Exploring San Francisco’s Craft Beer Scene: A Complete Guide to a Craft Beer Walking Tour

If you love craft beer and want to explore the incredible craft beer scene of San Francisco, then a craft beer walking tour is the perfect way to do it. You can find a great selection of craft beer bars, brewpus, breweries, and tap houses throughout the city, giving you plenty of opportunities to sample a variety of flavors and styles. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs or porters, or even if you just want to explore the culture of beer making in the Bay Area, a craft beer walking tour is the perfect way to get a sense of all the different types of beer San Francisco has to offer.

In this guide we’ll walk you through how to plan your own craft beer walking tour in San Francisco. We’ll discuss top things to do on the tour, which neighborhoods to visit, where to purchase tickets and what to expect on the tour. Plus, we’ll talk about some of the amazing craft beer experiences available in the city.

What is a Craft Beer Walking Tour?

A craft beer walking tour is a guided tour featuring visits to a selection of unique craft beer bars, pubs and breweries. At each stop you’ll be given samples of various beers and learn about their ingredients and brewing process from knowledgeable local brewers. Depending on the particular tour, you’ll have an opportunity to sample a variety of IPAs, porters, stouts and craft lagers. Tours are typically about three hours long, giving you plenty of time to sample different types of beers and explore specific neighborhoods within the city.

Things to Do on a Craft Beer Walking Tour

On a craft beer walking tour, you’ll get an in-depth look at the craft beer scene in San Francisco. Tour guides will take you around to some of the best ways to find excellent craft beer in the city, while teaching you about the different types of beers and how they are made. At each location, you’ll get a chance to sample various beers while learning about the brewing process used to create them. Tours typically include visits to various craft beer bars, pubs and breweries in each neighborhood they visit. Some tours may even provide an opportunity to meet brewers, allowing you to ask questions and get more in-depth insight into the craft beer industry in San Francisco.

The Best Neighborhoods for a Craft Beer Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco has many neighborhoods that are great for a craft beer tour. Some popular spots include:

• SOMA – Short for South of Market Street, this neighborhood is home to dozens of bars and breweries.
• Mission District – Known for its hipster vibe, the Mission district has numerous pubs great for sampling beers.
• SoMa Arts District – This up-and-coming neighborhood features many new breweries and microbreweries.
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Situated right next to San Francisco Bay, this neighborhood is a great spot for enjoying beer with a view.

No matter which neighborhood you choose for your craft beer tour, you’re sure to find plenty of tap houses offering up refreshing drinks and great food.

What to Expect on a Craft Beer Walking Tour

Most craft beer walking tours start with an introduction from your guide where they explain the different types of beers that will be sampled throughout the day. You’ll then move on to visit each pub or brewery selected for the tour. At each location, you’ll learn more about brewing techniques and get an opportunity to sample various types of beers. Often times experienced local brewers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Throughout the tour your guide will provide interesting facts about each location and may even share historical anecdotes about the neighborhood.

Where to Buy Tickets for a Craft Beer Walking Tour

Tickets for a craft beer walking tour can easily be purchased online in advance. Sites like GetYourGuide offer guided walking tours around several neighborhoods in San Francisco, including SOMA, Mission District, SoMa Arts District, and Fisherman’s Wharf. All tours are led by expert guides who know all about craft beer and will provide an educational yet entertaining experience. Prices vary depending on the particular tour chosen but usually run from $60–100 per person.

Craft Beer Experiences at Other Attractions in San Francisco

In addition to taking a walking tour, there are plenty of other experiences that combine great beer with some of San Francisco’s top attractions. Sites like AirBnB Experiences offer up unique opportunities like visiting distilleries and breweries around town while exploring landmarks such as Alcatraz Island or embarking on an urban hiking adventure. For instance, if you’re an accredited beer sommelier or just want to learn more about craft beer in general, then The Oakland Brew Tour might be right up your alley. You’ll start your journey at The Rare Barrel brewery before stopping at five other local breweries or taprooms for tastings and conversations with brewers about their craft beers.