There's never been a more exciting time to visit San Diego, a sparkling waterfront city that pulses with a new urban sophistication. Its downtown area has evolved into an exciting urban center with new hotels, major shopping complexes (Horton Plaza and the Paladion), and continuing renewal in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. A renovated cruise ship terminal welcomes cruise ships from many destinations, and the harbor bustles with restaurants, shops, and sightseeing excursions. Just minutes away, San Diego International Airport serves over 20 different airlines.

Year-round sunshine, 70 miles of beaches, and unlimited outdoor activities appeal to singles, couples and families. The dazzling array of attractions such as Balboa Park, Sea World, Seaport Village, the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park, unique shopping, the lure of nearby Mexico, spectator and participant sports all combine to ensure a successful and memorable conference.

The city is fast making a name for itself as an important and diverse cultural center as well, offering a kaleidoscope of opera, ballet, museums, and world-class, Tony Award-winning theatre. Whether you enjoy deep-sea fishing and boating along the coastline, ballooning or golfing in North County, shopping in Mission Valley, exploring East County's mountains and deserts, or doing it up downtown, San Diego has something to offer you.

M/SET 2000 will be held at the San Diego Marriott-Mission Valley. Mission Valley, Old Town and Point Loma San Diego's Historic Region, are located minutes from downtown.

Landing at Point Loma, Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo founded San Diego in 1542. Mission Valley is the site of the beautifully restored Mission San Diego de Alcala, established by Father Junipero Serra in 1769.

At the west end of Mission Valley is historical Presidio Park and the beginning of Old Town. As the birthplace of California, this region features numerous landmarks. Old Town State Park, one of San Diego’s favorite attractions, has many outdoor restaurants, unique shops, and a golf course, along with museums and historic sites. There is also a collection of beautifully restored Victorian homes in nearby Heritage Park.

Farther west is the Point Loma area. The Point itself is San Diego’s most distinctive natural feature – a peninsula with bluffs several hundred feet high extending well into the Pacific. It was here that Cabrillo first landed in 1542, an event commemorated by the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma.

San Diego's southern coastal location combines the warm dry air of the desert with the cool breezes of the Pacific. The result is the fabulous sunny climate that meteorologists have labeled "perfect". Generally, one can expect temperatures in February to range from the mid 50s (degrees F) at night to high 60s (degrees F) during the day.

We’ll see you in San Diego!

For details about what San Diego has to offer, visit the San Diego Visitors Guide online at:
www.sandiego.org/home.html

Copyright © San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, San Diego, California