San Diego’s drinking tours offer rich experiences in America’s craft beer capital.
The city’s two standout options deserve special attention: the comprehensive Craft Beer Tour, connecting visitors with multiple breweries in the beer-rich North Park district, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter Bar Tour, showcasing the city’s oldest drinking establishments.
We love the Craft Beer Tour for its expert guides and behind-the-scenes access to brewing operations.
The Gaslamp Quarter tour excels with its mix of historic tales and carefully curated drink stops, complete with reliable transportation.
Let’s explore our carefully selected top drinking tours in San Diego.
Key Points
- San Diego offers a variety of craft beer tours, including the Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour, San Diego Brewery Tour, and Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours.
- Bar tours, such as the Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour and the Pacific Beach Bar Tour, provide an energetic experience with exclusive drink specials and entertainment.
- Drinking tours in San Diego allow visitors to sample a wide range of local brews, gain insights into the brewing process, and network with fellow beer enthusiasts.
- San Diego is renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, with over 150 breweries located throughout the city, making it one of the top beer destinations in the U.S.
- Drinking tour providers emphasize responsible drinking practices, offer transportation options, and collaborate with local businesses to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour offers an engaging 6-hour adventure that takes you across the border to explore the vibrant culinary and brewing scene of Tijuana.
You’ll enjoy authentic Mexican tacos and sample craft beers at popular watering holes and hidden gems, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate fitness level is required. Bring your passport or birth certificate, as border crossing is involved.
With 44 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Tijuana seeking an immersive cultural experience.
Read our full review: Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour Review
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San Diego Brewery Tour
Explore the vibrant craft beer scene of San Diego on this immersive brewery tour. Rated 5.0 stars, this tour offers an exceptional experience with a maximum of 10 travelers.
You’ll enjoy commentary from the knowledgeable guide, Mike, who provides insights into the local breweries and their craft beers. The tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
With positive reviews highlighting the fun atmosphere and social interactions, this tour is perfect for team-building or family outings. The accessible meeting point and inclusion of gratuities make this a hassle-free way to discover San Diego’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego Brewery Tour Review
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Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours
For a truly unique brewery adventure in San Diego, embark on the Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours. This small-group, half-day tour whisks you through the North Coast area, visiting three top craft breweries in a vintage VW Vanagon.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience, sipping complimentary local brews and snacks along the way. Pickup is flexible, with options in Escondido, Oceanside, and Carlsbad.
The tour operates daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, and you’re free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Reviews praise the accommodating guide, Miguel, and guests are eager to participate again.
Enjoy San Diego’s vibrant beer scene on this one-of-a-kind brewery tour.
Read our full review: Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours Review
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Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour
Dive into San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter on the Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour. This evening excursion visits four bars, offering $5/$6 drink deals and a free welcome cocktail.
Explore the lively nightlife, with opportunities to showcase your karaoke skills and hit the dance floor. The tour is wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near public transportation.
With a maximum of 25 travelers, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience. The tour starts at 9 PM at The Double Deuce and ends at Whiskey Girl.
At $33 per person, this non-refundable tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and boasts a perfect 5.0 rating. Don’t miss out on this dynamic bar-hopping adventure in San Diego.
Read our full review: Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour Review
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Baja Craft Beer Tasting
Uncover the vibrant craft beer scene south of the border on the Baja Craft Beer Tasting tour. This small-group excursion from San Diego takes you across the border to explore Mexico’s thriving craft beer industry.
You’ll visit multiple breweries, sampling one pint at each, and enjoy an included lunch. The tour’s 5.0 rating from 6 reviews speaks to its quality.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour allows service animals and is near public transportation. Keep in mind it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Booking is easy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Baja Craft Beer Tasting Review
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San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour
Set out on a thrilling sidecar tour that takes you through the heart of San Diego’s vibrant brewery and taproom scene.
For $199 per person, you’ll explore the city in a tandem sidecar for 2.5 hours, visiting local breweries and taprooms for craft beer tastings.
Learn about the brewing process and different beer styles as you enjoy food pairings at each location.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and is limited to just 8 participants to ensure an intimate experience.
However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or children under 18.
Secure your spot now and enjoy the freedom of the open road as you discover San Diego’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego: Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour Review
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California Sunset Brewery Tour
If you’ve already explored San Diego’s vibrant brewery scene, the California Sunset Brewery Tour offers a new and captivating experience.
Priced at €188.96 per person, this 4.5-hour tour takes you to two breweries, including a gastro pub near Belmont Park. Savor up to 15 different beers, learn about the beer-making process, and capture the stunning California coastline at sunset.
With transportation, a guide, a meal, and tastings included, it’s a well-rounded package. Customer reviews praise the tour’s safety and service, though some suggest drinking water between tastings.
If you’re seeking an evening of brewery exploration and sunset views, this tour is worth considering.
Read our full review: California Sunset Brewery Tour Review
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San Diego: Brewery Tour With Tastings and Food Pairings
Enjoy San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene with this guided brewery tour through the trendy North Park neighborhood.
Over three exhilarating hours, you’ll visit 3-4 local craft breweries, sampling various beer styles and learning about food pairings. Engage with passionate brewers and discover the area’s transformation into a trendy hub.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and led by an English-fluent guide, ensuring a seamless experience. Priced at $85 per person, this tour offers exceptional value and is likely to sell out, so secure your spot now.
Cancelations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility. Cheers to an unforgettable brewery adventure in San Diego!
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)
Take a lively journey through San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter on this 4.5-hour bar tour.
Discover 4 high-energy venues and enjoy activities like karaoke, mechanical bull riding, and dancing.
Receive exclusive drink specials and a complimentary welcome kit including a drink ticket, LED emoji ring, and optional bull ride.
Check-in at Double Deuce between 9-10pm, then explore the 70s-themed Good Night John Boy, American Junkie with its Wheel O Fun, and the spacious Whiskey Girl.
At $34.50 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a 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
Though you’ll have the opportunity to visit several popular bars in the lively Pacific Beach neighborhood, the Pacific Beach Bar Tour starts at Thrusters Lounge, where you’ll receive a complimentary welcome drink to kickstart the evening.
The tour, provided by San Diego Nightlife Tours, takes you to various bars in the area and ends at PB Avenue, all within a few hours. Rated 5.0 out of 5 on Viator and Tripadvisor, this tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.
With a maximum of 30 participants, the $33 per person tour allows for a personalized experience and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego Review
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San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour
Frequently, beer enthusiasts embark on the San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour, a private excursion that allows you to explore the city’s vibrant craft brewery scene.
At a price from $616.59 per person, this tour provides professional local guide services, transportation, and guided tastings at each brewery. The tour is highly rated, with 5.0 stars from a single review.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. With pickup and drop-off service available near public transportation, the tour is a convenient way to dive into San Diego’s renowned beer culture.
However, keep in mind that the tour is non-refundable, and it’s likely to sell out quickly.
Read our full review: San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour Review
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The Sum Up
San Diego’s vibrant drinking scene offers a diverse range of tours for visitors. From craft beer tastings to lively bar crawls, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking to explore the city’s nightlife, these tours provide a convenient and engaging way to experience the best of San Diego’s drinking culture.