San Diego is the perfect place to bring your long-delayed travel dreams to life this August. Whether you are traveling on your own or bringing family along for the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) adventure, the Southern California beachfront city offers a destination for everyone. San Diego is the birthplace of California, and offers a mix of urban and coastal attractions to visit. From the beautiful shorelines of Coronado Beach to the bustling streets of the famous Gaslamp Quarter, there is much to explore.
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are connected on the same shoreline in San Diego, but these coastal spots share considerable differences. For those seeking a more relaxed beach scene, be sure to visit Mission Beach. The area hosts more homes than hotels, and Mission Boulevard is a great place to shop, dine and have a drink. Coronado Beach is another relaxing getaway destination that is known for its picturesque sunsets and calm waters.
Visitors looking to experience the exciting nightlife San Diego has to offer should make their way to Pacific Beach and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which is filled with more than 200 world-class boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and lounges. The district’s southern end is conveniently located across the street from the San Diego Convention Center, where VAM sessions are being held.
Thrill-seekers should check out Belmont Park, a crowd favorite beachfront amusement park that borders the Mission and Pacific beaches. Another popular family destination is Balboa Park. The 1,200-acre urban park includes museums, theaters and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Beach-goers can catch a glimpse of wildlife outside of zoo limits and hangout with the seals at La Jolla Cove. Locals say this is a great place to try out snorkeling or take a kayak tour.
Sports fans traveling to San Diego the weekend of VAM can enjoy a baseball game at Petco Park after the conference. The Phillies will travel to town for a three-game series with the Padres, kicking off Friday, Aug. 20. Petco Park is located right next to the city’s Gaslamp Quarter and shows off views of San Diego’s East Village.
San Diego offers plenty of tours around the city. Consider checking out the San Diego Harbor Cruise to get a one-of-a-kind view of San Diego’s skyline and the Coronado Bridge. The San Diego Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley is a great way to explore multiple spots at once. Consider extending your trip to VAM this summer and soak in everything that San Diego has to offer. To learn more about the city’s many attractions and tour options, visit www.sandiego.org.
