Brewery Profile

Ballast Point Brewing Company

San Diego’s craft beer scene has long been associated with hop-forward brewing, and Ballast Point Brewing Company is one of the city’s established names within that landscape. Founded in 1996 by a small collective of ambitious homebrewers, it grew into a California mainstay with a reputation tied to West Coast brewing, careful quality control, and bold flavor. A visitor should expect the experience to be centered on the beer itself rather than on a single defining gimmick. The brand’s art-inspired labels are part of its identity, but the main draw is the chance to taste how a brewery known for consistency presents a range of assertive, polished beers.

Travelers coming to San Diego often look for the styles that helped define the region’s modern beer reputation: crisp, hop-driven ales, expressive IPAs, and beers that show a willingness to experiment without losing structure. Ballast Point fits that itinerary because its history is closely linked with groundbreaking IPAs and an exploratory brewing approach. For visitors comparing several San Diego breweries, it offers a useful reference point: a place connected to the rise of West Coast craft brewing, yet still framed around ongoing exploration. The tasting experience can appeal both to people who know the brewery’s reputation and to those using a trip to understand why San Diego became such an important beer city.

Practical details such as current hours, available seating, food service, tours, and to-go formats should be checked directly before visiting, since these can change and are not assumed here. The taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours, including which hop-forward, seasonal, or experimental beers are available at that moment. If you are planning a broader brewery route, allow enough time to taste deliberately rather than treating the stop as only a quick name-brand check-in. Ballast Point’s appeal is strongest when approached as part of San Diego’s larger beer story: a brewery with homebrewing roots, a clear West Coast identity, and a long-running focus on flavorful, carefully made craft beer.

Born from a small collective of ambitious homebrewers in San Diego in 1996, Ballast Point quickly established itself as a pioneer in West Coast brewing. Known for their meticulous quality control and iconic, art-inspired labels, they invite drinkers to explore bold, flavorful depths, exemplified by their groundbreaking IPAs and experimental spirit. This California mainstay continues to chart courses into new beer territories while honoring their commitment to consistent, high-quality craft.

Website available

9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, California, 92121-2405

Phone: 8586952739

Website: http://www.ballastpoint.com

Hours: 11am-10pm

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Ballast Point Brewing Company.

Beer Styles at Ballast Point Brewing Company

Ballast Point Brewing Company brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes IPA, Imperial IPA, Hazy IPA, Ale, Pale Ale, and Imperial Stout. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • San Francisco Burger Wednesday Happy Hour

    Oct 7, 2026

    Wednesday happy hour featuring burgers at our San Francisco tasting room starting at 4:00 pm.

  • San Francisco Wings Thursday Happy Hour

    Oct 8, 2026

    Thursday happy hour with wings at our San Francisco location starting at 4:00 pm.

  • Long Beach Burger Monday

    Oct 12, 2026

    Burger specials every Monday at our Long Beach tasting room, available all day.

  • Puzzle and Pint Night

    Oct 12, 2026

    Enjoy a fun night of puzzles and pints at our San Francisco taproom, a great social event pairing brain teasers with craft beer.

  • Tex Mex Tuesday Happy Hour

    Oct 13, 2026

    Join us for Tex Mex style happy hour every Tuesday at 4:00 pm at our San Francisco tasting room.

  • Long Beach Taco Tuesday

    Oct 13, 2026

    Taco Tuesday specials all day long at our Long Beach location providing a delicious midweek treat.

  • Long Beach Steak Wednesday

    Oct 13, 2026

    Enjoy a delicious steak special every Wednesday at our Long Beach location.

  • San Francisco Trivia Wednesday

    Oct 13, 2026

    Join us for trivia night every Wednesday at our San Francisco location with fun questions and great prizes.

  • The Art of Beer

    Mar 14, 2027

    This craft beer event hosted by Ballast Point Brewing Company's Little Italy location allows attendees to sample beers, enjoy art, and interact directly with brewers. It features…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ballast Point Brewing Company located?
Ballast Point Brewing Company is located at 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, California, 92121-2405. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Ballast Point Brewing Company's hours?
Current hours are: 11am-10pm. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Ballast Point Brewing Company?
Visit http://www.ballastpoint.com for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.