Event Transportation in San Diego, California
Known as the “land of endless summer,” San Diego is located along the Pacific Ocean at the San Diego Bay, just north of the U.S.-Mexican border, and offers a warm Mediterranean climate for year-round conventions and meetings.
Also one of America’s top vacation spots, San Diego provides a stunning natural environment, 70 miles of Pacific coastline, almost a hundred golf courses and an abundance of southern California event venues. It ranks within the top five selections for the number of meeting and event venues found in the area, as reported in an annual Cvent ranking.
San Diego’s infrastructure is well developed and offers a centrally-located airport located less than three miles from downtown. This makes it easy for Event Transportation Systems (ETS) to shuttle groups to and from airports in efficient and safe shuttles or executive vehicles. ETS also provides transportation planning and execution for large meetings and events in San Diego.
San Diego Convention Spaces
Many major conventions take place in the San Diego Convention Center. This 2.6 million-square-foot facility is located downtown along the sparkling waterfront and offers up to seven halls and 72 meeting rooms. Within a mile and a half are 11,000 hotel rooms, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. The Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, the USS Midway Museum, and Petco Park—home to the San Diego Padres—are all found nearby.
Since San Diego is such a popular meeting location, many hotel brands offer combined hotel and convention center spaces as well, with a choice of downtown or oceanfront views.
Unique San Diego Event Venues
Meeting planners can select among many unique event venue options around town, ranging from the eclectic downtown Gaslamp district to luxurious North County resorts. Venues include cruises, the Natural History Museum, Fiesta de Reyes, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Wave House San Diego, Balboa Park, area wineries, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego, among others. The Birch Aquarium in nearby La Jolla offers a venue containing the largest oceanographic display found in the U.S.
Diverse Hotel and Resort Options
San Diego’s collection of hotels and resorts are as diverse as they are plenty, ranging from award-winning world-class resorts and global brands to unique boutique hotels, located from downtown to the shoreline. Among them are the luxurious Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, the Manchester Grant Hyatt with its ocean and city views, the historic Grande Colonial Hotel and The US Grant (built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. in 1910), and the photogenic Horton Grand Hotel.
While many hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of the Convention Center, larger meetings will require shuttles to hotels that are further away.
Dining Options in San Diego
It’s easy to incorporate food into San Diego event planning where popular regional cuisine is composed of California, Pacific Rim, Elegant Continental, Contemporary French, and Authentic Mexican and Southwestern dishes. San Diego’s delicious cuisine can be coupled with magnificent waterfront and boat venues, countryside settings, mountain vistas and a dynamic downtown, and many events can be held outdoors.
Getting Around San Diego
When it comes to transporting attendees around San Diego, rely on ETS to plan and execute shuttle services for large meetings, airport transfers, and executive transportation. ETS has managed transportation services in San Diego for numerous clients, and understands how to navigate efficiently through the streets of San Diego.
While you’re planning your event, be sure to inquire about our video and bus banner sponsorship opportunities provided by our sponsorship division, Newsday Communications. Shuttles are ideal “vehicles” for exhibitor messaging during conventions, and planners can generate additional revenue by adding shuttles as an advertising option.
Contact ETS for more information.
