Tenth Algorithmic Number Theory Symposium ANTS-X University of California, San Diego July 9 – 13, 2012 Tenth Algorithmic Number Theory Symposium (ANTS-X) July 9 – 13, 2012

San Diego tourist information

Weather

San Diego is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, moderated by the balance between Pacific Ocean and desert influences. The desert provides bright warming sunshine and few clouds; sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, and light clothing are all advisable. The ocean provides coastal fog which can keep temperatures surprisingly cool; you may find a jacket handy during the day and indispensable at night. (Beware that even a few miles inland from UCSD, daytime temperatures can be significantly higher!)

Attractions reachable without a car

On the main UCSD campus, one finds some notable modern architecture like the Geisel Library, plus a large park area in the northeast corner of campus. The Scripps Institute of Oceanography campus, located downhill from the main campus, hosts the Birch Aquarium; it can be reached either on foot or by campus shuttle.

Some other neighborhoods and attractions reachable by bus from UCSD include the following (in roughly increasing order of distance).

• The La Jolla Shores beach (30 bus) is the place for seaside activities (swimming, surfing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, picnicking). The La Jolla Shores Hotel, where we have blocked some rooms and will be holding the Thursday night banquet, faces onto this beach.
• La Jolla Cove (30 bus) features spectacular sunsets, a seal colony (at Scripps Park), and some (mostly high-end) shops and restaurants. Also found there is the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (101 bus) features the rare Torrey pines, plus lots of hiking trails.
• Del Mar (101 bus) is a coastal beach town which is somewhat more affordable than La Jolla.
• Old Town (30 bus) houses historic sites from the early days of Spanish settlement in California (free to the public), plus many shops and restaurants housed in historic-style buildings.
• The Gaslamp Quarter (150 bus) is the historic section of downtown San Diego, with a Victorian look and feel.

Other local attractions

The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park near downtown, is one of the most famous in the world. The Zoo also operates a much larger San Diego Zoo Safari Park in northern San Diego county.

Beyond La Jolla, additional beaches of interest include Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Coronado.

Additional attractions suitable for children (besides the aquarium, zoo, and beaches) include SeaWorld and Legoland.

Those considering destinations elsewhere in Southern California should be aware of the long distances involved. For instance, even without traffic, it takes at least 90 minutes to drive from La Jolla to Disneyland, while Hollywood is at least 30 minutes further.

Mexico

Since San Diego is located only a few miles from the Mexican border, a day trip to the border city of Tijuana is possible, although a dramatic increase in violent crime in recent years makes this somewhat less advisable. The border crossing can be reached by car or light rail; downtown Tijuana is an easy walk from the Mexican side of the crossing. If driving, it is recommended to park on the US side of the border and walk across: rental cars generally may not be driven into Mexico without additional insurance, and reentering the US by car can entail lengthy delays. (Don't forget your passport!)