San Diego Convention Center

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111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
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As the premier location of annual events like Comic-Con and various trade shows, the San Diego Convention Center is a hub for exciting gatherings of all kinds.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
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Explore Some of the Biggest Events at the San Diego Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center is Right Along the San Diego BaySeaport Village Full of Stores and Restaurants next to the San Diego Convention Center

There are few venues in all of San Diego County that are more well-known than the San Diego Convention Center. If you’ve ever attended a convention there, you know that the energy is simply electric, whether you’re there for business or pleasure.

Given its massive size and overall atmosphere, it’s no surprise that the San Diego Convention Center hosts thousands of guests at dozens of events each year.

As a perfect location for business engagements and pop culture conventions alike, the building offers a truly spacious interior and many outdoor courtyards for various gatherings that attract national attention. It is one of the most popular destinations in San Diego for tourists and business travelers alike.

The center is usually busiest during the summer months, especially in mid-July, when people travel from all across the country to attend Comic-Con San Diego. The convention-goers tend to spill out onto the street and into nearby restaurants and other businesses, completely transforming the whole area for the weekend.

Of course, things are far from dull throughout the rest of the year, as different gatherings run year-round.

The Kissing Sailor Statue next to the USS Midway
The Kissing Sailor Statue next to the USS Midway

It’s More Than a Venue

An event at the Convention Center isn’t just about the meeting room or exhibitions you see during your visit. It’s also about enjoying your time in San Diego, which means checking out other attractions and all the best features in nearby neighborhoods.

The convention center is located along the Embarcadero which borders the beautiful San Diego Bay. It’s mere steps away from the Gaslamp District and Downtown San Diego, meaning it is conveniently located near many popular attractions in San Diego.

It’s easy to plan a fun-filled day packed with things to do and places to see, all without straying too far away from the convention center itself. It is even easier to do so when you take advantage of discounted admission costs and other benefits of the Go City San Diego pass program using our discount code GVSD5OFF.

Notable Events Held at the San Diego Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center from Across the Street
The San Diego Convention Center from Across the Street

The convention center hosts dozens of events each year that vary from specific ones like the American Library Association Annual Conference to popular ones for the general public like the San Diego Fall Home Show 2024, and so many more!

If you’re planning to visit San Diego, consider checking out the upcoming conventions and other events before you go so you can plan your itinerary around them.

Comic Con Museum in Balboa Park
Comic Con Museum in Balboa Park

Comic-Con

Comic-Con is one of the most notable conventions nationwide, so it’s no surprise that it’s also a point of interest for the convention center. With thousands of attendees every year, Comic-Con is the largest annual gathering hosted by the San Diego Convention Center, and it’s an experience that can’t be missed for lovers of all things pop culture.

Despite its name, Comic-Con is about much more than comics. It also includes panels and guest appearances from popular actors, plenty of TV and movie news, and official and fan-made merchandise of all manner of pop culture properties for sale.

Many attendees choose to dress up in cosplay for the occasion, so it’s not unusual to see people striking poses and taking pictures around the convention center in addition to the more structured panels.

Comic-Con International 2024 runs from July 25-28th. If you aren’t visiting San Diego during the event, the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park is a year-round opportunity I’d personally recommend to experience all things Comics!

Exhibit Hall a at the San Diego Convention Center
Exhibit Hall a at the San Diego Convention Center

Other Conventions and Expos

Comic-Con is far from the only fun convention to be held in San Diego. Many other conventions from industry giants as well as more niche groups have hosted their events at the convention center, and crowds are drawn to the space throughout the year.

The San Diego Convention Center has hosted everything from American Kennel Club consumer shows to the video game and streamer-centric TwitchCon. These events range from informative to entertaining and everything in between.

Some of the biggest events, conferences, and more hitting the exhibit hall in 2024 include:

  • San Diego Comic-Con International 2024: July 25th-28th
  • American Association of Nurse Anesthetists: August 2nd-6th
  • Brick Fest Live San Diego: August 24th-25th
  • International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer: September 7th-10th
  • Twitchcon 2024: September 20th-22nd
  • Art San Diego 2024: November 1st-3rd
  • 66th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) Meeting & Exposition: December 7th-10th
  • San Diego International Auto Show 2024: December 28th-January 1st

Many of these events have projected attendee numbers in the tens of thousands, helping to solidify the San Diego Convention Center as one of the most well-known event venues in the United States.

Trade Shows

While many conventions are primarily about ensuring attendees have a good time, the convention center also hosts multiple industry trade shows throughout the year. These shows are just as varied as other events held in the building, and they often have thousands of attendees looking to learn more about their niche and to network with professionals.

Some trade shows are private events, with admission only offered to those in a certain company or other group. Others are open to the public, though there may still be an admission fee.

Hall B at the San Diego Convention Center
Hall B at the San Diego Convention Center

Facilities at the San Diego Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center is a popular choice for expos and trade shows alike in part because of its many facilities and excellent array of convenient services.

There are seven different exhibit halls, over 70 meeting rooms, and two large ballrooms. On top of this, the convention center also includes the sails pavilion, a glass-enclosed space with sweeping views, and waterfront outdoor courtyards.

Venue Services

The convention center features an impressive team of supportive staff for all events. Guest Services can help you navigate events, cleaning services keep the space tidy, and an in-house security team ensures events are as safe as possible.

Local Tips
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.

Seeking an upscale waterfront hotel that’s ideal for the family? Join Todd on a tour of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, known for its proximity to the city and large outdoor pool overlooking the San Diego Bay. This is our favorite pool hotel in San Diego!

Stay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
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USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with your All-Inclusive Go City pass! Check out the hangar deck and flight deck, plus over 60 exhibits, displays and interactive experiences. Enjoy an authentic tour narrated by Midway sailors!
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Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

When to Visit to Attend the Best Events

Before a Show at the Rady Shell Theater
Before a Show at the Rady Shell Theater

The best time to stop by the convention center will depend on what kind of events you’re interested in.

Most of the bigger events are hosted in the summer and early fall months, which is an excellent time to visit San Diego if you want to take advantage of the many beaches and parks in the city and throughout San Diego.

In particular, San Diego Comic-Con runs in the summer, with most years’ Comic-Cons taking place in July.

Many other exciting annual events run during this time all around San Diego, like the County Fair, San Diego Pride, the kickoff of the summer season at the Del Mar Racetrack, and many concerts at venues like the Rady Shell and Petco Park. If you’re already coming to San Diego for a convention, consider sticking around for one of these other events!

Many industry professionals also use the venue as the site of their annual conference. These take place throughout the year.

For more information and a look at this year’s full event schedule, check the calendar on the Convention Center’s official site.

Fred Shuttle in the Gaslamp Quarter
Fred Shuttle in the Gaslamp Quarter

Getting There and Parking

The convention center is located at 111 W Harbor Drive.

It’s a short walk to the San Diego Convention Center from other neighborhoods in the downtown area, so if you’re planning on staying nearby, you don’t have to worry about driving.

Still, if you want to give your feet a rest, you can make use of San Diego’s excellent public transport options such as the trolley or bus. There is a trolley stop just across the street as well as a few bus stops next to the convention center.

Unique to downtown, the FRED shuttle services the convention center and the surrounding area. Just download the handy Ride Circuit app and you can request a pickup from anywhere within the service area.

If you’re headed to the convention center from the San Diego International Airport (SAN), you may be able to take a shuttle to and from your hotel. You won’t have to wait long until you get there, as the center is just three miles to the southeast from the airport, making it about a 10-minute drive.

Planning on driving to the convention center? There’s a parking garage underground with space to house nearly 2,000 vehicles. You can access the parking garage from Harbor Drive, or park off-site in the large lot near the Hilton Bayfront.

Featured Hotel
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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Stay along the Embarcadero’s waterfront at Marriott Marquis San Diego. From the comfortable rooms to the dining choices, it has everything you need on-site.
Prices Starting at $195
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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
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Buying Tickets for Events and Nearby Attractions

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.

Beautiful Boardwalk Behind the San Diego Convention Center
Beautiful Boardwalk Behind the San Diego Convention Center

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.

Balboa Park is another must-visit spot in the downtown area. We think one of the best ways to experience the park is on the San Diego Walking Tour: Balboa Park with a Local Guide, where you’ll learn about the dozens of museums and other park features from an expert.

The best way to ensure you can explore San Diego as much as possible is by pre-purchasing a Go City 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 pass with 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 choices, and you’re sure to find something that suits your needs in our hand-picked list.

In Front of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina with the Two Towers
In Front of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina with the Two Towers

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

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.

Main entrance at Omni San Diego Hotel
Main entrance at Omni San Diego Hotel

Omni San Diego Hotel

Another great family-friendly hotel is the Omni San Diego Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, which has its own fitness center and classes.

Entrance to the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Entrance to the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

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.

Outside the Hard Rock Hotel in Downtown San Diego
Outside the Hard Rock Hotel in Downtown San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Looking for a fun themed hotel? 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!

Popular Activities

San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
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Gaslamp Brothels, Bites & Booze Tour
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Tips & Other Information for Your Visit to the Convention Center

EV Charging
EV Charging
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Whether you’ve already bought tickets for an upcoming convention or you’re interested in learning more about this famous venue, we’ve got you covered with these tips.

Entrance to Hall a at the San Diego Convention Center
Entrance to Hall a at the San Diego Convention Center

How Big Is the San Diego Convention Center?

The convention center is massive, boasting over 2.6 million square feet of indoor space and plenty of outdoor areas as well. It’s easy to get turned around, so check the official site for a building map, or enlist the help of Guest Services to find your destination.

Are There Any Nearby Attractions for Kids?

If you’re looking for a way to entertain young kids around the convention center, rest assured that there are plenty of options to keep children busy in the nearby Gaslamp Quarter and Embarcadero.

The New Children's Museum in Downtown San Diego
The New Children's Museum in Downtown San Diego

The New Children’s Museum

The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its excellent museums, and the New Children’s Museum is no exception.

Here, kids can interact with various displays meant to help them engage with contemporary art through climbing, learning, and playing.

One of the many Jets That You Can Sit in at the USS Midway Museum
One of the many Jets That You Can Sit in at the USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum

Another excellent educational and entertaining museum for kids is the USS Midway Museum, housed inside a real naval aircraft carrier.

Kids can have hands-on experiences stepping into the cockpits of real decommissioned aircrafts while learning about the city’s extensive military history. This is a great museum for younger and older attendees alike.

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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
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Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
from $195 / night
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Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Near Petco Park
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Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
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Omni San Diego Hotel
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Omni San Diego Hotel
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Tours & Adventures
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