First Stop: Stone Brewery World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido
One of the most beautiful breweries in San Diego also happens to be super family friendly! Plenty of outdoor seating and space for current restrictions – walk around and you’ll find koi ponds, beautiful little waterfalls and plenty to explore to keep your kiddos happy. For years now, this place has been on our list to go to with visitors because you really can’t beat the combo – good beer and an outdoor patio to die for!
Quick Info:
- Address: 1999 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido
- Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
- Parking: Huge lot right out front
- Reservations here
Favorite Bites & Brews
- Charred Brussel Sprouts – you know you love em!
- Fruity Goat Salad – a great pick if you go on a sunny day – enjoy the grounds and save those calories for the beer.
- Stone Stwava Lager
- Stone Dayfall
- Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager – perfect to pair with their delicious family-style taco pack!
On the surface their kids menu looks pretty standard – but when it comes out you’ll be impressed. Plus, if you have a few littles their portions are big enough to share.
Tips & Tricks
- Grab a growler on your way out – many of the beers offered here aren’t found anywhere else.
- Pet friendly on the patio!
Second Stop: Belching Beaver – Tavern & Grill
I love this spot because it has outdoor space that is – wait for it – COMPLETELY enclosed. I know, fewer things are that exciting to parents of toddlers. The picnic tables and adirondack chairs set the vibe for a great, relaxed afternoon stop.
Quick Info:
- Address: 302 E. Broadway, Vista
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Friday, Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Parking: Street parking can be busy on weekends, but plenty of it around the brewery.
- Reservations: No, but you can call ahead of time to see how busy it is – (760)-295-8599.
Favorite Bites & Brews
- We love coming here and ordering a bunch of their ‘Small Bites’ – especially if you have a group with you. The tatar tot dam and soft pretzel are perfect to share and don’t miss out on the hop stickers!
- On your tour, if you’re saving dessert for one brewery make sure you grab it here. Their homemade brownie sundae is just delicious.
- Anniversary “All In” is a perfect brew for an afternoon pick me up with notes of coffee.
I can’t come here without grabbing a ‘Me So Honey’ – it was the first belching beaver beer I tried.
Tips & Tricks
- The brewery patio has a dirty/sandy floor so make sure your all set for your littles to get dirty!
Last Stop: Viewpoint Brewing Co.
Great refreshing brews, a menu anyone can find something delicious on, and views overlooking the San Dieguito Lagoon – what else could a brewery need? OH! A fabulous outdoor area for perfect for families! Viewpoint Brewing has been a staple for us for a few years, but about a year ago we moved closer to it (coincidence, I think not!) and it’s become one of our staples. Lacey actually took some of her first steps at Viewpoint – what does that say about us?
Quick Info:
- Address: 2201 San Dieguito Dr Suite D, Del Mar
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Saturday, Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Parking: Parking can be tricky during busy times; they have a small lot – but the paid lot right next door does the trick!
- Reservations here
Favorite Bites & Brews
- Dirty Potatoes – I can’t even explain how good these are with words, perfect to share and spread the love!
- Roasted Carrots – enough to go around and make everyone feel better about the beers they’re drinking.
- House Fries – if you get these as a app or as a side with your meal – make SURE you get them with the truffle oil…
- Fried Chicken Sandwich – a menu item hard to get right, but they’ve done it. Big enough to share for sure.
- Big Hat Blonde – great for a warm sunny day in San Diego – very light and crisp.
- Yeast Bound & Brown – the perfect ending if you have a few light beers beforehand, classic English brown with a touch of smoke.
- Kollish-Kolsch – a little hoppy but not overwhelmingly so!
The Kids Menu has a classic Mac n Cheese, but honestly the Starter Mac Cheese is just a little bit yummier and mom can share the leftovers
Tips & Tricks
The view of the lagoon is beautiful – if you have energy filled kids upon arrival, do the short walk out to the viewpoint to get some of that energy out!
While the outdoor seating and area for families is perfect – it does open to a walking path that goes pretty far down. If you have a runner, be sure to watch out for the opening and bring a few toys to distract them!
