San Diego’s craft beer scene ranks among America’s best, with dozens of quality breweries and tasting rooms throughout the city.
The most worthwhile tours include:
A vintage VW Vanagon tour – perfect for visiting multiple breweries while someone else does the driving. The classic vehicle adds a fun, nostalgic touch.
The Tijuana Beer & Taco Adventure stands out for combining Mexican street food with emerging craft breweries just across the border.
For evening entertainment, the Gaslamp Quarter bar tours offer good value with drink specials and lively karaoke spots.
Private half-day tours work well for serious beer enthusiasts who want detailed brewing insights and personalized tastings.
Check out these recommended tour options:
Key Points
- San Diego offers a variety of brewery tours showcasing the city’s thriving craft beer scene, including guided tastings and transportation.
- Bar tours in the Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach provide an immersive nightlife experience with discounted drinks and entertainment.
- The tours cater to diverse groups and skill levels, offering personalized attention and enhancing the overall tasting and bar-hopping experience.
- Pricing for the tours represents excellent value, with some offering lowest price guarantees and flexible cancellation policies.
- Tour operators receive stellar customer satisfaction ratings, promising an unforgettable adventure exploring San Diego’s vibrant drinking culture.
A popular shared tour option among visitors to San Diego is the Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour. This 6-hour experience takes you from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico, where you’ll enjoy real Mexican tacos and two flights or pints of craft beer.
The tour includes transportation, a local guide, and water. While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes it suitable for most travelers. With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll appreciate the personalized service.
Most reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and delicious food, though some note confusion around border crossing documentation. Overall, it’s a great way for first-time visitors to experience the vibrant Tijuana food and drink scene.
Read our full review: Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour Review
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San Diego Brewery Tour
Frequently, visitors to San Diego embark on the acclaimed San Diego Brewery Tour, a 5-star rated excursion that showcases the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit three local breweries in a small group of 10 or fewer participants. The tour includes tasting flights at each stop, providing you with an opportunity to sample the best beers the area has to offer.
You’ll be transported in an open-air vehicle, ensuring a safe and enjoyable beer-tasting experience. With a 96% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a must-do for both locals and visitors seeking to enjoy San Diego’s thriving brewing culture.
Read our full review: San Diego Brewery Tour Review
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Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours
Set out on a one-of-a-kind craft beer adventure with Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours, a small-group excursion that showcases San Diego’s thriving brewing culture.
You’ll visit three renowned craft breweries, traveling in a vintage VW Vanagon for a personalized experience. Enjoy complimentary beer at the start, and savor tastings at each stop, with snacks and water provided.
The tour accommodates a maximum of six travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. With flexible pickup options and free cancellation, this half-day tour is the perfect way to discover San Diego’s vibrant beer scene.
Don’t miss the lowest price guarantee and the opportunity to create lasting memories with friends.
Read our full review: Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours Review
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Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour
The Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour provides an exhilarating evening of exploring the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego.
Over the course of the tour, you’ll visit four bars, enjoying discounted drinks and opportunities to sing karaoke and dance. The tour begins at The Double Deuce, where you’ll receive a free welcome drink, and ends at Whiskey Girl.
With a maximum of 25 participants, this 21+ event is wheelchair accessible and located near public transportation.
Though non-refundable, the tour is highly recommended, with 100% positive reviews highlighting the fun experiences and friendly guides.
Read our full review: Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour Review
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Baja Craft Beer Tasting
Enjoy the vibrant craft beer culture of Baja, Mexico on this guided excursion.
You’ll sample one pint at each of the breweries, savor a delicious lunch, and enjoy private transportation throughout. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’ll receive personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, like Gregorio, who’s known for their expertise and local connections.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transit. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers.
Confirm your booking and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior. Reserve now and pay later to secure your spot on this 5-star rated Baja craft beer experience.
Read our full review: Baja Craft Beer Tasting Review
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San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour
Explore San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene on this unique brewery and taproom tour by sidecar. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit local breweries and taprooms, tasting various craft beers and learning about the brewing process.
Ride in a tandem sidecar as you take in scenic views of downtown and major landmarks. The tour is limited to 8 participants and includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and food.
At $199 per person, it’s a great way to experience San Diego’s thriving beer culture. Just note it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or children under 18.
With a 5/5 rating, this tour promises a memorable beer-filled adventure.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour Review
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California Sunset Brewery Tour
Discover the captivating California Sunset Brewery Tour, a 4.5-hour adventure that invites you to explore San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Priced at $199 per person, this English-language tour offers a chance to taste up to 15 different beers, tour a brewery, and admire San Diego’s scenic beach communities.
With transportation, a live guide, and a meal included, you’ll enjoy exceptional value.
While the overall organization received a 3/5 rating, customers praise the private tour experience and recommend drinking water between tastings.
With a 4/5 rating for value and 5/5 for safety, the California Sunset Brewery Tour promises an unforgettable evening of beer exploration along the California coast.
Read our full review: California Sunset Brewery Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings
The San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings invites you to embark on a 3-hour journey through the vibrant North Park neighborhood, uncovering the rich craft beer culture of the city.
You’ll visit 3-4 local craft breweries, taste a variety of beer styles, and learn about food and beer pairing with delicious snacks.
Along the way, you’ll discover the history and transformation of North Park, while gaining insights into the brewing process from knowledgeable craft brewers.
This tour is wheelchair accessible, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and is perfect for beer enthusiasts of all types.
With limited availability, it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings Review
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San Diego: Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance! Bar Tour (4 Bars)
Embarking on the San Diego: Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance! Bar Tour, you’ll discover four high-energy bars in the Gaslamp Quarter.
With a complimentary welcome kit, you’ll start at Double Deuce for karaoke. Next, groove to the 70s tunes at Good Night John Boy.
Then, visit American Junkie for bar top dancing and drink deals. The tour culminates at Whiskey Girl, known for spacious dance floors and DJs.
Throughout the 4.5-hour experience, you’ll enjoy no cover fees, express entry, and special drink offers.
Whether you’re with friends or solo, this tour provides an unforgettable night of drinking, riding, singing, and dancing in San Diego.
Read our full review: San Diego: Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance! Bar Tour (4 Bars) Review
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Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego
Enjoy the vibrant Pacific Beach nightlife with the exhilarating Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego.
This group tour, limited to 30 participants, takes you on a journey through the best bars in the area. Enjoy exclusive drink discounts and a welcome drink at Thrusters Lounge, the meeting point.
The tour includes alcoholic beverages and ends at PB Avenue. With wheelchair-accessible transportation and surfaces, it’s convenient for all.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience and take advantage of the lowest price guarantee. Passports are required for international guests.
Get ready to meet new friends and experience San Diego’s thriving bar scene.
Read our full review: Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego Review
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San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour
Elevate your San Diego beer experience with the exhilarating San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour.
This private tour ensures you’ll explore the city’s vibrant brewing scene with your group. Enjoy guided tastings at each brewery and let the professional local guide transport you in comfort.
With pickup and drop-off service available, the tour’s accessibility makes it a must for beer enthusiasts. At €574.00, the price represents excellent value, and you can count on the lowest price guarantee.
Though non-refundable, the tour’s stellar 5.0 rating based on a single review suggests an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss out – this tour is likely to sell out, so book your spot today.
Read our full review: San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?
You’ll typically need to purchase drinks through the tour provider. Bringing your own alcohol isn’t usually allowed, as the tours aim to provide a safe, controlled environment. Check the tour’s policies beforehand to ensure you comply with their rules.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for these tours is typically casual and comfortable. You’ll want to wear clothing and footwear that allows you to move around easily and explore the various stops on the tour.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Most drinking tours are wheelchair accessible, with staff happy to accommodate guests’ needs. It’s best to inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure the tour fits your requirements and can provide any necessary assistance.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
You can often customize the tour itinerary to fit your preferences. Many tour operators are happy to accommodate special requests, so don’t hesitate to ask about tailoring the experience to your needs.
What Happens if I Miss the Tour Departure?
If you miss the tour’s departure, you’ll likely have to pay a fee or join the next scheduled tour. It’s best to arrive at the meeting point early to avoid any issues with missing the departure.
Recap
If you’re a beer or taco lover, you’ll find plenty of great drinking tours in San Diego to enjoy. From exploring Tijuana’s taco and craft beer scene to sampling local brews on a brewery tour, there’s something for every taste. Whether you prefer a lively bar crawl or a more relaxed tasting experience, San Diego has plenty of options to quench your thirst and whet your appetite.