Getting to the Hilton – San Diego Bayfront from the Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 400-2404
The San Diego International airport is approximately 3-4 miles, or 10-minutes by car from the downtown area and convention hotel. Given the short distance, the most convenient way to get from the airport to the hotel or downtown area is by taxi or rideshare service.
TAXI: Taxis are available outside baggage claim in the taxi line. Taxis cost approximately $15-20 from the airport to the hotel.
RIDESHARE SERVICE: It is also possible to request a ridesharing service (Uber. Lyft, etc.) at the airport – just follow the signs from baggage claim across the skybridge to the pickup locations.
SHUTTLE: The Hilton San Diego Bayfront does not offer complimentary shuttle service, but the Super Shuttle/Cloud 9 Shuttle is approximately $10 to the hotel.
Getting Around San Diego
Downtown San Diego is very walkable, however, San Diego city neighborhoods outside of downtown are a bit more spread out and the primary method of transportation is by car (taxi, Uber, and Lyft). Taxis accept cash, debit, and credit cards and San Diego has several cab companies including: American Cab (619.234.1111), Orange Cab (619.291.3333), Silver Cab (619.280.5555), and Yellow Cab (619.444.4444).
If you are interested in taking a ride up the coast to visit some of the beach towns, the Coaster Commuter Train is also an option to see some breathtaking views of coastal scenery (http://www.gonctd.com/coaster).
You can also ride the San Diego Trolley, which is a great way to get to Little Italy and Old Town. The closest stop to the hotel is on 5th and Harbor Dr, a 5-minute walk (https://www.sdmts.com).
Things to do in San Diego
Cuisine
San Diego has a wide variety of cuisines available, with far too many incredible restaurants to list. Since some restaurants can book up quickly, reservations are frequently recommended. San Diego is known for its Cali Baja cuisine and famous fish tacos (try Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, Coasterra, El Zarape, Puesto, Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill), Mexican food (Try Lolita’s Taco Shop, La Puerta, Old Town Mexican Café, Casa Guadalajara), and seafood (try The Fish Market, Oceanaire Seafood Room, George’s La Jolla). However, San Diego also has a variety of cuisines peppered throughout the many unique local neighborhoods. For example, try Little Italy and nearby for Italian (try Davanti Enoteca, Buon Appetito, Cucina Urbana). For dessert try Extraordinary Desserts, Donut Bar, Papppalecco, and Chocolat Cremerie. Fairly reliable restaurant reviews and recommendations by San Diego neighborhood can be found on Yelp and OpenTable.com. OpenTable.com is also very helpful for making restaurant reservations. We will also be posting a list of nearby restaurants by San Diego neighborhood on the ABCT website, and feel free to stop by the Local Arrangements table if you would like a copy.
Sightseeing Activities
San Diego also has several unique cultural landmarks and sightseeing opportunities that are worth a visit. Balboa Park (2.5 miles from the hotel), is one of the oldest urban cultural parks in the US, and contains over 17 museums, natural vegetation zones, gardens (the rose and cactus gardens are a standout), several theaters (including The Old Globe), and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Cabrillo National Monument (15 miles away) in Point Loma offers beautiful views of the downtown city area across the bay. Tour the USS Midway (1.5 miles away) and explore more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 27 restored air crafts or take a San Digeo Bay Cruise (1.5 miles away) for a 1- or 2-hour narrated trip along the coast (http://www.flagshipsd.com/cruises/san-diego-harbor-tour).
Beaches
Although November may not be prime beach weather (the water can reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit in November – brrr), San Diego has incredible beaches that are worth a trip, even just to take a relaxing walk on the sand or enjoy a beautiful sunset. A few of the standout beach communities nearby, all of which have their own unique flavor, include: Coronado (3 miles from the hotel), Mission Beach (10 miles away), Pacific Beach (11 miles away), La Jolla Shores & Cove (16 miles away), Del Mar (25 miles away).
Shopping
Nearby the hotel, Seaport Village has several charming and unique boutiques and souvenir shops. For more traditional shops, visit Westfield Horton Plaza in the heart of downtown San Diego. If you are in Old Town stopping by for some Mexican food, check out Bazaar Del Mundo, which includes a variety of lovely and colorful shops from Latin America and around the world.
Music
San Diego has hundreds of music venues across the city, from intimate settings to large arenas. A few of the standouts include the Belly Up Tavern, House of Blues, The Observatory in North Park, The Casbah for Rock/Alternative, and Seven Grand for Jazz. Check out Ticketmaster.com for information about local concerts.
Bars and Breweries
San Diego is a major attraction for craft beer enthusiasts and boasts over 120 breweries around the city! There are several popular breweries within walking distance of the hotel or a short drive away, including: Mission Brewery, Stone Brewery, Resident Brewing, Modern Times Beer, Ballast Point, Monkey Paw Brewery, Half Door Brewing Company, and Karl Strauss. Not a beer drinker? Standout bars downtown include: Noble Experiment, Prohibition, Vin de Syrah (wine), and Altitude Sky Lounge (an open-air bar with views of the downtown skyline).
Weather
San Diego is famous for temperate weather nearly all year-round! In November, the average high is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the low drops to mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to layer and bring a light jacket and walking shoes.
