By Rob McAulay
We here at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine can’t wait for you to discover America’s Finest City! Whether you are traveling on your own or bringing the whole family, you will find an endless number of attractions and activities to suit your interests. Be prepared to be surprised and delighted. Whether it be the glorious Pacific Ocean, the endless beaches, our mountains, valleys or deserts…we have it all! Take advantage of the Hyatt’s discounted room rates, before and after the conference, so you can experience San Diego at its best. 
We are home to the world famous San Diego Zoo where you can get acquainted with over 4,000 animals, including the popular giant pandas. Less known but equally amazing is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a 1,800 acre open air, free range park where you get up close and personal with the animals.
For a wetter experience go to SeaWorld where you can enjoy marine mammals, thrill rides and shows. Tell them Shamu sent you!
If you like Lego building bricks, Legoland is the theme park for you, where everything Lego is celebrated. This is a local favorite for young children.
Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre urban cultural park and national historic landmark where you can visit countless museums, gardens and beautifully preserved historic buildings. 
For those of you into the performing arts, San Diego is home to two of the most influential regional theaters outside of New York City: the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park and the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla.
Within walking distance from the Hyatt is San Diego’s vibrant downtown. Visit the historic Gaslamp district where you will find restaurants, stores, live music and the Horton Plaza shopping center. Window-shop the charming boutiques at Seaport Village. Tour the Midway Museum, one of America’s longest serving aircraft carriers. Catch the Padres playing ball at Petco Park. Take the ferry to visit the affluent resort community of Coronado or cruise San Diego harbor. 
If you are more adventurous, visit the many beach communities that line our coast. Whether it be walking the pier at Ocean Beach, hiking the cliffs of Torrey Pines, riding the roller coaster at Mission Bay or rubbing elbows with the rich and famous in La Jolla, each beach town has a distinct personality of it’s own.
Finally, for those of you traveling from out of state, remember we are only a two hour drive from Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Disneyland.
We can’t wait to share our city with you!
ASPE News 