Take a random poll of what springs to mind when “San Diego” is mentioned, and “beer” may very well be up there with surfing, sun, and the city’s world-famous zoo. The San Diego Brewers Guild reports that the region is home to more than 130 breweries, the city was named the “Top Beer Town” in America by Men’s Journal, and the New York Times proclaimed that it “is rapidly becoming the country’s best craft beer scene.”
The tidal wave began with innovative brewers like Stone Brewing Company and Karl Strauss. Now, it’s craft-y all over America’s Finest City—in pubs, restaurants, and in the breweries themselves (many offer tours). And in a growing trend, San Diego’s chefs are whipping up beer-pairing menus or foods made with local pours.
San Diego’s brews and brewers haven’t gone unnoticed, earning international recognition. (Yes, there is a World Beer Cup; no, you cannot be a judge). AleSmith Brewing Company and Ballast Point Brewing Company are two that are consistently lauded. And you don’t have to go to a brewery to taste these world-class beers: many eateries offer a dizzying array of local taps.
San Diego’s pioneering breweries
First, taste the brews at some of the aforementioned giants of the scene: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, which was established in 1989 by and was named after cofounder Chris Cramer’s cousin (who just happened to have been a master brewer from Germany), and Stone Brewing Company, which has its massive headquarters, complete with beer garden, in Escondido as well as several stores, a farm, and pubs at Petco Park, Liberty Station, and the San Diego Airport.
Don’t miss craft brewers Lost Abbey (famed for its bottle-conditioned ales), AleSmith (focusing on English-style ales), Ballast Point (brewers of such seasonal beers as Habanero Sculpin IPA and Curry Export Stout), and Green Flash, who all get rave reviews from locals and international beer wags alike.
More longtime San Diego breweries
Those better-known names barely scratch the surface. If you want to visit a brewery that isn’t immediately recognizable to your friends back home, there are too many to list here, but a few standouts include Belching Beaver Brewery, Societe Brewing Company, Pizza Port (don’t be thrown by the name—it’s a top-notch brewery that serves pizza at seven locations), Alpine Beer Co., North Park Beer Company, Coronado Brewing Company, and Mother Earth Brew Co.
The new generation of San Diego breweries
In a scene renowned for its innovation and diversity, it should come as no surprise that recent years have seen the emergence of several new breweries that are redefining what it means to brew great beer. Among these newcomers, Original 40 Brewing Company has quickly gained a loyal following thanks to a two-dozen-strong tap lineup that features hop-forward IPAs, but also includes creative stouts and sours. Another brewery making waves is Mujeres Brew House, which opened its doors in 2020 in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood. Mujeres Brew House was founded with a mission to empower women in the brewing industry, particularly women of color, a sense of purpose that is reflected in their culturally rich beer offerings which have names such as Cancion de Sirena and Abuelita's Stout.
Another standout is North Park's Seek Beer Co., which quickly established itself as a favorite among hop enthusiasts with a West Coast IPA fixation. Also deserving of a vist: Deft Brewing, and Aztec Brewery, a revival of the historic brand that originally began in the 1930s.
Brewery tours in San Diego
A great way to explore the city's craft beer scene is to go on a brewery tour; they’re an excellent way to sample at various locations while someone else does the driving—and shares brew-centric insights and information along the way.
Several companies offer such guided experiences, each providing different insights. Brewery Tours of San Diego is one of the most popular, offering daily tours that visit some of the city’s best-known breweries. With transportation included, participants can relax and enjoy tastings at three or four different breweries, with knowledgeable guides providing insider takes on not only the brewing process but the city as well. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Scavengers Beer & Adventure Tours combines brewery visits with off-road excursions in vintage, open-air Swiss Pinzgauer military vehicles. This tour not only takes you to some of the city’s best breweries but also lets you explore San Diego’s scenic backroads and coastline.
Looking to have more of a hand in things? Brew Hop offers a more personalized experience, with private custom tours that cater to your specific tastes. Whether you’re interested in visiting the most popular breweries or discovering more off-the-beaten-path pours, Brew Hop creates a tailored itinerary just for you. To explore beyond beer, book a tour with San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours, which offers a mix of brewery, winery, and distillery visits, providing a great overview of San Diego’s craft beverage scene.