San Jose’s drinking tours offer practical ways to experience California’s vibrant bar culture.
The downtown Bar Crawl hits the city’s essential nightspots efficiently, while the clever Brew Bike combines exercise with craft beer tastings – a fun way to offset those calories.
More independent travelers will appreciate the self-guided Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl, which allows exploration at your own pace.
For groups seeking luxury, the Deluxe Party Bus provides a comfortable, all-inclusive experience with premium drinks and entertainment.
We especially love the Brew Bike tour for its unique blend of social interaction and local beer discovery, while the downtown Bar Crawl stands out for its well-curated selection of authentic neighborhood establishments.
Let’s explore the top drinking tours that showcase San Jose’s spirited nightlife scene.
Good To Know
- The Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose offers a vibrant nightlife experience with a 94% recommendation rate and access to all bars, two local beers, and one Costa Rican shot per person.
- The San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour provides a unique 3-hour tour on a pedal-powered brew bike, exploring the local beer scene with VIP wristband-assisted drink discounts.
- The Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl is a self-guided tour exploring the top watering holes in San Jose, with a moderate fitness level required for walking between establishments.
- The Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus features well-stocked alcoholic beverages, restroom on board, VIP access to venues, and entertainment options like karaoke and live DJ.
- The Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose is guided by experienced professionals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment, and is accessible via public transportation.
Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose
The bar crawl in downtown San Jose offers a vibrant nightlife experience, leading participants on a journey through the city’s hidden gems and popular hotspots. With a 94% recommendation rate from travelers, this adults-only activity is a must for those seeking an engaging and memorable night out.
The tour includes access to all bars, two local beers per person, and one Costa Rican shot, ensuring a diverse array of alcoholic beverages to sample.
The experienced guides, praised for their energy and engagement, create a safe and enjoyable environment, with a police presence to ensure the safety of participants. The tour is accessible via public transportation and suitable for most travelers, allowing for a diverse mix of people to mingle and share the experience.
Reviewers highlight the vibrant atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and exciting activities like games and dancing that enhance the overall experience.
Whether you’re a young adult looking for a lively night out or simply want to explore San Jose’s nightlife, the bar crawl in downtown San Jose is a top-rated option worth considering.
Read our full review: Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose Review
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San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour
Amidst the vibrant downtown of San Jose, the San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s lively beer scene. This 3-hour tour takes visitors on a ride atop a pedal-powered “brew bike,” stopping at several local bars for VIP wristband-assisted drink discounts.
The tour includes a seat on the bike, water, a knowledgeable guide, and the freedom to imbibe while in transit. With a maximum of 14 travelers, the experience provides an intimate and social atmosphere.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Infants must sit on laps during the tour, which returns to the original meeting point at the corner of First Street and E William Street.
Priced at a competitive rate, the San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour is a fun and convenient way to discover the city’s beer culture.
Read our full review: San Jose Brew Bike Bar Tour Review
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San Jose Bar Hunt: Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl
A San Jose Bar Hunt called the “Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl” offers visitors a unique way to explore the city’s lively bar scene. Available year-round, this self-guided tour takes participants on a journey through some of San Jose’s top watering holes.
The event starts and ends at 151 W Santa Clara St, making it easily accessible via public transportation.
The crawl includes all taxes, fees, and digital copies of photos taken during the scavenger hunt. While food and drinks are covered, participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point.
A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking between establishments. The event is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Based on a single review, the overall rating for the “Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl” is 1.0, with the participant finding the app confusing and the challenges unengaging.
The tour offers a unique way to explore San Jose’s vibrant bar scene.
Read our full review: San Jose Bar Hunt: Sweet San Jose Bar Crawl Review
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Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus
For those seeking a lively way to explore San Jose’s vibrant bar scene, the Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus offers an unforgettable experience.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour boasts a 5.0 overall rating from 17 glowing reviews. The experience includes a well-stocked supply of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, vodka, rum, and tequila, as well as a restroom on board and VIP access to all the locations visited.
Partygoers can also enjoy karaoke and live DJ entertainment throughout the night. The tour starts at 7:30 PM and is wheelchair accessible, though it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Priced at €95.76 per person, the Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus is a fantastic value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
As one reviewer raved, “All of the hosts are so nice! The environment is super comfortable! 10/10.”
Read our full review: Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus Review
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Questions About Staying Here
What Is the Dress Code for These Drinking Tours?
The dress code for these drinking tours is typically casual and comfortable. Most participants wear t-shirts, jeans, and comfortable walking shoes. Dress in layers, as the weather can change during the tour. No formal attire is required.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tours?
Bringing your own alcohol on drinking tours is generally not allowed. Most tour companies provide the drinks as part of the tour experience, and have policies against outside alcoholic beverages for safety and liability reasons.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with accommodations made for those with mobility challenges. It’s best to check with the tour operators ahead of time to ensure the specific tour route and transportation can accommodate a wheelchair.
Do the Tours Provide Designated Drivers?
Most drinking tours provide designated drivers to ensure the safety of their guests. This allows participants to fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about transportation at the end of the tour.
Can I Book Private Tours for My Group?
Yes, many tour companies offer the option to book private tours for groups. This allows you to customize the experience and have a dedicated driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for your group.
Worth The Stay
San Jose offers a range of exciting drinking tours, from the classic bar crawl in downtown to guided bike and party bus tours. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant bar scene, sample local craft beers, and enjoy a fun-filled experience. Whether you prefer a self-guided exploration or a guided tour, there’s an option to suit every taste and budget in this lively California city.