San Diego is known for its thriving craft beer scene, with over 150 breweries and brewpubs located throughout the city. From traditional IPAs to experimental sour beers, San Diego’s breweries offer a wide range of beer styles and flavors to suit any palate. Here are some of the best breweries in San Diego.
1. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is a popular brewery and restaurant that has been named “Best Brewery in the World” by Beer Advocate magazine. The brewery offers a wide range of beers, including its flagship Stone IPA, as well as a variety of seasonal and limited-edition beers. The restaurant also serves a variety of locally sourced, farm-to-table dishes that pair perfectly with the brewery’s beers.
2. Ballast Point Brewing Company
Ballast Point Brewing Company is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its award-winning beers, including the Sculpin IPA and the Victory at Sea Imperial Porter. The brewery offers a variety of beers that are brewed using locally sourced ingredients, and its tasting room offers a fun and lively atmosphere for beer lovers to enjoy.
3. Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company is a San Diego-based brewery that has been brewing beer since 1989. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including its popular Red Trolley Ale and Tower 10 IPA. The brewery also has several locations throughout San Diego, including its main brewery in Pacific Beach.
4. Green Flash Brewing Company
Green Flash Brewing Company is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its hop-forward beers, including its popular West Coast IPA. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and limited-edition beers, and its tasting room is a popular destination for beer lovers in San Diego.
5. Modern Times Beer
Modern Times Beer is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its unique and experimental beers, including its popular fruit-forward IPAs and barrel-aged beers. The brewery also operates several locations throughout San Diego, including its main brewery in Point Loma.
6. AleSmith Brewing Company
AleSmith Brewing Company is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its award-winning beers, including its popular Speedway Stout. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, and its tasting room offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for beer lovers to enjoy.
7. Societe Brewing Company
Societe Brewing Company is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its Belgian-inspired beers, including its popular The Pupil IPA. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, and its tasting room offers a friendly and laid-back atmosphere for beer lovers to enjoy.
8. Lost Abbey
Lost Abbey is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its Belgian-inspired beers, including its popular Devotion Ale and Judgment Day Belgian Quad. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and limited-edition beers, and its tasting room offers a unique and intimate atmosphere for beer lovers to enjoy.
9. Alpine Beer Company
Alpine Beer Company is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its hop-forward beers, including its popular Nelson IPA and Duet IPA. The brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, and its tasting room offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for beer lovers to enjoy.
10. Pure Project
Pure Project is a San Diego-based brewery that is known for its unique and experimental beers, including its popular fruit-forward IPAs and barrel-aged beers. The brewery also operates several locations throughout San Diego, including its main brewery in Miramar.
San Diego’s craft beer scene is one of the best in the country, with a wide variety of breweries and brewpubs to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of hop-forward IPAs or Belgian-inspired beers, there is a brewery in San Diego that offers something for everyone. Many of the breweries in San Diego also offer tours and tastings, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the brewing process and sample different beer styles.
In addition to the breweries listed above, there are several other notable breweries in San Diego, including:
11. Belching Beaver Brewery
12. Coronado Brewing Company
13. Half Door Brewing Company
14. Mother Earth Brew Co.
15. Second Chance Beer Company
San Diego also hosts several beer festivals throughout the year, including the San Diego Beer Week and the San Diego International Beer Festival. These festivals offer a chance to sample beers from different breweries, attend educational seminars, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
It’s important to note that drinking and driving is illegal and dangerous. Many of San Diego’s breweries are located in areas with good public transportation options or within walking distance of hotels. Visitors to San Diego are encouraged to drink responsibly and plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
San Diego is known for its hop-forward beers, particularly its IPAs. Some of the local beers to try in San Diego include Stone Brewing’s Stone IPA, Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA, and Alpine Beer Company’s Duet IPA. Other notable beers include Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s Red Trolley Ale, Green Flash Brewing Company’s West Coast IPA, and Lost Abbey’s Devotion Ale. San Diego’s craft beer scene is also known for its unique and experimental beers, such as Modern Times Beer’s fruit-forward IPAs and barrel-aged beers. Visitors to San Diego should also try some of the many seasonal and limited-edition beers that are available at local breweries throughout the city.
San Diego’s craft beer scene is a must-see for any beer lover. With a wide variety of breweries and beer styles to choose from, San Diego offers a unique and exciting beer culture that is not to be missed. So whether you’re a local or a visitor to the city, be sure to check out some of San Diego’s best breweries and enjoy the world-class beer that the city has to offer.
