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AREA ATTRACTIONS AND HOTEL OVERVIEW
The
sight of IAEE's 32nd Annual International meeting
is the
Grand Hyatt San Francisco. The newly remodeled Grand Hyatt San Francisco hotel is located downtown in the heart of the city on the newly remodeled, world-famous Union Square. Surrounded by premier shopping, restaurants and theaters. Walking distance to Metreon, Yerba Buena Gardens, museums, Financial District, Chinatown and cable cars. Only 30 minutes from either the Oakland or San Francisco International Airports, the Grand Hyatt is an ideal stopping point for both business and leisure travelers. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access (Wi-Fi and hardwired), two phones (one portable), two lines and speaker-phone capability and spectacular views of the bay, the city or coastline.
Here is a sampling of local area attractions:
Aquarium of the Bay: Website: www.aquariumofthebay.com
Meet 20,000 amazing marine animals as you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. Touch sharks and rays. It's like skin diving without getting wet. Open daily except Dec. 25. Summer hours 9am-8pm. Most other times M-Th 10am-6pm, F-Su until 7pm. Admission $14.95 adults; $8 seniors (age 65+) and children (ages 3-11); $37.95 family (2 adults, 2 children). Children under 3 free. Prices and hours subject to change.
PIER 39: Website: www.pier39.com
There is something for everyone at PIER 39, one of San Francisco's premier Bay attractions: a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 14 Bay view restaurants and a variety of fun-filled attractions for all ages, including the world-renowned sea lions, street performers and live daily entertainment.
Presidio of San Francisco: Website: www.presidio.gov
Formerly a military post, the Presidio is a national park and recreational paradise featuring spectacular vistas, meandering trails, and historic and architectural treasures. Come for a hike, a walking tour, a picnic, to view an exhibit or take a stroll back in time. Entrance to the park and most programs are free. The park is open daily, year-round.
Alcatraz Cruises: Website: www.alcatrazcruises.com
The exclusive operator to Alcatraz Island, one of San Francisco's top visitor attraction, operated by the National Park Service. Cruises start at 9am and continue throughout the day. Ten to 14 daily departures depending on the time of year. Evening tours offered Th-M. All Alcatraz tours depart from Pier 33. Guaranteed lowest prices to Alcatraz Island. For complete tour information, including departure schedules and pricing, visit the Web site. Purchase and print tickets online - save time and avoid lines. Alcatraz Cruises - an Inescapable Experience.
Conservatory of Flowers: Website: www.conservatoryofflowers.org
A spectacular living museum of rare and beautiful tropical plants from around the world that will engage visitors physically, intellectually and emotionally. Tu-Su 9am-4:30pm. Free children 4 and under, $5 for adults, $3 for youths, seniors and students with ID, $1.50 for children 5-11.
METREON: Website: www.metreon.com
Metreon is the first-of-its-kind entertainment center located at Fourth and Mission streets in the heart of downtown San Francisco. This 350,000 square-foot complex features an eclectic mix of the Bay Area's best restaurants, shopping venues, theatres, and entertainment destinations, including the West Coast's largest IMAX theatre.
San Francisco Zoo: Website: www.sfzoo.org
Northern California's largest zoological park features approximately 1,000 exotic and endangered wildlife. Visit the new Grizzy Gulch (June 2007), home to two grizzly bears and stroll through the African Savanna habitat. Experience the wonders of the Children's Zoo and visit other favorites such as Gorilla Preserve, Penguin Island, Koala Crossing, Lemur Forest and the Australian WalkAbout. Ride the historical Dentzel Carousel and Little Puffer minature steam train. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission for San Francisco residents $9; $4.50 ages 12-17 and seniors 65 and over; $2.50 ages 3-11; free age 2 and under. Non-residents $11; $8 ages 12-17 and 65 and over; $5 ages 3-11; free age 2 and under.
FURTHER AFIELD: If
you're planning to tour outside of the San Francisco
area, there are many towns for exploration -- most of them within an easy drive.
For more information on San Francisco, please visit http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/
For more information on California, please visit http://www.visitcalifornia.com
AREA DINING
San Francisco is considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, with cuisine from around the world. With world-class wineries, artisinal cheese makers and small farms just a short drive away, San Francisco is awash in culinary riches. The quality and quantity of the restaurants here make San Francisco an unparalleled food city. The city is best known for its farm fresh, ingredient-driven food. With so many choices, the only downside in this city of plenty is deciding where to eat. To view San Francisco restaurants click here.
CLIMATE
San Francisco is blessed with a temperate marine climate and enjoys mild weather year-round. Temperatures seldom rise above 70 degrees Farenheit or fall below 40 degrees Farenheit. Morning and evening fogs roll in during the summer months, but rarely persist. Visitors are most comfortable with a light jacket or coat handy for cool evening wear. June's average temperature is 64 degrees.
WHAT TO WEAR
This
year's conference attire is business casual.
This includes slacks, polo-type shirts, blazers, or
sweaters for gentlemen; slacks, skirts, polo-type
shirts or blouses, blazers or sweaters, and comfortable
shoes for ladies. Suits, ties, nine-to-five
dresses and high heels are strongly discouraged.
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