Surf's Up in San Diego
California's Beach City
San Diego has long had a reputation as a vibrant city known for outstanding food, great weather and 70 miles of spectacular coastline. You will also find a wealth of experiences literally just across the street from the San Diego Convention Center.
Below is our PSTM24 San Diego guide to guarantee a super fun visit. We look forward to seeing everyone this September!
Dining in the Gaslamp
The Gaslamp Quarter has grown up just outside of the San Diego Convention Center as a 16-block premier attraction of the city. With trendy boutiques, nightclubs, upscale and lowscale dining options, gastropubs, dive bars, arcades, and the shadow of PetCo Park, it is THE place to go after a busy day on the convention floor.
You can find dining options ranging from world-class Italian to Caribbean to Japanese to Mexican, all within a 12-minute walk from the SDCC. Highlights include:
- Mezé Greek Fusion
- Karina’s Cantina
- Nobu San Diego
- Havana 1920
- Toro
- The Grant Grill
- Barleymash
- Altitude Sky Lounge
Balboa Park: Museums, Theater and More
You won't want to leave San Diego without finding some time to visit Balboa Park, known as the "Smithsonian of the West." While it features an oasis of 450 palms, a butterfly garden and rose and cactus gardens, this is more than a "park." Amid its 1,200 acres, you'll find a world-famous zoo and 17 museums, as well as performing arts venues. Don't miss:
- Centro Cultural de la Raza
- Comic-Con Museum
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Air and Space Museum
- Model Railroad Museum
- The Old Globe Theatre
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion (world’s largest outdoor pipe organ!)
Sightseeing
San Diego offers the beauty of the bay as well as a host of beautiful parks and outdoor excursions if you need to "get away" for a while. You can walk along the Embarcadero for a seaside view or take an Old Town Trolley Tour to see historical sights. Or, if you want to go a little farther afield, you can hike along the world-famous coastline of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Consider visiting:
- Old Town State Historic Park
- USS Midway Museum
- Presidio Park
- Little Italy
- Chinatown
- SeaWorld
- San Diego Zoo
- Legoland
- City Lights Night Tour
- Mission Beach
- Coronado Island
Breweries
San Diego is home to some of the most iconic breweries, including Ballast Point and Stone Brewing (there's a Stone tap house in the Gaslamp, but take a quick cab to Liberty Public Market to visit their World Bistro & Gardens.) Here are just a few area options:
- Ballast Point Brewing
- Half Door Brewing
- Karl Strauss Brewing
- Stone World Bistro & Gardens
- Mission Brewery
- Mike Hess Brewing
- Coronado Brewing Company
- The Church by Lost Abbey