In addition to learning about the latest advances in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, a trip to ATS 2024 is an opportunity for most attendees to explore a new destination when not at the San Diego Convention Center.
With its warm climate, laid-back atmosphere, and several can’t-miss landmarks to visit, San Diego is an idyllic host city for International Conference attendees to explore. For those unfamiliar with this California gem, the following sites and attractions offer entertainment, beautiful scenery, and delectable dining options to ensure visitors make the most of their downtime.
Balboa Park
Prices vary.
Spanning 1,200 acres, Balboa Park features miles of hiking trails, 17 museums, performing arts venues, lush plant life, and plenty of restaurants to stop in for a bite.
San Diego Zoo
Multi-ticket options available; adult tickets start at $69 when you buy online.
Located within Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo has been a staple of San Diego for more than 100 years. This nonprofit wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals and more than 700,000 exotic plants.
Visitors can also explore the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, one of the largest attractions in San Diego County. The park houses an array of wild and endangered animals from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.
Seaport Village
Prices vary.
Seaport Village is a 14-acre shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located directly on the waterfront. As visitors stroll through the beautiful plazas of Seaport Village, they can visit one of the 54 shops, 13 casual dining eateries, or four fine dining establishments in the area. The complex is also home to a historic, hand-carved carousel.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Adult (18+) $20 / Senior (62+), Military with ID, and Students (13-17) $15 / Child (3-12) $10.
Established in 1948 in San Diego Bay, the Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves one of the world’s largest and most unique collections of historic sea vessels. The Star of India, a signature piece in the museum’s collection, is among the world’s oldest active ships. The museum is open daily for public tours.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Adult $23 / Seniors $21 / Seniors 60+ and Military $21 / Children (3-10) $12
For more than 60 years, the rolling hills of north San Diego County have been transformed into a spectacular display of awe-inspiring natural color and beauty. The nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up the extraordinary colors of the Flower Fields could be in bloom during the conference.
Gaslamp Quarter
Prices vary.
The Gaslamp Quarter is the heart and soul of downtown San Diego. Whether visitors are looking for a quick bite in between education sessions or an authentic fine dining experience, the plethora of restaurants in the area can satisfy any craving. At night, the area’s bars and clubs come to life with live comedy shows and music. The pedestrian-friendly design ensures every location in the Gaslamp Quarter is just a short walk away from one another.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Neighborhoods
Prices vary.
The uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest is located near downtown at the center of San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ community, where there is always something fun to see and do. This colorful neighborhood is the setting of many LGBTQIA+ events and activities throughout the year. Hillcrest celebrates diversity year-round and is known for its openness, hospitality, and quaint appeal.
Adjacent to Hillcrest, North Park is a trendy, eclectic neighborhood popular with LGBTQIA+ visitors and locals. Home to a multitude of inviting bars and clubs, North Park is known for its many craft breweries, casual cafes, eateries, one-of-a-kind stores, and fashionable boutiques.
REGISTER FOR ATS 2024
Register today for the ATS 2024 International Conference! Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in the in-person conference, May 17-22 in San Diego. Join your colleagues to learn about the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.
Not an ATS member? Join today and save up to $540.