Experiencing San Diego’s drink scene is best done through organized tours that combine local expertise with carefully planned routes. The standout options include Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tours, which brilliantly pairs Mexican flavors with regional brews. For beer lovers, San Diego Brewery Tours delivers excellent value, offering both educational tastings and relaxed harbor cruises with spectacular views. The energetic Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Tour stands out for combining nightlife spots with guided transportation, perfect for visitors wanting a safe, social evening out.
We particularly value these tours for their small groups, expert local guides, and well-planned routes that avoid tourist traps. The Tijuana cross-border experience and brewery visits are especially worthwhile for their behind-the-scenes access.
Let’s examine our favorite drinking tours in San Diego.
Key Points
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Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour offers a 6-hour immersive experience with real Mexican tacos, craft beer flights/pints, and tequila tasting.
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San Diego Brewery Tours provide guided tours and tastings at 2-4 breweries, catering to various preferences within the city’s drinking culture.
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Bar Tours in San Diego, such as Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour and Pacific Beach Bar Tour, offer themed activities and drink specials.
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Unique experiences like San Diego Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour and California Sunset Brewery Tour cater to diverse preferences within San Diego’s drinking culture.
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Tours typically range from 2 to 6 hours, with most bar tours lasting 4 to 4.5 hours, and some offering wheelchair accessibility and personalized group sizes.
This shared 6-hour Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy the vibrant culinary and beer culture of the Mexican border city.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour includes real Mexican tacos, two flights or pints of craft beer, and a tequila tasting. Guests will explore both popular and hidden gems, visiting local markets and historical sites.
Transportation to and from the meeting point is provided, and the tour has received excellent reviews, with 93% of guests recommending the experience.
Travelers should note the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a passport or birth certificate for border crossing.
Read our full review: Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour Review
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History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter
Explore the vibrant past of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter on this immersive 2-hour and 15-minute history tour and pub crawl.
Visit 4 historic pubs and enjoy local craft beers as an expert guide shares hidden stories of conquistadors, bootleggers, and aviation pioneers.
The tour is priced from $30 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also opt for a “Happy Hour” package that includes 4 draft beers.
Suitable for all physical abilities, this wheelchair-accessible tour operates rain or shine and comes highly recommended based on 5-star reviews praising the friendly guides and unique history lessons.
Read our full review: History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter Review
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Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour
Dive into a vibrant evening of drinking, riding, singing, and dancing on this dynamic bar tour through San Diego’s lively nightlife scene.
The “Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour” offers a comprehensive experience, starting at the iconic Double Deuce and ending at the renowned Whiskey Girl.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and exclusive drink deals at local bars.
This 21+ event is wheelchair accessible and accommodates up to 25 travelers.
While the tour is non-refundable, past participants have praised the knowledgeable guides and the fun, friendly atmosphere.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this bar tour promises an unforgettable night of carefree revelry in San Diego.
Read our full review: Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings
A vibrant tapestry of craft beer exploration awaits visitors on this guided brewery tour through San Diego’s North Park neighborhood.
The 3-hour experience whisks participants through 3-4 local craft breweries, where they can savor a variety of beer styles, from lagers to hazy IPAs.
Along the way, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Stefan, imparts insights into brewing methods, ingredients, and the neighborhood’s transformation.
Guests can also enjoy food pairings, like cheese plates and fish tacos, to complement the tasting.
Suitable for those 21 and over, the tour provides a wheelchair-accessible, immersive exploration of San Diego’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings Review
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San Diego Brewery Tour
San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene comes alive on this immersive brewery tour.
With a maximum of 10 travelers and an engaging, knowledgeable guide, guests embark on a journey to explore the city’s best breweries.
The tour, which boasts a 96% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, offers a friendly atmosphere where participants can connect and enjoy a selection of delicious local beers.
Highlights include sightseeing, a great beer selection, and a safe, relaxing way to experience San Diego.
With hotel pickup, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages included, this tour provides a well-rounded and convenient way to discover the city’s thriving craft beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego Brewery Tour Review
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California Sunset Brewery Tour
On this immersive California Sunset Brewery Tour, guests embark on an evening adventure to explore San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene.
For $199 per person, the 4.5-hour tour includes visits to two breweries, a production tour, and the chance to taste up to 15 different beers.
Along the way, participants enjoy beautiful views of the California coastline and a cold craft beer as they watch the sunset.
With a live guide, transportation, and gratuities included, the tour offers a comprehensive experience.
While some past guests have suggested staying hydrated to balance the flavors, most have found the tour to be a fun and enjoyable way to discover the city’s vibrant beer culture.
Read our full review: California Sunset Brewery Tour Review
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Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours
Offered by Hidden Barrel Tours, the Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours provide an immersive exploration of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Priced from $149 per person, the private tours accommodate up to 6 travelers, allowing for an intimate experience. Guests enjoy complimentary beer from a local brewery, along with bottled water, while being responsible for their own beer tasting and food costs.
The tours depart from flexible pickup locations in Escondido and Carlsbad, with the activity ending back at the meeting point.
With a 4.2 rating based on 5 reviews and availability from 10/22/2020 to 1/5/2026, the Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours offer a fun and accommodating way to discover San Diego’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours Review
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San Diego: Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance! Bar Tour (4 Bars)
This San Diego bar tour offers an unforgettable evening of drinking, riding, singing, and dancing at four lively venues in the Gaslamp Quarter.
For $34.50 per person, the 4.5-hour experience includes access to four popular bars, express entry, drink specials, and a free welcome drink.
Highlights include karaoke at Double Deuce, 70s-themed dancing at Good Night John Boy, bar top dancing and drink deals at American Junkie, and live DJs with $6 drink specials at Whiskey Girl.
The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should wear comfortable shoes. Individuals under 21 aren’t permitted.
Read our full review: San Diego: Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance! Bar Tour (4 Bars) Review
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Baja Craft Beer Tasting
Travelers seeking to explore the vibrant craft beer scene of Baja, Mexico can embark on an immersive Baja Craft Beer Tasting experience in San Diego.
The $124.80 per person tour includes craft beer tastings at multiple breweries, a delicious lunch, private transportation, and all gratuities.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the small-group experience provides an intimate and personalized atmosphere. Guests will be picked up and dropped off at a central meeting point, with the tour running from 2:00 PM to an unspecified end time.
While the experience isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, it offers an excellent opportunity to discover the flavors of Baja’s renowned craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Baja Craft Beer Tasting Review
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San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour
Exploring San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene has never been more thrilling than with the San Diego Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour. For $199 per person, this 2.5-hour experience takes guests on a guided tour of downtown San Diego, stopping at local breweries and taprooms.
Participants can expect to sample a variety of craft beers, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy a scenic ride in a tandem sidecar. The tour is limited to 8 people and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, food, and tastings.
While not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or children under 18, the tour has received excellent reviews from travelers seeking an immersive and unique way to explore San Diego’s beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour Review
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Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego
Thrusters Lounge in Pacific Beach serves as the starting point for the lively Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego.
This group bar tour provides an exclusive, fun-loving atmosphere with discounts on drinks at each location. With a maximum group size of 30 participants, the tour kicks off with a welcome drink.
The tour ends at PB Avenue, located just a short distance away. Lasting around three hours, the tour includes alcoholic beverages and is accessible for wheelchair users.
Though the tour is open to those 21 and over, a valid ID, such as a passport for international guests, is required for entry to each club.
The tour is priced at $33.00 per person with a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego Review
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Baja Craft Beer Hope Review: A Unique Experience
The Baja Craft Beer Hope tour offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts seeking to explore the vibrant craft beer scene across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.
Departing from San Diego, the tour includes transportation, lunch, and unlimited tastings at several renowned local breweries. With a maximum of 12 travelers, the intimate group size ensures a personalized experience.
Despite being non-wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transit and welcomes service animals. However, it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
At $187.74 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Baja Craft Beer Hope Review: A Unique Experience Review
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San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour
Craft beer enthusiasts seeking an immersive half-day tour through San Diego’s vibrant brewery scene can embark on the San Diego Beer Adventure.
This private tour, priced from €574.00 per person, offers guided tastings at multiple breweries. With a professional local guide, you will enjoy pickup and drop-off transportation from their hotel or preferred location.
The tour, which isn’t wheelchair accessible but near public transportation, is likely to sell out. While non-refundable, the San Diego Beer Adventure boasts a perfect 5.0 rating from a single review, indicating a memorable experience for those seeking to explore the city’s thriving craft beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour Review
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Sum Up
San Diego’s drinking tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring the city’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter to discovering its thriving craft beer scene. Whether you’re interested in tacos and beer, brewery tours, or a lively bar crawl, there’s a tour to suit your tastes. These tours provide a convenient and engaging way to experience the best of San Diego’s vibrant drinking culture.