San Diego is a beautiful city, filled with premier entertainment destinations – Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach, and much more. If you’ve got a business trip coming up to the Emerald City, plan a few extra days to allow enough time to traipse around town in style and see the best this Southern California city has to offer.
Flying into San Diego
When you arrive in San Diego, follow the signs to the baggage claim to catch a shuttle bus to the off-site rental car facility. Upon arrival at the car rental facility, National Emerald members will take the escalator on the far right side to find the greeter booth. From there, you'll spot the check-in area for Emerald members.
If you aren't an Emerald member, stay on the first floor and check in at the National desk. When returning your rental car, return to the off-site facility. The shuttle bus will take you back to the airport.
From the airport, downtown is only a 10-minute drive on N Harbor Dr. Once downtown, you’ll have quick access to some of the city’s best restaurants, theaters and museums, business headquarters, and outdoor recreation space.
What to Do Around Town
During a visit to a coastal city, it's always appealing to work out along the ocean's edge. Many of the beaches throughout San Diego have walking and jogging paths. Mission Bay Park is gorgeous, boasting a 7-mile path loop for walking, jogging, biking, and more. Other exquisite beaches include Coronado Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla Shores.
You’d be remised if you came all the way to San Diego and didn’t spend any time in Balboa Park. Home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, along with multiple museums and outdoor activities, Balboa Park is on the outskirts of downtown and a short drive from the city center.
If you're looking for a place to take a client or enjoy a business dinner, try Juniper & Ivy Restaurant. This is the place to make a lasting impression over a memorable and unique plate of food. If you’re looking for something a little more casual and less avant guard, check out the tacos from ¡Salud! There is a location just south of downtown, perfect for a power lunch in between meetings.
Where San Diego Gets Work Done
The primary location for events in the city is the San Diego Convention Center, which is only 4 miles from San Diego International Airport and is on the edge of downtown. This is one of the more well-known conference centers in America thanks to its annual hosting of Comic-Con. Its location is within a few miles of more than 12,000 hotel rooms within the Marina District. The center also has over 615,000 square feet of exhibit space. On-site parking is available with 1,950 underground spaces.
Throughout downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods are plenty of event space and meeting space options in addition to plenty of corporate headquarters found within a short distance. There’s no shortage of places to get work done just like there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a break from the rigors of a hard day’s work.