San Diego ranks among America’s top craft beer destinations, with tours that showcase its bustling brewery culture. The most worthwhile options include guided brewery visits with expert tastings, and evening pub crawls through the Gaslamp Quarter. I’m especially fond of the cross-border tours into Tijuana – they combine craft beer exploration with authentic street tacos and local culture (just remember your passport).
My favorites include the “Scavenger Hunt Bar Crawl” for its clever mix of sightseeing and socializing, and the “South Bay Brewery Tour” for its behind-the-scenes access to family-run brewhouses. Safety-minded travelers will appreciate that transportation is included with most guided tours.
Check out these top drinking tours in San Diego:
Good To Know
- San Diego Brewery Tour offers a small-group format with guided tastings at three local breweries, featuring an open-air vehicle and educational insights on different beer types.
- Craft Brewery Tours provide multiple private tours, including the North Coast Small-Group Tour, Baja Craft Beer Tasting, and the San Diego Beer Adventure.
- The Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour is a 6-hour cultural experience that combines authentic Mexican tacos and local craft brews in a small-group setting.
- Nightlife bar tours, such as the Drink, Ride, Sing & Dance Tour and the Pacific Beach Bar Tour, offer lively experiences with multiple bar visits and alcoholic beverages.
- Unique drinking experiences include the self-guided Slammin San Diego Bar Crawl and the Intro to Mexican Craft Beer tour, which provides insights into local brewing culture.
San Diego Brewery Tour
The San Diego Brewery Tour offers beer enthusiasts an immersive exploration of the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
With a 96% recommendation rate from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, this small-group tour takes participants to three local breweries for guided tastings.
Led by an enthusiastic driver/guide, the tour provides an open-air vehicle for safe beer-tasting while learning about different beer types and the breweries themselves.
Praised for its knowledgeable guide and friendly atmosphere, the tour is highly recommended for craft beer lovers seeking a fun and informative experience.
Whether for team-building or family outings, the San Diego Brewery Tour promises to showcase the best of the city’s vibrant beer culture.
Read our full review: San Diego Brewery Tour Review
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Venturing beyond the confines of San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene, the Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour offers an immersive cultural experience across the border.
Priced from $130 per person, this 6-hour tour allows visitors to savor authentic Mexican tacos and local craft brews. Departing from San Ysidro, the tour includes food tastings, two beer flights or pints, and transportation, along with a personalized local guide.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical activity level makes it suitable for most travelers. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to explore Tijuana’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Proper documentation, such as a passport or Global Entry card, is essential for a seamless border crossing.
Read our full review: Shared 6 Hours Tijuana Taco and Craft Beer Tour Review
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Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance! Bar Tour (4 Bars Included)
Embarking on a vibrant bar-hopping adventure, the Drink, Ride, Sing and Dance Bar Tour invites visitors to experience San Diego’s lively nightlife scene.
This 21+ event takes travelers to four local bars, providing a free welcome drink and $5/$6 drink deals. With a maximum of 25 participants, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
Lasting approximately 3 hours, the tour starts at 9:00 PM and is wheelchair accessible with nearby public transportation.
Boasting a perfect 5.0/5.0 rating from 10 reviews, 100% of travelers recommend this tour, praising the guide’s efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Read our full review: Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!” Bar Tour (4 Bars Included) Review
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San Diego: North Coast Small-Group Half-Day Craft Brewery Tour
Shifting gears from the lively bar-hopping experience, the San Diego: North Coast Small-Group Half-Day Craft Brewery Tour invites beer enthusiasts to embark on a journey through the region’s renowned craft brewery scene.
Priced from $149 per person, this tour provides private transportation, a complimentary beer sample, and bottled water, with guests responsible for any additional beer tastings and food at the stops.
Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, the tour accommodates up to 6 travelers and promises a memorable exploration of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer culture.
While lacking any 5-star reviews, the tour maintains an overall rating of 4.0, with one reviewer praising the accommodating tour guide and a great time with friends.
Read our full review: San Diego: North Coast Small-Group Half-Day Craft Brewery Tour Review
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Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego
The Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego delivers a lively evening of bar-hopping through the vibrant coastal neighborhood.
Led by San Diego Nightlife Tours, the 3-hour excursion starts at Thrusters Lounge, where guests enjoy a welcome drink before embarking on a tour of popular bars and clubs.
With a maximum group size of 30, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and located near public transportation.
Alcoholic beverages are included, and a valid ID is required for entry.
Backed by rave 5-star reviews, the Pacific Beach Bar Tour offers an exciting and inclusive way to experience San Diego’s nightlife.
Read our full review: Pacific Beach Bar Tour in San Diego Review
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Baja Craft Beer Tasting
Border Tours’ Baja Craft Beer Tasting takes guests on a private excursion from San Diego to explore Mexico’s thriving craft beer scene.
The small-group experience includes transportation, one pint of beer at each of several breweries, and a provided lunch. With insider knowledge, the guide leads the group to unique locations not easily found independently.
This tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, Gregorio, who’s well-known in the local craft beer community.
At $124.80 per person, the Baja Craft Beer Tasting offers an excellent opportunity to discover Mexico’s burgeoning craft beer culture.
Read our full review: Baja Craft Beer Tasting Review
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San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour
For those seeking a more comprehensive exploration of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer scene, the San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour offers an immersive experience.
Priced from $616.59, this private tour provides guided tastings at multiple breweries, along with transportation to and from your preferred location.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transit.
Though non-refundable, the tour has received a perfect 5-star rating from Viator and TripAdvisor, making it a must-try for beer enthusiasts.
With a professional local guide leading the way, this half-day adventure is likely to sell out, so book your spot early to secure your place on this exclusive San Diego beer exploration.
Read our full review: San Diego Beer Adventure: Half-Day Tour Review
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Baja Craft Beer Hope From San Diego
Exploring Baja’s vibrant craft beer scene is a must for beer enthusiasts visiting San Diego. The Baja Craft Beer Hope tour offers a perfect opportunity to discover the region’s finest brews.
This 5-hour experience departs from San Diego and takes guests to multiple breweries in Mexico, where they can sample a variety of craft beers. The tour includes lunch, bottled water, and private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. Reviewers rave about the tour, awarding it a perfect 5-star rating across multiple platforms.
Whether you’re a beer lover or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Baja Craft Beer Hope tour is a must-try.
Read our full review: Baja Craft Beer Hope From San Diego Review
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San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin San Diego Bar Crawl
Slammin San Diego Bar Crawl takes adventurous visitors on a self-guided scavenger hunt through the city’s vibrant bar scene.
Operated by Let’s Roam, the activity provides access to a mobile app with maps, photo challenges, riddles, and leaderboards. Participants take on roles like Braniac, Photographer, and Mapper to complete the hunt.
Along the way, they’ll receive digital copies of their adventure photos and support via phone, email, or chat. The tour begins and ends at 544 Fifth Ave, with no refunds for cancellations.
Comfortable shoes and a charged smartphone are recommended for this moderate physical activity accessible to all.
Altogether, it’s a unique and interactive way to explore San Diego’s best drinking spots.
Read our full review: San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin San Diego Bar Crawl Review
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Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego
Although the Slammin San Diego Bar Crawl provides an interactive way to explore the city’s vibrant bar scene, those seeking a more curated beer-focused experience may prefer the Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego.
This private tour allows guests to sample beers at multiple local breweries while learning about the city’s brewing history. Priced at $215 per person, the tour includes tastings, snacks, and gratuities.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers. With a 5.0 rating from one review, the tour promises an educational and enjoyable outing for beer enthusiasts visiting San Diego.
Read our full review: Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego Review
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Intro to Mexican Craft Beer From San Diego
For craft beer enthusiasts visiting San Diego, the Intro to Mexican Craft Beer From San Diego tour offers a unique opportunity to venture across the border and discover the vibrant craft beer scene in Tijuana.
This small-group day trip includes transportation, lunch, and 3-4 flights of craft beer. Travelers will visit Avenida Revolución, the Millenium Arch, and one of Tijuana’s oldest breweries.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience. Passport and moderate physical fitness are required.
Priced at £75.73 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee, making it an accessible and risk-free option for craft beer enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Intro to Mexican Craft Beer From San Diego Review
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The Sum Up
San Diego’s diverse drinking tour options cater to a range of interests, from brewery tours and taco and craft beer experiences to bar crawls and introductions to Mexican craft beer. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant drinking scene, sample local and regional beverages, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of San Diego’s bars and breweries.