San Diego stands among America’s premier craft beer destinations, with remarkable brewery tours to match. Practical travelers will appreciate the intimate San Diego Brewery Tour, featuring thoughtful tastings and expert insights. For food lovers, the Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings hits the sweet spot, masterfully matching local brews with regional cuisine.
I’m especially fond of two standout options: The Cruise & Booze tour, which offers welcome flexibility with private transport, and the California Sunset Brewery Tour – a first-rate experience complete with behind-the-scenes access and a proper meal. For something memorable, try the Sidecar Tour, an unconventional way to visit tap rooms while riding alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Let’s explore San Diego’s essential brewery experiences:
Key Points
- San Diego Brewery Tour offers a small-group experience with tasting flights, open-air transportation, and hotel/port pickup for €80.43 per person.
- Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours provide private transportation, daily tours, and flexibility to cover beer tastings and food costs at $149 per person.
- California Sunset Brewery Tour includes transportation, meal, and gratuities for a 4.5-hour experience with up to 15 beer tastings for $199 per person.
- San Diego Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour offers a guided 2.5-hour tour in a tandem sidecar, with tastings and food, for $199 per person.
- Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours and San Diego Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour have free cancellation policies, making them flexible options.
San Diego Brewery Tour
The San Diego Brewery Tour offers a small-group experience for beer enthusiasts to hop between three local breweries. Recommended by 96% of travelers with 47 reviews, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence. Conducted in an open-air vehicle with a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour includes tasting flights at each stop.
The tour is led by an enthusiastic driver/guide, Mike, known for his extensive knowledge of breweries and craft beer. Safety measures are in place for participants with no serious medical conditions. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are available, and the tour includes bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
Travelers have praised the tour for its fun atmosphere, Mike’s friendliness and expertise, and the opportunity to discover San Diego’s craft beer scene.
Ideal for both locals and travelers, the San Diego Brewery Tour is a great way to explore the city’s hidden gems and meet fellow beer enthusiasts.
Read our full review: San Diego Brewery Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings
For those seeking an immersive exploration of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene, the San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings offers an engaging three-hour experience in the city’s North Park neighborhood.
Priced at €80.43 per person, the tour takes visitors to 3-4 local craft breweries, where they can sample a variety of beer styles, from lagers and kolsch to hazy IPAs and seasonal dark ales.
Along the way, you will learn about the brewing process, ingredients, and the business aspects of the craft beer industry from knowledgeable guides.
The tour also includes food pairings, such as cheese plates and fish tacos, to enhance the tasting experience.
Wheelchair accessible and open to those 21 and older, the tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with customers praising the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, the enjoyable food pairings, and the overall fun atmosphere.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings Review
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Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours
Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours offer an exciting alternative to the typical brewery tour experience in San Diego. For $149 per person, this tour provides private transportation, complimentary beer tastings, and bottled water across multiple local breweries.
The tours run daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with a maximum of 6 travelers per group. The tour starts and ends at designated meeting points in Escondido or Carlsbad, with home pickup available for the Escondido group.
Guests are responsible for covering the cost of beer tastings and food at each brewery stop. Confirmation is provided upon booking, and a free cancellation policy is in effect up to 24 hours before the tour.
While the tour has received positive feedback, with one reviewer praising the accommodating and fun tour guide, there are no 5-star or 4-star reviews recorded.
Nonetheless, Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours offer a unique and convenient way to explore San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours Review
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California Sunset Brewery Tour
Exploring San Diego’s craft beer scene in the evening, the California Sunset Brewery Tour offers an immersive experience for beer enthusiasts. Priced at $199 per person, this 4.5-hour tour takes visitors to some of the city’s best breweries, allowing them to taste up to 15 different beers.
The tour includes transportation, a meal, and gratuities, making it a convenient and inclusive experience. Guests will enjoy a production tour of a brewery, where they’ll learn about the beer-making process from local experts.
The tour also explores San Diego’s beach communities, providing a chance to discover the area’s vibrant craft beer culture. With flexibility in booking and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, the California Sunset Brewery Tour is a popular choice for those seeking a private, guided exploration of San Diego’s thriving beer scene.
Read our full review: California Sunset Brewery Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour
The San Diego Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour offers beer enthusiasts a unique and adventurous way to explore the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.
This 2.5-hour guided tour takes participants on a journey through downtown San Diego in a tandem sidecar, visiting local breweries and taprooms along the way.
During the tour, guests will learn about the different types of craft beers, enjoy tastings or flights at each location, and experience the city’s major landmarks and scenic areas.
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
Included in the $199 per person price tag are hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as food.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility issues.
With a 5/5 overall rating based on 2 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable beer-focused adventure in San Diego.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Tours Include Transportation Between Breweries?
Some brewery tours may provide transportation between locations, but it’s best to check with the tour operator. Many tours allow participants to arrange their own transportation or use public transit between breweries.
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tours?
Most brewery tours allow visitors to bring their own food, as long as it’s not disruptive. However, it’s best to check with the specific brewery beforehand, as policies may vary. Some tours may even offer food options on-site.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children or Families?
The tours are generally suitable for children and families, though some may have age restrictions or not be the best fit for younger kids. It’s best to check the tour details and policies before booking.
What Should I Wear for the Brewery Tours?
Wear comfortable, casual clothing for brewery tours. Closed-toe shoes are recommended as the tours often involve walking through production areas. Layers may be helpful, as some breweries can be chilly inside. The focus should be on enjoying the experience, not fashion.
Are the Tours Accessible for People With Disabilities?
The tours are generally accessible for people with disabilities, though visitors should check with each brewery ahead of time to ensure their specific needs can be accommodated. Many offer wheelchair access and other accommodations for those who require them.
Recap
San Diego is a beer lover’s paradise, with an abundance of exceptional breweries offering guided tours and tasting experiences. From scenic waterfront settings to cozy taprooms, these tours showcase the city’s vibrant craft beer scene. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these brewery tours provide an engaging and flavorful way to discover San Diego’s thriving beer culture.