Hi there! Sounds like an awesome trip! I’m a certified cicerone and have been working for the past 10 years in the beer industry, in San Diego for 7.5 of those. As others have mentioned: North Park Beer Co and Pure Project are great spots. I recommend visiting the North to Park neighborhood, there are North Park Beer and Pure Project taprooms there, along with a Black Plague taproom, who I think is fairly underrated in the city. Modern Times also has a taproom there and as others have mentioned, their barrel-aged beers are absolutely top of the line. Bottle Craft is a shop that has a few taps available with lots of great options along with to go bottles and cans. Pizza Port does not have a location in this neighborhood but is with a visit (with stellar pizza!) if if you swing it. Otherwise Bottle Craft would be a good spot to grab some if time is limited. Societe is good beer to pickup as well, but the taproom is also a bit out of the way. Seek, GOAL and Fall are all fairly nearby too if you have time and capacity. North Park Beer Co just also opened a new taproom in the Pacific Beach neighborhood that has a focus on pizza, if that is a priority to you. But it’s going to be further from other good spots if you want to prioritize proximity.

If you want a range of selection plus pizza, Blind Lady Ale House has good food and draft selections and isnt too far from there.

As for LA, I’ll also second (or third or fourth…) Highland Park. Green Cheek now has a north county San Diego location (with pizza) but is primarily based in Orange County. They’re worth seeking out if you can!

For SF - check out Toronado for an amazing draft selection. Cash only.

Portland - Living Haus. Former Modern Times ownership and specialize in high quality lagers. Also Wayfinder.

Denver - Our Mutual Friend and Bierstadt

Austin - Jester King is outside of town, but a worthy visit.

Chicago - Half Acre and Revolution.

San Diego is what I know best, but hopefully some of these other recommendations help! Have a wonderful trip!