free welcome shot and meet your fellow revelers.
A host will lead you to three additional nightclubs throughout the evening, and all club admission fees are included.
Don’t miss this chance to go club-hopping with fellow travelers and experience the vibrant nightlife scene of San Diego.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 9 pm and last around 4 hours.
Ticket Price: US$35
A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village
The East Village is San Diego’s most dynamic gourmet area.
The East Village, formerly a warehouse neighborhood, is home to a diverse range of eateries, award-winning restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars.
Discover the secrets of San Diego’s underground culinary scene, nosh on delicious food at new local eateries, and sip on libations from various hip cocktail bars and breweries.
During this tour, you’ll learn about San Diego’s culinary underground becoming the city’s “new downtown,” all while sampling some of the city’s most extraordinary wine, food, and breweries.
A local guide, well-versed in San Diego’s underground food scene, will take you on a delightful journey through the area, visiting 4-5 local eateries and bars.
You’ll get to sample the latest cocktails, local brews, and global cuisine.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 5.30 pm and last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$85
Cruise & Booze Brewery tours
Join a half-day tour to discover San Diego’s finest North Coast craft breweries while enjoying a personalized experience.
You will be picked up in a vintage VW Vanagon, where drinks and snacks will be provided for the journey.
The tour includes visits to three of the area’s top craft breweries, where you can indulge in a generous array of samples, relax, and learn more about the brewing process.
This small-group tour, capped at just six people, ensures a personal feel.
You can leave all the driving to your guide aboard a retro VW Vanagon, and we will provide beer tastings, snacks, and water throughout your day.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 12 pm and last around 5 hours.
Ticket Price: US$149
Little Italy Booze and Bar Bites
Little Italy was home to generations of Italian families who earned a livelihood as fishermen long before it became a culinary attraction.
However, it still maintains its authentic charm, rooted in the traditions of the Italian families that made it their home.
To explore this beloved neighborhood, take this fun and delicious walking tour that includes a mix of traditional landmarks, craft breweries, and celebrity chef establishments.
During this three-hour walking tour, immerse yourself in this culinary variety and savor delicious beverages and snacks.
Led by a local guide, you’ll visit four local eateries, lounges, cafes, and taprooms, where you can sample their booze and bites while learning about the history and culinary offerings of the area.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 5 pm and last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$85
Baja Craft Beer Tasting
Join a small group and discover the best of Mexico’s craft beer scene in Baja when you leave San Diego.
Your guide will meet you in the US and accompany you across the border to make your journey hassle-free.
With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll explore hidden gems you wouldn’t find alone.
During the tour, you’ll visit several breweries and enjoy plenty of tastings and lunch.
You’ll even have the chance to make new friends along the way.
There is no need to worry about walking the streets as private transportation will be provided.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 2 pm and last around 7 hours.
Ticket Price: US$125
Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego
San Diego has a fantastic beer scene, and a fun way to explore it is by taking a private tour in a motorcycle sidecar.
This tour is perfect for family members, partners, and anyone looking to have a good time.
You don’t need to worry about safety gear, as helmets, goggles, blankets, and other necessary equipment will be provided.
You can easily meet your guide at Hotel Circle in San Diego and enjoy served tastings at several breweries.
This is a private tour for you and your adult friends, and you can tailor the itinerary to fit your group’s needs.
Timings and duration: The tour will commence at 10.30 am and last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$215
Tips for making the most of your tour
To make the most of your brewery tour in San Diego, consider the following tips:
San Diego has a lot of breweries, so it’s a good idea to research and choose the ones that align with your beer preferences.
Drink plenty of water between tastings to cleanse your palate and avoid overindulging.
Bring a valid ID with you, as all breweries require it for entry. Make sure to have it on hand to avoid any issues.
A hearty meal before your brewery tour is a wise choice. A full stomach can help absorb the alcohol and prevent the effects of drinking on an empty stomach.
Brewery tours often involve walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes. Additionally, San Diego’s weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is advisable.
Consider having a designated driver or arranging a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
FAQs about brewery tour in San Diego
Here are some frequently asked questions about brewery tours in San Diego.
San Diego is known for its thriving craft beer scene, with many diverse breweries offering a wide range of beer styles. The city’s beautiful weather and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal destination for enjoying brewery tours.
The duration of brewery tours can vary. Some tours last 2 to 4 hours long, while others may last a full day. Some tours may be shorter or longer depending on the itinerary and the number of stops.
While the focus is on beer, many brewery tours offer diverse styles, often including options for non-beer drinkers, such as ciders or non-alcoholic beverages. Some tours also incorporate food pairings that can appeal to a broader audience.
It’s advisable to book brewery tours in advance, especially during peak times or weekends when they are more popular. Booking ahead ensures you secure your spot and can plan your visit to specific breweries.
San Diego breweries offer beer for sale, either in the form of cans, bottles, or growlers. Some even have on-site shops to purchase merchandise and take home your favorite brews.
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