Visiting San Diego with Fetch dvm360®

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The Fetch dvm360®conference will take place in the extraordinary San Diego, California—also known as “America’s Finest City”—from December 2 to 5. Are you attending? If so, here are some noteworthy sites to visit before, after, or in between sessions to get the full experience of this captivating destination.

San Diego landmarks

Old Town Trolley Tours

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Since 1989, these iconic sightseeing trolleys have been taking passengers on a 2-hour tour of San Diego and Coronado that covers 25 miles and over 100 points of interest.¹ Personalize your expedition as you can get on and off at any of the popular stops including Seaport Village, Petco Park, Little Italy, and more. The Old Town Trolley Tours offer “transportainment”—a combination of transportation and entertainment with engaging narration performed by the conductors during the ride, highlighting fascinating anecdotes and tales.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park features 1400 acres of breathtaking greenery with plants and landscape housing more than 16 museums, various performing arts venues, delightful gardens, trails, and other attractions. The architecture at this landmark is predominantly Spanish style, with low-rise buildings among the beautiful natural backdrop. Some of the many sites at the park include the San Diego Natural History Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Alcazar Garden, Botanical Building, the San Diego Zoo, and Casa de Balboa.

San Diego Beaches

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Regardless of what kind of beachgoer you are, there is a beach for you in San Diego. Mission Beach is an ideal spot for those in favor of a boardwalk and sea view cafes, and Ocean Beach includes Dog Beach where dogs can run off leash and explore the area. For those interested in hiking and trails, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the coastline destination for you.

Arts and culture

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

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Immerse yourself in the rich history of the past with this park that encapsulates the feel of Mexican and early American periods from 1821 to 1872 when this settlement developed from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, art studio, or one of the numerous charming restaurants, plus purchase authentic Mexican crafts and appreciate live mariachi music. Various historic buildings have been repaired and others have been added to replicate the same architectural style.

ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station

The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station displays authenticity, heritage, and culture with artists and dancers, boutiques, a golf course, a seasonal holiday rink, a variety of event venues, cinemas, local restaurants, and a public market. It is located within 360 waterfront acres of the former Naval Training Center San Diego and integrates Spanish Colonial Royal architecture and vast landscaped areas. From those highlighting film to culinary arts to music, some of the constantly changing festivals also may be taking place during your stay. See the event calendar here: https://libertystation.com/events/calendar

Outdoor adventures

San Diego Zoo

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The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife sanctuary and among the largest and most renowned zoos in the country, located along a striking landscaped canyon. It is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies² and has exotic animals ranging from giant pandas to gorillas to koalas to leopards to sloths and beyond, with animal enclosures that mimic natural environments for each species. What’s more, it showcases a botanical collection of over 700,000 plants from around the world.² Participate in the educational opportunities while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts at this zoo.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

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The 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park situated above the Pacific Ocean offers an awe-inspiring view of the Southern California sunset. Plus, the topography consists of complex carved coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves for those who enjoy an all-around scenic site. During migration season, you can witness California gray whales migrating from the Bering Sea to Baja California.

Nightlife

Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District

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Located in the “heart and soul”³ of San Diego, this district is the center of the city’s nightlife and is lined with restored late 19th- and early 20th-century Victorian architecture. There are restaurants with a plethora of menu options from bar food to fine dining; entertainment destinations including bars, clubs, cigar lounges, comedy shows, and live music venues; stylish shops; art galleries; and rooftop destinations. Gaslamp Quarter is approximately 16 blocks from Broadway to San Diego Bay so you can easily walk or travel it by bike taxi.

Reference

1. Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego Inc. San Diego Tourism Authority. 2021. Accessed November 16, 2021. https://www.sandiego.org/members/tours-sightseeing/old-town-trolley-tours-of-san-diego-inc.aspx
2. San Diego Zoo 2021: fact sheet. News release. San Diego Zoo. 2021. Accessed November 16, 2021. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/pressroom/content-0
3. Gaslamp Quarter. Gaslamp Quarter Association. Accessed November 16, 2021. https://www.gaslamp.org/