COOL STARS 22
24–28 June 2024, San Diego, California, USA
The "Cambridge Workshops on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems and the Sun" are held biennially and have evolved to be the premier conference series for cool star research.
Links to San Diego tourism websites
Excursions
Wednesday afternoon (June 26th) does not have any talks or presentations scheduled. Instead, we offer some excursions where you can explore San Diego and chat about life and science with other conference attendees.
Palomar Observatory Tour
The famous Palomar Observatory is a 1.5 hour drive from UC San Diego. It hosts the 200-inch Hale Telescope, first used by Edwin Hubble, which has been instrumental in numerous astronomical discoveries. Gliese 229B, the first brown dwarf ever to be confirmed, was discovered using the Palomar 60-inch telescope in 1994. It is also home to the Zwicky Transient Factory (ZTF), using the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope. Excursion details to come.
This excursion will provide: 1) Transport to and from the Observatory; 2) A boxed lunch; and 3) A tour of yet-to-be determined length (dependent on the number of attendees). The ground are free to walk around so there will be ample time to explore in addition to attending the tour, and tour groups will rotate.
Kayak in the La Jolla Cove
Explore the La Jolla Cove by stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Groups will launch from La Jolla Shores Beach, just a short walk from the UC San Diego, and will enjoy a self-guided paddle around the La Jolla Cove. This excursion is open to people with all levels of paddling experience. A short introduction will be provided for beginners. Bring sunscreen and be prepared to get wet. Excursion details to come.
This excursion will provide: 1) Transport to and from the La Jolla Shores; and 2) A group kayak experience that will last approximately 1 hour. Lunch is not provided in this excursion.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park hosts the majority of museums in San Diego. Included are: The Fleet Science Center, SD Museum of Man, SD Museum of Photographic Arts, SD Zoo, Japanese Friendship Garden, SD Museum of Art, and SD Air & Space Museum. There is a 7-day pass offered for $67 ($43 for ages 3-11). Excursion details to come.
This excursion will provide: 1) Transport to and from Balboa Park. Lunch is not provided in this excursion. You may purchase a museum pass online that will grant access to many of the sites at Balboa Park.
Stone Brewery World Bistro Dinner and Brewery Tour
Founded in San Diego in 1996, Stone Brewery is the largest brewery in Southern California and the ninth largest craft brewery in the United States. It iss known for its bold, aggressive beers and distinctive branding featuring a gargoyle logo. Pioneers in the craft beer movement, Stone Brewing has gained a reputation for its wide range of high-quality beers, including the Stone IPA, Arrogant Bastard Ale, and Stone Ruination IPA.
This excursion will provide: 1) Transport to and from Stone Brewery; 2) A tour of the brewery including beer tasting; and 3) Dinner at Stone Brewery (menu to-be-decided). Lunch is not provided in this excursion. You must be at least 21 years of age to participate in this excursion.
Activities and Sightseeing on your own
If you prefer to explore San Diego and the surrounding area on your own, we have some suggestions for you.
Nearby Attractions
- Balboa Park - San Diego, CA:
Balboa Park offers numerous museums and attractions for visitors. Here is a non-complete list of points of interest at Balboa Park:
- Comic-Con Museum
- Fleet Science Center
- Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
- Mingei International Museum
- Museum of Us
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Mineral and Gem Society
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- San Diego Zoo
- Spanish Village Art Center
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion
- The Old Globe
- The San Diego Museum of Art
- Timken Museum of Art
- Women’s Museum of California
- WorldBeat Center
- La Jolla Shores Beach - La Jolla, CA: Only a short walk from the UC San Diego campus, La Jolla Shores is a picturesque and vibrant neighborhood, known for its beautiful, wide sandy beach and gentle waves, making it a popular spot for swimmers, sunbathers, and beginner surfers. The area boasts a scenic, mile-long stretch of coastline backed by a spacious grassy park and a lively boardwalk brimming with shops, eateries, and rental outlets for beach and water activities. Renowned for its clear waters, La Jolla Shores is also a favored destination for kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, offering a glimpse of the diverse marine life of the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. The neighborhood exudes a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors seeking a quintessential Southern California beach experience.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Escondido, CA: The San Diego Zoo offers not 1, but 2 different parks which combined make it one of the largest zoos in the worlds! The Safari Park is located approximately 30 minutes away from UCSD by car, and offers an free-range enclosures. This park was also responsible for the California condor breeding program, which helped to bring this animal back from the edge of extinction. Did I mention this is the only location outside of Australia where you can see platypuses?
- Legoland California - Carlsbad, CA: The closest amusement park to UCSD, only a 25 minute drive. Discover the Magic of LEGOLAND California! Unleash your imagination with thrilling rides and incredible LEGO creations, creating memories that will stay with you forever. Book your adventure today!
- Disneyland & California Adventure - Anaheim, CA: The world famous amusement park located 1.25 hours from UCSD is a family friendly outing. Experience the Enchantment of Disneyland and California Adventure! Step into a world of fairytales and beloved characters at Disneyland, where magic fills the air and dreams come true. Then, venture into the wonders of California Adventure, where thrilling attractions and immersive lands await your discovery. Create cherished memories with your loved ones at these iconic theme parks - a journey you'll treasure forever! Make sure to reserve passes well in advance.
- Universal Studios Hollywood - Universal City, CA: Located 1.75 hours away by drive just north of Hollywood. Get Ready for Action and Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood! Immerse yourself in the magic of blockbuster movies, thrilling rides, and behind-the-scenes experiences, making every moment an epic cinematic journey. Prepare for an unforgettable day of entertainment that will leave you feeling like a star!