San Diego Crime and Intelligence Analysts Association

The conference room rates are good from October 15 through 24. Bring your family, significant other or a good friend and enjoy some of what San Diego has to offer before or after the conference.

Downtown San Diego

Located on San Diego Bay within walking distance of the conference site, Seaport Village offers everything from shops, food and entertainment.

I have been told The Fish Market has great sushi and seafood dishes, not to mention the fabulous view of the water.  I can’t believe I have lived in San Diego my whole life and have never been there.  I may just have to change that this week…

Right next to the Fish Market, is the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.  Set aside at least a half a day to tour this incredible ship.  Explore the interior of the ship and then climb inside restored aircraft on the top deck.  This is an awesome way to honor our brave military personnel and get a glimpse into the sacrifices they make for our nation’s safety on a daily basis.

The Maritime Museum, located on the west side of North Harbor Drive, between the ends of Ash Street and Grape Street, preserves one of the largest collections of historic sea vessels in the United States.  This is a collection of eight vessels, including the Star of India, where the public can go aboard each ship to explore and learn about its’ history.

Balboa Park, located four miles away from the convention site, is the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zoo, the Park has an ever-changing calendar of museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts, and classes—all in the beautiful and timeless setting of this must-see San Diego attraction.

Beaches

There are 30+ beaches along the San Diego Coastline.  The weather is still nice in October although the water temperature is beginning to drop into the low to mid 60’s.  Even if you choose not to swim in the ocean, you won’t regret a barefoot walk in the sand.  Three great options:

Just on the other side of San Diego Bay is Coronado.  Cross over the Coronado Bridge and visit Coronado Beach.  I recommend walking through Hotel Del Coronado to get there.

Mission Beach is just fun.  It’s got a great Boardwalk.  You can rent bicycles or go Belmont Park and ride the historic Big Dipper roller coaster and then go have some ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone.  So much to see and do.

The La Jolla Children’s Pool always fascinates visitors.  It used to be a swimming area for children until the California Harbor Seals claimed the beach.  You can see sea lions and sea otters in the water and surrounding rocks as well.

San Diego Beaches Travel Guide.  This is a great guide to most of our beaches in San Diego.  It has descriptions and maps.

Wineries

There are more than 50 wineries in San Diego County.  Some of my favorites:  Farrara Winery (closed Tuesdays), hidden in a residential neighborhood in Escondido, makes some of the best wines and ports in San Diego County; Bernardo Winery with its Village Shops and Café Merlot is the oldest continuously operating winery in Southern California; Enjoy a bottle of wine, some fresh French bread and a meat and cheese roll on Orfila’s patio overlooking the vineyard.

Amusement Parks

San Diego Zoo (Located near Balboa Park in San Diego about 4 miles away)

San Diego Zoo Safari Park (about 35 miles north in Escondido)

Seaworld (Mission Bay about 8 miles away)

Legoland (about 30 miles up the coast in Carlsbad)

Maps!

View San Diego – Some Places To Go ArcGIS Online presentation created by an Esri staff member who lives in San Diego.  After you click on the link, you might need to refresh the page.

San Diego is becoming known as the Beer Capital of the U.S.  One of SDCIAA’s own members helped create PubQuest.com to help you plan your beer tasting quest.