Come enjoy one of the West Coast's favorite oceanside cities, San Diego. With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather year-round, and a variety of magnificent settings countywide, San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive getaway, for kids and adults. You will find tips for traveling to and around the city, as well as the many hotel options available to conference attendees.
San Diego Convention Center
111 W Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
The links provided here are the only ones authorized for making reservations and you will never be contacted by email or phone unless you explicitly request. If you book your hotel room from another source, you may be subject to fraud or identity theft.
PLEASE NOTE: We strongly encourage you to ignore any spam emails trying to convince you that rooms are sold out. Do not click links or respond to emails that are not from SPIE.
The headquarters hotel for SPIE Optics + Photonics is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and right on the waterfront. It offers a great location within easy walking distance to downtown. Room Rate: $290 Destination Fee $35 Waived Cut off date: July 10, 2025
Many of these hotels are either next to, or in walking distance of, the San Diego Convention Center. Room rates and reservation cut-off dates will vary — see details below. Click to learn more about each hotel and make your reservation. View the Hotel Locator Map.
Upon arrival at any US hotel, you will be required to provide a credit card for payment of room, tax and incidentals. If your institution is paying for your room in advance, please contact the hotel directly to make arrangements before your arrival date.
Enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery of San Diego, the perfect home for a summer meeting. Further details to be provided for:
San Diego Travel Guide
Visa information
Airport information
Transportation from the airport
Shuttles and public transportation
Getting around San Diego
San Diego offers many modes of public transportation, providing travelers with economical and eco-friendly options to explore the region. Check out all of the options available.
And - there's a whole new way to get everywhere you need to go: The PRONTO card and app. PRONTO (which replaces the old Compass Card system) lets you get a move on faster and easier anytime you want to ride the San Diego Trolley, a bus or the Coaster train.
Hertz Car Rental
To receive 20% off the retail rate, enter “CDP 2188961” under the ‘add a discount code’ section when making an online reservation.
Contact Hertz: In the United States call 1-800-654-2240
Driving directions and parking
Things to do
No stay in San Diego is complete without a trip to the waterfront. San Diego Bay is bustling with activity and a long maritime and military history. The city is also home to the largest urban cultural park in the United States, Balboa Park is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West.” Its 1,200 lush acres are home to 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo. There is always somewhere worth exploring in this seaside city and surrounding area — whether driving, biking, boating, or walking.
SPIE believes that individuals with significant caregiving responsibilities should have an equal opportunity to share their research and participate in conferences and symposia.
SPIE Family Care Grants are designed to supplement caregiving costs incurred by SPIE Early Career Members who are registered to attend an SPIE meeting. See hotel details in the reservation system to find hotels that offer onsite childcare.
