San Diego offers arguably the most enviable bartending lifestyle in America. The Gaslamp Quarter provides 16 blocks of entertainment venues, from rooftop clubs to speakeasies. Pacific Beach delivers the quintessential California beach bar experience. North Park hosts the city's hip craft scene. As the craft beer capital of America, beer knowledge is as important as cocktail skills here.
ABC Bartending College San Diego
Bartend in America's Finest City! Our San Diego campus trains you for the Gaslamp Quarter's legendary nightlife, beach bars, and the city's world-famous craft beer scene.
Online Program
Serving San Diego, California
Call Us
(916) 995-6518
Email Us
info@bartendingcollege.com
Flexible Schedules
Self-Paced Online
Program Length
2 Weeks
Flexible scheduling
Class Schedules
Choose the schedule that works best for you at our San Diego campus
Weekday Classes
Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 3 PM (2 weeks)
Weekend Classes
Sat-Sun, 9 AM - 5 PM (3 weeks)
Evening Classes
Mon-Thu, 6 PM - 10 PM (3 weeks)
All schedules cover the same comprehensive curriculum. Choose based on your availability.
Enroll NowServing San Diego & Surrounding Areas
Learn bartending from anywhere with our comprehensive online program. We serve students in San Diego and throughout California with flexible, self-paced training that fits your schedule.
Flexible Nationwide Training
Training Your Way in San Diego
No matter where you are in San Diego or California, we bring professional bartending education to you with options designed to fit your life.
In-Home Instruction
A certified bartending instructor comes directly to your location in San Diego for personalized, hands-on training.
Live Virtual Training
Interactive Zoom sessions with professional bartenders. Learn cocktail techniques, bar management, and more from anywhere.
Instructor's Facility
Train at a certified instructor's professional bar setup near San Diego. Real-world environment, real-world skills.
Partner School Placement
We find and enroll you at a bartending school in any city. We handle all the coordination and communications for you.
Corporate & Event Training
Custom programs for restaurants, hotels, event venues, and private parties. Train your team or learn for your next event.
Hybrid Programs
Combine online coursework with in-person practice sessions. Flexible scheduling that works around your life.
Let's Build Your Custom Training Plan
Call us to discuss which training option works best for your schedule and goals in San Diego.
Flexible scheduling
Certified instructors
Nationwide coverage
Job placement assistance
Local Insights
San Diego's Bar & Cocktail Scene
Discover the local hospitality landscape where you'll build your career
Job Market Data
Bartending career opportunities in San Diego, California
Bartender Salaries in San Diego
Entry Level $28,000/year + tips
Median Salary $42,000/year + tips
Top 10% $68,000+/year
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Job Market Outlook
3,200
Bars & restaurants in San Diego metro
13% over next decade
Projected job growth
Peak Hiring Seasons
Summer and Comic-Con
Top Employers Hiring Bartenders in San Diego
Hotel del Coronado
Pendry San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter venues
Stone Brewing
Ballast Point
Student Success Stories
Hear from our graduates who launched their bartending careers in San Diego
"San Diego's cocktail scene is world-class. Working at one of the coolest bars in America is incredible."
JK
Jessica K.
Bartender
Class of 2023
"Pacific Beach bartending is living the dream. Ocean views, great tips, and perfect weather year-round."
RM
Ryan M.
Beach Bar Manager
Class of 2021
"San Diego is the craft beer capital. Understanding beer alongside cocktails opened so many doors."
CL
Christina L.
Craft Beer Bartender
Class of 2024
Local Information
Everything you need to know about bartending in San Diego
California Liquor Laws
Minimum Age to Bartend 18+
Alcohol Serving Hours 6 AM - 2 AM
TIPS/RBS Required Yes
Required Certifications:
- California RBS Certification required
Entertainment Districts
Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego's premier entertainment district with 16 blocks of nightclubs, rooftop bars, and restaurants.
Pacific Beach
Quintessential beach town with casual bars, sports pubs, and ocean-view venues.
North Park
Hip neighborhood with craft cocktail bars, breweries, and the city's alternative scene.
Insider Tips
Get certified in craft beer styles (Cicerone helps). Comic-Con week is chaotic but incredibly lucrative. Beach bars hire seasonally starting in March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our San Diego, California bartending program
What makes San Diego special for bartending?
Perfect weather, beach culture, world-class craft beer, and the Gaslamp Quarter create one of America's best bartending markets.
Do I need RBS certification?
Yes, California requires Responsible Beverage Service certification for all alcohol servers. It's included in our program.
What about craft beer knowledge?
Essential in San Diego! We include craft beer education since SD is considered America's craft beer capital.
When is the busiest time?
Summer is peak season, plus major events like Comic-Con bring huge crowds to the Gaslamp Quarter.
What are the best neighborhoods for jobs?
Gaslamp for nightlife, Pacific Beach for beach bars, North Park for craft, La Jolla for upscale resorts.
Can I bartend at 18 in California?
Yes! California allows bartending at 18, making it accessible for younger adults to start their careers.
Nearby Bartending Schools
Explore other ABC Bartending College locations near you
Costa Mesa
California
Train to bartend in the heart of Orange County! Our Costa Mesa campus puts you near South Coast Plaza, the Triangle, and OC's finest dining destinations. With Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Irvine just minutes away, you'll have access to one of Southern California's most vibrant hospitality markets.
78 miles away
View
Orange
California
Start your bartending career in the heart of Orange County! Our Orange campus provides convenient access to Anaheim's entertainment district, Old Towne Orange's historic charm, and the entire inland OC market. Perfect for those looking to work near Disneyland, Angel Stadium, or the region's growing restaurant scene.
84 miles away
View
Los Angeles
California
Become a bartender in the entertainment capital of the world! Our Hollywood campus puts you at the heart of LA's legendary nightlife scene. From celebrity hotspots to rooftop lounges, learn the skills to work anywhere in this diverse and exciting city.
111 miles away
View
West Los Angeles
California
Launch your bartending career on LA's affluent Westside! Our West Los Angeles campus serves Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Santa Monica, and the entire Westside. Train for positions at upscale restaurants, hotel bars, and the region's most exclusive venues.
118 miles away
View
Start Your Bartending Career in San Diego
Join thousands of successful graduates through our online bartending program. Learn from anywhere in San Diego with flexible scheduling and earn your certification in just 2 weeks!
Also Serving:
Gaslamp Quarter Pacific Beach North Park Little Italy La Jolla Coronado