Your complete travel guide for BIO 2026 in San Diego
BIO International Convention 2026 is coming to San Diego, June 22-25, and Corporate Traveler, the official travel partner of BIO, has everything you need to make the trip smooth, smart, and stress-free.
From flying into San Diego International Airport and riding the Green Line trolley straight to the Convention Center, to grabbing Tijuana-style tacos and catching a Padres game right across the street, this guide covers it all. Book early, pack light layers for those June Gloom mornings, and let Corporate Traveler handle the logistics while you focus on the connections that matter.
An expert Travel Manager's guide to attending BIO 2026 in San Diego
As a proud travel partner of BIO, Corporate Traveler is here to help you make the most of your experience at the BIO International Convention 2026, taking place June 22-25, 2026 in San Diego, California.
At Corporate Traveler, our clients benefit from customized travel programs and dedicated Travel Managers, as well as exclusive negotiated rates on flights, hotels, and rental cars. We make it easier to book, manage, and maximize your business travel, so you can focus on what matters most: growing your connections and advancing your goals.
To help you get ready for BIO 2026, our travel experts are sharing insider tips on everything from getting around San Diego to where to stay, eat, and explore. First time attending or seasoned BIO veteran? We've got you covered. Whether you're sorting out travel booking for BIO 2026 or just looking for the best taco spot in town, here's everything you need to know to travel smarter, save more, and get the most out of the convention.
Getting there
- Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is just three miles from the San Diego Convention Center.
- Expect a 10- to 15-minute taxi or rideshare ride to downtown or the Convention Center, depending on traffic.
- Prefer public transport? The Green Line trolley connects directly from the airport to the Convention Center station.
Where to stay
Book your accommodations now to lock in a spot close to the Convention Center.
Prices too high for your budget? Consider contacting the hotel's sales department and asking to speak with the business sales or event sales manager. They may be able to offer you a special rate that's not available online, especially if you're attending the convention or booking for a group.
Choose your hotel from BIO's official hotel list to access exclusive rates, as well as complimentary shuttle service to and from the Convention Center.
Tip: Stay close! Hotels in downtown San Diego's Marina District (near the Convention Center) cut down on travel time and make networking easier.
Bonus tip
Corporate Traveler clients enjoy additional perks at selected hotels, including breakfast offers and early check-in/late check-out options at Hyatt properties.
Prepare yourself for San Diego’s weather
San Diego's weather in late June is typically sunny and pleasant, but don't be caught off guard by "June Gloom," a marine layer that can bring overcast skies and cool mornings before clearing up in the afternoon. Light layers for the morning and evening are recommended, and comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the city and attending convention events.
Getting around San Diego
- Shuttle buses: Complimentary shuttles run between official hotels and the Convention Center every 5 to 20 minutes. Schedules will be available in hotel lobbies.
- San Diego Trolley: A quick, affordable option if you want to explore on your own, with the Blue Line running directly to the Convention Center station.
- Rideshare and taxis: Readily available city-wide through Uber, Lyft, and more.
Where to eat
San Diego's food scene is seriously underrated — from waterfront rooftops to taco shops straight out of Tijuana. Here are some local favorites, hand-picked by Natalie, Corporate Traveler's West Director of Customer Success, who just so happens to call San Diego home:
- Topsail: A portside gem with a rooftop deck right on the water. Perfect for post-session drinks and bites with a view.
- Ballast Point Brewing: A local craft brewery in the heart of Little Italy with a sprawling patio. Great for a casual group outing.
- Tacos El Gordo: Tijuana-style tacos done right. Simple setup, serious flavor. It's easy to see why this place has a cult following.
- Cowboy Star: A top-notch steakhouse that's popular for a reason. Bonus: happy hour in the bar runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., making it a great spot for an early evening wind-down.
- Spill the Beans Coffee: Located in the Seaport Village area, this is your go-to for morning coffee, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches before a big day on the convention floor.
- The Lion's Share: A more intimate bar with craft cocktails and small bites. Ideal for those nights when you want a quieter atmosphere and a well-made drink.
Tips from our Travel Managers
San Diego's dining scene fills up fast during convention week. If there's somewhere you really want to try, get those reservations in early!
What to see
When you're not busy making deals and shaking hands, San Diego has plenty to offer. Here's what Natalie recommends checking out while you're in town:
- USS Midway Museum: San Diego is a proud military city, and the USS Midway — a historic naval aircraft carrier turned museum — is one of its most iconic landmarks. Well worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare.
- Petco Park: Right across the street from the Convention Center, and the Padres are playing during convention week. It's been named the number one baseball park in the country, and a group outing here is a must.
- The Embarcadero: A scenic waterfront path perfect for a morning run or an evening stroll. A great way to reset between conference days.
- Seaport Village: About a 10-minute walk from the Convention Center, Seaport Village is one of the most walkable and charming spots in the area, packed with restaurants, shops, and waterfront views. Start here.
- Little Italy: A lively neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, and weekend markets. Worth the short trip if you want to venture a little further from the Convention Center.
- Portside Pier: Another great dining and waterfront destination right on the bay. It’s a relaxed, scenic, and a solid spot for a group dinner.
Getting around: If you'd rather not walk or call an Uber, the local trolley system makes it easy to hop between neighborhoods with ease.
Be prepared to network!
Bring plenty of business cards and prepare an elevator pitch to make the most of networking sessions. The BIO International Convention 2026 is one of the best stages in the industry to build new connections, spark collaborations, and plant seeds that grow long after the convention wraps.
Why travel with Corporate Traveler?
For over 30 years, Corporate Traveler has been the go-to name in corporate travel for life sciences companies, delivering smarter, simpler BIO 2026 travel management for businesses like yours.
We combine dedicated personal service with technology that makes travel effortless, so you can focus on making connections at BIO, not worrying about logistics.
Save time. Save money. Travel with confidence.
With Corporate Traveler, you're never alone on the road and always have expert support behind you.
Full-service travel management built for the Life Sciences
When you work with Corporate Traveler for your BIO 2026 attendee travel needs, you get:
- Customized travel program setup, including an easy-to-use platform and tailored travel policies.
- 24/7 in-house support from real people (no call centers).
- Access to exclusive negotiated rates on airfare, hotels, and rental cars.
- A dedicated Travel Manager to support your BIO and ongoing business travel needs.
- Real-time financial reporting, duty of care tracking, and sustainability analytics.
- Specialized expertise for advisory board travel, leadership meetings, clinical trials, and compliance with the Sunshine Act/HIPAA and GCP standards.
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