Cruise & Booze Brewery tours

Discover San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene with Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours

If you’re craving a laid-back way to sample San Diego’s best craft breweries, this Cruise & Booze Brewery Tour might be just what you need. For about 4.5 hours, you’ll hop from one brewery to another in a charming vintage VW Vanagon with a small group of just six people. The tour, priced at $149 per person, combines the joy of beer tasting with a relaxed, personalized vibe, thanks to a friendly guide and a cozy vehicle.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a personal touch—small groups mean more interaction and less rushing—and the retro VW Vanagon adds a fun, nostalgic element that makes the day feel special. Plus, having snacks and water provided keeps you comfortable as you indulge in regional brews. The highlight is visiting three top breweries, each with its own character, where you’ll get generous samples and an inside look at how local beer is made.

A possible consideration is that admission tickets are not included at the breweries, which means you’ll need to budget for extra tasting fees and snacks. This can add up depending on your appetite for trying different beers. Also, because the tour operates in most weather conditions, if rain or bad weather hits, the experience might be less enjoyable, though a full refund or alternative date is offered.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, local experiences and want to learn about craft brewing without the hassle of driving. It’s perfect for small groups or friends looking for a fun, relaxed day out that combines sightseeing, tasting, and a bit of history—all wrapped up in a fun vintage package.

Key Points

• Small group size: Only six travelers, ensuring a personal experience
• Vintage transportation: A charming VW Vanagon adds nostalgia and fun
• Comprehensive brewery visits: Three top breweries with tasting and tours
• All-day comfort: Snacks, water, and drinks provided throughout
• Flexible & private: Pickup included and a relaxed atmosphere
• Extra costs: Beers and snacks at breweries are paid for separately

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Wild Barrel Brewing kicks off the day. As your first stop, it offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can sit inside or outside, choosing your preferred spot. You’ll be greeted by a server and then get to sample some of their beers—an excellent way to get your taste buds started. The guide will check in with everyone, take some photos, and perhaps share a bit about the brewery’s story. Since admission isn’t included, plan to pay for your tastings separately, but the generous pours and relaxed setting make this worth your while.

WestBrew Vista provides a slightly more interactive experience. Here, you can opt to sit indoors or outdoors, and the option to play pool adds a fun casual element. The guide will take the group around the brewery to show the brewing equipment and cold storage, offering an insider’s look into how their craft beers are made. This stop is about 1 hour, giving plenty of time for tasting and exploring without feeling rushed.

The final stop is Jacked Up Brewery, where owner Michael will give a full inside tour of his operation. This behind-the-scenes glimpse is a highlight, especially for those interested in the brewing process. Afterward, you’ll settle in to enjoy a tasting flight on the house while some local music plays in the background. Remember, additional beers or tasters are paid for separately, so if you’re thirsty, this is the time to indulge.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We particularly appreciate the small-group setting; with just six people, there’s a more intimate and flexible atmosphere. The vintage VW Vanagon isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the experience, evoking a sense of nostalgia and fun. These elements make the day more memorable than your average brewery hop.

The local guide, often praised for being accommodating and friendly, adds a lot to the experience. As one reviewer put it, “Miguel was very accommodating and a fun tour guide!!” Such personal interaction makes the day more engaging and educational.

The Brew Stops and Their Charm

Each brewery has a distinct personality. Wild Barrel is appreciated for its welcoming vibe, while WestBrew Vista offers a chance to relax with games and a behind-the-scenes look at brewing equipment. The Jacked Up Brewery, being the final stop, provides a full tour and a relaxed setting with music—an ideal way to wind down after tasting multiple brews.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour runs daily from 10:00AM to 5:30PM, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your San Diego itinerary. With a price of $149, it’s a competitive option considering the personalized experience, brewery visits, and guide expertise.

Because admission tickets are not included, you should prepare to pay at each brewery for tastings and snacks—budget accordingly. The tour’s duration of about 4.5 hours includes travel time, tasting, and exploration, making it a well-paced half-day outing. The pickup service takes the hassle out of logistics, and the limited group size ensures a more engaging experience.

Authenticity and Reviews: What Others Say

Though only a handful of reviews exist, they highlight the friendly guides and delicious tastings. One reviewer, Timothy, gave a perfect 5-star rating: “Great time with great friends! Miguel was very accommodating and a fun tour guide!! Would definitely do it again!” This suggests that the guide’s personality and the relaxed nature of the tour resonate well with participants.

Why It’s a Good Value

Compared to larger group tours or self-guided brewery visits, this experience offers personalized attention and insider access in a comfortable, fun setting. The vintage van, small group size, and multiple brewery visits combined with snacks create a comprehensive beer-tasting day that avoids feeling rushed or superficial.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for beer lovers eager to explore San Diego’s craft scene without the stress of planning or driving. It’s suited for small groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you’re interested in learning about brewing, enjoying local beers, and having a fun, vintage ride, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Travelers looking for a guided, intimate experience with a focus on local culture and authentic brewery visits will find this tour particularly appealing. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more structured, all-included tasting experience, you might want to compare other options.

FAQs about Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours

• How many breweries will I visit?
  You will visit three breweries during the tour.

• Is transportation provided?
  Yes, you’ll travel in a vintage VW Vanagon with a small group.

• What is included in the price?
  The price includes private transportation, a complimentary beer, and bottled water. Tasting fees and snacks at breweries are paid separately.

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  Yes, it’s recommended to book about 25 days in advance on average.

• Can I cancel?
  Yes, cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  Most travelers can participate, but the tour is focused on alcohol tasting, so participants should be of drinking age.

• What happens in bad weather?
  The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Are alcohol tastings included?
  The initial beer is complimentary, but additional tastings or beers need to be paid for separately.

• Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
  Yes, non-drinkers can still enjoy the tour, though tastings will be limited unless they choose to purchase additional drinks.

Final Thoughts

The Cruise & Booze Brewery Tour offers an inviting way to explore San Diego’s thriving craft beer scene without the hassle of driving or planning. It’s a personalized, relaxed experience that combines local brewery visits, insider tours, and a vintage ride—something different from the usual pub crawl. The small size, friendly guides, and quality breweries make it a worthwhile choice for those who want to combine fun, learning, and authentic regional flavors.

If you enjoy craft beer, love a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and appreciate learning about the brewing process firsthand, this tour fits the bill. It’s also perfect if you’re seeking a memorable, social way to spend part of your San Diego trip, especially with friends or a partner. Just remember to budget for additional tasting costs, and you’ll leave with a richer appreciation of San Diego’s beer culture—and some good stories to tell.