Hotel and travel information for San Francisco

Providing useful information for planning your travel and hotel accommodations
The Bay Bridge in the foreground with San Francisco city lights and a colorful California sunset in the background

Join us in San Francisco

San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis. With the famous icon of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city takes pride in its unrivaled attractions and its unique neighborhoods which are treasures of its own. Discover the variety of sites, shops, and restaurants that reflect the city's great ethnic and cultural diversity. You will find tips for traveling to and around the city, as well as the many hotel options available to conference attendees.

Venue

The Moscone Center West
800 Howard Street
San Francisco, California 94103

For a list of hotel names with distances and room rates, download this PDF.

For any housing questions please contact the SPIE Photonics West official housing bureau
Email: spie@conferencedirect.com
Toll-Free: 1-888-408-8195 Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET
International: 1-801-512-2163 Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET

Make your travel plans early


Travel to San Francisco

San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis. Discover the variety the city has to offer, from the Golden Gate Bridge to unique neighborhoods. Look below for further details on the following:

  • Airport information
  • Shuttle and public transit services
  • Parking

A San Francisco resturaunt is light up in the evning sky and a red streak out front shows the tail lights of a passing car

Travel information


Hotel information

Upon arrival at the hotel you will be required to provide a credit card for payment of room, tax and incidentals.  If your Company/University/Organization is paying for your room in advance please contact the hotel directly after housing closes to make arrangements before your arrival date.


Airport information

San Francisco is serviced by two international airports:


Transportation from the airport 


Shuttles and public transportation

  • Super Shuttle provides shared rides from SFO or OAK; book at least 24 hours in advance and prepay with a valid credit card
  • Airport Express Van Service offers SFO and OAK airport shuttle service
  • Clipper Card allows you to pay for all Bay Area transit-bus, rail, ferry and train
  • BART is the Bay Area Rapid Transit offers low-cost, fast, and reliable transportation to downtown, nearby airports, surrounding communities and more
  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency runs a network of fuel-efficient Muni buses, light rail Metro trains, and historic streetcars
  • Caltrain's Baby Bullet Express Service makes it possible to travel between San Francisco and San Jose in less than an hour, stopping at a few popular stations

Parking 

Parking rates at Photonics West Hotels range from $30 (self) to $60 (valet), rates subject to change. Please check with your individual hotel for specific parking rates during the conference week.

SpotHero provides reserved parking spaces throughout San Francisco

Parkopedia lists all the publicly available parking lots, garages, and information about street parking

Best Parking lists parking options in San Francisco

Union Square Parking provides parking garage information in the Union Square shopping district

  • SpotHero provides reserved parking spaces throughout San Francisco
  • Parkopedia lists all the publicly available parking lots, garages, and information about street parking
  • Best Parkinglists parking options in San Francisco
  • Union Square Parking provides parking garage information in the Union Square shopping district

Restaurant and city information

Find restaurant options and information about popular attractions that could help you get around. Visit the San Francisco Visitor's Guide

Download this list of restaurants near the Moscone Center that are open for business, provided by the San Francisco Travel Association.

Visit the San Francisco Visitor's Guide

Family care while attending the meeting

SPIE believes that individuals with significant caregiving responsibilities should have an equal opportunity to share their research and participate in conferences and symposia. SPIE Family Care Grants are designed to supplement caregiving costs incurred by SPIE Members who are registered to attend an SPIE meeting, either in person or virtually. See hotel details in the reservation system to find hotels that offer onsite childcare. Find information and apply for an SPIE Family Care Grant

Don't forget your visa

Be sure to plan ahead and apply to get a visa if it is needed.