WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO: "America's Finest City"

Known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego blends coastal beauty, year-round sunshine, and a vibrant culture shaped by innovation. With walkable neighborhoods, stunning shorelines, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the city offers an inspiring backdrop for our conference. Explore the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park’s world-class museums, and scenic waterfront paths, or unwind with fresh coastal cuisine and breathtaking sunsets. San Diego offers the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and SoCal energy.

Professional Development Workshops: September 14

ACLCA Conference: September 15-17

HOST HOTEL:

The US Grant, San Diego

The U.S. Grant is conveniently located only 3 miles from the San Diego International Airport. The U.S. Grant is a historic luxury hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego, offering a refined and elegant experience for conference attendees. Boasting beautifully appointed guest rooms, modern amenities, and state-of-the-art event spaces, the property provides the ideal setting for ACLCA 2026.


Located just steps from Gaslamp Quarter dining, entertainment, museums, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions, The U.S. Grant blends convenience with sophistication—ensuring comfort, productivity, and easy access to everything San Diego has to offer.

326 Broadway

San Diego, CA 92101

Reserve Your Room

Discounted Rooms Available Through August 22, 2026 (or until sold out)

  • Standard Rooms: $289 (+taxes and fees)
  • Government Rate: $199 (+taxes and fees)
   BOOK STANDARD ROOMS    

Suggested Travel Dates

  • Sunday, September 13 - Arrive early and take advantage of pre-conference workshops and San Diego area activities
  • Monday, September 14 - Check-in, professional development workshops, & pre-event activities
  • Tuesday, September 15 - The conference officially begins with the Opening Plenary at 8:00 AM (breakfast served at 7:00 AM).
  • Wednesday, September 16 - Conference Day 2 + Awards Ceremony Dinner
  • Thursday, September 17 - Conference Day 3 + Closing Plenary on Thursday afternoon. The conference will end at 5:30 pm

Getting to San Diego, CA

Air Travel


We recommend booking your flight into San Diego International Airport (SAN), located just minutes from downtown. The U.S. Grant Hotel is approximately 10–15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.

Ground Transportation: UBER/LYFT

For a convenient and direct ride to The US Grant, Uber and Lyft are widely available from the airport

  • Follow signs for "Rideshare" or "Ground Transportation" after exiting baggage claim.
  • Pickup areas are located immediately outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
  • Standard rides are typically $12–$20, depending on demand and time of day
  • Travel time to The U.S. Grant is 10–15 minutes, though peak traffic periods may add time


Ground Transportation: MTS BUS ROUTE 992


San Diego’s MTS Route 992 is an affordable and easy option from the airport to downtown hotels, restaurants, museums, and waterfront attractions. View the stations and schedules here.

Accessibility

  • After collecting luggage, follow signs for Ground Transportation / Buses & Shuttles
  • Go to the Departures (Level 2 roadway at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2)
  • Route 992 picks up on the elevated Departures roadway
  • Look for signs marked Public Transit / MTS Bus
  • Locate the Route 992 stop
  • Route 992 runs every ~15 minutes from early morning until midnight

Fare Payment

  • You can use a PRONTO card, the PRONTO mobile app, or tap a contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet.
  • The fare is $2.50 each way, and PRONTO will automatically cap the total at $5 for the day if someone takes multiple trips.

Transfer to Downtown

  • Board Route 992 (Airport/Downtown Shuttle)
  • Ride to Broadway & 3rd Avenue (Downtown Stop)
  • This is the closest stop to the US Grant

Walk to the U.S. Grant Hotel

  • When you at Broadway & 3rd Avenue, you’ll already be on Broadway
  • Walk one block toward 4th Avenue (numbered streets go up: 3rd → 4th)
  • The U.S. Grant is located between 3rd and 4th Avenues, at 326 Broadway.
  • The hotel entrance will be on your left
  • Total walking time is 1–3 minutes.

Driving from SAN International Airport

  • Take N Harbor Drive east
  • Turn left onto Broadway
  • Continue straight for approximately 1 mile
  • The U.S. Grant Hotel will be on your right at 326 Broadway

Discover San Diego

Located in the heart of downtown, San Diego offers a vibrant and coastal urban experience known for its world-class dining, walkable neighborhoods, entertainment districts, and scenic waterfront destinations. Whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh California cuisine, explore local boutiques, or take in the city’s ocean views, San Diego delivers a perfect balance of relaxed charm and modern sophistication. With its sunny climate, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural attractions, downtown San Diego provides an ideal setting to explore while attending ACLCA 2026.

Dining: Downtown San Diego and the nearby Gaslamp Quarter offer an incredible culinary scene ranging from rooftop lounges to waterfront restaurants and modern coastal dining. Enjoy sustainable seafood and harbor views at The Fish Market, wood-fired Italian classics at Cucina Urbana, or Baja-inspired cuisine at Puesto. For social evenings, Juniper & Ivy offers creative, chef-driven dishes, while Born & Raised serves elevated steakhouse favorites with stunning rooftop ambiance.


Shopping: Just steps from The U.S. Grant, you can explore the boutique shops and local artisan markets throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. If you’re seeking a more elevated retail experience, Westfield UTC and Fashion Valley Mall offer luxury brands, department stores, and outdoor dining in beautiful open-air environments. Whether you’re browsing for gifts, relaxing between conference sessions, or indulging in a full shopping day, San Diego’s retail destinations provide style, convenience, and coastal charm.


Activities: Downtown San Diego offers a wide range of outdoor and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy. Stroll along the waterfront at Seaport Village, explore interactive museums and public art in Balboa Park, or visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Nearby, Coronado Island offers picturesque beaches, bike rentals, and historic architecture, all easily accessible by ferry or rideshare. For those seeking nightlife, the Gaslamp Quarter delivers live music, rooftop lounges, and vibrant entertainment just minutes from the hotel. Whether you're enjoying sunshine at the marina, exploring world-class museums, or discovering local culture, San Diego offers something for every interest.

DOWNLOAD THE SAN DIEGO EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Menu & Sustainability

We are excited to share that sustainability is at the heart of our dining experience. In line with our commitment to minimizing our carbon footprint, we are proud to offer a planet based menu throughout the event.

Enjoy delicious, locally sourced dishes that showcase the diverse possibilities of planet-based cuisine. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment through the power of food!

If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies, please inform us in advance, and we will gladly accommodate your needs.

Email us at support@aclca.org

ACLCA 2026 CONFERENCE PASSES

3-Day

Conference Pass:

Includes access to all sessions, including the LCA Institute track plus

daily lunch and coffee breaks, networking events, Welcome Reception, and the ACLCA Awards Dinner.

EARLY BIRD THROUGH JULY 10

ACLCA Member: $1,325

Non-Member: $1,425

Government: $1,025

Academia: $1,025

Student: $825

Single-Day

Conference Pass:

Includes access to all sessions & networking events on the day selected, plus daily lunch and coffee breaks.

EARLY BIRD THROUGH JULY 10

Tuesday 9/15: $750

Wednesday 9/16: $750

Thursday 9/17: $750

LCA Institute

Pass

Includes access to all sessions in the LCA Institute ONLY plus

daily lunch and coffee breaks, networking events, Welcome Reception, and the ACLCA Awards Dinner.

EARLY BIRD THROUGH JULY 10

$1,325

Pre-Conference Workshops:

Single day-pass for pre-conference workshops. Held on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Access to All Workshops + Recordings:

$975

1.5-Hour Workshop: $275

3-Hour Workshop: $550

REGISTER NOW