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California | United States

11+ Amazing San Diego Food Tours to Check Out (2024)

ByKristin Lee Updated onAugust 2, 2024
A picture of Global Travel Escapades affiliate disclosure.

With all the different cultures, cuisines, and neighborhoods that make up this sprawling city, San Diego food tours have become increasingly popular amongst both locals and tourists alike. From exploring the local street food scene and indulging in fresh seafood to tasting fine California wine and uniquely flavored beers, there’s something for all foodies in San Diego! To help you discover San Diego’s thriving food culture, I’ve curated a list of 12 amazing San Diego food tours as well as some that involve venturing south of the border!

#1 Top Pick

🍷 Short on Time? Here’s the Best San Diego Food Tour!

Taste of Little Italy in San Diego — Enjoy an evening of tasting lots of delicious Italian food from family-owned restaurants and learning about Little Italy’s unique history!

↳ Check Rates & Availability
Table of Contents
  • What Food Is San Diego Famous For?
  • 11+ Best San Diego Food Tours (2024)
  • San Diego Food Tours Comparison
  • What to Bring for Food Tours in San Diego
  • Where to Stay in San Diego
  • Food Tours San Diego: FAQ
  • Wrap-Up: 11+ Best San Diego Food Tours (2024)

🌮 PRO TIP: If you’re short on time and want a mini recap of all the tours I’ve recommended, feel free to jump to this section where I’ve created a handy table! And if a tour piques your interest, click the tour name. It’ll link you to the specific tour page where you can see all the fine details!

What Food Is San Diego Famous For?

San Diego is undoubtedly a food lover’s paradise. And before we dive into the specific tours, I want to give you a brief bit of background on some of the food that San Diego is famous for. This way, you can get a lil sneak peek of what’s to come and what you have to look forward to trying!

The first thing that comes to mind is San Diego’s thriving Mexican cuisine scene. More specifically, fish tacos are one of the most popular Mexican dishes in San Diego. They can be found all over the city and are best paired with a variety of dressings and sauces, such as chipotle mayonnaise or avocado cream!

A picture of Kristin and her friends indulging in some Mexican food in San Diego
We were very happy campers eating lots of California burritos n tacos! 😋

Another food item that San Diego is well-known for and that’s my personal favorite is California Burritos. These burritos consist of a massive flour tortilla stuffed with juicy grilled steak, crispy french fries, tons of cheese, fresh guacamole, and sour cream, and make the best go-to post-surfing meal!

Fun Fact: I made my personal mission to try California burritos at as many places as possible while living in San Diego!

And for the sake of keeping this brief, a few other food items that San Diego is famous for include Little Italy’s authentic Italian dishes, incredible Southeast Asian specialties which can be best enjoyed along Convoy Street, fresh seafood, and California Style Pizza!

11+ Best San Diego Food Tours (2024)

Alright, now that you’re likely craving food like I am, let’s talk about the various amazing food tours in San Diego!

🌮 NOTE: Directly below you’ll find an overview of what I’ll be covering. This way, if you already know what type of tour you’re after or if you want to explore a particular area, you can just jump to that section of this post. Simply click the link below.

  • Little Italy Food Tour San Diego
  • East Village San Diego Food Tour
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour
  • Old Town San Diego Food Tour
  • San Diego Cruise Tours with Food
  • San Diego Beer Tours
  • San Diego Wine Tasting Tours

Little Italy Food Tour San Diego

San Diego’s Little Italy is one of the most vibrant and celebrated neighborhoods in the city. The pedestrian-friendly area contains a mixture of trendy cocktail bars, casual brewpubs, and lively restaurants. And while Little Italy is understandably most known for its traditional Italian cuisine, there’s so much more to discover. From vegan breakfasts, juicy burgers, and lounges for dancing and fine cocktails, the options are endless!

🍝 PRO TIP: If you’re in San Diego on a Wednesday or Saturday, be sure to check out Mercato Farmers’ Market and its 150+ stalls! Throughout the market, visitors will find fresh produce from local farms, artisanal cheeses, and all kinds of other goods.

1. Taste of Little Italy in San Diego

A picture of authentic Italian pasta. You can taste traditional Italian food on one of the San Diego food tours that goes through Little Italy.
Who doesn’t love some authentic Italian food 🤤 !?!
Check Rates and Availability for the Taste of Little Italy Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 435+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours

The Taste of Little Italy in San Diego Tour includes:

  • Trying several dishes at locally-owned restaurants
  • Learning the history of San Diego’s Italian heritage
  • A passionate and engaging local guide
  • Sampling desserts at 2 locations
  • Walking tour through Little Italy

This is one of the most popular and highly-rated San Diego walking food tours. You’ll get to delve deep into the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy and journey through its history, culture, and cuisine. Furthermore, this tour is a large group activity so you’ll not only get to interact with an incredibly knowledgeable and personable food guide who will share tons of fun facts, but also make friends along the way! So, if you’re ready to feast on Italian food and learn about the past of San Diego’s beloved Little Italy, be sure to check out this award-winning food tour!

“Our tour guide, Anthony, was amazing! So welcoming and full of wonderful information. It was great to eat at a variety of restaurants … we were so FULL!”

– Dana G. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Taste of Little Italy Tour

2. Pizza, Pasta, and Piazzas: Little Italy Food Tour

A picture of a plate of Bolognese pasta. Indulge in yummy Italian food during a San Diego food tour in Little Italy.
Bolognese Pasta!
Check Rates and Availability for the Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 — almost all 5 star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2.5 hours

The Pizza, Pasta, and Piazzas: Little Italy Food Tour includes:

  • Tasting a wide range of food and drinks at 4 locations
  • Delicious grass-fed slider burger & homemade pizza
  • Gaining insight into the local history of Little Italy
  • Authentic Italian meal w/ a glass of Italian wine
  • Sampler size glass of local beer or sangria
  • Sampling locally-made gelato

This highly-regarded tour allows you to experience the rich culture and vibrant energy of the Little Italy neighborhood as well as sample some items that the area is most well-known for. In contrast to the tour above, this fantastic tour is a little shorter and slightly cheaper, so it works well for those who may be shorter on time or who simply want to save a few extra dollars!

“Great tour. Tasty food, nice restaurants in lovely Little Italy. Kirk is knowledgeable and fun. You will love this tour”

– Debbie C. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas Tour

East Village San Diego Food Tour

East Village is the largest neighborhood in San Diego and is composed of 130 blocks! It’s most commonly known for being the location of Petco Park, the stadium for the San Diego Padres baseball team. Also, within the area, you’ll find an abundance of sleek high-rise buildings, rooftop bars, cafés, luxury hotels, and music venues! More importantly, though, you’ll find a bustling culinary scene with an assortment of restaurants to choose from! Below, is the best San Diego food tour in this area.

3. Libations on the East Side: A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village

A picture of East Village in San Diego. Learn about the transformation that this area of San Diego underwent on a food tour through this district.
Taken in San Diego’s East Village
Check Rates and Availability for the Libations on the East Side Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — 65+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours

The Libations on the East Side Tour includes:

  • Visiting 4 – 5 local restaurants, bars, and unique breweries
  • Sampling an array of award-winning cuisine and drinks
  • Insiders look into the transformation of the area
  • Expert local food guide

Originally, East Village was an area composed mostly of warehouses and factories. Today, this neighborhood is home to some of San Diego’s best foodie spots, including Michelin-starred restaurants and an eclectic mix of bars and breweries! Thus, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local food and drink scene of San Diego’s “new downtown“, definitely consider this highly-rated 3-hour food tour!

“Stefan was great! Lots of fun and really informative about the history of San Diego. We were a group of 8 on the tour, all from different areas and interests. Everything fit all of our likes.”

– Jennifer H. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Libations on the East Side Tour

Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour

Once known for its abundance of gambling areas and brothels, the Gaslamp Quarter is now filled with an assortment of clubs, bars, cocktail lounges, beer gardens, and restaurants. There are even some speakeasies and underground bars. As such, visitors will normally find a younger crowd in this vibrant hub for entertainment and nightlife!

4. Brothels, Bites, and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego’s Questionable Past

A picture of the Gaslamp Quarter sign lit up at night. This is the meeting spot for the Brothels, Bites, and Booze food tour in San Diego.
The Gaslamp Quarter sign that you’ll meet at
Check Rates and Availability for the Brothels, Bites and Booze Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out 5 – taken by 575+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2.5 hours

The Brothels, Bites, and Booze Tour includes:

  • Food tastings from 4 restaurants & sampling drinks at 3 of the stops
  • Insightful walking tour through the historic Gaslamp Quarter
  • Seeing locations where ‘women of the night’ used to work
  • Learning about the area’s lesser-known past
  • Limited to 15 guests

If you’re interested in getting an inside look into the city’s seedy past as you taste delicious local dishes, then this is a tour you won’t want to miss! You’ll start by meeting at the iconic Gaslamp Quarter sign, then begin your 2.5-hour walking tour through the area. Along the way, you’ll taste a variety of dishes and sip a few cocktails as your expert local guide regales you with stories of the Gaslamp Quarter’s colorful history! And with over 275+ 5-star reviews, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular San Diego Food tours.

“Excellent way to spend the afternoon! Raoul was an engaging and entertaining guide, also the food and alcohol was amazing!”

– Philip T. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Brothels, Bites and Booze Tour

5. Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour

A picture of the Gaslamp Quarter sign during the day. There are walking food tour options that explore San Diego during the day if you prefer.
Check Rates and Availability for the Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 – 170+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours

The Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour includes:

  • Exploring various restaurants, family-run establishments, and ethnic eateries
  • Learning about the history and culture of the area
  • Enjoying 5 different food tastings
  • Personalized tour w/ up to 6 guests

On this small-group tour, you’ll have the chance to explore San Diego’s oldest neighborhood with an experienced local guide as you feast on delicious food! And rather than focusing on just one type of cuisine, you’ll get to taste food from several cuisines that illustrate some of the history of the Gaslamp quarter! Therefore, this is an excellent choice if you want to embark on an afternoon food tour through San Diego’s historic Gaslamp district and learn about its past in depth!

“Our guide Aja was amazing. She was such a great combination of the historic aspects of GasLamp and exquisite description of the food at each location we were about to taste. Highly, highly recommend!!!”

– Amy N. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour

Old Town San Diego Food Tour

Coined as the “birthplace of California,” San Diego’s Old Town is one of the most famous neighborhoods in San Diego. This area is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California, and offers visitors an array of attractions! But, for foodies, the area has a plethora of Mexican-inspired and influenced cuisine!

6. Tequila, Tacos, and Tombstones Culinary Tour of San Diego

A picture of a tray full of Tacos. The food tour that goes through San Diego's Old Town focuses on the area's Mexican food scene.
Check Rates and Availability for the Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 – 110+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2.5 hours

The Tequila, Tacos, and Tombstones Culinary Tour includes:

  • Tasting authentic Mexican cuisine at some of Old Town’s best restaurants
  • Learning about the history of Old Town and its many influencers
  • Passing by Whaley House & El Campo Santo Cemetery
  • Enjoying Cocktails made with tequila & a dessert stop
  • Hearing ghost tales
  • Requires 4 guests to operate

If you’re keen on foraying into the flourishing Mexican food scene, this popular Old Town San Diego Food Tour is the one for you. During this 2.5-hour walking tour, you’ll get to visit some of San Diego’s finest Mexican restaurants, indulge in tasty tacos and tequila cocktails, and hear mariachi music! Plus, you’ll get to learn a bit about the history of California and how everything in the area has been influenced by Native Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans, and even gold rush prospectors!

“Our guide Kristen was awesome, she shared great ghost stories, descriptions of the food and drink and told us the history of the area. The food and drinks were truly amazing. Service at every stop was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed everything and had a great time! Highly recommend this tour and guide!”

– Patricia M. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Tour

San Diego Cruise Tours with Food

7. San Diego Premier Brunch Cruise

A picture of San Diego taken from a boat cruise.
Check Rates and Availability for the San Diego Premier Brunch Cruise Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 – 170+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 hours


The San Diego Premier Brunch Cruise Tour includes:

  • Delicious seated brunch with a wide array of sweet and savory foods
  • Free-flowing complimentary champagne/drinks (mimosas, tea, etc.)
  • Passing by the Naval Air Station, Star of India ship, & Coronado Bridge
  • Sightseeing from the upper deck

For those not up for lots of walking, this San Diego cruise tour is for you! It’s the perfect way to combine sightseeing with a delicious brunch feast on San Diego’s sparkling waters. While aboard the boat, you’ll be treated to all kinds of sweet and savory brunch items as well as unlimited champagne and other drinks to enjoy.

Best of all, you’ll have plenty of time to sit back and relax on the boat’s upper deck while soaking in the gorgeous views! So, if you’re looking for a fun way to explore San Diego by way of water, be sure to check out this awesome cruise tour!

“The views, the service, the weather… perfect in every way! We were greeted with a glass of champagne! Loved that they kept filling our glasses! The food was good! I highly recommend this boat tour for couples or friends!”

– Stephanie T. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the San Diego Premier Brunch Cruise Tour

San Diego Beer Tours

North Park is heralded as the heart of San Diego’s craft beer scene with several award-winning breweries and unique flavors to try. But aside from a prospering beer culture, you’ll also find coffee shops, small boutiques, and trendy restaurants lining the streets!

8. North Park Beerucation Tour

A picture of a flight of beers. There are a few different food tours that focus on beers and breweries in San Diego.
Check Rates and Availability for the North Park Beerucation Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — 95+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours

The North Park Beerucation Tour includes:

  • Visiting 3-4 award-winning craft breweries & sampling numerous beer styles
  • Learning about the brewing process & how to pair beer with different foods
  • Learning the history of this less-visited neighborhood
  • Inside scoop on how to start a successful brewery
  • Passionate and engaging local beer expert

This is the ultimate San Diego beer tour that allows guests to journey through San Diego’s beer mecca, stopping at several award-winning breweries. Along the way, you’ll get to learn everything from the brewing process and different types of beers to what pairs well with certain types of food and how to start a successful brewery! Thus, if you’re ready to taste a variety of unique craft beers and become a beer connoisseur in 3 hours, this is the beer tour for you!

“Such a fun experience! The tour is thorough and delicious. Would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to have a locals experience of North Park breweries.”

– Alexis K. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the North Park Beerucation Tour

9. San Diego Brewery Tour

A picture of a flight of beers.
You’ll get to sample a flight of tasters at each location — so expect a good amount of beer!
Check Rates and Availability for the San Diego Brewery Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — 40+ 5-star reviews | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours

The San Diego Brewery Tour includes:

  • Visiting 3 local breweries & touring one facility to learn about all things beer
  • Enjoying a flight of 4 oz tasters at each place & food at the final stop
  • Safe, private transport in an open-air vehicle
  • Round-trip Hotel pickup and drop-off

During this 4-hour small-group brewery hopping tour, guests get to visit three local breweries and sample several beers at each stop! Guests will even have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look as they tour one of the breweries. And with round-trip transportation provided, you’ll be able to fully relax and enjoy your tour! So if you’re ready to explore San Diego’s thriving beer scene, consider this tour. Oh! And, if you there’s a particular beer you like…guests get exclusive discounts on pints! 🍻

“Mike was a great tour guide and we had an amazing group which made it a hilarious day. Got to see parts of SD we would never have gone to. Loved the breweries and great tips from Mike…“

– Charlotte S. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the San Diego Brewery Tour

10. Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour

A picture of two dishes with lobster in them.
Check Rates and Availability for the Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 – 7 hours

The Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas, and Mariachi Private Tour includes:

  • Lobster prepared Baja-style w/ complimentary margarita & up to 5 craft beer tastings
  • Stopping at the Rosarito Beach Hotel & famous Papas and Beer Beach Club
  • Visiting the Tijuana Cultural Center and nearby Botanical Gardens
  • Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Live mariachi music
  • ❌ No visa, rental car, or hotel bookings required

For those who are keen on getting out of San Diego for the day and tasting authentic Mexican food, consider doing a day trip south of the border to Baja, California. On this full-day tour, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who help you easily and safely cross the border to Puerto Nuevo. Along the way, you’ll get to check out some cultural sites and take in the beautiful scenic beaches. Then to cap the experience off, you’ll indulge in a delicious lobster lunch that comes with margaritas or craft beer tastings and live mariachi music!


“Mario took good care of us on this tour. I liked the convenience of picking us up and dropping us off at our hotel in Coronado. The lobsters were delicious and the mariachi provided good entertainment. The tours of Tijuana and Rosarito made for a wonderful day.
“

– Tour guEST (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Puerto Nuevo Lobster, Margaritas and Mariachi Private Tour

San Diego Wine Tasting Tours

For those craving to taste the best wines available, you’ll want to make your way to Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley, which is the equivalent of California’s iconic Napa Valley. The famous Guadalupe Valley wine country includes over 120+ wineries and is known for its red and white wines made from Cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, Chenin blanc, and tempranillo grapes! And while I know some may be concerned about crossing the border, these tours make it a hassle-free experience and allow you to drink to your heart’s content!


11. Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego

A picture of two glasses of wine toasting. Some of the San Diego food tours venture south of the border to Mexico!
Check Rates and Availability for the Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 10 hours

The Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley includes:

  • Sampling a variety of locally produced wine at 3 top-notch wineries
  • 5 – course farm to table lunch at the famous Finca Altozano
  • Learning about the wine-making process
  • Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private tour with only your group

With over 145+ 5-star reviews, this is the most popular and highly-rated wine-tasting tour from San Diego. Along the way, you’ll not only get to sample various wines but also get an insider’s look into the winemaking process! And with a private driver and guide, you’ll be able to drink completely stress-free. So if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience with top-notch wines and breathtaking views, be sure to check out this luxury wine-tasting tour from San Diego!

“Mario was a wonderful guide. We went to several wineries with pick up and drop off right at our hotel. We learned a lot about wine and had nearly endless samples! The scenery is incredible too. Would highly recommend.”

– Tour guEST (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego

12. Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour

A picture of the Baja California coastline.
Baja California Coastline
Check Rates and Availability for the Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 110+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 10 – 12 hours

The Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour includes:

  • Tasting several rosés, red, and white wines at 3 lovely boutique vineyards
  • Delicious fish & shrimp tacos from a local shop in Rosarito
  • Complimentary cold beers and water during the ride
  • Dine at one of the finest restaurants in the region
  • Seeing the wine-making process
  • Needs 6 guests to operate

Want to drink excellent wines and make friends along the way? Opt for this fantastic full-day wine tour through the Guadalupe Valley wine country. You’ll start with a pleasant drive along the Baja coast before stopping for some fish and shrimp tacos. Then, you’ll get to visit a few renowned vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy a fresh lunch at one of the best restaurants in the region!

And since this is a public tour, you’ll be able to share the experience with fellow tour mates. So, if you want a relaxing wine-tasting experience with the opportunity to make friends, check out this awesome San Diego wine tour!

“This tour was by far one of the best tours I have been on. My Girlfriend and I will definitely book this tour again. If you are looking for a quick day trip full of fun this is it! Guide was awesome, we met some really cool people and had a blast!”

– Fabian S. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Check Rates and Availability for the Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour

San Diego Food Tours Comparison

By now, you’ve likely forgotten some of the details of the tours… To help you out, I’ve made a chart with each tour’s main highlights!

🌮 PRO TIP: If you’re reading this on your mobile, turn your phone sideways so you’re reading across the long side. This should help enhance readability!

Tour NameDurationHighlights
Taste of Little Italy3.5 hrs> Feast on Italian food and desserts
> Learn about the history of Little Italy
Pizza, Pasta, and Piazzas2.5 hrs> Visit 4 locations in Little Italy
> Eat pasta, wine, burger, pizza, sangria & gelato
Libations on the East Side3 hrs> Stop at 4 – 5 restaurants, bars, and breweries
> Learn about the transformation of East Village
Brothels, Bites, and Booze2.5 hrs> Food tastings at 4 restaurants & drinks at 3
> Discover the Gaslamp Quarter’s seedy past
Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour2.5 hrs> Taste various types of cuisines
> Learn about the history and culture of the area
Tequila, Tacos, & Tombstones2.5 hrs> Sample authentic Mexican food + dessert
> Hear ghost tales about landmarks you’ll pass
Premier Brunch Cruise2 hrs> Wide range of brunch options + unlimited drinks
> Sightseeing around San Diego Bay
North Park Beerucation Tour3 hrs> Visit 3 – 4 award-winning craft breweries
> Learn about beer, styles, and food pairings
> Innside looking into the brewing process
San Diego Brewery Tour4 hrs> See 3 local breweries with private transport
> Flight tasting at each place + tour of one facility
Puerto Nuevo Lobster5 – 7 hrs> Private day trip tour to Baja California, Mexico
> Enjoy lobster, margaritas & 5 craft-beer tastings
Luxury Private Wine Tasting10 hrs> Private tour to Guadalupe Valley & 3 wineries
> 5 – course farm to table dining experience
Premium Wine & Food Tour10 – 12 hrs> Visit 3 vineyards + rosés, reds, and white wines
> Eat fish & shrimp tacos + fine dining experience

Which Places Provide the Best Food Tours in San Diego for Groups?

The best food tours in San Diego for groups are any of the ones that accommodate at least 10 people, which would be all except the two private tours. However, if I had to pick two, I would recommend the San Diego Brewery Tour & Taste of Little Italy Tour.


Which Places Provide the Best Food Tours in San Diego for Couples?

Again, any of the tours would work for couples, but if you’re looking for a private experience, then I would opt for one of these tours: Puerto Nuevo Lobster or Luxury Private Wine Tasting.

A picture of the coastal bluffs in La Jolla.
The coastline from La Jolla | 📸 Credit: My good friend Sol G.

When is the Best Time to Take a San Diego Food Tour?

With San Diego’s year-round amazing weather, the best time to take a San Diego food tour is anytime! Ok… minus the 21 days per year that it rains in San Diego. But, aside from those days, you can expect lovely weather! I mean it’s not called Sunny San Diego for nothing. Pretty much year-round, you can expect average high temperatures of 65 – 75°F and average low temperatures around 50 – 60°F.

And, believe it or not, locals like myself also do these food tours. You don’t need to be a complete newbie to the city or wait for friends to visit to take one of these San Diego foodie tours. I’ve realized that San Diego is freaking huge. No matter how much I think I know the city… I’m frequently reminded that there’s always something new to discover in this huge, ever-changing city!

What to Bring for Food Tours in San Diego

Honestly, unless you’re doing one of the wine-tasting day trips… you likely won’t need to bring anything out of the ordinary. But, just to help you remember the essentials, here’s a short list of things to bring with you on the tour.

  • 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes — Most of the tours involve a fair amount of walking so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. This is especially recommended on tours that involve alcohol consumption. No one likes falling on their face 😅

  • 🌞 Sunscreen — You’ll be spending some time in sunny San Diego, or at least somewhere nearby, so make sure to lather on sunscreen. You wouldn’t want to end up resembling a lobster when the trip is over!

  • 😎 Sunglasses & Hat — Likewise, I suggest bringing some sunglasses and a hat.
A picture of Balboa Park in San Diego on a sunny day.
Balboa Park | 📸 Credit: My good friend Sol G.
  • 💸 Wallet + ID — If you plan on drinking, you’ll want to bring your ID to confirm your age, and if you plan on buying extra drinks that aren’t included in your tour package. Sometimes, I’ll even tip my guide if the tour is exceptional, so maybe bring cash for that if you feel compelled.

  • 🌮 Empty Stomach — To guarantee you have the full experience, come with a big appetite! Before I do my food tours, I try to avoid eating until it’s tour time (unless it’s an evening tour). I mean, you want to make sure your stomach is ready for all of the deliciousness coming its way right?!

Where to Stay in San Diego

If you’re looking for comfortable lodgings in San Diego, here are a few of my favorites I recommend considering having stayed in the city on vacation and living in the city for 4 years! I know most people don’t have the time or the will to research hundreds of hotels, so hopefully, this helps you out!

Low-Costs Stays

  • HI San Diego Downtown: Lively 3-star hotel/hostel in Gaslamp Quarter | ⭐️ 8.1 / 10
  • Best Western Plus Bayside Inn: Chill 3-star hotel near SD airport | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10

Mid-Range Stays

  • Sheraton San Diego: Popular 4-star hotel with waterfront views | ⭐️ 7.8 / 10
  • Catamaran Resort & Spa: Serene 4-star resort near Mission Beach | ⭐️ 7.8 / 10
  • InterContinental San Diego: Upscale 4-star hotel near Little Italy | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Luxury Stays

  • Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: Beautiful 4-star hotel in Gaslamp Quarter | ⭐️ 9 / 10
  • The Lodge at Torrey Pines: Intimate and rustic 5-star hotel near La Jolla | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

Don’t see anything you like? Feel free to use the buttons below to head to your favorite booking platform and explore additional housing options.

View on Booking.com
Check on Hotels.com
See on Expedia.com
A picture of Kristin and her friend in front of a waterfall at the Catamaran Resort & Spa hotel.
The Catamaran Resort & Spa is where I spent many vacations in San Diego, and it’s still one of my favorites!

Food Tours San Diego: FAQ

Why Do People Go on Food Tours?

I think there are three main reasons people go on food tours. First, indulging the local food and flavors is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a city. Secondly, it’s an awesome way to support small businesses and mom-and-pop shops. Thirdly, and most importantly – they’re simply delicious. I mean we all need to eat to survive, so might as well treat yourself to some heavenly food! 😋

Are Food Tours in San Diego Expensive?

This depends on your budget, but the food tours I’ve recommended range from $75 – $269. Generally, however, they cost around $80 for a 2-hour experience, which is more than fair when you consider all that you get out of the tour. The pricier options consist of full-day tours and offer a more inclusive experience!

What Are Some Highly Rated Food Tours in San Diego, CA?

All of the tours I’ve recommended above are highly rated with at least ⭐️ 4.5 / 5. I reviewed about 70 different tour options and selected what I believed were the best ones based on my experiences and other guests’ reviews to create this ultimate guide to San Diego food tours!

What Food Tours in San Diego Are Good for Avoiding Crowds?

Most of the tours rarely reach full capacity. But, if you want to have a more intimate tour experience, I suggest either of these private tours: Puerto Nuevo Lobster or Luxury Private Wine Tasting.

How Many Days in San Diego Should I Spend?

I recommend spending at least three days in San Diego. This is the perfect amount of time for an introduction to the city without feeling too rushed. That said, San Diego is a popular destination for a day trip, weekend getaways, or even long-term vacations. From soaking up the sun or surfing at its famous beaches, walking around the different districts and neighborhoods, exploring the iconic Balboa Park, and of course, embarking on a flavorful food tour… there are tons of activities to keep locals and visitors perpetually entertained.

Wrap-Up: 11+ Best San Diego Food Tours (2024)

For any San Diego itinerary, food, beer, and wine tastings are often at the top of the list of best things to do in this coastal city. From classic Mexican street tacos and California-style burritos to amazing seafood and world-renowned pizza, San Diego has a vibrant culinary scene! And, whether you’re looking to sample all the best local flavors, take a deeper dive into one of the city’s distinct cuisine styles, or do a wine tour through Guadalupe Valley, there’s no shortage of amazing food tours in San Diego! So, if you have time, be sure to check out all the epic foodie experiences this city has to offer!

A picture of Kristin and her friend at enjoying some cocktails at a bar!
Cheers and Happy Travels in San Diego! 🤠

Discover Southern California

  • 🌸 Carlsbad: Visiting San Diego in the Spring and thinking of visiting the iconic Carlsbad Flower Fields? Here’s what you should know before you go!

  • 🌴 Palm Springs: Making your way to Palm Springs? Here are the tours and things to do around the desert oasis.

  • 🏃🏽‍♀️ San Diego: Thinking of running a half marathon in San Diego? Check out my review of the awesome race in La Jolla. It takes you past some of the city’s most iconic sights. Or, try your hand at goat yoga! 🧘‍♀️That’s right, yah girl did yoga with adorable goats and you can too! 🤠

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Kristin Lee

Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

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Hey, I'm Kristin!

I'm a travel blogging expert who loves scenic runs, surfing, everything tennis, and Formula 1. From living in sunny San Diego and Paris to exploring magical places like Switzerland and French Polynesia, I'm on a mission to visit 50 countries by 30 and inspire your next travel escapade! Read my full story here.

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