I'm going to Ballast Point!

I mean, if you're really a BP fanboy, more power to you, but if you're flying in to L.A. and heading down to S.D. to fly out of..... I could think of two dozen other amazing breweries that you probably haven't had a chance to try or, without some trading, will not be able to try again.

Not to knock the Miramar location, but they generally don't have too much stuff that isn't easily attained via a beer freezer of most liquor stores in your neck of the woods. The last few times I was in there, they had maybe 2-3 taps of non-normal fair and they weren't that crazy OMG I have to try types and more experimental stuff that will probably not see the light of day for a good reason.

 

Monkish, Smog City, Phantom Carriage, Highland Park and Beachwood just to name a few.

 

Swing by the Bruery and Noble in OC on your way down to SD. Not much of a detour and absolutely worth the stop.

That said, I was in SD a few months ago and hit several awesome places, but Ballast Point Miramar did not disappoint. It was awesome.

 

Modern Times in San Diego is a great spot as well. Southern California has a fantastic beer scene - there are a ton of great craft breweries (big and small) in the area.

 

I would hit up Toronado or even Bottlecraft in Little Italy.

There is Hamilton's or Tiger! Tiger!

A brewpub to try a variety of beers. Recommended since it looks like you don't have much time.

Noble on the way down and a brewpub in SD.

 

I really enjoyed Ballast Point Miramar the two times I've been there. Food was pretty good though pricy (my friend said the fried chicken sucks btw), and there have been beers you wouldn't typically find bottled. For example, additional fruited variants of beers like Sculpin or Dorado (I remember Mango, Pineapple, Lime/Tangerine, Watermelon), their fruited Berlinerweiss, and so on. One time there was a single Victory at Sea variant (chocolate + orange), the other time none.

Its the only Ballast Point I've been to though, so I don't know how it is in comparison.

 

Hit up Blue Palms, Surly Goat, Sunset Beer Co & Mohawk Bend if you're in LA proper.

Highland Park Brewery is always worth a stop for sure as well.

San Diego? Visit them all. If you like sours, make sure to stop at Toolbox and also Council for the Beatitude series.

 

Well like all the BP locations they do have their fair share of R&D stuff that is ever rotating plus Sculpin with house Mai Tai mix was actually really good. I personally am a fan of the PB&J wings and the pork belly with peaches. The burgers and flatbreads are decent. If the cold doesn't bother you I recommend the outdoor seating area with the fire pit.

 

Coming from New York, I'll bet the OP laughs at our idea of "cold."

 

If you are passing through Oceanside/Carlsbad around lunch time you could hit up Bagby Beer in Oceanside and visit the Stone Company store there and take a walk along the pier. Carlsbad you have Pizza Port and can walk along the beach.

Ballast Point is about 1 mile away from AleSmith which I'd definitely visit since you are right next door. Others to try in San Diego if you have the time or see anything on tap would be Societe, Rip Current and Modern Times.

 

I'm from Hawaii so EVERYONE laughs at my idea of cold.

 

Sober up and go to West Point

 

Just go to HP, fuck you need Mohawk for? and Ballast is definitely at least 10th on your priority list. When you're around the tar pits do walk around the original Farmers Market at the grove. there's a bar there (326) that pours a bunch of local beers... Banana Leaf is best eats there. fun small stall place..

 

Why not a trip to Mohawk Bend? If op is trying to get a good sampling of other So Cal beers, they're actually a pretty good place to visit. They regularly have Pliny (and sometimes Blind Pig), Beachwood offerings, Modern Times offerings, etc.

@mikecampbell411 - if you end up going to Mohawk, keep in mind that you can get anything that's listed as a being served as a pint can also be ordered as a half pint. Unfortunately, the same does not go for anything that has goblet or tulip listed as a serving size. Don't think they do flights either

 

if you haven't been to Stone Escondido you should really check it out. and yeah, there are a zillion other places. but hey, if the guy really wants to go to Ballast Point let him go to Ballast Point.

Curious why you are dead set on Mohawk (nothing wrong with it). have a friend who lives on the East Side?

should peruse this thread too:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-san-diego-summer-2015.309241/

 

What strip?