# Tips To Plan an Amazing Beercation in San Diego *By James Hills — Updated August 2022* I'm guessing most of you guys love beer, I do too! Luckily, I've been blessed with numerous opportunities to visit some of the best beer cities in the country and in fact I live in San Diego - which is at the top of most lists of places for beer lovers to visit. However, these beercations are more than just hopping in the car and drinking. To make the most of your time and money it's important to plan ahead. This is your opportunity to try new things, expand your boundaries, and bond with your buddies around an awesome shared experience. ## ## Pick a "Beer Town" That Matches Your Interests Years ago, when someone talked about [planning a beercation](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3501:how-to-plan-the-ultimate-brewery-tour-bachelor-party-in-san-diego&catid=23:travel) the choices were limited to cities like Portland Oregon or Seattle. Today though, there are dozens of great options. This means you can customize your beercation according to what's important to you. For instance, if you like hiking, mountain biking and crisp mountain air then you might want to look at visiting a destination in Colorado. On the other hand, if you are looking for sunny beaches then Tampa, Florida or Southern California might be a better fit. This choice is completely up to your group but picking the right destination will set the tone for the beercation - so choose wisely! While I personally would rank things differently, Travelocity released their list of top beer cities a few years ago but we think it still holds true today. Their methodology included not just the raw number of breweries but other factors including: affordability, accessibility, hotel cost, and availability of rideshare services. ### Natural Florida Up Close on a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour The Babcock Ranch Eco Tour gives you an opportunity to explore the vibrant natural wonders of the Florida swamp including alligators, birds, and more. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uHh6lGrDU_cXkvb3PKc1Lw.1469) ### Ward Cove Alaska: Authentic Tlingit Culture & Tongass Wilderness Adventures Cruising News and Reviews for west coast cruisers and those considering cruising for the first time. CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uHh6lGrDU_cXkvb3PKc1Lw.621) ### Sri Lanka private tour package 9 night 10 Day with driver+vehicle+accommodations This is a 10 day Sri Lanka classic tour where the guests will be going to the must see sights in Sri Lanka during their visit. This tour covers a lot of cities and areas and Sri Lanka and I am certain the guests will enjoy it as well. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uHh6lGrDU_cXkvb3PKc1Lw.1831) ### 6 Days 5 Nights Northern Vietnam Tour 6 day Northern Vietnam tour with hidden gems, local cuisine and passionate guides. Ideal for curious travelers seeking more than the typical tourist route. Viator (affiliate) $621.12[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/uHh6lGrDU_cXkvb3PKc1Lw.561) Promoted by FlowAds ### Travelocity's Top 6 Large Beer Cities Include: 1. Portland, OR 2. Denver, CO 3. Seattle, WA 4. Portland, ME 5. Colorado Springs, CO 6. Santa Rosa, CA ### Travelocity's Top 6 Small Beer Towns Include: 1. Bend, OR 2. Boulder, CO 3. Fort Collins, CO 4. Missoula, MT 5. Burlington, VT The nice thing about a list like this is that it allows you the option to pick a local or regional destination or go "all in" with a trip to somewhere epic like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Asheville, Denver, Milwaukee, or San Diego. Even visiting a neighboring city's beer scene can be pretty awesome. I did that earlier this year when I visited out some [breweries in Torrance, California](https://mantripping.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1369:things-i-didn-t-expect-to-find-in-torrance&catid=9&Itemid=118) (Los Angeles). ## Pack An Extra Bag (or a Growler) This is especially important for those of you who are beer collectors or who are fans of certain breweries. You'll want to pack an extra bag so that you can take some of your favorite beers with you. One of the awesome things about taking a beercation, is that there are going to be tons of special beers that might not be available back home. While you can't take bottles or cans in your carry-on, by packing an extra bag you'll be able to check those. As long as you wrap everything well, your beers should arrive home safely. Speaking from experience though, PLEASE make sure to also wrap your beers in several layers of plastic bags so that if something bursts then it doesn't ruin other people's luggage. Likewise, I recommend padding your beers with your dirty laundry so things are less likely to break and if it does leak - your laundry is already dirty so there's minimal damage. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Auf9OETm-8tv4saY5oQN_A.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Auf9OETm-8tv4saY5oQN_A.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Auf9OETm-8tv4saY5oQN_A.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Auf9OETm-8tv4saY5oQN_A.2396) Promoted by FlowAds If you are driving, the best option is to bring a growler or two since obviously most of the "on site only" beers at the brewery are going to be on tap vs bottled or canned. ## Pick a Cool Hotel (but don't break the bank) While this isn't a requirement by any means, making sure to pick a fun hotel with a good selection of craft beer as well as other local activities will help make your guys weekend beercation that much more fun. For instance, [The Pearl Hotel](https://www.travelocity.com/San-Diego-Hotels-The-Pearl-Hotel.h1690289.Hotel-Information) in San Diego not only features a great selection of craft beer on tap but they have a fun pool / bar area that shows vintage surfer movies. Plus, it's only a few min from the airport.  ## Make Sure to Eat Right Even if like me, you aren't a big breakfast guy - make sure to eat something before you set out on your beer tour. Then, once on the tour make sure to stop for something that fits the local area like tacos, BBQ, or chili depending on where you happen to be visiting. This will help ensure that the alcohol doesn't hit you too hard and you'll also just be in a better mood. While the idea of going from brewery to brewery might sound like a slacker's holiday, this can be physically exhausting since you'll be on your feet almost the entire day. ## Pace Yourself and Take a Break Occasionally By definition, your beercation is going to involve alcohol, so don't burn out early ... and don't be the ass. It's perfectly OK to just take a sip, ask for water, or bring some snacks with you between stops on your beer tour. Another suggestion is that it might be better to grab a few different tasters instead of one full pint. This will give you a chance to try different brews without wrecking your palete or getting too tipsy. In fact, if you feel yourself getting more than just a light buzz - take a walk and cool off. Trust me, while it's expected that you will get a nice buzz going, nobody wants to be stuck in the car or walking around a brewery with a drunk. ## Don't Drink and Drive! Choose a Tour Company or Designated Driver Possibly the most important tip here is to make sure to not drink and drive. There's really two options here though. The first is to appoint a designated driver, though that means that someone is not going to be able to drink. The second is to hire a tour company to lead you around. A few weeks ago we did that with [HotShots Brewery Tours](https://www.travelocity.com/things-to-do/the-hotshots-brewery-tour-with-beer-tastings.a422373.activity-details) during a trip hosted by Travelocity and they were awesome. One of the things I loved about these guys is not only were they incredibly cool guys but our ride was an actual fire truck! ## Do Research Before You Head Out While there are a lot of benefits to using a tour company, I do suggest that you still do research before the trip. This will allow you to suggest places that your group wants to visit. Additionally, if your group isn't that sophisticated and simply likes an excuse to drink "beer", this time spent boning up on beer knowledge is a good opportunity to get a better understanding for what you are about to explore. As you research your itinerary, you might even find cool "hidden stuff" like the speakeasy at Ale Smith where they have a special list for those in the know. Don't worry though, most beer tours that I've been on have been super awesome for amateurs as well as more knowledgeable beer geeks too.  ## Relax and Have Fun! At the end of the day, this is beer ... We're not discussing chemistry. Well, yeah ... in a way we are, but that's the fun of doing a beer tour. The geekiest beer geek and the most novice beer drinker can both have fun because there is always something to learn and enjoy doing it together. That's one of the reasons why I love doing brewery tours as part of a mancation and I know you will as well!  Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/yLX_AlHu2UWH8msGRHPRlQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 15 August 2022 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Places Where You Can Go Underground and Explore a Real Mine Feb 27, 2025 [Places Where You Can Go Underground and Explore a Real Mine](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/places-where-you-can-go-underground-and-explore-a-real-mine.html) #### Making Aliyah: What It Actually Takes to Move to Israel Jul 01, 2026 [Making Aliyah: What It Actually Takes to Move to Israel](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/making-aliyah-moving-to-israel.html) #### European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône May 02, 2026 [European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/european-river-cruises-guys-trip.html) ### Related Articles #### Ugly Stik Sent Me Their 50th Anniversary Rod and it Reminded Me Why Every Guy Needs a Truck Rod [Ugly Stik Sent Me Their 50th Anniversary Rod and it Reminded Me Why Every Guy Needs a Truck Rod](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/beginner-fishing-rod-ugly-stik-50th-anniversary.html) #### Should You Bring a Male or Female Friend to Help Shop for an Engagement Ring? [Should You Bring a Male or Female Friend to Help Shop for an Engagement Ring?](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/engagement-ring-shopping-male-or-female-friend.html) #### How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Cargo Pants [How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Cargo Pants](https://www.mantripping.com/style-and-fashion/how-not-to-look-like-tourist-cargo-pants.html) #### Here's How to Help Your Wife Look Great When You Go Out Together [Here's How to Help Your Wife Look Great When You Go Out Together](https://www.mantripping.com/style-and-fashion/help-your-wife-look-great-when-going-out.html) #### The Top Tax Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them [The Top Tax Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them](https://www.mantripping.com/business-man/the-top-tax-mistakes-young-entrepreneurs-make-and-how-to-avoid-them.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Tips To Plan an Amazing Beercation in San Diego](https://mantripping.com/travel/tips-to-plan-an-amazing-beercation.html)* **Tags:** Beer, Mancation , California Guys Trip Ideas, Guys Weekend, San Diego Guys Trip Ideas, Colorado Guys Trip Ideas, Washington State Guys Trip Ideas, Travel Ideas, Advice