Local Area

Click HERE for a look at many of the activities you can explore while visiting San Diego. From weekend ideas, to museums, to nightlife and things to do on the water, you will find lots of fun things to make your trip memorable. From tours to weekend fun, kids activities and everything in between, visit the links below to plan your trip.

Because there is no dedicated field trip day this year, there will be no official conference field trips. However, San Diego and its surroundings offer plenty of exciting destinations for small group outings before or after the conference. During registration, you will have a chance to sign up for a mailing list to facilitate coordinating such excursions (see “Social Connections”). If you decide later (after you register), you can email IUSSI2022@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.

Famous tourist attractions:

• San Diego Zoo - an internationally recognized zoo with a focus on natural habitats
• Balboa Park - huge park including many museums such as the Fleet Science Center, Natural History Museum and the Art Museum
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• Cabrillo National Monument
• USS Midway Museum
• Coronado Island
• Walk around La Jolla (Sea lions, harbor seals, art galleries, restaurants)
• Bike around Mission Bay, ocean park, pasific beach
• Eat Mexican food at Old Town

Ocean related:

• Snorkeling and/or scuba diving in La Jolla Cove
• Surfing lessons (Pacific Beach/ Ocean Beach/ La Jolla shores)
• Kayaking in La Jolla shores
• Enjoy a day at silver strand beach
• Walk along sunset cliffs

Hiking:

• Torrey Pines State Beach/Park
• Mission trails
• Potato Chip Rock

Further (45-1hour away):

• San Diego wildlife safari park
• San Diego Botanic Garden (Encinitas)
• Visit the historic mountain town Julian, known for its apple pie and hike in the nearby mountains

Much further (>2 hours away):

• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Mojave National Preserve
• Birding at the Salton sea
• Los Angeles (not much to do there...)
• Santa Barbara

Transportation

• Coronado Ferry
• Bus to Balboa
• Trolley to Old Town
• Bike rentals & path
• Uber / Lyft