Accommodations
Travel Notes
September is one of the best months to be in San Diego because the weather is beautiful, but it's not summer, so most of the tourists are gone. We call it "local summer!" I strongly recommend making a trip out of your time here.
Flights
Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN); the venue is just 20 minutes from the airport.
I am also a huge fan of sitting in a window seat on the left side for a stunning view upon arrival. It is highly recommended to extend your stay while here to fully enjoy all that San Diego has to offer.
Stay
The event is not at a hotel so there is no room block, however, there are a ton of options that are in walking distance.
AirB&B and Vrbo are great options to find a space that fit's your needs.
Hotels Near Venue
Tower23 Hotel (.2 miles from venue)
Ocean Park Inn (.2 miles from venue)
Pacific View Inn (.3 miles from venue)
Pacific Terrace (.4 miles from venue)
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (.7 Miles from venue)
Venue: Yard & Sea
San Diego, California
Pacific Beach
875 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Park with ease! Adjacent public lot offers hourly parking—conveniently located right next to the venue.
Things To Do While You're Here
Miramar Air Show
If you’re looking for something exciting to do while you’re in San Diego, check out the Miramar Air Show happening September 26–28 at MCAS Miramar. Known as “America’s Air Show,” it’s the largest military air show in the country and features incredible performances from the Blue Angels, the F-35, and more. Expect high-energy aerial stunts, military aircraft displays, and a unique opportunity to experience San Diego’s strong ties to aviation.
Whether you’re a fan of aviation or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, this iconic San Diego event is worth adding to your itinerary. You can learn more at miramarairshow.com.
USS Midway Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway.
Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA."
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo pioneered cageless exhibits and offers travelers a fun and informative experience. Featuring over 4000 animals, the park gives you a peek into the wildlife of several ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests.
Ride the tour bus, which crosses three quarters of the zoo’s area, and learn more about the animals from the guide as you view them in their natural habitats. You can also hop on the Skyfari gondola lift to see the entire park from above.
La Jolla Cove
At this beach surrounded by sandstone cliffs on the San Diego coast, the water is calm enough for travelers to enjoy diving and snorkeling. Walk along the rocky shore to spot large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and looking after their pups, and have a picnic while soaking up the views of the ocean from the cliffs at sunset. If you visit at low tide, you’ll get to swim in the crystal clear tidal pools as well.
Balboa Park
This 1,200-acre nature park comprises 17 museums, gardens, musical theaters, a sports complex, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The park’s Spanish-Moorish architecture and 19 distinct gardens (some require admission fees) attract both tourists and locals.
Don’t miss the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the Spanish Village Art Center for unique handicrafts, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where free concerts are hosted in the evenings. Travelers recommend putting aside the whole day to explore the park.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
As the name suggests, this park’s rugged coastline features magnificent ocean views at sunset. Don’t miss the chance to explore the tide pools—be careful as some parts of the climb down can be uneven and steep.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is also a great spot to see gray whales passing by on their migration. There are drinking fountains throughout the park, but there aren’t any food establishments nearby—pack lunch as it’s a perfect spot for picnics.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Considered one of the most unique veterans memorials in America. The only memorial that honors veterans, living or deceased, from the revolutionary war to the current war on terror, with an image of the veteran.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial has stood at the height of San Diego since 1954. It has gone through many trials to be what it is today—A Beacon of Freedom. Thousands of people that stood before our memorial were able to honor and recognize the thousands of military men and women who sacrificed for this country.
Things To Eat/Drink While You're Here
Tower23
Tower 23 in Pacific Beach offers an exceptional dining experience with its fresh, flavorful sushi and expertly crafted cocktails. Known for its unbeatable oceanfront location, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a stunning sunset. Whether for a romantic evening or a casual outing, Tower 23 never disappoints.
Cannon Ball
If you’re looking for great sushi with stunning ocean views, Cannonball in Mission Beach is a must. It’s one of Nick’s go-to spots for a reason — delicious sushi, a laid-back rooftop vibe, and some of the best sunsets you’ll find in San Diego.
Hideaway
Hideaway Pacific Beach is a vibrant, SoCal lifestyle-inspired restaurant and bar lounge that opened in June 2024. Located just steps from Crystal Pier, it offers a nostalgic nod to San Diego's beach culture, featuring vintage surf and skate memorabilia, handcrafted SoCal cocktails, and a menu of American classics, including wood-fired pizzas and shareable bar bites. Hideaway Pet Boutique With its relaxed ambiance and stylish retro decor, Hideaway serves as a home away from home for both locals and visitors.
Prince's Pizza
Price's Pizza in Pacific Beach is a local gem known for its delicious, hand-tossed pies and laid-back vibe. A hotspot for celebrities visiting San Diego, the pizzeria's walls are adorned with signed photos of famous faces who've stopped by for a slice. Whether you're a local or a star, Price's Pizza is a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch pizza by the beach.
Oscars
Oscar’s in Pacific Beach is my absolute favorite spot for tacos, serving up fresh, flavorful bites that keep locals and visitors coming back for more. Known for its relaxed vibe and unbeatable seafood tacos, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving authentic flavors. Grab a taco and enjoy the laid-back PB atmosphere!
