View of downtown San Diego from Point Loma.
This year’s ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, Nov. 3–8, promises more than 450 educational sessions, presented by leading rheumatology experts; professional development; networking opportunities; and much more.
Registration for the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting is now open. Come join the ACR and other rheumatology professionals at the world’s premier rheumatology meeting. Take advantage of early bird registration by Aug. 16. To learn more and register, visit the ACR website.
For attendees staying downtown, walking may be the easiest way to sightsee, but San Diego also has a trolley and other public transportation options. To learn the ins and outs of getting around the city, visit the San Diego Public Transportation website.
5th Street in the Gaslamp Quarter
The Annual Meeting will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, making it easy for attendees to walk to the nearby historic Gaslamp Quarter for a bite to eat, with a variety of dining options, including American, Chinese, Brazilian, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Spanish and Mexican. Attendees are also near Seaport Village, which features unique shops, a plethora of restaurants and a view of San Diego Bay and Coronado Island.
Also on the waterfront is the USS Midway Museum. Visitors can explore one of America’s largest and longest-serving aircraft carriers.
Balboa Park, just north of downtown, is home to 17 museums and performing arts venues, gardens, an artist’s village and fine dining. Attendees can download the park’s mobile app to ensure they don’t miss a thing.
Next to Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo, which offers new attractions for attendees who have visited before. Scheduled to open this summer is an eight-acre exhibit called Africa Rocks. The $68 million project features new habitats for African plants and animals. A pathway winds through a West African forest, acacia woodlands, Ethiopian highlands, kopje gardens and a Madagascar habitat. Always popular are the giant pandas, koalas and elephants. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido offers a unique chance to see wild animals in a more natural habitat (package deals are available).
Worth the Drive
Less than 20 minutes by car is Liberty Station, the city’s newest arts and dining district, situated on 100 acres at the former Naval Training Center in Point Loma. Attendees going to Point Loma can also visit the Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on Sept. 28, 1542. The historical site offers breathtaking views of the city, San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as tide pools and historical information.
Old Town San Diego
Accessible by car or trolley, Old Town San Diego is another popular spot. It features original California and Mexican heritage historical sites, including the Whaley House, an 1857 Greek revival-style residence said to be haunted; colorful shops; restaurants; museums; theater; and the restored Cosmopolitan Hotel.
Other popular San Diego attractions are its theme parks, including SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay and SeaWorld’s Aquatica, the LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, and the historic oceanfront Belmont Park with the Giant Dipper (a wooden roller coaster) and other amusements in Pacific Beach.
In May 2017, SeaWorld San Diego opened Ocean Explorer, a multi-million dollar attraction that takes park visitors on an exciting ocean expedition highlighting scientific exploration. “It contains multiple aquariums and rides that use state-of-the-art digital technologies to inspire park visitors to protect our oceans’ wonders,” Ms. Eley says.
A lower-key way to experience the ocean world and learn what it takes to explore and understand the planet is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The aquarium is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.
For a nature experience, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla offers 1,500 acres of untouched nature with multiple hiking trials and beautiful views. Small groups can sign up for free public guided nature walks on weekends.
Also, golfers looking for a unique experience with an ocean view can visit the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which sits atop cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.
Special Events
During the Annual Meeting, a few several special events will be taking place in San Diego, including:
- Breeders’ Cup World Championships, 3–4—The best horses, trainers and owners from around the world will gather at the Del Mar Racetrack for a two-day competition; and
- San Diego Beer Week, Nov. 3–12—Hundreds of beer-centric events take place throughout the county during this 10-day festival that highlights San Diego’s award-winning craft beer, breweries and pubs.
Visit the San Diego events calendar to stay up to date with what’s happening around the city after your daily Annual Meeting events.
“Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, innovate, energize or disconnect from convention activities, San Diego offers the perfect setting,” Ms. Eley says.
Karen Appold is a medical writer in Pennsylvania.
