I am in San Diego, home of the So Cal IPA variety... There are two craft brewers between my boat and my house, and two more craft brewers within 2 miles of the house... and a place that calls itself "the hoppiest place on earth..." within 3 miles of my house. (short bike ride). Yeah, I have an ale now and then.

My favorites:
Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point Brewery
Pure Hoppiness from Alpine Beer Company
Pliney the Elder from Russian River (not local, and hard to find... but I know where it is, on tap)

But these brewers are "on the way..."
Coronado Brewing, and Ballast Point... and Coronado Brewing has a tasting room with a happy hour.

Close to home: Societe with their unique and clean brews... and Helms Brewing with a nautical themed tasting room.

Further up the road: Green Flash, Rough Draft, Hess brewing, and Alesmith, all offering nice ales.

With all this craft beer around, I weigh about 15 lbs more than I should... but I wear it with a smile. GRIN

What do I avoid... Karl Strauss. Not a fan of anything they brew. The make some outstanding food at their Sorrento Mesa location, but their beers have always been lacking... too filtered, flavors just a bit off... almost "soapy."

Oh and yes, Stone Brewery is nearby, with a huge restaurant in the old Navy Station... and they always have something good on tap. (close to the airport too... so if you are in the area, drop by)