4 Best Brewery Tours And Tastings In San Diego

San Diego stands among America’s top craft beer destinations, with over 150 breweries offering tours and tastings. The city’s best experiences range from practical hop-on brewery tours – perfect for learning beer basics – to coastal sunset excursions sampling up to 15 different brews.

We love the small-group walking tours through downtown for their local insights and historical tidbits. The sidecar brewery tours earn our recommendation for their unique twist on traditional tastings while cruising past city landmarks. For food lovers, several tours pair craft beers with local cuisine – making them especially worthwhile.

Ready to explore San Diego’s best brewery experiences? Let’s look at our favorite tours.

Key Points

• San Diego offers a wide range of highly-rated brewery tours, with small-group tours and guided experiences that include beer tastings and food pairings.
• The top-rated tours, such as the small-group brewery hopping tour with a 4.8-star rating, provide knowledgeable guides and emphasize camaraderie and exploration of local breweries.
• The brewery tour with tastings and food pairings in the North Park neighborhood offers an educational experience on beer and food pairing, brewing methods, and local history.
• The California Sunset Brewery Tour provides an evening experience with scenic views of the coastline and the opportunity to taste up to 15 different beers.
• The Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour offers a unique and distinctive experience for craft beer enthusiasts, with a guided exploration of downtown landmarks and local breweries in tandem sidecars.

San Diego Brewery Tour

For those seeking to explore San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene, the San Diego Brewery Tour offers an engaging and informative experience.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with 47 reviews, this small-group brewery hopping tour is recommended by 96% of travelers and boasts a Badge of Excellence.

During the tour, guests visit three local breweries, with tastings included in the price. The open-air vehicle provides a safe and relaxed atmosphere for beer-tasting.

The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and bottled water. While gratuities aren’t included, the enthusiastic guide, Mike, consistently receives praise for his expertise and friendliness.

Travelers highlight the camaraderie developed during the tour and the opportunity to discover new areas of San Diego and local breweries.

With a minimum age requirement of 21 and no wheelchair accessibility, this tour is an excellent choice for craft beer enthusiasts and visitors to San Diego.

Read our full review: San Diego Brewery Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings

San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene comes alive on the “San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings.” Priced from $85.00 per person, this 3-hour guided exploration takes visitors through 3-4 local craft breweries in the North Park neighborhood.

Guests can expect tastings of various beer styles, including lagers, kolsch, helles, hazy IPAs, and seasonal dark ales, accompanied by food pairings like cheese plates and fish tacos.

The tour provides an educational experience, teaching participants how to pair beer with food and understand brewing methods and ingredients. Knowledgeable guides and craft brewers share insights into the history of the North Park area and the process of starting a successful brewery.

With an overall rating of 5/5 from 13 reviews, the tour is praised for its enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, as well as the engaging and well-explained food and beer pairings. The tour operates rain or shine, with a meeting point across the street from the North Park sign.

Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings Review
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California Sunset Brewery Tour

Discover San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene on the California Sunset Brewery Tour, a 4.5-hour evening exploration that takes visitors through the city’s best breweries.

Priced from $199 per person, this English-language tour offers the chance to taste up to 15 different beers, learn beer-making techniques, and enjoy scenic views of the California coastline, possibly even a West Coast sunset.

The tour includes transportation, a live guide, a meal, and all beer tastings. Guests will visit two breweries, participate in a production tour at one, and conclude at a new brewery gastropub near the scenic Belmont Park area.

Previous customers have reported a positive experience, though one suggested drinking water between tastings.

Booking is easy, with the option to reserve without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, the California Sunset Brewery Tour provides a comprehensive introduction to San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene.

Read our full review: California Sunset Brewery Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour

Frequently, travelers seeking a unique way to explore San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene opt for the Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour. This 2.5-hour activity allows participants to visit local breweries and taprooms while riding in a tandem sidecar.

The tour, limited to 8 guests, provides complimentary tastings and an opportunity to learn about the brewing process and beer varieties. Priced at $199 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as guided exploration of downtown San Diego’s landmarks.

Participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility impairments.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, the Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour promises an enjoyable and unique experience for craft beer enthusiasts visiting San Diego.

Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Transportation?

Many brewery tours and tastings provide transportation to and from the venues, so you may not need to bring your own. However, it’s best to check with the specific tour operator to confirm their transportation options.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

Guests can typically bring their own snacks on brewery tours, as long as they don’t interfere with the tasting experience. However, it’s best to check with the specific brewery beforehand to ensure their policy on outside food.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s generally no strict dress code for brewery tours, but it’s best to wear comfortable, casual clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety. Tour companies may provide guidelines, so be sure to check before your visit.

How Do I Reserve a Spot on the Tour?

To reserve a spot on the tour, visitors should check the brewery’s website or call their customer service number. Many offer online booking options or require advance reservations to ensure availability and provide the best experience.

Can I Purchase Beer to Take Home?

Yes, most breweries allow visitors to purchase beer to take home. Many offer brewery-exclusive cans, bottles, and growlers for purchase after the tour and tasting. Be sure to check the specific policies of the brewery you’re visiting.

The Sum Up

San Diego’s brewery scene offers a range of immersive tours and tastings. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic brewing heritage or discovering its latest craft creations, these experiences provide an engaging way to sample the local flavors. From behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process to curated pairings with food, these tours cater to both beer enthusiasts and those new to the scene, making San Diego a top destination for brewery exploration.