Cruise & Booze Brewery tours

San Diego’s craft beer scene is lively and diverse, making it a fantastic destination for beer lovers. If you’re considering a brewery tour that combines a relaxed vibe with some local flavor, the Cruise & Booze Brewery Tours might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on the details and feedback, it’s worth a detailed look.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the intimate group size—capped at just six people—which promises a more personal connection and better interaction with guides, and the chance to visit three distinct breweries, each with its own character. The vintage VW Vanagon adds a fun, nostalgic touch that makes the journey feel more like a mini adventure.

One potential consideration is the cost—at $149 per person, it’s on the higher end for a half-day tour, especially since guests are responsible for paying for additional beers or snacks beyond what’s included. Plus, the tour’s duration is around 4.5 hours, so it’s not a quick pop-in but more of a relaxing, in-depth exploration.

This tour is ideal for those who love craft beer, enjoy small-group experiences, and want a laid-back way to explore San Diego’s North County breweries. If you’re after a lively, social outing with plenty of tastings and a touch of nostalgia, it could be a good fit. But if you’re budget-conscious or prefer more extensive brewery visits, you might want to weigh your options.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with only six travelers ensures intimacy.
• Visit three popular breweries, each with its own vibe and brewing style.
• Vintage VW Vanagon transport adds a nostalgic, fun element.
• Beer tastings and snacks are included, with additional tasting costs paid by guests.
• Guide-led tours provide insight into the brewing process.
• Duration of about 4.5 hours makes it a half-day adventure, balancing relaxation with exploration.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Pickup and Transportation

Your day begins with pickup in San Diego, and from there, you’ll hop into a charming vintage VW Vanagon. It’s a small vehicle, fitting no more than six guests, which is part of the appeal—this isn’t a crowded bus but a cozy ride that feels more like traveling with friends. The guide, who is knowledgeable and friendly (based on reviews), will be your host for the day.

The van’s interior adds charm and character, making the journey part of the fun rather than just transport. Plus, the ride allows for scenic views and relaxed conversations—perfect for breaking the ice and getting excited about the breweries ahead.

Brewery Stop 1: Wild Barrel Brewing

Your first stop is at Wild Barrel Brewing. Here, you can choose your seating—inside or outside—depending on the weather and your mood. The staff greets you at the bar, ready to take your beer order, and the group can settle in for a few initial tastings.

What’s special about Wild Barrel is the friendly atmosphere. The tour guide will check in with the group, snapping pictures and making sure everyone’s comfortable. You’ll likely sample a variety of beers, and if you want to take photos or chat with fellow travelers, this is a relaxed start.

Guests can expect to get an inside look at this brewery’s offerings—though admission tickets aren’t included, the focus is on sampling and conversation. One reviewer described it as a “great time with great friends,” emphasizing how the guide made the experience enjoyable.

Brewery Stop 2: WestBrew Vista

Next is WestBrew Vista, where you have the option to sit inside or outdoors, which is nice for those who prefer a bit of sunshine or a cozy indoor setting. Here, you might get to play a game of pool if you’re feeling competitive—another laid-back touch that adds to the fun.

During this stop, your guide will take you around the brewery to see the equipment and cold storage, giving you some behind-the-scenes insight into how the beer is made. It’s less formal, more of a casual look at the brewing process, which many find fascinating.

Expect a relaxed environment, with plenty of tastings and the chance to chat with the guide or your fellow guests. One review highlighted the “friendly atmosphere” and appreciated the chance to learn more about the brewing process in a low-pressure setting.

Final Stop: Jacked Up Brewery

The last stop is at Jacked Up Brewery, where the owner Michael gives a full tour of the facility. This is a highlight, especially for those interested in the inner workings of a brewery. Afterward, everyone is seated to enjoy some music and a flight of beers on the house.

While the included flight is a nice touch, guests should remember they’ll need to pay for additional beers or tasters if they want more. The atmosphere is lively and engaging, perfect for winding down and reflecting on the day.

A key point is that this stop offers a more comprehensive view of the brewing process, making it a meaningful conclusion to your brewery tour.

Included and Not Included

What’s included in the price:

• Private transportation in a vintage VW Vanagon
• A complimentary beer at the start of the tour
• Bottled water to stay hydrated

What’s not included:

• Any additional beers or tastings beyond the initial ones are paid for separately
• Food at each brewery is also on you, which can add up depending on your appetite and drink choices

This setup means you can control how much you spend, but it also requires some planning—if you’re a beer enthusiast, be prepared for extra costs.

The Practical Details

Tour duration clocks in at roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it manageable for a half-day outing. The tour runs daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, giving flexibility to fit into your plans.

Booking in advance is recommended—on average, it’s booked about 25 days ahead—and the $149 price per person seems fair considering the personal vibe and included experiences. You’ll want to factor in extra for additional tastings and food.

Group size is limited to six, which means more personalized attention and less crowding. However, keep in mind that this small size might fill up quickly, especially during peak times.

What the Reviews Say

While only six reviews are available, the overall rating is 3.7 out of 5. One glowing review from Timothy_P describes it as a “Great time with great friends,” highlighting the guide’s friendliness and the overall fun.

Many appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to sample a variety of beers. The relaxed, social vibe seems to be the main draw, making it more about the experience than just ticking off brewery visits.

Some reviews mention the food and tapas as notable highlights, adding a delicious dimension beyond just beer tastings. The guide’s approachability and the atmosphere at each brewery seem to leave a positive impression.

The Final Word: Is It Worth It?

This brewery tour offers a cozy, social way to explore San Diego’s North County craft scene. The small group and vintage transport make for a personalized and memorable experience. If you’re into craft beers, enjoy learning about brewing, and prefer a relaxed pace, this tour fits the bill.

It’s a bit on the pricier side, especially considering you’ll pay extra for additional tastings and snacks, but the intimate nature and insider access can balance that out. The tour’s length and stops make it perfect for a middle-of-the-day outing—something to plan around if you’re a serious beer connoisseur or just looking to enjoy some good company.

If you’re seeking a fun, laid-back adventure with a dash of nostalgia and a focus on quality over quantity, this tour could be a delightful addition to your San Diego itinerary.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own beer or snacks? No, drinks and snacks are provided during the tour, but additional beers or tastings will need to be paid for separately.

Is this tour suitable for large groups? No, it’s designed for small groups with a maximum of six travelers, which helps keep things personal and relaxed.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available if you do so at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the brewery tours included in the price? The tour includes visits to three breweries, with the last one offering an inside tour and a complimentary flight of beers. Other tastings are paid for separately.

What’s the tour length? Expect about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a comfortable half-day activity.

Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the vintage VW Vanagon is cozy and adds a charming touch, though it’s a small vehicle, so packing light is recommended.

Is it family-friendly or suitable for children? The tour is geared toward adults, especially those interested in craft beer. Service animals are allowed, but children are not specifically mentioned as part of the experience.

All in all, if you’re after a laid-back, intimate exploration of San Diego’s craft breweries, this tour could be a worthwhile choice. Just be prepared for some extra costs and a moderate price point, but in return, you get a fun, personalized day with knowledgeable guides and a nostalgic ride.