Join us as we return to the City by the Bay to celebrate achievements, growth and all that’s to come in ophthalmology.
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Watch this short video: San Francisco welcomes attendees to AAO 2023.
Whether you come for the unparalleled beauty of the California coast, the celebrated cuisine, a trip to wine country or the glorious arts scene, you’ll leave your heart in San Francisco. Learn why TIME magazine named the City by the Bay one of the World’s Greatest Places to visit in 2022.
Dreamforce, a conference with approximately 40,000 attendees, just concluded in Moscone Center. Ahead of the conference, the San Francisco Chronicle published a summary of what tourists should know about San Francisco. Review additional AAO 2023 Health and Safety information.
Start Planning Your Trip
Start planning your visit with this list of the top 28 things not to miss in San Francisco from the San Francisco Travel Association.
Restaurants
San Francisco is home to legendary culinary experiences. But if you want a reservation, start planning! Restaurants like French Laundry and Chez Panisse only take reservations one month in advance.
Find more options in San Francisco with the 2023 MICHELIN Guide. The City-by-the-Bay boasts:
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27 MICHELIN-starred restaurants — half of the state’s three-star MICHELIN restaurants and five of its 12 two-star establishments, plus three Green Star restaurants.
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Chef Harrison Cheney, of Sons & Daughters, who received the prestigious 2023 Michelin Young Chef Award.
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Chef David Yoshimura, of Nisei, who received the 2022 Michelin Young Chef Award.
Easy to use dining guides:
Comedy and Theater
The biggest names in comedy and theater come to San Francisco:
Look for more amazing shows and comedy events while you are in town Nov. 2-6.
Truhlsen - Marmor Museum of the Eye
When you are in town don't miss the opportunity to visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye® near Ghiradelli Square in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. It is the world’s only free, public museum dedicated to the fascinating science of sight.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Free tours are available at 2 p.m. For annual meeting attendees the Museum will be open an additional day, Monday, Nov. 6. Present your badge at the front desk for a special gift!
More Museums
San Francisco has many world class museums for the whole family. Look at these options that are within walking distance of Moscone Center:
Music
The San Francisco Bay Area music scene stretches from intimate settings to symphony halls. Visit these fabulous venues:
Travel in Style
Once you are in town you must experience the famous cable cars and street cars. These vintage cars bring riders to Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Castro district, Chinatown, Nob Hill, Jackson Square, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower and more.
Tours
The San Francisco Visitor Information Center (VIC) is ready to help you secure attraction tickets and tours. You can also find many tours online through companies like Viator. Some more unique ways to explore the city:
Alcatraz and Adventures on the Bay
Alcatraz, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is not only an infamous former federal prison. It has a rich history both before and after Al Capone's stay on the island. If you would like to visit Alcatraz you will need to book ferry tickets. Alcatraz frequently sells out in advance so book your tickets early.
Can't get to Alcatraz? You can explore the entire San Francisco Bay by ferry:
Find reviews of cruises and bay tours at TripAdvisor.
Get Outdoors
The San Francisco Bay Area is well known for its beautiful vistas, inspiring redwoods and fantastic outdoor adventures. Take time before or after the meeting to commune with nature:
Plan ahead! Some parks require reservations for parking and shuttles.
Child Care
Need child care while at the meeting? The Academy is pleased to offer a safe and nurturing environment for children, aged 6 months to 12 years, provided by ACCENT. Learn more about Camp AAO.
Weather
November is a lovely time to visit San Francisco. The weather is mild and cool with average high temperatures of 63°F (17°C) and average lows of 50°F (10°C).
Time
San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone.
On Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, the time will shift from Pacific Daylight Time to Pacific Standard Time. At 2 a.m. clocks will be turned backward 1 hour to 1 a.m. Attendees gain one more hour of light in the morning, and an extra hour of sleep.