About San Diego
With its natural beauty, 70 miles of pristine beaches, temperate climate, and rich cultural history, San Diego offers something for everyone. A thriving artistic and cultural community has blossomed in this part of California. San Diego has the highest concentration of museums outside of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the country and features 17 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, the Tony Award-winning Globe Theatres, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
 Over the past decade, San Diego has experienced a spectacular culinary metamorphosis. Cuisine and ambiance here are as vibrant and diverse as the region itself, with many restaurants exhibiting a unique local flair. You will discover restaurants ranging from elegant to fun and casual. With San Diego's perfect climate, many restaurants offer outdoor dining with beautiful views. Within walking distance of the convention center and hotels is the Seaport Village and Gas Lamp Quarter, both locations with a variety of interesting and fun restaurants.
 During your visit, you may want to venture out to the other nearby towns like LaJolla—a shopping Mecca with beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and museums. Coronado is a small "island" town on San Diego Bay that can be seen from most convention hotels. It is connected to San Diego by the San Diego–Coronado Bridge and via water taxi from most hotels. Chula Vista is 15 minutes south of San Diego and 7 miles from Mexico. Chula Vista means "beautiful view" and is nestled around a bay filled with boats, with the picturesque San Miguel Mountains as the backdrop. Del Mar is north of San Diego and is a 2 square mile coastal town with a population of 4,500 and is considered one of the most beautiful destinations along the western coastline. Many of the town's buildings reflect the unique, interesting history of the region; ; for instance, the Del Mar Library is a craftsman-style building constructed in 1914 as a Catholic Church. For years it was the only house of worship between San Diego and San Clemente. Jimmy Durante, Desi Arnaz, and Bing Crosby served as Sunday ushers.
The most difficult decision to make regarding your trip to San Diego is determining what to do and see among the region's vast and diverse variety of offerings. Plan now for ASHA's convention in November and add a day or two to enjoy Southern California.
For more information, visit the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site.
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Getting To and Around San Diego
Airports and Airlines
San Diego International Airport is just 10 minutes from Downtown San Diego. The airport handles air transportation for more than 22 major and commuter airlines. For terminal and airline information, call 619-231-2100 or visit the San Diego International Airport Web site.
Taxi Service
Five can ride for the price of one! All cabs leaving the airport charge the same rate. Taxicab stands are located at the airport, most hotels, attractions, and shopping centers. The two main taxicab companies for San Diego are Yellow Cab (619-239-8061) and Orange Cab Co. (619-291-3333), both of which accept credit cards upon request.
Public Transportation
Avoid traffic and parking by using San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The MTS consists of buses, trolleys, and coasters, which provide transportation throughout San Diego County. For schedule and fare information, call (800)-COMMUTE or visit the San Diego Transit Web site. All MTS transportation vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
Walking
Located on the sparkling San Diego Bay in the heart of a vibrant Downtown, you'll find the San Diego Convention Center. There are a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center. Pedestrian friendly sites include the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, and Seaport Village.
Restaurants
The Restaurant and Concierge Services Booth will be staffed in the lobby of the San Diego Convention Center during the following hours:
November 17, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
November 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Staffed with their knowledgeable personnel, this service is complimentary. The booth is stocked with the latest San Diego information, actual restaurant menus, and you can make immediate reservations. There will also be information about activities throughout the San Diego region.
If you wish pre-convention assistance with dining and special events, please call or e-mail Laurie Peters, 619-525-5291 or laurie.peters@visitsandiego.com.
Car Rental
ASHA members can take advantage of discounted Avis rates! Avis is offering special discounts on a wide selection of vehicles beginning one week prior until one week after Convention. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit the Avis Web site or call (800)-831-8000. Be sure to have your discount number ready when making your reservation. If you do not have the discount number, you can obtain it through the ASHA Web site or by calling the Action Center.
Driving and Parking
Vehicle parking is available in the Convention Center's underground 1,900-space parking garage. The cost is $8 per vehicle per day for Convention Center events, $10 during other events. Off-site parking is available at numerous nearby locations. For information on driving in the State of California, you can visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Web site.
Additional Services
In addition to the services listed above, San Diego offers transportation and tours by pedicab, gondola, horse-drawn carriage, ferry, and water taxi. For more information, you can visit the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site and click on "Getting Around".
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