Travel Information
Welcome to San Diego!
Known as “America’s Finest City”, California’s second largest city has a mild Mediterranean climate and over 70 miles of beaches that make it a top destination for travelers around the world.
Venue & Accommodations
Hilton San Diego Resort
1775 East Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, California, 92109
Tel: +1 619 276 4010
Book your room for the Summit!
The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is just six miles (10 km) from the San Diego International Airport, and right on San Diego's famous Mission Bay. This Four-Diamond beach resort is conveniently located one mile from San Diego SeaWorld and offers 5-star service.
Newly renovated guestrooms are decorated to match the bright and festive hues of this waterfront oasis. Guests at the Hilton San Diego Resort can indulge in spa treatments, play tennis, wakeboard, sail, splash around the pool, or take a bike ride along the boardwalk of beautiful Mission Bay. Treat yourself to the many San Diego attractions during your time away from home.
For more information about the hotel, click here
*Rates based on single/double occupancy. Additional guests (max 4 per room) $20/person/night
Reservation Deadline: January 9, 2009
- Check-in: 4:00 pm
- Check-out: 12:00 pm
Parking
Special rates for Seafood Summit attendees:
- Overnight Self-Parking: $10.00/night
- Valet Parking: $20.00/night
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Travel Information & Logistics
San Diego International Airport – Lindbergh Field
- Hilton San Diego Resort is approximately 6 miles (10km) from the airport
- For more information about the airport, click here.
- Shuttle Service: approximately $13, book ahead online: www.supershuttle.com
- Taxi Service: approximately $25
Driving Directions
From I-5, exit Sea World Dr. and head west. Turn right onto E. Mission Bay Dr. Follow past the park. The resort is located 3/4 mile on left.
Parking
Special rates for Seafood Summit attendees:
- Overnight Self-Parking: $10.00/night
- Valet Parking: $20.00/night
Visa Information
A citizen of a foreign country, wishing to enter the U.S., generally must first obtain a visa.
Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements. Visa waiver travelers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa, otherwise a U.S. visa is required. See important information about the 10/26/05 digital photograph and 10/26/06 e-passport requirements for VWP travelers. Learn more. Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant visa.
Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Apply for your Visa well in advance of your travel! Important steps to remember:
- Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.
- Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on our website at Visa Wait Times. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.
- Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.
Visit the visa section of the U.S. Department of State website for more information about visas required for temporary visitors to the U.S.
What to do in San Diego
 The hardest decision to make when visiting San Diego will be deciding among the area’s vast and diverse variety of attractions. From beaches to amusement parks and museums to whale watching, the options are endless.
San Diego boasts a citywide population of nearly 1.3 million residents and more than 2.8 million residents countywide. Within its borders of 4,200 sq. miles, San Diego County encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous other charming neighborhoods and communities, including downtown's historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, La Mesa, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan, Chula Vista just to name a few.
San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Sea World San Diego and LEGOLAND California. San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do, appealing to guests of all ages from around the world.
In San Diego's East County, the terrain varies from gentle foothills to mile-high mountains and the historic mining town, Julian, down to the 600,000-acre Anza Borrego Desert State Park, offering nature-conscious visitors endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, observe wildlife and much more. In San Diego's North County, the agricultural community produces quantities of flowers and magnificent produce. Wine growers are also making a mark by growing and harvesting quality grapes that become excellent wines, which are served at some of the most elegant restaurants and resorts in the region. Along the west, 70 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline not only supports year-round outdoor recreation, such as surfing, boating, sailing and swimming, but also important scientific research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. To the south, it's a whole different country, Mexico, featuring its own cultural offerings in various towns along the border and coastline, including Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.
San Diego's arts and culture and culinary arts are booming. The hottest, new culinary arts talents prepare award-winning meals throughout the regions 6,400 eating establishments. Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the U.S., is home to 15 museums, numerous art galleries, beautiful gardens, the Tony Award-winning The Globe Theatres and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Visit the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information to plan your trip.
Seafood Restaurants in San Diego
Restaurants known to have sustainable options*
Sea Rocket Bistro
3382 30th Street
+1.619.255.7049
Dinner Hours: Open daily from 5pm 'til everyone's fed (at least 10pm)
Entrees $14 - $24
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 8.5 mi (approx 13 min. by taxi)
Sea Rocket Bistro is a new North Park restaurant serving local and sustainable seafood, as well as local craft beers and wines.
The Fish Market Restaurant
750 North Harbor Drive
+1.619.232.3474
Dinner Hours: Sun-Thurs: 4 – 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 4 – 10:00 pm
Entrees $14 - $30
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 5.6 mi (approx 12 min. by taxi)
The flagship restaurant since 1989, the downstairs restaurant offers casual dining, and features a comfortable oyster bar and cocktail bar, as well as a first-rate sushi bar. The second story Top of the Market lets you enjoy views from Point Loma to the Coronado Bridge in a fine-dining setting.
* Seafood Choices Alliance does not endorse these businesses nor guarantee the sustainability of menu items
Other seafood restaurants
Acqua
1775 East Mission Bay Drive (Hilton San Diego)
+1.619.276.4010
Dinner until 11:00 pm
Entrees $23 - $39
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 0 mi
Anthony’s Fish Grotto
1360 North Harbor Drive
+1.619.232.5103
Dinner until 10:00 pm
Entrees $14 - $20
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 5.1 mi (approx 11 min. by taxi)
Baleen
1404 West Vacation Road (Paradise Point Resort)
+1.858.490.6363
Dinner Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5 – 9:00 pm; Fri-Sat: 5 – 10:00 pm
Entrees $22 - $38
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 3.5 mi (approx 7 min. by taxi)
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
565 Fifth Ave.
+1.619.233.6623
Dinner Hours: Nightly at 5 pm
Entrees $25 - $45
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 6.4 mi (approx 13 min. by taxi)
The Boathouse
2040 Harbor Island Drive
+1.619.291.4822
Entrees $19 - $32
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 6.7 mi (approx 15 min. by taxi)
Brigantine Seafood
2725 Shelter Island Drive
+1.619.224.2817
Entrees $18 - $30
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 4.8 mi (approx 12 min. by taxi)
Harbor House
831 West Harbor Drive
+1.619.232.1141
Entrees $17 - $35
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 6.2 miles (approx 12 min. by taxi)
Island Prime
880 Harbor Island Drive
+1.619.298.6802
Dinner Hours: Open daily at 5:30 pm
Entrees $30 - $49
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 6.4 mi (approx 14 min. by taxi)
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood
675 L Street (Omni Hotel)
+1.619.645.6545
Dinner Hours: Sun-Thurs: 4 – 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat: 4 – 11:00 pm
Entrees $19 - $35
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 8.0 mi (approx 12 min. by taxi)
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
400 J Street
+1.619.858.2277
Dinner Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5 – 10:00 pm; Fri-Sat: 5 – 11:00 pm
Entrees $31 - $50
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 6.3 mi (approx 12 min. by taxi)
Red Marlin Waterfront Restaurant Bar and Terrace
1441 Quivira Road (Hyatt Regency Mission Bay)
+1.619.221.4868
Dinner Hours: 5 – 10:00 pm
Entrees $31 - $50
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 3.3 mi (approx 7 min. by taxi)
Sally’s Seafood Restaurant on the Water
One Market Place
+1.619.358.6740
Entrees $28 - $35
Distance from Hilton San Diego: 6.2 mi (approx 11 min. by taxi)
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Why stay at the conference hotel?
It's the center of Seafood Summit activity, that's why! You'll be able to network easily with other delegates. It's a quick trip to get to the program and functions, and just as quick to slip back to your room for a break, allowing you to have a more enjoyable conference experience.
Those are the obvious reasons, but there are other reasons that you need to consider before you look at another hotel.
Seafood Summit organizers have taken their role of finding a conference site very seriously. They looked at a number of locations. The needs of delegates as individuals were considered as well as the need for meeting spaces. Everyone enjoys meeting in a comfortable venue, offering quality service and support for workshops, panels, private meetings, etc. As the quid-pro-quo for that service and support, the event guarantees that a percentage of delegates will stay in the hotel. The hotel generally discounts the room rate for conference delegates from their normal charges.
The hotel rates are negotiated based on the number of expected delegates and the meeting space required to comfortably accommodate them. The basis for negotiation with the hotel is statistics from prior years of the Seafood Summit. The contract with the hotel then guarantees specific numbers of sleeping rooms will be used each night during the conference. A complex negotiation of meeting room space, functions and events (with food), and sleeping room provides the most value per dollar for the conference and those attending it.
If the Seafood Summit does not meet the contracted sleeping room commitment, the hotel gets paid anyway. Unfilled rooms can cost the event thousands of dollars. (The conference does not get credit for the re-sale of sleeping rooms unless the hotel is completely filled.) The next year’s Seafood Summit cannot negotiate as beneficial a hotel contract, and, as Seafood Choices Alliance is a non-profit organization with limited funding, future conference registration fees may be pushed higher.
What if we don't contract for sleeping rooms? Attendees will pay more to stay at the event hotel. The hotel will not hold a block of rooms for attendees, which may leave some people quite a distance from the conference venue. In short, the conference ends up with higher expenses, many of those attending will pay a higher price for their hotel rooms, future conference registration fees will be pushed higher.
We look forward to welcoming you in San Diego and hope you support the Seafood Summit by staying at the Hilton San Diego Resort.
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