Hotel and travel for San Diego

Providing information to make your travel and onsite logistics the best possible experience
View of Coronado bridge near SPIE Medical Imaging event

Welcome to beautiful San Diego

Access information for one of the West Coast's favorite oceanside cities, San Diego. With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather year round, and a variety of magnificent settings countywide. San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive getaway for kids and adults, any time of year. You will find tips for traveling to and around the city, as well as information about the conference hotel, the Town and Country Resort. See the beautifully refurbished hotel and grounds through photos. View the gallery.

Don't forget to secure your visa. Plan ahead and apply early to get a visa if it is needed. Visa infomation.

Town and Country Resort

500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108
The perfect setting for business or pleasure, the conference hotel has been a landmark destination in Mission Valley, San Diego and offers a premier location near many popular attractions and activities. The resort is a modern expression of the 1960s Southern California vibe— relaxed, playful—where everyone feels welcome.

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

Travel to San Diego

Information is provided for:

  • airport
  • shuttle services
  • public transit services
  • driving directions and parking

Explore San Diego

Visa information

Suitcase packed for SPIE Medical Imaging event

Transportation information


Airport information

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is conveniently located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego.

Transportation from the airport 

  • Taxi service from the San Diego Airport to the downtown hotels is approximately $15 - 25 depending on traffic.
  • Uber or Lyft from the San Diego Airport to the downtown hotels is approximately $6 - 8 (shared ride) or $12 - 17.

Shuttles and public transportation

Getting around San Diego 
San Diego offers many modes of public transportation, providing travelers with economical and eco-friendly options to explore the region. Check out all of the options available.

And - there's a whole new way to get everywhere you need to go: The PRONTO card and app. PRONTO (which replaces the old Compass Card system) lets you get a move on faster and easier anytime you want to ride the San Diego Trolley, a bus or the Coaster train.

If you're staying in and around downtown San Diego, the iconic bright red trolley will take you in and around the city. The San Diego Trolley provides convenient services from key locations downtown, including the Santa Fe Depot and the San Diego Convention Center, crisscrossing through downtown and out to various locations like Old Town, Mission Valley, El Cajon, Santee and San Ysidro, which is on the Mexican border. The new UC San Diego Blue Line trolley extension also expands service northward to Clairemont, the UCSD/La Jolla area and the Westfield UTC shopping center.

Hertz Car Rental

To receive 20% off the retail rate, enter “CDP 2188961” under the ‘add a discount code’ section when making an online reservation.


Parking

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


Things to do  

No stay in San Diego is complete without a trip to the waterfront. San Diego Bay is bustling with activity and a long maritime and military history. The city is also home to the largest urban cultural park in the United States, Balboa Park is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West.” Its 1,200 lush acres are home to 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo. There is always somewhere worth exploring in this seaside city and surrounding area — whether driving, biking, boating, or walking.

  • Explore Coronado Island
  • Visit the many beaches
  • Cruise the harbor
  • Visit the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, or Sea World
  • Visit the many museums
  • Ride the trolley to Old Town
  • Find fun at Belmont Park

It's even easier with a digital pass; combine favorite attractions and save money.
Visit GO San Diego website

Sustainability practices applied

The Town and Country Resort is striving to make a difference when it comes to sustainability, and SPIE is proud to partner with them in this effort. Here are some of the initiatives they have enacted.
Learn more

Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego