San Diego: A natural oasis

San Diego, the host city of this year's AAD summer meeting, July 26-30,offers attendees an ideal climate for enjoying the great outdoors. Take some time to explore the surroundings with a run on the beach, a bike ride on a scenic trail, or for the more adventurous spirit, rock climbing in the backcountry.

With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego County visitors have many options, such as surfing, snorkeling, sailing, or kayaking in a secluded cove. If you have a chance, head across the bay from downtown San Diego to Coronado peninsula. It offers one of "America's Top Ten Beaches," according to The Travel Channel. You can reach Coronado in 15 minutes by ferry, leaving the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego on the hour. Also, you can drive across the Coronado Bridge, which has a $1 toll for single-occupancy cars.

For the museum lover, Balboa Park has a $30 passport, valid for 1 week, to visit 13 park attractions. Call 619/231-1640 for more information or 619/239-0512 for general information on days and times. The pass includes entrance to:

Golf enthusiasts will have no trouble finding a course to play because San Diego has more than 90 courses to choose from. You might want to try Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA ( http://www.torrey-pines.com/), where the Buick Invitational was held earlier this year. Or consider La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA ( http://www.lacosta.com/), where the Accenture Match Play Championship is played the end of February. It offers two PGA championship courses.

SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive (619/226-3901), is home to the famous killer whale, Shamu, who performs in a 7-mil-lion-gallon pool for an audience of up to 5,500. He is joined by Baby Shamu and Grandbaby Shamu during the Shamu Adventure show. You also might want to visit Dolphin Discovery, where bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales entertain the crowds; Shark Encounter, showcasing sharks, rays, and tropical fish; and Penguin Encounter, where 350 penguins live along with arctic birds.

If you visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site (www.sandiego. org), you can purchase a Fabulous Four Combo, which includes 1-day admission to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego's Wild Animal Park, LEGOLAND California, and Sea-World San Diego.