Must-Do Activities in San Diego

1. Gaslamp Quarter
   This vibrant downtown neighborhood is famous for its bustling nightlife. It attracts a youthful crowd with its array of clubs, dive bars, and cocktail lounges. The Spreckels and Balboa theaters offer a variety of performances, including music, comedy, and drama. You’ll find a blend of chain and independent restaurants, featuring cuisines from around the world. Horton Plaza Park is a great spot with its grassy lawns, vendors selling ice cream and coffee, and a fun interactive fountain.
2. San Diego Bay
   The bay, with its breathtaking waterfront views, is a key part of life in San Diego. You can enjoy a variety of activities, from leisurely walks along the Embarcadero to taking a scenic harbor cruise or hopping on a water taxi. There are also several maritime museums to explore and plenty of waterfront restaurants where you can savor fresh seafood. It’s an ideal spot to bask in the sunny weather and appreciate the area’s rich coastal military history.
3. Balboa Park
   This expansive urban cultural park simply shouldn’t be missed. It’s home to the famous San Diego Zoo, a variety of museums covering art, history, and science, as well as beautiful gardens and impressive Spanish-Renaissance architecture. You could easily spend days discovering everything it has to offer. The park serves as a lovely, peaceful escape, providing countless cultural and recreational activities suitable for people of all ages.

Top 3 Hotels in San Diego for Conference Attendees

1. Hilton San Diego Bayfront
   This impressive, modern hotel is located right by the Bay, providing stunning views of the water and the city. It boasts a large recreation deck complete with a heated saltwater pool and cozy fire pits, a full-service spa, and a variety of dining options. Its close location to the Convention Center and other attractions makes it an ideal spot for both vacationers and business travelers.
2. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
   This hotel, situated right on the waterfront, features two impressive towers adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and the marina. It offers a lovely outdoor pool, a full-service spa, various dining options, and breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline. Guests can easily stroll to nearby attractions such as the USS Midway Museum and the vibrant nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter.
3. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
   This contemporary hotel is conveniently located just one block from the gates of Petco Park and directly across from the San Diego Convention Center. It provides essential amenities for visitors, including a full-service restaurant, a fitness center, and a Starbucks. Its prime location in the Gaslamp Quarter puts guests immediately within walking distance of nightlife, dining, and major attractions.

Top 3 Restaurants in San Diego for Convention Attendees

1. Born and Raised
   This luxurious steakhouse in Little Italy, inspired by Art Deco, combines the charm of mid-century design with contemporary elements. The waitstaff, dressed in tuxedos and sneakers, provide an engaging tableside experience with dishes like steak tartare and Caesar salad served from rolling carts. The restaurant boasts a glass-enclosed dry-aging room for its top-quality steaks and an open-air rooftop bar that offers stunning views.
2. Lou & Mickey’s
   This beloved American steakhouse is celebrated for its top-notch, in-house dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. Diners can watch the fascinating aging process in a special room adorned with Himalayan salt bricks. The atmosphere combines classic charm with vibrant energy, featuring a popular outdoor patio that’s ideal for people-watching.
3. Puesto at the Headquarters
   This lively Mexican restaurant, housed in a historic former police station near the Embarcadero, is known for its creative twist on traditional dishes. Guests can savor freshly made corn tortillas and innovative tacos featuring unique ingredients like filet mignon and passion fruit, all while enjoying a vibrant and colorful setting.

Closest Airport to San Diego

San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located just northwest of the downtown business district and adjacent to the Bay, it handles extensive domestic and international flights for millions of annual passengers, despite operating as the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States.