Balboa Park

Balboa Park encompasses 1,400 acres of historical buildings, museums, gardens and green space. Created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, most of the buildings remain from that event. Stroll through The Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, or the San Diego Museum of Art. The park is also home to the famous San Diego Zoo—one of the largest in the United States.
balboapark.org


La Jolla Caves

La Jolla caves have been attracting visitors since 1902. These nearly 75 million-year-old caves were carved out from a 200-foot high cliff of Cretaceous-age sandstone. Take a kayaking tour through Clam Cave, see fossilized marine life in Sea Surprize, or access Sunny Jim by land. Bonus: these caves were once used by pirates!
lajolla.com


Whale Watching

In the summer season, several hundred blue whales migrate into southern California to feed on huge amounts of krill. A whale-watching excursion before or after Conference & Show could also include sightings of dolphins, finback whales, humpback whale, minke whales, and others. Once you’ve seen a whale breach the surface of the ocean up close, you’ll never forget it!
Various options available


Gaslamp Quarter

The hub of the city’s nightlife, the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District offers buzzing entertainment venues, art galleries, trendy shops and restaurants of every kind. The district runs for about 16 blocks and is a quick 10-minute car ride south of the Town and Country Resort.
gaslamp.org



Mission Beach

Southern California’s sunny lifestyle is alive and well at Mission Beach. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing and beach volleyball are popular here, as well as a three-mile scenic boardwalk that follows the shore. If you visit Mission Beach you can’t miss Belmont Park, an East-Coast-style amusement park—a favorite for the kids!
sandeigo.org
belmontpark.com


Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park takes you back in time to experience the rich culture of San Diego’s early days. The park features a working blacksmith shop, authentic Mexican crafts, art studios, live Mariachi music and no admission fee!
oldtownsandiego.org


USS Midway

One of the US military’s largest ships, the decommissioned USS Midway now serves as a museum featuring 60 exhibits and 25 restored aircraft.
midway.org


Maritime Museum Swift Boat Naval History Tour

Be a part of history, ride the only active passenger carrying Swift Boat in the country. Feel the power of the twin 12 cylinder 2-stroke Detroit Diesels as you take a behind the scenes 75 minute narrated tour of San Diego’s military history.
sdmaritime.org