Enjoy sun, surf, and shopping in San Diego and get inspired in America’s finest city! While you attend Symposium and the GIA Gemological Research Conference, your family, friends and companions traveling with you can take advantage of these special group excursions. To register for any of these activities, please click here to register online, or click here to download a printable registration form. Please note that space is limited and will sell out fast.

Inside Story at the San Diego Zoo
Tuesday, Aug 29 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
$95/ person

A VIP visit to the famous San Diego Zoo provides an exclusive “behind the scenes” look at the zoo’s operations and animal care.  From your private double-decker bus, see giraffes and zebras on the African Plains, visit the “big cats” and see the zoo from an insider’s perspective. Package includes round trip transportation via deluxe motor coach, admission to the zoo, two hour exclusive tour, lunch vouchers and all applicable taxes and gratuities.

La Jolla Coast Walk and Shopping
Tuesday, Aug 29 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
$105/person

La Jolla – “The Jewel” – has long been a cherished haven for locals and visitors. After an informative tour throughout La Jolla, you’ll meet a Scripps naturalist at a favorite scenic lookout point, and then enjoy an elegant lunch overlooking the Pacific at George’s at the Cove.  You’ll then be ready to browse the many boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops on Prospect Street. Package includes round trip transportation via deluxe motor coach, guide, lunch, map of La Jolla and all applicable taxes and gratuities.

San Diego by Land and Seal
Monday, Aug 28 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
$99/person

On this incredible tour, you will see just how “America’s Finest City” shines with sun, surf, culture and beauty. After lunch in Old Town and a tour of the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park, climb aboard a private Hydra Terra – San Diego’s only amphibious sightseeing vehicle. Package includes round trip transportation via deluxe motor coach, tour guide, lunch and all applicable taxes and gratuities.

Passport to Balboa Park
Monday, August 28 11:45 am – 4:45 pm
$91/person

Experience the beauty and history of San Diego’s Balboa Park – more than 1,000 lush acres and home to one of the most complete museum complexes in the world. Check out the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center to take in an IMAX film. Or drop in on the San Diego Museum of Art, where Old Masters meet new contemporaries. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Japanese Friendship Garden or anywhere in the Park’s beautiful landscape. Package includes round trip transportation via deluxe motor coach, tour guide, admission to your choice of four participating museums, box lunch picnic and all applicable taxes and gratuities.

GIA Junior Gemologist Program
Monday, August 28 8:00 am – 9:15 am
$20/person

This is the perfect place for the next generation of aspiring gemologists, jewelry designers, stone buyers, and scientists to delve into the mystery and beauty of gemstones. Each program is held at the Manchester Hyatt and ends just in time for the day’s planned companion/family outing.

For Ages 6 – 8
With flashlights in hand, children will peek into the word of phenomenal stones to explore play-of-color, cat’s-eyes, and more. Then, each child will draw a design of their own creation on a gem postcard, and go from paper to pin – where their unique design becomes a piece of wearable jewelry

For Ages 9 – 13
This fun, interactive session taught by GIA staff is a great way to introduce your youngster to the exciting world of gemology and gemstones. Future gemologists will examine a wide array of gems and practice using the standard tools of the trade – mircoscope, loupe, tweezers, and gem cloth.