San Diego Convention Center

Address:	111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Phone:	+1 619-525-5000
Site:	visitsandiego.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

JC S

This is a very large mega center with its unique archtecture located in a beautiful city with panoramic harbor views. Though there is a lot of flaws with this center. The worst first impression is with the parking garage there are very few signs along Harbor drive indicating where to enter worst of all the personal are very rude and doesnt seem to understand a word of English. They gave very confusing hand signals and directed people to the wrong lanes and have then them all back up to get into the proper lane and are clueless when asked where the entrance of the convention center is. The garage is also very poorly ventilated it feels like one is going to suffocate. Regarding the center itself it is a very large however unlike many others it does not have a easily locatable box office location in the center lobby. Instead the main box office is outside at the far ends to the north or south of the center. The worst part is getting between the east and west sides of the building sometimes one would need to walk up and down many flights of stairs outside to do so and if one needs to get to the parking lot on the west side next to pier they would have to "jaywalk" across four lanes of busy Park blvd. Food concessions have pretty tasty choices but are as expected overpriced but there are really no cheaper choices within walking distance of the convention center as all restaurants within a 2 mile radius are the formal sit down type. So overall the convention center is a nice looking building with a monster capacity in a scenic city though the access issue can really use some improvement.

Benjamin Cherry

What to say about a convention center? Ive been to several, and I like San Diego. The layout is reasonably intuitive, the restrooms are numerous and accessible, and the staff are polite and professional. Theres a Starbucks every 1/4 mile or so on the ground level, and a sprinkling of coffee/cookie stands on the upper levels. Like many other convention centers, there are major opportunities for improvement and "futurization" at the SDCC. For one, the restrooms (mens at least!) still use those hand-wavy paper towel dispensers. This is both more economical and environmentally friendly than, say, the old fashioned spring-loaded dispensers, but the hand-wavy things are slow and dispense an unsatisfying length of towel, creating lines and wait times. High efficiency blowers would be better for traffic, and for the environment. Second: this is 2017. Every single attendee is carrying one or more mobile electronics devices, and these require charging. The power outlets at SDCC are not quite as scarce as some other venues (Chicago? forget about it), but the availability of outlets could be much (!) more strategically engineered to minimize squatters along the walls of meeting rooms and main thoroughfares. Not like I have a say, but: would attend again!

C Policastro

HUGE! Biggest convention center Ive been in and Ive been a a few. The outside area is nice and big as well. We went for Comic Con and outside the convention center there were tons of things to do relating to SDCC. Good places to eat within 2-3 blocks, and tons of choices to eat at. With the tram just outside the convention center its very convenient to use. During SDCC you cant get within 2 blocks with an UBER, so its best to get dropped off 2-3 blocks away and walk. The food inside the convention center was pretty decent, nachos were garbage but the salads and sandwiches were good. The salads were almost restaurant quality, nice pear and walnut salads and other choices. The sandwiches had fresh tomato and lettuce, not going brown or limp, it was crispy. I would rather eat outside at one of the restaurants, but the food inside was good if in a pinch, MUCH better than most other convention centers who just serve chicken fingers and fries.

Mark Knowles

This place is awesome for events. I learned something this time around on a trek to the restroom. A gentleman walked out of the restroom, but the door sign said "Women". I asked him "Is that a mens room?" He looked and me strangely and with a friendly sarcasm said "No, I use womens restrooms..." Then when he saw sign I was staring at he said "wait, thats a womens room? There are urinals in there!" Confused, we both looked around for a better explanation. I didnt have as much time as him... I had to find an answer to my issue pretty soon. About a one minute walk from where I was standing I found the answer to my most urgent need, so I took care of that business. Then I learned that the staff will change the signs on restrooms based on the sex of of the lines that form. That gentleman had the odd timing of walking into a mens room and out if a womens room! (Just needed a camera rolling for a $10k shot on AFE)

Emmanuel Del Rosario

The only reason I would ever come down here would be for Comic Con. Its just a very high energy, hectic, and PACKED event between you and about 120k of your closest friends. Tickets to Comic Con is quite rare to get. If your blessed with getting one for you and yours prepare to spend some serious cash. Its a one week event but you will NEVER accomplish everything that this place has to offer in one week. You have to make certain concessions on what you want to do and where to spend your time. There just simply isnt enough hours in the day to do what you want. Because of the sheer amount of people entering the convention, lines form outside and if you want a decent shot at the exclusives, I would be prepared to camp out! Overall it is an organized chaos and youll be rewarded if you prepare in advance.

Paul Lee

아낌없이 에너지를 소비해 주는곳~ 2013년 7월 한국에서는 원전사태로 한참 전기아끼자고 절전계획을 세울때 이곳은 건물 전체가 아주 선선 했다. 수준급 컨벤션 센터임에는 틀림 없으나 기억에 앉아서 쉴 곳이부족 했었다. (컨벤션 룸 중 한곳에 빈집을 몰아놓아 거기서 쉬었던 기억이... ) 샌디에고 시내에서 접근성 좋고 주차 좋고 먹을곳은 길건너 다운타운에서 해결

Edwin Martinez

The location alone makes it a place one must visit and experience first hand. Its by far one of the most convenient convention centers Ive ever visited. Not including all the shops housed within; which range from Starbucks to Wetzels Pretzels, everything you need is within walking distance. No matter your budget, food preferences or time restrictions you can find it all across the street in the buzzing Gaslamp District! Tip: If youre on a budget, but need a hearty lunch, try the Cine Cafe at 420 K Street! Great BIG sandwiches! P.S. I know its important to us all, so Ill mention that the SDCC has a great staff that maintains everything in tip top shape and clean! The facilities are always clean!

Matt Uhlman

The San Diego Center is seriously huge! Weve been here twice in the last 5 years for conferences and both times have commented on how gigantic the place is! Huge rooms everywhere with the whole thing spanning like half a mile on the ground floor. Its been a good place for conferences as they have the space the coffee for it - a number of coffee stands are present throughout, as are cookie spots! The only piece of advise I can think of is - If youre looking for the mezzanine level, you have to go upstairs, over past the main auditorium and down the escalators at the end of the hallway. Enjoy your giant event here!

Zachery Olson

This is the best conference location and space I have been to. Hotel costs are extremely high in the area generally forcing most folks to look at other areas such as hotel circle. The only other complaint is the limited dining options for those who are wanting to eat healthy. There are are salads or salads for those who those tyring to eat balanced nutritious meals. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Parking was ample at the convention center and only $15 per day when I visited for a conference in June.