10 Best Breweries in Imperial Beach

"When our friends at Humble Sea in Santa Cruz, California, recommended that we check out the beers from North Park, we didn’t hesitate. And the recommendation was spot on. North Park stands out from the San Diego pack by fashioning some of the most decadent, elegant stouts around."

"When you come to this brewery, you’re not just getting a tasting room — you’re also getting an incredible beer garden that you’ll want to stay in all afternoon. Established in 1989, this beer brewing company exemplifies the Southern California lifestyle with its refreshing brews and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also credited as being one of the first breweries to kick off the craft beer scene in San Diego."

"Karl Strauss Brewing is one of the oldest San Diego breweries on the block!. Starting back in the mid 80’s, Karl Strauss has been leading the craft beer scene before it became popular. Their craft brews have received many gold medals, including the famous Red Trolley Ale (which has been award 11 gold and 5 silver medals)."

"Their red trolley ale is my favorite and a great pick for first time visitors. Many convenient locations across San Diego (even inside airport terminal!) makes it a great option to try."

"With over 500 excellent reviews on Yelp, Societe Brewing is one of the best local breweries in San Diego. The brewery has an open design, allowing for a large group to comfortably fit on their community bench tables. Many visitors like their Belgian style beers and the Pupil medium-bodied IPA."

"Founded in 2012, Societe Brewing Company specializes in Belgian style taps and wine barrel aged beers. Head over for a free tour of the brewery and sample the large tasting options. Follow your favorite cold brews with fresh, tempting selections from the daily food trucks parked nearby."

"A wee, squat building that isn’t going to dazzle with sweeping skyline views, Amplified more than makes up for its height by being just steps off the beach. It bears along some sweet ocean breezes that complement the homemade beers nicely. Have a kebab and a Treble Tripel, and we’ll await your thanks."

"302 E Broadway, Vista 92084 Although there are various brewing locations throughout the city of San Diego, Belching Beaver decided to put its Tavern Grill in the heart of North County’s brewing hub in Vista. The tavern is a rustic indoor/outdoor patio with fire pits and two spacious hangout areas, both of which your furry friend is welcome to join you in. The tavern offers lunch Wednesday through Sunday, and dinner Monday through Friday, with a weekday Happy Hour."

"The most popular Belching Beaver beer, the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Photo credit: Belching Beaver Brewery. This brewery has one of the most unique flavored stouts and a lively atmosphere."

"Starting out in 1996, Ballast Point is dedicated to experimenting with techniques and exploring different ingredients in their beers. Their gold-medal-winning IPA is their bread-and-butter, so to speak, but they also have an array of seasonal and experimental brews, like a Brut IPA and a Watermelon Dorado. They frequently host events in their tasting room and are known for having distinctive, artistic bottle labels created by Paul Elder."

"What’s unique about Ballast Point Brewing is that they’re always creating a twist on classic brews. Founded by two college roommates in 1992, what initially started out as a keg dream for better beer turned into an award winning brewery. Try their California Amber Ale or the Sculpin IPA. These are a few of the brews that have received medals for their incredible flavors."

"If you’re looking for a causal beer spot in Little Italy, look no further than Ballast Point Brewery. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to watch the airplanes overhead come in for landing."

"Whispering Sands Beach is a city beach located at the north end of Marine Street Beach in La Jolla. This area is sometimes referred to as Nicholson Point Park even though […]"

"It’s right in front of Hotel del Coronado but is 1.5 miles long. The beach is wide, the waters are calm and the sand is white. This is predominantly a place for you to chill."

"I often point out that a perk of staying in the beachfront La Jolla hotels is access to the adjacent Kellogg Park. It’s steps from the sand of La Jolla Shores Beach but also has a large grassy area for picnics, yoga, pocket kites, and some outdoor park fun. It will soon be even more interesting when “The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla Educational Plaza” (a.k.a “The Map”) is finished."

"T his lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or take away from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like the Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area. This playground perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach and not without the sand."

"As mentioned above, Kellogg Park is a beachside park with a small playground and also a huge grassy area for kids to run around."

"Owned by the same team as Bencotto, Monello has a similar aesthetic, but feels a few degrees more casual. The extensive menu features several pizzas, seafood, delicious fried things, and a lot more. If you’re craving a bowl of pasta, you’ll be well served at either location, but Monello gets bonus points for its pizza oven, being one of only a few Italian restaurants with a dedicated brunch menu, and for offering a free small plate with a drink purchase during aperitivo (4 to 7pm, daily)."

"Monello, located next to another favorite, Bencotto, is a modern Italian restaurant. One of the best spots in the Little Italy neighborhood, it specializes in reasonably priced pizzas, pastas, and entrées and serves unbeatable cocktails. Customers enjoy this quiet and quaint space, and rave about Monello’s tasty brunch and complimentary snacks during happy hour."

"Although San Diego is generally known for its casual dress code and easy attitude, Monello is a place worth dressing up for. The Milanese restaurant is most famous for its cheese wheel, which they heat, melt, and toss pasta on. Divine, yes—but if you think that's indulgent, drop in on Wednesdays, when they sub out pasta for risotto."