August 16–20, 2026 · La Jolla, CA
Everything you need to get here and find a place to stay — from airport options to hotels steps from campus.
Getting Here
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the primary gateway, approximately 15 miles from the Sanford Burnham Prebys campus in La Jolla, served by most major domestic carriers.
Nearby Airports:
Free parking is available at the Sanford Burnham Prebys campus for all course participants.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate reliably throughout La Jolla and San Diego. Most nearby hotels are a $10–15 ride from campus.
MTS Blue Line Trolley: If you're staying near UCSD or the UTC area, the trolley is a convenient option — ride to the UCSD/VA Medical Center stop, then a short rideshare to the SBP campus.
Course venue: Lectures are held at SBP Building 12, 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego, CA 92121. Labs are at SBP Building 6, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037. Both are on the same campus.
Where to Stay
Private room in a shared suite with shared bathroom, located on the UC San Diego campus — minutes from the SBP course venue. Linens included. Suites accommodate up to 3 occupants and are single-gender. Ideal for out-of-town participants who want a convenient, no-frills option close to the action. Book during registration checkout — availability is limited.
Where to Stay
La Jolla and the surrounding Carmel Valley corridor offer a wide range of hotels from 5 to 15 minutes from the SBP campus, organized below by proximity. We recommend booking early — August is peak season.
🏨 Group rates are currently being negotiated with select hotels. More information and group booking codes will be posted here soon. Check back for updates.
Closest to Venue
The two hotels closest to the course — Hilton walkable from campus, Hotel Indigo a quick coastal drive up in Del Mar.
~10 min drive
Near Westfield UTC and La Jolla Village Square — dining, shopping, and easy freeway access. Short Uber or drive to SBP.
~10 min drive · Carmel Valley
A cluster of well-priced hotels at the Carmel Valley interchange — convenient freeway access and typically lower rates than La Jolla proper. Steps from Del Mar Highlands Town Center, an open-air dining and shopping hub with a rooftop Sky Deck.
Beyond the Classroom
La Jolla and San Diego have something for everyone — coastal nature and beaches at your doorstep, iconic museums and neighborhoods a short drive south, and Safari Park, Del Mar, and Cardiff to the north. Whether you have a free evening or arrive a day early, here are some of the best places to explore.
A wide, sandy crescent of beach just minutes from campus — gentler surf than most San Diego beaches, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Kayak rentals on the beach can take you south to the cove and kelp forests. Plenty of parking, public restrooms, and a beachfront grill at the north end.
A short walk south from the Shores, La Jolla's rocky coastline is home to hundreds of California sea lions and harbor seals. The Cove is famous for its crystal-clear water and resident sea lion colony; the Children's Pool a few minutes further along the bluff path is where dozens of harbor seals haul out year-round. One of the most accessible seal-watching spots in the country — and free.
Home to the rare Torrey pine — one of the rarest pine species in the world — this stunning coastal reserve offers clifftop trails with sweeping Pacific views. Free to walk the trails; small fee for the beach lot. Located minutes from campus.
One of the finest public golf courses in the country, perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean. Host of multiple U.S. Opens. Tee times go fast — book well in advance. South Course is the U.S. Open venue; North Course is more accessible.
The public outreach arm of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, right here in La Jolla. Features tide pools, stunning kelp forests, and exhibits on ocean science and climate. A great hour or two for scientists of any stripe.
America's largest urban cultural park — 1,200 acres of gardens, Spanish colonial architecture, and 17 museums clustered around the Prado. The Museum of Us, Museum of Natural History, Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Museum of Art are all here. Easily a full day. About 20 min south of campus.
One of the world's most renowned zoos, set inside Balboa Park with shaded canyon walkways and a famous panda exhibit. 4,000+ animals across 650 species. Plan a half-day visit — the canyons offer welcome shade on warm August days. About 20 min south of campus. Pair with dinner in Hillcrest just up the road for a full day's outing.
The thoroughbred summer meet runs July 17–Sept 7 — races are on all week. The prestigious Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) is Aug 22, right after the course ends. About 15 min north of campus. dmtc.com
Petco Park in downtown San Diego is one of baseball's great ballparks. The Padres host Seattle on Aug 16 — opening night of the course. They're away in Anaheim Aug 17–19. Full schedule →
San Diego's downtown waterfront — Seaport Village for casual dining, the USS Midway Museum (a retired aircraft carrier), the Maritime Museum, and the walkable Embarcadero path along the bay. Close to Petco Park and Little Italy. About 25 min from campus.
16 historic blocks of Victorian architecture in downtown, now San Diego's nightlife and dining hub. Restaurants, rooftop bars, live music, and comedy clubs. Busy on weekend evenings and walkable from Petco Park. About 25 min from campus.
San Diego's vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood — independent restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and nightlife along University Ave. University Heights next door adds more options. Sits right on Balboa Park's northern edge, so it pairs naturally with a Zoo or museum afternoon. About 20 min south of campus.
One of San Diego's hippest neighborhoods — craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, vinyl shops, and vintage boutiques along 30th Street. Tuesday taco nights, food-hall energy, and a younger crowd. About 25 min south of campus.
A walkable seaside village just up the hill from the cove — boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Puesto for fish tacos, Barbarella for outdoor Italian, George's at the Cove for the ocean view. Browse, stroll, grab a coffee, then walk down to the water.
About 15 minutes south, PB is San Diego's classic beachside party zone — a lively boardwalk, casual bars, surf shops, and cheap eats right on the sand. Great for a casual evening out with a young crowd energy.
A charming, laid-back surf town about 20 minutes north. Think fish tacos, reef breaks, and a relaxed coastal vibe well off the tourist trail. Great for a sunset walk or casual dinner after a long day of lectures.
Near the UCSD campus, Westfield UTC is a large open-air mall with a huge food hall, dozens of casual restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and an ice rink. Great for a quick dinner, coffee, or evening out. A short Uber from the SBP campus.