As one of the main stops along the city’s hop-on, hop-off trolley route, the San Diego Convention Center serves as a landmark for tourists as well as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The venue hosts a range of events throughout the year, especially trade shows and meetings, making it a frequent destination for business travelers. During Segway and walking tours of San Diego, you’ll typically pass by the convention center as you’re exploring the city.
The convention center features elevators that connect ground, mezzanine, and upper levels, as well as ADA-compliant signage with braille.
There are 23 charging stations throughout the lower-level lobbies of the center.
Water-bottle fill stations can be found at drinking fountains throughout the building.
The San Diego Convention Center is located in downtown San Diego near the Marina and the Gaslamp Quarter. From the San Diego International Airport, it’s about 3 miles (5 kilometers) away, or 10-15 minutes by car or shuttle. Downtown San Diego is considered very walkable, with public transit options like the MTS Trolley, which stops in front of the convention center, and electric, open-air vehicles called FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown). Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available.
San Diego is known for its year-round sunshine, making it an all-season destination. Some consider fall the best time to visit, because there are usually fewer crowds. One of the city’s biggest events, Comic-Con, attracts thousands and typically takes place in July, so keep that in mind when booking your travels.
Another popular downtown gathering place, Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres baseball team. Even if it’s not baseball season, you can book a guided stadium tour to check out the dugout, press box, and other areas that are usually off-limits to the public. The park also hosts non-sports-related events throughout the year.
