San Diego stands out as a perfect city for Vegans and Vegetarians. With its innovative culinary scene, lively neighborhoods, and friendly locals, it’s easy to see why food-focused tours are a great way to explore. We particularly like the San Diego Vegan Food Tour for its tasty bites and engaging stories, or the Cross Border Vegan Food Tasting from San Diego for those craving a unique adventure into Tijuana’s culinary scene. These tours offer more than just food—they’re a chance to learn about local culture, history, and the evolution of plant-based eating in this sunny city. Plus, with options that range from city walks to cross-border excursions, there’s something for every interest and schedule.
If you’re considering a Vegan & Vegetarian Tour in San Diego, this guide will help you weigh the options. From quick 2-hour city strolls to longer border-crossing tastings, each experience offers a different flavor of San Diego’s vibrant plant-based food scene.
1. San Diego Vegan Food Tour
At number one on our list is the San Diego Vegan Food Tour, which has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from 16 reviews. This 2-hour walking experience takes you through Downtown or North Park, with stops at some of San Diego’s most popular vegan eateries. The tour includes food tastings, so you won’t go home hungry, and the guide shares fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a quick but rich immersion into San Diego’s diverse food scene.
What sets this tour apart? The carefully curated itinerary ensures you sample standout dishes, from innovative pizza (no pineapple allowed!) to fresh juices. Guests have praised the tour guide’s warmth and storytelling, making it feel more like hanging out with a knowledgeable friend. The cost of $89 includes all food, making it a great value for a walk that combines eating, learning, and sightseeing. This tour is perfect for all diets—meat-eaters, vegans, vegetarians, or even pineapple-on-pizza fans (though that’s not on the menu). Keep in mind, check your neighborhood and time when booking, as the tour runs on specific days.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, flavor-packed tour that showcases San Diego’s best vegan bites and history, this tour hits the spot.
2. San Diego: Vegan Food Tour
In second place is the San Diego: Vegan Food Tour, which also earns a 5-star rating from just 2 reviews. Like the first, it runs for 2 hours in the city, emphasizing thoughtfully selected vegan dishes from local spots. This tour offers a relaxed pace, letting you truly enjoy each tasting while seeing San Diego from a fun, different perspective. The focus here is on the story of plant-based eating in the city and how local culture influences the food scene.
This experience is ideal for those who love to combine food with cultural insights. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the guide’s knowledge makes every stop interesting. At $89, it’s comparable in price to the first tour but offers a slightly different flavor—less about specific neighborhoods and more about food stories. It’s perfect for travelers who want a short, engaging introduction to vegan cuisine.
Bottom Line: For a quick, well-organized city walk that highlights San Diego’s vegan food landscape, this tour offers a unique perspective and thoughtful bites.
3. Cross Border Vegan Food Tasting from San Diego
Our third pick is a longer, more adventurous experience, taking around 6 hours to explore Tijuana, Mexico. While it’s a cross-border tour, it caters specifically to vegan food lovers eager for a taste of Mexico’s hidden vegan spots. Your guide will help you cross the border smoothly, making the process hassle-free. Once in Tijuana, you’ll visit authentic local vegan eateries, sample several dishes, and even enjoy a craft beer.
What makes this tour special? The small group size (max 12) and private transportation make it comfortable and personalized. The multilingual guide ensures you don’t miss out on hidden culinary gems, many of which are difficult to find on your own. While the price is higher at $120.54, it reflects the full-day experience—border crossing, multiple tastings, and local culture. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to explore beyond city limits and enjoy authentic Mexican vegan cuisine.
Bottom Line: If you’re up for a half-day culinary journey into Tijuana and love the idea of discovering vegan spots you wouldn’t find alone, this tour offers a memorable experience.
$120.54 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Vegan & Vegetarian Tour in San Diego
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. The shorter city walks (San Diego Vegan Food Tour, San Diego: Vegan Food Tour) are perfect if you’re tight on time or prefer urban exploration with lots of food in just a couple of hours. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a full-day experience with international flair, the Cross Border Vegan Food Tasting (link) is ideal—just remember to check border crossing requirements and plan accordingly.
For those who value local stories and cultural insights, the first two tours excel at blending food with history and neighborhood charm. Meanwhile, the border-crossing tour appeals to more adventurous eaters who seek a deeper culinary journey into Mexico’s vibrant vegan scene. Booking early is recommended, especially for the longer or more popular excursions.
San Diego offers a range of vegan and vegetarian experiences that suit every travel style. Whether you want a quick city stroll, a detailed food history lesson, or a full-day cross-border adventure, these tours will satisfy your culinary curiosity. For first-timers, the San Diego Vegan Food Tour provides a solid introduction, but if you’re craving something more unique, the Tijuana tasting is hard to beat. No matter your choice, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best plant-based bites in Southern California.
Enjoy your food journey—San Diego’s plant-based scene is waiting to delight you. Don’t forget to book early and bring your appetite!