MPEbeling

Sounds like the weather can be gloomy, it is worth going this time of year? My wife and I are foodies and like seeing different breweries and doing beer tastings (we brew our own). Looking for suggestions for brewery tours (I know Stone and Green Flash and will do both), but looking for others. Any Suggestions would be great! given our focus on beer tours and foodie stuff (we are doing a cooking class in La Jolla and want to go to some farmers markets) where is the best place to stay.

DebitNM

Gaslamp is a great location for staying. We loved Kimpton Solarmar. Have also stayed at OMNI and Courtyard, all in close proximity to each other.

november_moon

Lost Abbey is one of my perennial favorites in SD. It's actually in San Marcos, so a bit of a trek, but I think it's worth it They are co-located with Port Brewing.

http://lostabbey.com/

For your browsing pleasure, here is a listing of SD breweries and beer outlets from Beer Advocate:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/28/

And here is a good link with a map of CA breweries:

http://www.californiacraftbeer.com/w...e/brewery-map/

november_moon

Also, what kinds of beers do you favor? Do you go in for IPAs, fans of Porters and Stouts, Brown Ales, Saisons...? Knowing that can help narrow down the field I favor maltier beers over hoppy myself, so I look for IBUs below about 40, generally.

MPEbeling

Thanks, these are helpful. My wife and I love all beer...my favorite happen to be west coast style IPAs with big citrusy/floral hops and light on the malt side...my wife's favorites are porters and stouts...but we appreciate all beers.

november_moon

As an IPA fan, you'll be in heaven. Lots of big IPAs in SD.

sludick

Re the weather: We were there in late March for a week a couple of years ago, and really found the weather less welcoming than previous visits (say, early December). But, it was still really good much of the time - just not good beach weather for us, chilly wind at our Carlsbad beach resort, and a couple rainy days. Other days were sunny and beautiful. It was warm away from the ocean by just a little ways (the zoo or Old Town, for example).

Disclaimer: We live in Central Florida, so comparison to where you live might result in a very different perception of "chilly by the water."

We actually are returning very soon, in early March. This time we are focusing on Balboa Park.

Oh, btw - in late March we found strawberries being picked everywhere, and a great variety of fresh produce. You'll have a great time, I am sure!

sanderskn

Late March is a good time to go. Don't be surprised if the mornings are cloudy but then the sun will come out at noon or so.