Head-to-Toe Hops in SD

Sep 14, 2017 - Bree Burris and Bernadine Locsin

Deemed the craft beer capital of the world, there is no shortage of breweries across our region. 150+ breweries, if you really want to know…

We’ll walk you through some of our favorite San Diego craft brewers, all the way from Oceanside to Chula Vista…and if you hold on long enough, we’ll give you a peak into Tijuana too.


Belching Beaver Brewery – Oceanside, Vista, North Park, Ocean Beach

Home of the Peanut Butter Milk Stout, this San Diego brewery is famous for ‘Dam Good Times’ and ‘Dam Good Beer,’ serving their craft beer in five locations all around SD.


Mother Earth Brewing – Vista

Award winning craft brewery vows to challenge even the most discriminating beer drinker by creating complex, palate-pleasing beers and to promote the art and science of craft beer making.


Pizza Port – Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Ocean Beach

Local pizza chain known for its craft brews is popular with families, beer fans and surfers alike.


Karl Strauss – Carlsbad, Sorrento Mesa, 4S Ranch, La Jolla, Downtown

San Diego’s original craft brewery, proudly pioneering independent craft beer in SD since 1989.


Kuracali – San Marcos

Craft saké and beer brewed in San Marcos, blending unique flavors like salted caramel, mint chocolate peanut butter and lemongrass.


Rip Current – San Marcos, North Park

Started by two friends/avid homebrewers, who aim to produce high quality, flavorful ales and lagers that capture their passion for craft beer.


Stone Brewing – Escondido, Liberty Station

Famed for its beer, world bistro and gardens, Stone has stayed true to their goal of brewing outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics and the art of brewing.


Culture Brewing – Encinitas, Solana Beach, Ocean Beach

Trendy Solana Beach microbrewery features modern, rustic tasting rooms with their delicious craft beers on tap and dog-friendly patio seating.


Viewpoint Brewing – Del Mar

Spacious venue offering house-brewed beer and gastropub fare in an industrial-chic waterfront setting in Del Mar.


Green Flash Brewing – Mira Mesa

Warehouse-like tasting room, pouring a multitude of craft brews with beer garden and rotating food trucks outside.


Ballast Point – Miramar, Scripps Ranch, Linda Vista, Little Italy

With a quest for the perfect balance of taste and aroma and an obsession with ingredients, this kid-friendly brewery and pub serves their acclaimed beers, refined bar fare and to-go kegs.


Rough Draft Brewing – Miramar

Laidback brewery tasting room with an industrial vibe showcasing unique, handcrafted draft beers.


Amplified Ale Works – Miramar, Pacific Beach

Formerly California Kebab & Beer Garden, this in-house brewery shifted their focus to craft brews to create a community-centric gathering place for people to eat, drink and enjoy ocean views on outdoor picnic tables.


La Jolla Brewing – La Jolla

Casual brewpub with ample craft beers, elevated pub grub and Sunday brunch, plus a dog-friendly patio.


Kilowatt Brewing – Kearny Mesa, Ocean Beach

Nanobrewery with reputation for handcrafted, all natural, traditional brewing with unique ingredients, serving 20+ beers on tap in eclectic tasting rooms featuring interactive art by local artists.


San Diego Brewing Co. – Allied Gardens, North Park

One of SD’s original breweries, offering their own house brews on tap, as well as a large selection of other local beer in a family-friendly full service restaurant.


Modern Times Beer – Point Loma, North Park

Known for its aroma-driven, complex, flavorful beers, this hip craft brewery offers twice-weekly tours and a large, stylish tasting room with 16 beers on tap.


Ocean Beach Brewery – Ocean Beach

Small, family brewery that takes pride in their community and their craft, serving beers that are uniquely OB from their three-story brewpub.


Mission Brewery – Downtown

Microbrewery housed in an 1894 East Village building near Petco Park, featuring a tasting room and regular tours.


Coronado Brewing Company – Coronado, North Park

Sleek venue features an array of house-brewed beers on tap, plus special releases and cask offerings.


Chula Vista Brewery – Chula Vista

Acclaimed contributor of craft beer’s South Bay uprising, this craft brewery aims to be ultra-local, teaming with other Chula Vista businesses to provide their community with the local ales they feel that they deserve.

Congratulations on making it through the beer tour! Now that you’ve sipped and savored from San Diego’s best, take a quick trip south of the border for some crazy good beers.


Border Psycho Brewery – Tijuana

Self-proclaimed missionary of debauchery, this brewery hopes to provide moments of ecstasy, passion and optimism through their selection of ‘cynical’ beers.