The largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world is proud to call San Diego its home. It's the Gaslamp Quarter's funky next door neighbor and he throws a huge party once each summer. We had such a great time in July 2012 that we are already plotting and planning for 2013. Mark your calenders now for July 18 - 21, 2013 (Preview Night on July 17)! If you like pop culture - you should mark this event on your bucket list with an asterik!
Comic-Con completely sells out the enormous San Diego Convention Center every year; they see more than 125,000 attendees PER DAY, about half of which don their favorite movie character & super hero costumes or villain disguises. More than Comic books, the pop culture convention now encompasses everything from action-figures and retro video games to TV & Hollywood blockbusters. They host celebrities and panels of writers and producers of every type imaginable. Being so close is a very exciting amenity of living and working in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and we suspect that in addition to all of these cool attendees, we have plenty more visitors who just swing by to see the sights and enjoy the atmosphere during the 4+ days of activity.
The Gaslamp has been a good neighbor to Comic-Con since it was conceived and we love our role of accommodating all of the Convention guests & Lookie-loo's as well as our normal mix of Diners, Shoppers, Loungers, Nightclubbers and folks just here to enjoy San Diego. We're here to help you get ready to enjoy the really big show and we absolutely love it. Bookmark this page for helpful info that we'll update regularly.
INFO Center & Our Most Helpful Tools
Lookout for QR Codes throughout the Gaslamp!
Download a QR Reader in advance.
< Scan images like this one.
Watch it load cool info directly to your Smart Phone!
~ If you don't stay in one of our fine hotels when you visit downtown, we suggest you access Gaslamp and the Convention Center from the north!! The majority of good parking resources hover north of Broadway, so it is easier to park and then descend into the festivities. Gaslamp makes a nice pit-stop on the way into the convention and again on the way out. It will be easier to leave at the end of the day when you're all tired.
~ Obviously, Heavy downtown traffic is expected, so If you must drive, tune into radio station AM 1660 on event days, for traffic & parking updates.
~ Public transportation is strongly encouraged and our transit system has a great Park & Ride program. You can leave the car and just ride the trolley in.
~ The Convention Center garage and most lots close to the building are pre-sold and most likely sold out. See our Parking Resource Article for specifics and print up our EZPrint Maps to help you navigate.
~ Use either F Street (westbound) or G Street (eastbound) for drop-offs, they have the much less traffic than Harbor Drive and the best escape routes back to the freeways.
~Bring cash for purchases inside. Not all vendors have modern credit card machines and the new ones don't always work super fast in such a busy place. If your time on the floor is precious to you, cash will help speed up the purchasing process.
~ Snag patio seating in the Gaslamp Quarter anywhere you can, the next best thing to being inside the really big show at the Convention Center, is watching the massive stream of unique fans roll by.
~ Bring your camera! Your Facebook profile is not complete until you have a snapshot of you and your favorite superhero, dastardly villain or big screen character. There could be some random celebrity sightings that you want to be ready for.
~Get on the Social Media Feeds for Local's information on all the unofficial events, parties, happenings and cool things to do beyond the Convention Center.
~If you've been waiting for a perfect time to try VIP Bottle service in one of our swanky nightclubs - this is it. You never know who will show up in the VIP booth beside you. Celebrities enjoy the event and the related parties in Gaslamp just as much as we do.
~ Plan a place to meet somewhere in the Gaslamp Quarter to collect members of your party in case you’re separated on the Convention floor (a very real possibility). You don't want to wait for them in some hallway or on the side of the road with all your cool new stuff. (and don't count on your cell phone as the carriers could get overloaded) Wait for them where nice people are fetching you hot food and cool beverages. We have 150+ comfy places to kick back and wait or another 50+ locations to go have some fun in the meanwhile.
~ We have a nice collection of hotels that will keep you in the thick of the action and save you time and taxi fees in 2013. Start at our lodging page and note that each of these locations are nearby, adjacent or directly in the Gaslamp. You can read an article that has a bit more information about each one in our Hotel Guide or scope out the best spot on our Hotel Map.
~ The Gaslamp Quarter Association has resources that can help you find a sweet spot for your offsite activities. Feel free to call us in advance for local assistance.
