A special SDSU Road Scholar program rate will be offered three nights before and three nights after the program dates, based on availability. This rate is subject to applicable city occupancy tax which is currently at 12.545%. You will be responsible for any nights beyond the program dates for which you are registered.
Please note that if you call Marriott direct or go to their website, you will be connected to Marriott’s central reservations and those operators cannot assist you with the special SDSU Elderhostel/SDSU Road Scholar discounted rate. The Courtyard by Marriott Mission Valley is a newer facility. Its 317 spacious, double-pane windowed rooms feature luxurious Marriott REVIVE bedding and plush pillows, 32" HDTV with premium channels, pay-per-view movies, refrigerators, complimentary WiFi, coffeemaker, iron/ironing board and hairdryer, and stunning bathrooms.
The hotel's parking fee is waived for Road Scholar guests.
Coach to La Jolla for a private docent-guided tour at the Birch Aquarium
The mission of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps research, and to promote ocean conservation. The Aquarium provides ocean science education through creative exhibits, programs, and activities designed to help people use critical thinking, and to make science relevant to their daily lives.Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the science used to study earth, and inspires public support of scientific endeavors. It promotes conservation through education and research, in the belief that with increased understanding of the ocean, people will respect and protect the marine environment. Lunch: Lunch on your own at one of the many dining venues at Seaport Village.Afternoon: San Diego Seal Tour
Your afternoon will feature an adventure on the San Diego Seal Tour, which takes you through the most interesting sights in the city, then heads straight into the big bay without missing a beat. On the Seal Tour, every seat is a good one; it’s an open air tour vehicle that allows all guests to enjoy the tour with amazing views. The amphibious vehicles, driven by experienced captains, are specially designed and built to be used on land and water; each one is Coast Guard approved and meets all passenger vehicle and department of transportation requirements to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Coach back to hotel.Dinner: Dinner will be served in a banquet room assigned by the hotel.Evening: This evening will feature an interactive presentation on the gem found in the center of the city of San Diego known as Balboa Park. A friend of Road Scholar for over 10 years and coordinator of a program that focuses on the museums for which the park is famous will prepare the group for their exciting adventure to the most visited "museum" in the Park; the San Diego Zoo.Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott San DiegoMeals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Coach to the San Diego Zoo.
Exclusive educational narrated bus tour of San Diego Zoo animal habitats. You may learn about the fundamentals of creating a green (ecologically friendly) environment at the zoo, animal health care, exhibit design, feeding, breeding and more. A personal educator will be ready to answer participants questions.Lunch: Lunch is on your own at one of the dining venues in the Zoo or in adjacent Balboa Park.Afternoon: More San Diego Zoo
A perfect opportunity this afternoon to explore one of the largest, most progressive zoos in the world with over 4,000 animals with more than 800 species. Exhibits are often designed around a particular habitat. The same exhibit features many different animals that can be side-by-side in the wild, along with their native horticulture. Exhibits range from the African rain forest (featuring gorillas) to the Arctic tiaga and tundra in the summertime (featuring polar bears). Some of the largest free-flight aviaries in existence are here.
Many exhibits are "natural" within visible wires and darkened blinds (to view birds), and pools and open-air motes (for large mammals). The cool, sunny maritime climate is well suited to many plants and animals. The zoo maintains its grounds as an arboretum, with a rare plant collection. The zoo raises 40 varieties of bamboo for its pandas on long-term loan from China, and it maintains 18 varieties of eucalyptus trees to feed its koalas.
At the conclusion of day's activities at the San Diego Zoo, the coach will return the group to the hotel.Dinner: Dinner will be served in a banquet room assigned by the hotel.Evening: This evening focuses on the Courtyard's heated pool and spa. Students from San Diego State University will be on hand to invite the children to frolic in the hotel's pool. For those not inclined to "test the waters," a DVD or another activity may be offered.Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott San DiegoMeals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Coach to Mission Bay.
San Diego State University Associated Students' Mission Bay Aquatic Center is a fully equipped aquatic recreational and educational facility that will be our playground for the morning. Experienced student instructors will provide a thorough training session on kayaks provided by the aquatic center for a fun-filled, nautical experience on San Diego's Mission Bay.
Following lunch, the coach will transport the group to Old Town.Lunch: Boxed lunch at Mission Bay Aquatic Center.Afternoon: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Upon arrival at the state park, you will embark on an exclusive narrated walking tour of Old Town State Park which will illuminate life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Even today, life moves more slowly in this part of San Diego, where the hustle and bustle is balanced with history and fiestas. Visitors are offered a glimpse into yesteryear, as converging cultures transformed San Diego from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement. The core of restored original historic buildings from the interpretive period are complimented by reconstructed sites, along with early twentieth century buildings designed in the same mode. The Historic Plaza remains a gathering place for community events and historic activity. Five original adobe buildings are part of the historic park, which includes museums, unique retail shops, and several restaurants.
This tour will be followed by free time to continue to explore the state park or the shops and historic buildings adjacent to the park.
Brief coach ride back to hotel.Dinner: Dinner will be served in a banquet room assigned by the hotel.Evening: Free evening on your own. Our coordinator will provide you with a list of numerous activities you can enjoy together. Optional video will be shown in our meeting room.Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott San DiegoMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Coach to Balboa Park for visit to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
With exhibits to touch, virtual reality to experience, films to see and fun to be had, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is an educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Upon arrival at the Center, there will then be an exclusive group workshop, followed by a film at the Center's IMAX theater. At the conclusion of the Reuben H. Fleet experience, the coach will take the group to lunch at Souplantation. Lunch: Lunch at Souplantation.Afternoon: SeaWorld
SeaWorld is one of the most popular marine parks in the world. SeaWorld San Diego has hosted more than 100 million visitors since its opening in March,1964. The founding principles of education, entertainment, research and conservation make SeaWorld an ideal place to learn about, enjoy and gain an appreciation for some of the oceans most fascinating creatures.
What really makes your visit to SeaWorld a memorable experience not available to other visitors; a Private VIP Expedition Tour! You will experience the Park during this three-hour tour, with reserved seats to some of the most popular shows, such as the Blue Horizon Dolphin Show, Shamu- One Ocean Show and Turtle Reef, with front-of-the-line privileges on selected rides, escorted access to behind-the-scenes areas and interactive opportunities with a variety of SeaWorld animals.
Also, take this opportunity to experience the rides, shows and events that make Seaworld so attractive.
Please note that shows change with each new season, so more exact information on what will be offered will be available closer to the dates of the program.Dinner: Meal Vouchers will be provided for a dinner at the Park.Evening: Summer Nights at SeaWorld
More fun is on tap for folks of all ages as the Park becomes even more festive as the evening draws nigh. The whole Park becomes a kid's paradise with such attractions as Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids.
At the end of the evening, the coach returns the group to the hotel.Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott San DiegoMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Master chefs from San Diego State University Dining Services will offer a highly informative and entertaining hands-on presentation for both the adults and youth. Through a PowerPoint program and the preparation of foods to be sampled by the group, the chefs will expand the culinary knoledge and awaken the tastebuds of both young and old.
The program concludes with this presentation. Lunch: Lunch provided in a banquet room at the hotel.
Check out is at noon.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch