Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Get a taste of the San Diego craft beer scene at Karl Strauss Brewing Company. The longest operating brewery in the city, it’s often credited with helping to kick off the Southern Californian city’s craft beer movement.
The basics
From the main Karl Strauss Brewery in Pacific Beach to the 11 branded brewpubs across Southern California, Karl Strass is a name synonymous with some of the best craft beer in the State. The company was founded in 1989 by Chris Cramer and Matt Rattner with the help of Cramer’s cousin Karl Strauss, a Master Brewer who previously worked at Pabst Brewing Company.
Head to the Pacific Beach facility for a brewery tour with tasting included, or head to any of the company’s other branches to try the San Diego-style IPA, stout, wheat beers, amber ales and more. Combine a trip to Karl Strauss with a visit to some of San Diego’s other top microbreweries by taking part in a guided beer tasting tour of the region.
Things to know before you go
- Brewery tours at Karl Strauss Pacific Beach must be booked in advance.
- If you’re taking part in a brewery tour remember to wear closed-toe shoes; it’s a requirement for the working parts of the brewery.
- The brewpubs also offer food, wine, and a range of soft drinks.
- Children are welcome at the brewpubs.
How to get there
Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s main brewery location can be found at in Pacific Beach, San Diego. There are brewpubs across the region and also in Los Angeles, including in La Jolla, Carlsbad, Downtown San Diego, Anaheim, and Downtown Los Angeles. Guided tours of San Diego’s microbreweries are available, with round-trip transport provided.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Brewery tours are held on at the Pacific Beach brewery on Saturday afternoons only. The brewpubs and tasting rooms are open every day of the week. The pubs are open for lunch and dinner and make a good place to stop off while sightseeing.
Hit the Waves in Pacific Beach
For the classic So-Cal surf experience head down to Pacific Beach, one of the most reliable surf spots in San Diego. If you’ve surfed before simply grab your board and go, or drop into one of the rental shops to pick up the equipment you need. If you’re trying the sport for the first time, you’ll find plenty of places offering beginner lessons that will give you the confidence you need to head out into the waves.
- Things to do in California
- Things to do in La Jolla
- Things to do in Palm Springs
- Things to do in Anaheim & Buena Park
- Things to do in Long Beach
- Things to do in Los Angeles
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- Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)
- Pacific Beach
- Boomers San Diego
- Mission Beach
- Belmont Park
- Old Town San Diego
- Whaley House Museum
- Green Flash Brewing Co.
- Ocean Beach Pier
- El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Speed Circuit Family Fun Center
- Liberty Station
- Point Loma
- Shelter Island