Come enjoy 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. You will find tips for traveling to and around the city, as well as the many hotel options available to conference attendees.
Welcome to the headquarters hotel for SPIE Optics + Photonics adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and right on the waterfront. It offers a great location within easy walking distance to downtown, great food, and many popular tourist attractions. Visit www.marriott.com
Enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery of San Diego, the perfect home for a summer meeting. Check out the information below for:
San Diego Travel Guide
Visa information
Airport information
Transportation from the airport
Shuttles and public transportation
Bayfront Shuttle
Hop on the Big Bay Shuttle — $3 to ride all day — to visit the numerous hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants along the scenic San Diego bay. Shuttle route includes Hilton Bayfront, Marriott Marquis & Marina, Seaport Village, Broadway/Navy Pier, Maritime Museum, Sheraton Hotel & Marina.
Car rental
Hertz Car Rental
Hertz is the official car rental agency for this event. To reserve a car, identify yourself as a SPIE Optics + Photonics conference attendee using the Hertz Meeting Code CV# 022Q9638. Discount rates apply for roundtrip rentals up to one week prior through one week after the conference dates. (Some one-way rentals qualify for the discount rates based on their pick-up and drop-off locations. Vehicles rented in Northern California can be returned to any corporate Hertz location within Northern California and vehicles rented in Southern California can be returned to any corporate Hertz location within Southern California).
Note: When booking from International Hertz locations, the CV # must be entered with the letters CV before the number, i.e. CV022Q9638.
Driving directions and parking
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.
It's even easier with a digital pass; combine favorite attractions and save money.
Visit GO San Diego website