We are excited to welcome you to San Diego for the 2024 American Library Association Annual Conference. The Local Arrangements Task Force has some tips and tricks to help you navigate our city.
Climate
Late June and early July in San Diego will most likely be much cooler than what you expect, and definitely cooler than where you may be traveling from. Bring layers of clothing for colder mornings and evenings. The city’s annual “May gray and June gloom” creates overcast conditions throughout the city, along with a steady cool breeze closer to the water, near the Convention Center.
The gloomy season will end right around the time ALA Annual takes place. We’re all crossing our fingers that visitors will enjoy the blue skies and comfortable temperatures in the mid-70’s that most people associate with San Diego weather.
Safety
San Diego is the country’s 7th largest city, and similarly to other major cities, we are experiencing a housing crisis. Areas of Downtown are home to a large population of encampments. We strongly recommend traveling in pairs or small groups, especially after dark.
If for some reason you find yourself alone at night, you may request a Safety Ambassador to accompany you. This is a 24 hour service, but is dependent on available volunteers. The program recommends advance notice. The best way to schedule a walking ambassador is through the Clean & Safe app (Apple and Google Play). You may also call them at 619-414-2698.
Transportation
Airport
As you’ll notice upon descending into San Diego by plane, the airport is right next to downtown. If you’re sitting on the left side of the plane, you’ll experience the thrilling sensation of flying uncomfortably close to downtown’s taller buildings immediately before landing. The right side of the plane will experience lovely views of Balboa Park about a minute prior to landing. The airport will be conveniently close to your hotel. Check to see if your hotel offers shuttle rides to and from the airport. If not, it is much more time effective to take a taxi or rideshare to your hotel rather than public transportation.
Please note: the airport is currently constructing a new terminal, so plan for some traffic delays getting to and from the airport.
Public Transportation
The trolley ($2.50 one way, payable at station kiosks or using the Pronto app) will take you to many places downtown and to Old Town. It’s much more difficult to get to other landmark locations using only public transportation. However, most of the places you will want to visit (Balboa Park, beaches, will be an inexpensive rideshare or taxi fare away.
There is also a ferry near the Convention Center that will take you to Coronado Island.
Food
APALA’s Local Arrangements Committee has put together a map and list of recommended restaurants serving Asian cuisine. The downtown spots are walkable, and our list of personal favorites are a short rideshare away.
Eatery Recommendations (opens in a spreadsheet)
Downtown San Diego
Choi’s (Korean)- 100 Park Plaza
Sab Lai Thai Kitchen (Thai; vegetarian & gluten free options)- 500 Fifth Ave
Lotus Thai Cuisine (Thai)- 906 Market St
Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine (Thai; vegetarian & gluten free options)- 1460 J St
Asa Bakery (Japanese Bakery)- 634 14th St #110
BESHOCK Ramen East Village (Ramen; vegan & vegetarian options)- 1288 Market Street
Tajima Ramen East Village (Ramen)- 901 E St
Zzan Sushi & Soju (Sushi)- 1100 Fifth Ave
National City
Manila Sunset Grille (Filipino)- 925 E Plaza Blvd # 111, National City, CA
Little Italy
The Yasai: Vegan Japanese (Japanese; vegan)- 2252 India St
Golden Hill
Kingfisher (Vietnamese)- 2469 Broadway
Liberty Station
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood (Hawaiian Poke)- 2400 Historic Decatur Rd. Suite 107
North Park
GOAL Brewery (Filipino American owned Brewery)- 3052 El Cajon Blvd, Suite 101
Linda Vista
White Rice Bodega (Filipino)- 5299 Linda Vista Rd B
Pho Hoa (Vietnamese)- 6921 Linda Vista Rd
Convoy District
Phuong Trang (Vietnamese)- 4170 Convoy St
Grandma Tofu & BBQ (Korean)- 4425 Convoy St
Hinotez (Japanese; open late)- 7947 Balboa Ave
Min Sok Chon (Korean; open late)- 4620 Convoy St
RakiRaki Ramen & Tsukemen (Ramen; open late)- 4646 Convoy St.
Friend’s House (Korean)- 4647 Convoy St #101-A
Sunday Ice Cream (Ice Cream)- 4647 Convoy St Ste 103
Liuyishou Hot Pot (Hot Pot)- 4690 Convoy St
Thang Thang (Korean; open late)- 7905 Engineer Rd