San Diego Adventures

San Diego, California is on the doorstep of or a short drive from world class recreational opportunities. You'll be in for a spectacular experience if you allow for at least a day of play on either end of your conference schedule. Budget several free days around the to link multiple experiences for an ultimate So Cal adventure. As an added benefit, special conference hotel rates are honored three nights before and after the conference events. 

Pacific Ocean

San Diego has miles of glorious coastline, offering outstanding opportunities for surfing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, diving and more. Check the link for more details and logistics on these activities.

Surfing San Diego's Legendary Breaks
Tide-pooling
Sailing
Fishing
Trying to catch the green flash (Sunsets)

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Five-hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails and muddy caves in the desert is what make Anza-Borrego the largest state park in California. Anza-Borrego features a great variety of desert plants such as wildflowers and cacti; as well as exciting wildlife, including roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes and even iguanas. Anza-Borrego is located on the eastern side of the San Diego County, only about two hours away from the City of San Diego.

Cabrillo National Monument Park

Cabrillo National Monument Park doesn’t only tell the story of the first European to step foot on the US West Coast, it also has many natural resources to enjoy. It features a beautiful scenic ocean view, a coastline with fascinating habitats and the Mediterranean harmony that is rarely found between ocean scenes and desert wildlife. Cabrillo National Monument is also the house of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, a reminder of simpler times. About 20 minutes distance from Downtown San Diego, a $3.00 per person or $6.00per vehicle fee is requested at the entrance for a 7-day pass.

Joshua Tree National Park

This desert park houses a variety of animals and plants that add vitality to the surreal geological features and to the climatic extremes. People come for the trails, the starry nights, and the rock climbing. Temperatures are most comfortable during spring and fall, when temperature averages around 85oF high and 50oF low. Winter brings cooler days, and freezing nights. Sometimes it even snows. Summers are hot, over 100oF during the day and not cooling much below 85oF during the night. Joshua Tree National Park lies 175 miles northeast of San Diego and a $5.00 per person or $15.00 per vehicle fee is requested for a 7-day entrance pass.

Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses nearly 5,800 acres of both natural and developed recreational acres. Its rugged hills, valleys and open areas represent a San Diego prior to the landing of Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542. Centrally located only eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park provides a quick, natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle. With over 40 miles of trails, boating on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake, numerous informative hikes, and a state-of-the-art Visitor & Interpretive Center, Mission Trails Regional Park has something to offer everyone

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast: 2000 acres of land that are as they were before San Diego was developed -with the chaparral plant community, the rare and elegant Torrey pine trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. Torrey Pines State Reserve is a day-use park only. There is no overnight camping facility. Picnics are permitted on the beach only. No food or drinks (other than water) are permitted in the Reserve (i.e., the mesa above the beach and the Extension). There is no place in the park to buy food or drinks, so hikers are advised to bring and carry drinking water on the trails. Torrey Pines State Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego and an $8.00 parking fee is required per car.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians and it surrounds the Cuyamaca Lake, a 110 acre lake that is stocked with 44,000 lbs. of fish all year. The park, only about 50 miles east of San Diego, requires an entrance fee and a camping and reservation fee, so make sure you call ahead if you’re planning on camping.

La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve

The Ecological Reserve founded in 1971 which spans from La Jolla cove all the way to La Jolla Shores. This area is a “Free Swimming Zone” and boating is permitted only at speeds of five miles per hour. No fishing is allowed as it is also a marine refuge. La Jolla Cove is an extraordinarily beautiful and very small beach, tucked between adjacent sandstone cliffs. Water visibility at the Cove can sometimes exceed 30 feet, making it a popular location for scuba divers and snorklers. Both La Jolla Cove and Shores are famous for the view and the variety of aquatic sports available, such as scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and canoeing. The equipment can be found for rent at the beach, while the access to the Reserve is free.

Cleveland National Forest

Consisting of 460,000 acres, the forest offers a wide variety of terrains and recreational opportunities. Many of the trails today follow routes first used by the early dwellers of San Diego. The Cleveland National Forest is a very special place in southern California as it is a haven for wildlife and plants. Some of the activities offers in the Forest are hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, exploring the stars, picnic spots, snow play and shooting. Most national forest system lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment; however, if you plan to use a specialized facility (camping, parking, boat launch, ramps, swimming site, etc.) in the forest, you may have to pay a user fee.

Lake Morena County Park

Morena Reservoir lies in the middle of 3,250 acres of chaparral, oak woods, and grassland. In addition to these natural attributes, the newly renovated park features some of the most modern camping facilities in San Diego County. Picnicking, hiking, fishing...Lake Morena County Park has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast. The park shows characteristics of desert, coastal, and mountain habitats. Reservations are necessary for camping and the fees vary depending on the camping spot and the kind of camping facility, so call ahead. Lake Morena Park is only 56.7 miles away from Downtown San Diego, about an hour drive.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. Reservations are not required to enter Yosemite; however, it is strongly recommend that you make reservations for camping or lodging if you plan to spend the night. The park is approximately 440 miles away from San Diego, a well-worthy drive of about 8hrs.