Food tours in San Diego offer a unique and delicious way to explore the city’s rich food culture.
San Diego is a coastal city in California renowned for its stunning beaches, pleasant weather, and diverse food scene.
San Diego food tours take you through the city’s neighborhoods, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the lively streets of North Park and the coastal gems of La Jolla.
With a focus on local, farm-to-table, and international flavors, San Diego’s food tours allow you to savor various tastes, from fresh seafood to gourmet tacos, craft beers, and more.
This article shares everything you should know before buying your San Diego food tour tickets.
Table of contents
- What to expect on the food tour
- Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego
- Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Food Tour of San Diego
- Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
- Mexican Street food, Tijuana Day trip from San Diego
- Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
- Valle De Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour
- Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour
- Tijuana Food Tasting: Tijuana Day Tour from San Diego
- A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village
- Taco Tuesday hop in Tijuana from San Diego
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour
- San Diego Taco Crawl – A Tour of San Diego’s Best Tacos
- Tips for making most of your tour
- San Diego food tour FAQs
What to expect on the food tour
San Diego’s food tours showcase the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
You can sample various foods, from fresh seafood to Mexican and Baja-inspired dishes, craft beers, artisanal cheeses, and international flavors, reflecting the city’s multicultural heritage.
Knowledgeable local guides lead the tours, sharing insights into the city’s culinary traditions and ever-evolving food scene.
Food tours take you through various neighborhoods in the city. You’ll explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the trendy streets of North Park, the coastal gems of La Jolla, or other vibrant areas.
You’ll visit several carefully selected local restaurants, food trucks, or markets. These stops are known for their exceptional food quality and authenticity.
You can also try fresh seafood, fish tacos, California-style burritos, and craft beers in San Diego. Additionally, some tours include wine or cocktail pairings as well.
Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego
Join a walking tour of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego with an expert guide to explore the district’s bustling restaurant and bar scene.
Sample delicious dishes at several eateries, sip on drinks and learn about the district’s history as it transformed into a top nightlife destination.
Your guide will share colorful stories that bring the history of San Diego to life on this tour.
Discover the locations where early “women of the night” once worked.
Uncover the intriguing past of the Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy food samples at four restaurants and drinks at three stops.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 3 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$85
Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Food Tour of San Diego
Join a delightful food and walking tour in San Diego, starting in the charming Old Town district.
Discover some of the best Mexican restaurants in the area, where you can savor delicious dishes, tequila cocktails, and mariachi music.
Learn about California’s rich history and the various cultures that have contributed to the growth of Old Town, including the Native Americans, Spanish, Mexicans, and gold rush prospectors.
Your guide will also share spooky stories about Whaley House and an old cemetery.
You’ll also receive insider tips on where to find authentic Mexican cuisine and other exciting places to explore in San Diego.
Enjoy entertaining commentary on Old Town’s history and rumored ghost sightings as you experience the vibrant culture of this beautiful city.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 4.30 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price: US$85
Taste of Little Italy in San Diego
Join a guided tour of exploring the best authentic food gems in Little Italy.
Little Italy is a stylish, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with trendy cocktail bars, brewpubs, and restaurants boasting lively patios.
You will not only get to try amazing dishes at locally-owned restaurants, but you will also learn about the history and architecture of the area.
Enjoy a fun and informative tour combining food, history, and architecture.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 4 pm and will last around 4 hours.
Ticket Price: US$89
Mexican Street food, Tijuana Day trip from San Diego
Street food in Tijuana is all about flavor, spicy, and satisfying.
This tour offers a chance to experience the best Mexican street food, walking, exploring, and eating all at once.
You can enjoy simple snacks like fresh fruit with lime and pepper or boiled corn with a little butter, lime, and salsa, while chatting with friends and soaking up the local atmosphere.
Tacos are king of the streets, and you’ll find various options, from simple bean tacos to the flavorful taco al pastor (asada pork with spices).
Add some guacamole, lime, and the right salsa to take your taco experience to the next level.
Finally, you’ll visit a local taproom to sample craft beer or an authentic Mexican cantina for a refreshing margarita if you have a sweet tooth.
By the end of the tour, you’ll have developed your opinion about Mexico.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10.30 am and will last around 7 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (11+ years): US$129
Child Ticket (4 to 10 years): US$105
Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour
Join an afternoon craft beer tour and discover the unique ties between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.
Your guide will handle all the logistics so you can sit back and enjoy the beer-tasting experience at popular breweries and hidden gems.
With a small group size, you’ll get personalized attention from the local guide and comprehensively explore the city.
This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 2 pm and will last around 6 hours.
Ticket Price: US$130
Valle De Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour
Explore Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s famous wine country.
Travel like a local and indulge in some delicious local tacos in Rosarito before embarking on a private van tour down the Baja coast with cold beers and water.
You’ll visit three renowned boutique vineyards and learn about the winemaking process while sampling a variety of delicious reds, whites, and rosé wines.
Afterward, enjoy farm-to-table dishes at a premier Valle restaurant.
Transportation will be provided in a comfortable, well-stocked van.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 8.30 am and will last around 12 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (18+ years): US$259
Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour
Take a private tour of Baja, California, and experience Mexico’s rich culture and flavors.
Crossing the border can be complicated, and there’s no direct public transport connection, but with a private driver and guide, you can get there easily and safely.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lobster lunch with margaritas or craft beer tastings while listening to live and authentic Mariachi music.
With no visa, rental car, or hotel bookings required, this private tour offers a convenient and safe way to explore Baja California and savor authentic Mexican food, drinks, and music at a local restaurant.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 9.30 am and will last around 7 hours.
Ticket Price: US$179
Tijuana Food Tasting: Tijuana Day Tour from San Diego
Join a day tour from San Diego and discover the delights of Tijuana, perfect for both first-time visitors and food lovers.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you will visit local-approved eateries and sample street food and craft beer while enjoying Tijuana’s bustling downtown atmosphere.
Your guide will provide insider knowledge on the city’s food scene and answer any questions.
This small-group tour ensures a personalized experience and allows you to explore the local streets without getting lost.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to savor the flavors of Tijuana.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10.30 am and will last around 6 hours.
Ticket Price: US$130
A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village
San Diego’s East Side is now a food lover hub, with warehouses and factories transformed into the latest culinary hotspots.
A knowledgeable local guide, well-versed in San Diego’s underground culinary scene, will take you to 4-5 local restaurants and bars to indulge in delicious food and drinks.
Sample the newest cocktails, enjoy local brews, and savor the diverse, global cuisine.
Learn about San Diego’s underground culinary scene and explore the worldwide cuisine offered at these new local eateries.
Sip on libations from a variety of trendy cocktail bars and breweries.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 5.30 pm and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (21+ years): US$85
Taco Tuesday hop in Tijuana from San Diego
Enjoy an authentic Taco Tuesday experience on a small-group tour from San Diego to Tijuana any day of the week.
Your professional guide will take you on a tour of the city and lead you to taste a variety of delicious tacos, including birria, carne asada, adobada, and seafood.
You’ll be part of a small group of up to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Along the way, you’ll also get to sample some craft beer.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, and the price covers the cost of tacos and drinks.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10.30 am and will last around 7 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (11+ years): US$83
Child Ticket (4 to 10 years): US$67
Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour
Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp District and experience the city’s vibrant food culture.
During this tour, your guide will accompany you to five different spots where you can sample various local dishes.
Along the way, you’ll learn about each food item’s history and cultural significance.
With a maximum group size of six people, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience and indulge in five delicious tastings from various locations.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 11 am and will last around 3 hours.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (11+ years): US$89
Child Ticket (4 to 10 years): US$79
San Diego Taco Crawl – A Tour of San Diego’s Best Tacos
This tour is perfect for visitors who cannot visit Mexico or don’t have the time but still want to enjoy some of the best tacos outside of Mexico.
This tour takes you to the best hole-in-the-wall joints and taco trucks in San Diego.
You’ll spend most of the day savoring San Diego’s best street tacos.
The tour ends at an upscale gourmet taco bar serving Baja microbrews and craft cocktails.
Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 10 am and will last around 5 hours.
Ticket Price: US$102
Tips for making most of your tour
To make the most of your food tour in San Diego and have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, consider these tips:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you’ll be walking and standing for an extended period. San Diego’s weather can be sunny, so remember sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses if your tour is outdoors.
Arrive with an appetite. You’ll try various foods, so pacing yourself is key to enjoying everything.
Food tours are a great opportunity to sample dishes you might not typically savor. Be adventurous and try new flavors.
Food tours are done in small groups, which can be a great opportunity to meet fellow food enthusiasts. Be open to sharing your experience and engaging in conversation with others.
San Diego’s climate can be warm and sunny, so staying hydrated is important throughout the tour. Carry a reusable water bottle or purchase drinks.
Capture your tour’s delicious dishes and lively atmosphere. Share your experiences with friends and family, and savor the memories.
San Diego food tour FAQs
Here are some general frequently asked questions about food tours in San Diego:
A food tour in San Diego is a guided experience that takes you to various local restaurants, eateries, and food-related locations to sample various dishes and beverages while learning about the city’s food culture and history.
The duration of a food tour can vary, but most tours last around 3 to 4 hours. Some specialty tours or those covering a larger area may last longer.
San Diego’s food tours include various foods, such as fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine, gourmet tacos, craft beers, international flavors, and more.
Food tour operators in San Diego accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. Be sure to inform the tour organizer of your specific needs when booking.
Food tour operators in San Diego offer rescheduling or refunds in the event of inclement weather. It’s best to check with the tour operator regarding their weather policy.