ADDITIONAL SAN DIEGO INFORMATION
CINCO de MAYO – SAN DIEGO
Our ARCOA Convention coincides with Old Town San Diego’s celebration of Cinco de Mayo (5th of May). Many
of you are already familiar with this holiday as it is celebrated in your community. Plan a visit to this area during
some of the free times during your trip. Please note that the Hop On Hop Off Trolley will not be stopping at Old
Town Friday, Saturday, or Sunday so alternate transportation will be needed (mass transit, Uber, taxi).
 Friday May 5th – All Night Happy Hour
 Saturday May 6th – 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
 Sunday, May 7th – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The following information is provided by the Old Town San Diego Foundation; beneficiary of the proceeds from
this celebratory weekend. ENJOY!
“Cinco de Mayo's history has its roots in the French Occupation of Mexico. The French occupation took shape in
the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48. With this war, Mexico entered a period of national crisis
during the 1850's. Years of not only fighting the Americans but also a Civil War, had left Mexico devastated and
bankrupt. On July 17, 1861, President Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which all foreign debt payments would
be suspended for a brief period of two years, with the promise that after this period, payments would resume.
The English, Spanish and French refused to allow president Juarez to do this, and instead decided to invade Mexico
and get payments by whatever means necessary. The Spanish and English eventually withdrew, but the French
refused to leave. Their intention was to create an Empire in Mexico under Napoleon III. Some have argued that the
true French occupation was a response to growing American power and to the Monroe Doctrine (America for the
Americans). Napoleon III believed that if the United States was allowed to prosper indiscriminately, it would
eventually become a power in and of itself.
In 1862, the French army began its advance. Under General Ignacio Zaragoza, 5,000 ill-equipped Mestizo and
Zapotec Indians defeated the French army in what came to be known as the "Batalla de Puebla" on the fifth of
May.”
More information available at http://www.cincodemayooldtown.com/
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GETTING AROUND SAN DIEGO
The Embassy Suites Bayfront Hotel is wonderfully located close to restaurants, attractions and interesting
neighborhoods. Seaport Village is directly across the street and just outside the doors are an ice cream parlor/donut
shop and deli/liquor shop. For those who are vigorous and energetic, walking is an option to get many places.
The Hop-On-Hop-Off Trolley offers 10 stops around town along with guided narration. If you take the City tour on
Friday afternoon, you are entitled to purchase an additional day access to the HOHO Trolley for $20. This will
enable you to return to your preferred destinations at your leisure.
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The Metro is an above ground light rail system that travels throughout the area. Visit www.sdmts.com for
more information.
Seaport Village Green Line Stop is closest to Hotel (1 block)
You may purchase individual trip fares costing $2.50 available at any station
Compass cards (multiple use passes) cost $2/card PLUS $5/one day; $9/2 day: $12/3 day
Compass cards are only available at designated locations. Per the website closest location to the Embassy
Suites is The Transit Store, 1255 Imperial Ave Ste 100A, San Diego 92101, although they can be ordered
ahead online.
ARCOA will offer the opportunity to purchase the 1 day passes as a group (saving is only $1 but convenience is the
factor). You only need tap the card at the trolley station to activate and it will be good any day. The 24 hr. period
begins when you first use it. Includes purchase cost of card itself (see above). Card can be reloaded for additional
days. NO REFUNDS 1 Day Pass $6
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AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION IN SAN DIEGO
The Embassy Suites does not have complimentary airport shuttle service.
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With lots of energy, check out the public transportation options that include walking, steps and hauling
your luggage
Estimated cab fare is $15 one way per website but call to verify
Try Uber and ride share
Shuttle Services – average $10/pp each way
PARKING IN SAN DIEGO
ARCOA was unable to secure any group parking rates with nearby parking lots. This is the downtown area and the
lots are running close to capacity per the companies contacted.
Embassy Suites only offers valet parking at $46/day.
If you have an active duty or retired military ID card, parking is available FREE across Pacific Highway from the
hotel at a U.S. Naval facility. You must show ID each time upon entrance. The public parking area is at one end of
the lot so there is a long walk between the parking area and the hotel access (you must walk back out the military
gates).
You can park at long term airport lots after checking in and leave your car there for several days at the lowest
prices.
Another option is to lookup www.parkme.com, then enter the address 601 Pacific Highway to see the options.
Then, just click on a bubble to read about the lot (rates, hours, address, phone – walking distance to the 601 Pacific
Highway address). There’s an option to reserve a spot at several lots.