Hotel and travel information for San Francisco

Providing the most up-to-date information to make your travel and onsite experience the best possible
The Bay Bridge in the foreground with San Francisco city lights lining a colorful California sunset

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
747 Howard Street
San Francisco, California 94103

Hotel information

Hotel options and reservation details will be available in the coming months. Book through SPIE for the best offers.

The San Francisco waterfront in the evening, lit up by the city lights and a peak of the Bay Bridge on the right

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
San Francisco Restaurants (Open Table)

Under an evening sky, a San Francisco resturaunt is light up and a red streak out front shows the tail lights of a passing car

Travel information


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

 


Car rental 

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 

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

 


Restaurant and city information

Find restaurant options and information about popular attractions. 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. 

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 to secure your visa

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