AALS in San Diego 2023! Things to do and plan for!

AALS 2023 is coming to town! I can't wait to see hundreds of colleagues coming down here for several event-packed days. Keep in mind that in addition to the regular program there are quite a few satellite conferences being put together by organizations such as ACS. 

Still- it's SAN DIEGO. In January! It's warm and sunny and there is so much to do and see. 

first - all are welcome to USD Law School AALS Reception at Roy's Restaurant 333 W Harbor Dr. January 6 at 6-8pm.

next, here are my top 10 [which is really top dozens but sneakily categorized in ten]:

1. La Jolla Cove. The rocks, the cave, the seals, the birds. It can get stinky but it’s a good kind of stench. Eat breakfast at Brockton Villa to watch the natural beauty, the swimmers, and the kayaks. Have drinks at sunset at George’s, Dukes, Eddie Vs, Herringbone, Puesto or any one of the other upscale dining places. The Cottage, Sugar and Scribe, Brick and Bell, Parakeet, The Living Room are all nice for lounging or brunch. Bring your laptop to the Living Room for an office setting with a view. Walk up along the village to the art galleries, fun boutiques, and the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit Trilogy for an amazing rooftop vegan eateries and aerial yoga. If you have time on the way back, drive up to Mt. Soledad for 360 degrees of all of San Diego. The cross at the top has been giving the 9^th Circuit quite the headache for years.
2. La Jolla Shores, Scripps Pier, Birch Aquarium, Glider Port, Black’s Beach. You can walk from the shores all the way to UCSD and the Salk Institute, walk down to Black’s Beach where clothes are optional. The Birch Aquarium has stunning views and educational hands-on activities – it’s small and intimate - it’s not Sea World if you know what I mean (Sea World can also be on your destination plans particularly if you are coming with kids). La Jolla Shores is known for its Italian food (though little Italy downtown definitely competes) - you can find just next to the beach at the shores - Piattis, Osteria Romantica, Barbarella...all good choices,
3. Torrey Pines Reserve. 1750 acre cliffs above the beach, coastal wilderness, trails for all hiking levels. Breathtaking. Stop for tea at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, a beautiful hotel/spa/golf course that is an architectural homage to California Arts & Crafts Movement.
4. Balboa Park. "1,200-acre of park, natural vegetation zones, green belts, botanical gardens, and walking paths, over a dozen museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are also many recreational facilities and several gift shops and restaurants within the boundaries of the park. Placed in reserve in 1835, the park's site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use."
5. Coronado Island. Take the ferry or drive the long bridge (it isn’t really an island but a peninsula). Go ice-skating outdoor on the beach at the stunning Hotel Del Coronado.
6. Crystal Pier. Pacific Beach just south of La Jolla has a long boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and you can run or walk from the Crystal Pier all the way to Belmont Park, the historic amusement park founded in 1925, and ride the wooden roller coaster. If you see Slomo rollerblading along the way, say hi and tell him you watched the documentary about him in the NY Times and here (short of it - he's a former neuroscientist/psychiatrist who decided on radical lifestyle change: "do what you want to" one of his oldest patients told him is the secret for a longlife, so now he roller-blades on the boardwalk every day all day long in slow motion).
7. Sunset Cliffs. If La Jolla is the upscale village, and Pacific Beach is the student surfer hangout, Ocean Beach is the hippie beach community. Each unique and fantastic in its own way. In between all of them are Mission Beach and Mission Bay – where you can, like with PB, rent bikes and roller blades and ride for hours. Also a good place to practice your stand up paddleboarding. 
8. Old Town. History, culture, authentic Mexican food. Right next to our beautiful USD campus. Convoy is close by - home to wonderful and numerous Asian eateries -- Korean (Korea House, Tofu House), Chinese (Jasmine, Emerald), Japanese (Sushi Boat)...
9. Encinitas. Another awesome beach community, with world-famous surf. Go meditate at the Zen Garden at the Self Realization Fellowship (check to see if it is open). If you are coming with the family, Legoland as well as the Safari Park are nearby in Carlsbad; Solana Beach and Del Mar are also pretty great. This Del Mar restaurant was just awarded three Michelin stars! 
10. Gaslamp District and Seaport Village. This is right where the AALS conference takes place so you will figure it out. But make sure you walk all the way to the Harbor, Embarcadero and the USS Midway Museum. Perhaps even go whale watching or just a short harbor cruise between panels.

There is still more. Here's for example a top 25 free things to do. And feel free to add your own San Diego favorites in the comments or ask me any questions that you might have about planning your trip. Here's to a great #AALS2023!