2027 SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE IN YUMA ARIZONA

Southwest Conference Schedule (May 3-6, 2027)

• Monday, May 3rd, 2027: Welcome, registration and hospitality area
• Tuesday, May 4th, 2027: Ride to be announced, registration, Presidents meeting and hospitality area
• Wednesday, May 5th, 2027: Ride to be announced, members general meeting, banquet and hospitality area
• Thursday, May 6th, 2027: Depart for residence or stay longer in Yuma

Arriving early to the 2027 Southwest Conference? Take advantage of the extra time—we are located just 3.5 hours from San Diego, making it an easy and scenic trip to explore the coast before the event kicks off.

San Diego offers a wide variety of activities ranging from historic landmarks and ocean views to world-class cultural attractions. Iconic Parks & Wildlife Balboa Park is the cultural heart of the city, spanning 1,200 acres filled with Spanish-Renaissance architecture, lush gardens, and numerous museums.
 

* Home to over a dozen museums, including art, air and space, and natural history institutions.
 

* Features free attractions such as the Botanical Building, Desert Garden, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
 

* Ideal for a leisurely stroll through shaded walking trails and historic plazas.
San Diego Zoo is a globally renowned wildlife park located right within Balboa Park, celebrated for its immersive habitats and conservation efforts.
 

* Houses thousands of rare and endangered animals across expansive, open-air exhibits.
 

* Offers guided bus tours and the Skyfari aerial tram for panoramic overhead views.
 

* Known for engaging animal encounters and beautifully landscaped botanical displays.Coastal Views & Outdoor Nature La Jolla Cove is a picturesque coastal inlet renowned for dramatic sea cliffs, clear water, and abundant marine life.
 

* Prime spot for viewing wild sea lions and harbor seals basking on the rocks.

* Popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking around nearby sea caves.

* Surrounded by scenic oceanfront walking paths with access to village dining and shops. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers some of Southern California's most dramatic coastal scenery, preserving rugged sandstone cliffs and rare Torrey pine trees.
 

* Features well-maintained trails like the Guy Fleming and Razor Point trails with sweeping ocean vistas.
 

* Provides access down to pristine, uncrowded stretches of beach.
 

* Great for spotting migrating marine life, coastal birds, and unique geological formations. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park spans along Point Loma's western shoreline and serves as one of the most popular vantage points in the area.
 

* Renowned for panoramic Pacific Ocean views, especially during sunset.
 

* Rugged bluff trails allow visitors to explore coastal caves and dramatic rock arches.
 

* Relaxed atmosphere, perfect for an evening picnic or coastal photography.
History & Waterfront Culture USS Midway Museum is a historic aircraft carrier docked in downtown San Diego that offers an interactive look into naval aviation history.
 

* Features dozens of restored aircraft on the expansive flight deck and hangar deck.
 

* Audio tours narrated by former crew members guide visitors through sleeping quarters, the bridge, and the engine room.
 

* Includes flight simulators and hands-on cockpit exhibits.
Cabrillo National Monument sits at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula, commemorating the landing of the first European expedition on the West Coast.
 

* Provides 360-degree views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado, and the Pacific Ocean.
 

* Includes the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, open for self-guided exploration.
 

* Features accessible rocky tide pools along the coastal side during low tide.
Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego’s historic downtown district, recognized for Victorian-era architecture and dining.
 

* Packed with a wide selection of restaurants, craft breweries, and rooftop lounges.
 

* Walkable streets lined with boutique shops, comedy clubs, and live music venues.
 

* Within easy walking distance of the waterfront and Petco Park.
Are you interested in specific activities like outdoor hiking, exploring food and nightlife, or visiting museums?

San Diego County is a premier destination for motorcycle riding, featuring diverse terrain that stretches from twisty alpine climbs and sweeping desert descents to breezy coastal highways.
Mountain Twisties & High Elevations Palomar Mountain via South Grade Road (S6) is legendary among riders for its tight switchbacks, elevation changes, and technical curves through Cleveland National Forest.
 

* Features the famous "Highway to the Stars," boasting continuous hairpins and smooth asphalt.
 

* Roadside pullouts offer expansive views of northern San Diego County and the valleys below.
 

* Provides direct access to technical canyon lines and loop options via East Grade Road (S7). Palomar Observatory sits near the summit of Palomar Mountain, serving as an iconic stopping point at the end of the mountain ascent.
 

* Home to the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope.

* Offers shaded parking areas and scenic walking paths to stretch your legs after a technical ride.
 

* Provides a quiet, cool alpine setting away from valley heat.
Sunrise Highway (County Route S1) climbs through the Laguna Mountains, offering sweeping curves and panoramic vistas overlooking the Anza-Borrego Desert.
 

* Delivers 34 miles of gentle sweepers and smooth pavement ideal for touring and cruising.
 

* Reaches elevations above 6,000 feet with crisp mountain air and pine-tree lined corridors.
 

* Connects directly to Highway 79 for extended loops through Cuyamaca and Julian. Historic Backcountry & Rider Pit Stops Josie's Hideout Saloon is a classic, biker-friendly backcountry gathering spot located at the intersection of Highway 76 and Highway 79 in Santa Ysabel.

* Frequent weekend stop for motorcycle groups riding the Palomar and Julian corridors.

* Features an outdoor patio, live music on weekends, and casual tavern fare.
 

* Plentiful dedicated bike parking and a lively community atmosphere.
Julian Pie Company is located in the historic gold-mining town of Julian, making it the premier turnaround point for mountain and backcountry day trips.
 

* Renowned for freshly baked Dutch apple pies, pastries, and hot coffee.
 

* Quaint historic town setting with outdoor patio seating and walkable Main Street shops.
 

* Serves as the central hub connecting Route 78, Route 79, and the Banner Grade down to the desert. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park spans along scenic Highway 79 south of Julian, offering winding canyon pavement through oak woodlands and pine forests.

* Features gentle winding roads that loop past Lake Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peak.
 

* Offers multiple scenic overlooks and quiet turnout spots along the highway.
 

* Connects the backcountry mountain routes seamlessly with Interstate 8 and Old Highway 80.Scenic Coastal Cruising Silver Strand State Beach along Highway 75 provides a wide-open coastal ride connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach.

 * Offers sweeping coastal views with San Diego Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
 

* Pairs perfectly with a cruise over the towering San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
 

* Straightforward, laid-back cruise with gentle ocean breezes.
Are you looking for tight technical twisties, long open touring loops through the desert, or relaxed coastal cruising routes?

Extend the Adventure: The Ultimate LA Pre/Post-Conference Excursion
Looking to turn your conference travel into a full California road trip? Los Angeles is only 4.5 hours away, making it an easy, high-octane overnight getaway before the opening keynote or right after the final session.
Why It's Worth the Drive

* The Route: Cruise up through dramatic elevation changes, desert expanses, and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.
 

* World-Class Entertainment: Catch an evening show, hit historic Hollywood landmarks, or explore vibrant arts districts.
 

* Legendary Dining & Nightlife: Experience rooftop lounges with skyline views, iconic beachfront seafood shacks, and classic dining staples.
 

* The Coastal Vibe: Unwind along Santa Monica or Venice Beach before heading back.

The Quick 24-Hour Blueprint

Timing Activity

Day 1: Morning Hit the road early (4.5 hr drive); take in the changing landscapes.

Day 1: Afternoon Check in, grab lunch on the coast (Santa Monica/Malibu) or explore the city center.
 

Day 1: Evening | Dinner, skyline drinks, and LA nightlife.
 

Day 2: Morning | Scenic breakfast, quick sightseeing/canyon cruise, then head back in time for conference check-in.

If you’ve got the travel bug and want to make the most of your trip out west, pack an overnight bag and hit the highway!

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