Top 5 Best San Diego Beers You Need to Try (Featuring Local Favorites)
San Diego is all about sunny skies, laid-back vibes, and some of the finest craft beer around. If you’re searching for the best beer in San Diego, you’re in for something special. From bold, hop-forward IPAs to crisp, refreshing lagers, this city masters the art of brewing.
It doesn’t matter if you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or unwinding with friends; the best beer in San Diego is always within reach, ready to make every moment even better.
Join us for a pint at Coronado Brewing Company
Key Takeaways
- San Diego boasts over 150 breweries, making it a true haven for craft beer lovers.
- Founded in 1996, Coronado Brewing Company stands out as a pioneer in the San Diego craft beer scene.
- The city’s brews often feature locally sourced ingredients and bold, innovative flavors.
- The top 5 beers include a mix of crisp IPAs and refreshing blonde ales, perfect for the coastal lifestyle.
- Visiting local breweries offers a richer, more immersive beer experience.
Why San Diego is a Craft Beer Lover's Paradise
There’s something unique about a city where craft beer is woven into everyday life.
It’s in the energy of bustling breweries and the rich, hoppy aromas drifting through the air. With over 150 breweries dedicated to their craft, San Diego has truly cemented its legacy as the craft beer capital of the United States.
Coronado Brewing Company helped shape this culture, combining timeless techniques with a laid-back coastal vibe. Since 1996, we’ve crafted bold flavors that capture San Diego’s coastal spirit. Every sip of our hop-forward IPAs or crisp ales feels like a taste of the sun, sea, and community.
In the mood for a bold San Diego IPA or something crisp and refreshing? Come visit one of our Brew Pubs and find your next favorite beer.
Top 6 Best Beers in San Diego You Need to Try
1. Swami's IPA (Pizza Port Brewing Company)
Swami's IPA is more than a beer—it’s a San Diego classic with a story in every sip.
Brewed by Pizza Port Brewing Company, it pays homage to a local surf break beneath a temple of spiritual enlightenment. This West Coast IPA delivers bright citrus and pine flavors from a legendary mix of hops like Chinook, Citra, and Simcoe.
At 6.8% ABV, it packs a punch yet finishes clean and crisp, making it a favorite on draft, in cans, or straight from a keg. Swami's IPA has been fueling good times and SoCal adventures for decades.
2. Juice Press Hazy IPA (Burgeon Beer Company)
Juice Press Hazy IPA is a full-on tropical escape in a can. Bursting with juicy flavors and vibrant aromas, it’s like sipping on the freshest fruit salad but with that bold hop kick that hop lovers crave.
Brewed with Mosaic, Nelson, and Citra hops, this hazy IPA delivers a smooth, full-bodied experience without sacrificing flavor. Each sip feels like soaking up the San Diego sun—bright, refreshing, and unforgettable. This fan-favorite brew is available year-round on tap and in cans across San Diego.
3. Hodad's Brewing - Surf Punk Mex Lager
Surf Punk Mex Lager delivers a crisp, refreshing flavor that’s easy to enjoy if you appreciate light, approachable lagers. Brewed at 4.5% ABV, it’s a good match for warm afternoons, beach days, or any relaxed gathering with friends.
This beer has received multiple awards, including Bronze at the 2022 San Diego Int’l Awards and 2022 European Beer Star Awards, as well as Silver at the 2022 New York Int’l Beer Competition. It’s a simple, satisfying choice whenever you’re in the mood for a clean, crisp lager.
Our Famous San Diego Beers
Great beer is what defines San Diego’s brewing scene, and while these top picks are must-tries, the city is home to plenty of other standouts that deserve a spot in your lineup. That includes our own best sellers, crafted with the same bold, hop-forward spirit that makes San Diego a beer lover’s paradise.
1. Weekend Vibes IPA (Coronado Brewing Company)
Weekend Vibes IPA is San Diego in a can—bold, bright, and full of energy. This award-winning San Diego-style IPA bursts with tropical fruit aromas and dank hop flavors that deliver a refreshingly dry finish.
At 6.8% ABV, it’s perfectly balanced for hop lovers looking for that citrus-forward punch. It’s the go-to beer for kicking back after catching waves or lighting up a backyard BBQ.
Recognized with a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, Weekend Vibes IPA pairs perfectly with spicy Buffalo strips or zesty Cajun shrimp tacos. Crack one open and experience what the best beer in San Diego tastes like.
2. Big Weekend Double IPA (Coronado Brewing Company)
Big Weekend Double IPA was brewed to turn up the energy and make every moment unforgettable. Packed with a bold blend of the world's best hops, this Double IPA explodes with juicy tropical fruit, floral notes, and a smooth malt backbone. At 8.8% ABV, it's the perfect brew for those looking to take their weekends up a notch.
Pair it with a spicy chicken sandwich or a savory pulled pork sandwich, and you've got yourself a flavor-packed experience.
3. Salty Crew Blonde Ale (Coronado Brewing Company)
Salty Crew Blonde Ale was brewed for those who live for the coast—not just to see it but to be part of it. It’s light, crisp, and effortlessly refreshing, the kind of beer that feels right at home after a long day on the water or a spontaneous beach hangout.
The smooth finish with just the right touch of hops brings balance without ever stealing the spotlight.
It’s the boat beer you grab when your skin’s salty, and the sun's starting to dip below the horizon. This is more than a beer—it’s a reminder that the best moments happen when you’re fully in them.
Where to Find These Amazing Beers in San Diego
San Diego’s beer scene isn’t something you just hear about—you need to experience it. Start at our Coronado Brewing Company brewpub on Orange Avenue, where you can enjoy our full lineup of craft beers alongside delicious food in a relaxed coastal setting.
You should also swing by our San Diego Tasting Room for a behind-the-scenes look at how we bring bold flavors to life.
Beyond us, the city is full of incredible breweries, each pouring unique brews that showcase San Diego’s love for great beer. There’s no better way to explore the vibrant community than by tasting it.
Check out our latest hours and offerings
Why Coronado Brewing Company Stands Out
Since opening our doors in 1996, Coronado Brewing Company has been all about great beer and even better moments. Founded by brothers Ron and Rick Chapman, we built this brewery on a love for the coast and a passion for brewing beers that bring people together.
Our hop-forward IPAs and easy-drinking ales are brewed with that laid-back San Diego energy in mind—bold, flavorful, and always ready for a good time.
Every pour tells a story of craft, creativity, and community. Come share a pint and be part of our journey.
Which San Diego Beer Will You Try First?
San Diego is home to some of the boldest, most flavorful beers you’ll ever taste. Every brew tells a story—like the punchy hops in a Big Weekend Double IPA or the easy, breezy sip of a Salty Crew Blonde Ale.
At Coronado Brewing Company, we put our heart into every pour because we know beer is more than just a drink. It’s a reason to gather, relax, and soak up every moment. Ready to kick back with the best brews in San Diego?
Check out our full lineup and make your next beer unforgettable.
FAQs
Which beer is best for beach days?
Salty Crew Blonde Ale by Coronado Brewing Company is the ultimate beach companion. Light, crisp, and perfectly refreshing, it’s the kind of beer that pairs effortlessly with sandy toes and ocean breezes. This brew was made for coastal adventures and stands out among the best beers in San Diego for soaking up the sun.
What is the most popular IPA in San Diego?
No San Diego beer list is complete without Weekend Vibes IPA from Coronado Brewing Company. Bursting with bright citrus and tropical hop flavors, this crisp San Diego IPA has become a local favorite and a must-try for anyone looking to sip on the best beer in San Diego.
Are there other must-visit breweries in San Diego?
Absolutely! San Diego is packed with breweries worth exploring. Pizza Port Brewing Company serves up legendary West Coast IPAs, while Burgeon Beer Company brings bold, fresh flavors that highlight the city's passion for San Diego craft beer. Each visit offers a new experience and a new beer to love at some of the best breweries in San Diego. For a full list of all 150+ San Diego breweries, head to the San Diego Brewers Guild website where you can find info on local events, beer fests, happy hours, and more.
Where can I try Coronado Brewing Company beers?
Looking to dive into the Coronado experience? Swing by our brewpub on Orange Avenue for a full-service, laid-back vibe with great food and even better beer. For a closer look at how we craft our brews, visit our San Diego Tasting Room for an authentic San Diego beer tasting. See our locations and hours.
What makes San Diego a top destination for craft beer lovers?
San Diego is a craft beer paradise packed with over 150 breweries that pour passion and creativity into every pint. The best breweries in San Diego are constantly pushing boundaries with bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques. It's more than just beer here—it's a community built around a love for great craft brews. If you're looking to dive into the heart of the San Diego craft beer scene, this is the place to start.