You’ll want to pack your trip itinerary full of fun things to do both inside and outside the convention center, but you don’t want to spend more money on tickets or admission than you need to.
Tickets for most events must be purchased ahead of time through the group or company hosting the convention.

The Kissing Sailor Statue next to the USS Midway
Other Attractions Near the San Diego Convention Center
As for attractions in the Embarcadero and surrounding neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of things to do!
No visit is complete without touring some of the nearby areas, whether you’re in town for business or pleasure. Make sure to stop by Seaport Village for some shopping and dining near the waterfront, take a tour of Petco Park, and learn about local history in one of the many popular museums like the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.
Building Amenities
San Diego Convention Center offers a wide range of amenities to make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. As part of health protocols, Starbucks, Mrs. Fields, Café Express and retail bars are 100% cashless.
The best way to ensure you can explore San Diego as much as possible is by pre-purchasing a Go San Diego Pass. This pass allows you to bundle together admission for various attractions, such as the ever-popular San Diego Zoo or any of those mentioned above.
By purchasing a Go Pass through our discount code, you can stack additional savings on top of the already discounted prices. This means you can spend less time worrying about money and more time enjoying yourself in the city.
Best Hotels Near the San Diego Convention Center
Many people travel from quite a ways for different conventions, which means it’s important to book your stay early if you want to have a stress-free stay at one of the best hotels near the convention center. Luckily, there are plenty of great picks, and you’re sure to find something that suits your needs in our hand-picked list.

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina next to the San Diego Convention Center
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina hotel is an excellent choice for families. Its location on the marina means it isn’t far from the convention center or other attractions like Petco Park, and it features a great view of the city as well as free WiFi service in the lobby and suites. Another great family-friendly hotel is the Omni San Diego Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, which has its own fitness center and classes.
If you want to stay along the bay, try the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, which offers guests discounts on equipment rentals, meals and drinks at local restaurants, spa services, and various stores in Seaport Village. You can also check out the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego which boasts luxury amenities such as a lounge and a rooftop pool.
No matter where you stay, you’re sure to enjoy your trip!