0
CART
$0.00

Travel Guide

Palm trees against a cloudy blue sky beside the mirrored glass facade of a San Diego high-rise, 2021To help you get the most out of your festival experience, here’s a guide to our venues, transportation, lodging, and nearby dining options.

TRAVEL TO SAN DIEGO

Southwest Airlines
We’re proud to welcome Southwest Airlines as the Official Domestic Travel Partner of the 27th San Diego Asian Film Festival. With extensive service to San Diego from cities across the country, Southwest helps bring filmmakers, guests, and audiences together for 10 days of film, culture, and community. We’re grateful for Southwest’s generous support of Pacific Arts Movement and SDAFF, helping make this year’s festival possible. Learn more at southwest.com.

Alaska Airlines
We’re also proud to partner with Alaska Airlines, our international travel partner for the 27th San Diego Asian Film Festival. Alaska connects San Diego with dozens of nonstop destinations across the U.S. and beyond, making it easier than ever to join us for 10 days of films and community. Visit alaskaair.com.

 

GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL

MTS – San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
Skip the traffic and parking! The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) makes it easy to get to SDAFF. Many of our venues, including UltraStar Mission Valley, are directly accessible by trolley and bus routes. Plan your trip at sdmts.com.

  • UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley: Green Line (Hazard Center)
  • UC San Diego Price Center Theater: Blue Line (UC San Diego Central Campus), Route 30, 41, 101, 201/202, 237, 974, 978, 979
  • AMC UTC 14: Blue Line (UTC), 30, 31, 41, 105, 201/202, 204, 101
  • University of San Diego, Warren Auditorium: Route 44

CHARTERUP!
Looking for group travel solutions to SDAFF? Our partners at GOGO Charters make renting a San Diego Charter Bus a breeze. Additionally, National Charter Bus offers a wide variety of bus and shuttle rentals for groups of all sizes. Serving the local area, group transportation services can also be arranged online through San Diego Charter Bus Company, San Diego Charter Bus Rentals, and San Diego Charter Bus Services.

 

WHERE TO STAY

Our main festival venue, UltraStar Mission Valley, is conveniently located in Mission Valley near several hotels, making it easy to stay close to the action throughout SDAFF.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley: Located directly next to UltraStar Mission Valley, the DoubleTree is one of the most convenient options for festival attendees looking to stay close to our main venue. The hotel is located at 7450 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108.
San Diego Marriott Mission Valley – Enjoy modern accommodations, a resort-style pool, and easy freeway access — just minutes from our main venue, UltraStar Mission Valley (two trolley stops away from the theater — Rio Vista Station).

 

WHERE TO EAT

BJ’s – A casual dining chain known for its deep-dish pizzas, craft beers, and signature Pizookie desserts.

Kiko’s Place – Iconic fish taco truck right by Hazard Center. Fresh seafood, spicy salsas, and classic San Diego flavor.

In-N-Out Burger – Beloved California staple serving simple, perfect burgers and fries.

Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill – Neighborhood favorite for fresh rolls, sashimi, and casual sushi dining.

Gravity Heights – Modern brewery and restaurant with craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and a lively patio.

Plumeria – Vibrant vegetarian Thai spot with flavorful curries and noodle dishes.

Hatsuzakura – Cozy Japanese eatery known for ramen, donburi, and homestyle comfort dishes.

Goi Cuon – Fresh Vietnamese fare with spring rolls, noodles, and boba in a relaxed setting.

 

NEIGHBORHOODS NEAR MISSION VALLEY

Hillcrest (5–7 minutes away) – A vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ culture, nightlife, coffee shops, and casual eateries.

Normal Heights (8–10 minutes away) – Diverse and laid-back, filled with neighborhood pubs, cafes, and cocktail bars. Grab a coffee at Bica or Sycamore Den (a retro cocktail bar), sip craft drinks at Polite Provisions, or enjoy mezcal and Oaxacan-inspired bites at Cantina Mayahuel.

University Heights (8–10 minutes away) – A charming neighborhood with a small-town feel, known for brunch spots and local favorites. Try Dreamboat for cozy diner vibes, Bahn Thai or Plumeria for flavorful Thai dishes, or stroll along Park Boulevard for casual bars and eateries.

North Park (10 minutes away) – Trendy and artsy, with breweries, ramen, sushi, and fusion kitchens. Enjoy modern Vietnamese at Shank & Bone, playful street eats at Kin Len, or Japanese-inspired cocktails at Part Time Lover, a hi-fi bar and vinyl shop. Beer fans will find plenty to explore at Modern Times, Fall Brewing, and more.

Logan Heights / Barrio Logan (11–12 minutes away) – A cultural landmark known for Chicano Park and its creative community. Explore Bread & Salt gallery, Provecho Coffee, Libelula Books & Co., Sew Loka, Longplay Hi-Fi, and neighborhood breweries.

Kearny Mesa / Convoy District (15 minutes away) – San Diego’s go-to destination for Asian cuisine. Find Korean BBQ, dim sum, ramen, hot pot, boba, and late-night dessert spots. The area’s karaoke lounges and bustling energy make it perfect for post-screening adventures.