San Diego CREF Attractions
San Diego is one of California's most beloved beach cities, and people travel from across the globe to enjoy all that it has to offer. Situated on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego, California, is known for its pristine sandy beaches, family-friendly parks, hipster downtown scene, and perennially warm climate. As a result, it has become the top meeting destination in California.
CREF organizers have negotiated special reduced hotel rates ($269 with no resort fee, valid September 13 – 16, based on availability) so that you can bring your friends, family, or loved ones to enjoy all that the area has to offer. And here's just a sample of San Diego CREF highlights:
- Balboa Park
- Coronado Island
- Old Town and Mission San Diego
- San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Sea World and the Birch Aquarium
- Legoland and Belmont Park Rides
- USS Midway Museum and Air and Space Museum
- Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center
- La Jolla Cove and San Diego Beaches
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Petco Park
Thrillist offers a bucket list of 30 things to do in San Diego, but the TripAdvisor's Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego and the U.S News and World Report's 11 Best Things to Do in San Diego are also worth reading while you're planning your stay.
If you're a foodie and can't wait to try some of the best restaurants in San Diego, look no further than Eater San Diego or Zagat's list of San Diego's best restaurants for some top-notch recommendations.
Finally, the New York Times' 36 Hours in San Diego captures the city's essence and provides an ambitious itinerary for any San Diego visitor.
San Diego CREF Location: The Marina District
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, the CREF 2023 host hotel, offers a prime waterfront location in the Marina District, right the heart of downtown San Diego. This hotel is within walking distance of many popular attractions: Seaport Village, the San Diego Convention Center, Horton Plaza, the Gaslamp Quarter, and more.
Downtown San Diego, California, also has some of the city's best nightlife, which is one reason visitors say it's the place to be if you are a lively, adventurous type. If you prefer shopping in small boutiques, you'll find a vast assortment of stores to meet all of your needs. Consider exploring side streets on foot or hopping on an Old Town Trolley Tour. If you're not one to dance the night away, enjoy relaxing outdoors on one of the area's many patios and rooftop lounges instead.
Public transportation is a perfect way to explore downtown San Diego, as parking in this metropolitan area resembles that of most other major US cities: crowded and expensive.
Why not stay an extra day or two to explore all that the San Diego area has to offer? Don't forget to bring your children and loved ones, too, who will have plenty of fun while you're learning about the latest advances in cardiac surgery and perfusion.