Whether your idea of exploring takes place on land or by sea, hiking or biking, eating or observing, or simply being ferried around San Diego by bus or by boat, we have you covered. With fourteen exciting tour options including biking and sampling local cuisine on Coronado Island, hiking in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, sailing on an America’s Cup yacht, visiting animals at the renowned San Diego Zoo, and taking a behind-the-scenes peek at a major league baseball park, there is truly something for everyone!
All tours on Wednesday, as well as Thursday morning tours, are open to guests and families only. Conference attendees are expected to attend the general session and the breakout sessions. Conference attendees are welcome to join their guests and families on the Thursday afternoon tours.
All tours will gather at the Kettner Entrance. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking tours and dress appropriately for the weather and type of tour.
Kayaking La Jolla Cove
Wednesday, July 12 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
There are few better ways to see San Diego than from the ocean. This tour gives you the opportunity to do so by kayak! After a brief paddle instruction and safety talk, you’ll launch your kayak from the La Jolla shores and paddle to the La Jolla Sea Caves, taking in an amazing array of indigenous wildlife such as dolphins swimming alongside you, sea lions, (harmless) leopard sharks, and bright orange Garibaldi, the California state fish. You’ll then kayak into the fascinating kelp beds of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and enjoy the surf zone on the way back. Kayaking is fun for all ages and no prior experience is necessary.
Recommended Attire: t-shirt, shorts, bathing suit and a light jacket for the ride back
Age range: 5+
Hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve
Wednesday, July 12 | 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Experience incredible hiking with a diverse landscape in Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, a wilderness island in an urban sea that features some of the most rugged and wild badland terrain on the southern Californian coast. Engaging and accomplished Navy SEAL and SWCC instructors take guests on fun and educational hikes of varying topography and natural environments. Before the hike, the instructor briefs guests about basic hiking protocol, being prepared for the unexpected, survival techniques all hikers should know, and more. Once prepared, the group leisurely hikes down the trails leading to a breathtaking beach where guests have some free time to enjoy the scenery. The group may either head back up the trail or walk the beach to the bottom of the reserve.
Recommended Attire: Athletic wear, hat/sunscreen, sunglasses
Age range: 6+
Luxury Sailing on an America’s Cup Yacht
Wednesday, July 12 | 8:45 am – 11:15 am
Thursday, July 13 | 8:45 am – 11:15 am OR 1:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Board Dennis Conner’s yacht, the AMERICA, for an amazing sail around the gorgeous San Diego harbor. Built in 1995 at a cost of $6 million, the AMERICA is an exact replica of the original yacht the America’s Cup was named after in 1851. This luxurious 139-foot yacht has beautiful sleek lines, finely varnished timbers, polished brass, fine teak decks, and huge canvas sails. You’ll have the opportunity to help raise the sails, try your hand at the helm, or just relax while you sail through San Diego Bay.
Recommended Attire: Hat or sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket
San Diego Trolley Tour
Wednesday, July 12 | 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Hop aboard one of the trolleys and experience transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” The friendly conductors narrate the San Diego tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. The tour will take you through some of San Diego’s favorite neighborhoods including the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and Old Town. Hop on and enjoy the best of San Diego!
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket
Safari Park
Wednesday, July 12 | 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
The San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park is a unique 1,800-acre preserve where many species of exotic animals can be seen roaming free in surroundings similar to that of their native homelands. More than 260 animals, representing 20 species of birds and 11 species of mammals, are at home in the animal preserve. While there, take the “Journey into Africa” tour through flourishing wetlands, sprawling Savannah and open plains to discover Africa’s biodiversity, encountering over 30 species of birds and mammals, including rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, and wildebeests roaming freely in an open setting that mimics their natural habitat.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket
Lunch voucher included.
Explore Balboa Park
Wednesday, July 12 | 9:45 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 9:45 am – 5:00 pm
Located in the heart of the city, Balboa Park is the focal point of a wide range of cultural and recreational pursuits. This beautiful park has elaborate Spanish architecture and perfectly manicured landscaping. It’s home to one of the most complete museum complexes in the world as well as galleries, theaters and sports facilities. Balboa Park is truly one of the most culturally enriching places to visit. You’ll receive a “passport” to Balboa Park with coupons for admission to your choice of five participating museums. A shuttle back to the hotel will run at 1:00 pm and 4:45 pm, allowing you to enjoy your time at the park as you wish.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, hat or sunscreen
Lunch voucher included.
SeaWorld
Wednesday, July 12 | 10:15 am – 4:15 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 10:15 am – 4:15 pm
Come explore SeaWorld - an educational theme park located on Beautiful Mission Bay. Playful dolphins, whiskered walruses, serene sea turtles, comical sea lions, and thousands of other marine animals from the world’s oceans make this beautiful 150-acre marine park their home. Guests are free to explore the park and all that SeaWorld has to offer, including the dolphin show, Blue Horizons. Blue Horizons is the tale of a girl who dreams about dancing with dolphins, flying with birds and letting her spirit soar; in the show, her dream becomes a reality. Other attractions include the Journey to Atlantis, a mythical rush through uncharted water, and Shipwreck Rapids, a raft ride on an exciting journey through an isolated South Sea island adventure. A shuttle back to the hotel will run at 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm, allowing you to enjoy your time at the park as you wish.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, hat or sunscreen
Lunch voucher included.
Tacos and Tombstones Tour (Old San Diego)
Wednesday, July 12 | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
This tour combines food and history into a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience. Travel back in time as you explore the birthplace of California and the events and people who have transformed Old Town San Diego into the cultural destination it is today. Your tour guide takes you on a journey through the historical eras, from the early Spanish settlements to the establishment of Mexican Independence to the California Gold Rush. On this tour, you’ll take two stops for tacos and margarita samples, a third stop for a sampling of Mexican street food like elote or fresh tortillas, and a fourth stop for a fresh churro.
Recommended Attire: Light jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Age range: 10+
San Diego Bay Sailing Regatta
Thursday, July 13 | 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
The sparkling waters of the Pacific provide the perfect place for a sailing experience. Yacht racing activities take place on the sheltered ocean waters just off Dana Point and require no prior sailing experience. Each six-person, 30-40 foot sailing yacht has a captain aboard who will brief guests on techniques, etiquette and sailing instructions before they set sail, allowing guests to participate as little or as much as they want. Hoist and trim the sails, take a turn at the helm, or sit back and watch the action!
Recommended Attire: Hat or sunscreen, sunglasses, tennis or deck shoes, and a light jacket
Age range: 10+
A boxed lunch is included.
Coronado Walking Food Tour
Wednesday, July 12 | 12:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 12:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Discover why Coronado has historically been considered the crown jewel of San Diego. This tour gives an in-depth look at the history and culture of this luxurious, beautiful and affluent part of San Diego. The tour starts with a ferry ride to Coronado Island, where you’ll see breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and the Coronado Bay from the water. Guests will then explore three restaurants on Ferry Landing for food and drink tastings, and one for dessert. Time permitting, guests may also explore the south side of the island, which includes the Hotel del Coronado, as well as other restaurants.
Recommended Attire: Light jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses
Age range: 10+
Behind the Scenes at Petco Park
Wednesday, July 12 | 1:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Experience America’s #1 Ballpark as only players and staff do! As you go behind the scenes, you’ll discover “writers’ row” in the press box, sit in a major league dugout, peek inside the visitors’ clubhouse, and learn about baseball in San Diego through the Padres Hall of Fame presented by Sony. Your journey continues at the Breitbard Hall of Fame, which honors athletes who have excelled in San Diego or are native San Diegans and have achieved athletic fame elsewhere.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes and a camera
San Diego Zoo
Thursday, July 13 | 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
San Diego Zoo Welcome to the jungle, otherwise known as the San Diego Zoo. Located within Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is world-famous for its impressive animal collection - in both size and variety of rare and exotic species. The grounds are home to an equally impressive collection of exotic, rare, and endangered plants that make the 120-acre zoo a tropical garden. You’ll take a VIP 90-minute Inside Look tour aboard a deluxe bus, filled with entertaining and educational guided views, interesting information about how the San Diego Zoo takes care of its wildlife, and experiences and stories you can’t get elsewhere. Multiple tour options are available depending on what animals fascinate you most! Enjoy close-up views of giraffes, polar bears, baboons, or penguins during this one-of-a-kind wildlife tour.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket, hat or sunscreen
Bike Coronado
Wednesday, July 12 | 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Explore the island of Coronado the fun way! This relaxing tour takes riders through flat, bike-friendly terrain under the graceful Coronado Bridge, past the historic Hotel del Coronado and Glorietta Bay. Check out the Naval Amphibious Base, the Silver Strand, Orange Avenue, and Ferry Landing, as well as several other unique hidden spots off-the-beaten-path.
Recommended Attire: Light jacket, athletic shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses
Age range: 10+
Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride
Wednesday, July 12 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, July 13 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Feel the wind, the motion, and the refreshing ocean spray aboard the Patriot Jet Boat for an unforgettable San Diego experience. Zip and zoom around the bay on an entertaining tour of the waterfront’s most scenic spots – past military ships, along the downtown skyline, and under the iconic Coronado Bridge. The 70-foot Patriot offers fantastic views in every direction. With rock music pumping, your highly skilled captain will narrate and navigate while executing 360-degree turns and reaching speeds upwards of 50 mph. Propelled by two 1,400 horsepower jet engines, it’s the adrenaline adventure of a lifetime!
Recommended Attire: Light jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses
Age range: 4+ and at least 48” tall
