Comic-Con comes to the San Diego Convention Center this year on Thursday, July 24, and runs through Sunday. My daughter and I have never snagged an event ticket, but we walk around the surrounding area to relish the vibe and enjoy the abundant cosplay.
Here’s the walking route we take (which is paved so those using strollers or mobility aids can enjoy it, too).
Quick Tips for Families. If you’re not already downtown, take the trolley. Compared to driving and parking during Comic-Con, the trolley is more efficient and economical, and according to my 8-year-old, “so much fun.” Children 5 and under ride for free with a paying adult.
You may be willing to splurge on a meal at a restaurant during Comic-Con. Know that the wait times for a table or the lines to even place a carryout order can be excruciating (cue a hangry kid). Consider bringing a picnic lunch or lots of snacks and. And, of course, hydration.
Here are my top three spots for a family picnic or snack break during a Comic-Con walkabout:
- San Diego Children’s Park (326 W Harbor Drive)
- Embarcadero Marina Park North (1 Embarcadero Marina North)
- Embarcadero Marina Park South (200 Marina Park Way)
As an added bonus, public restrooms are available at all of these locations (though I can’t vouch for the cleanliness levels).
Our paved and flat two-mile walking route. We start our adventure at the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station (on the Green Line). As soon as you step off the trolley, you step into the fantastical and friendly world of Comic-Con.
Note: The volume of people, many in costume, and the transformation of Gaslamp into a barrage of advertisements and activations can be overwhelming. Come prepared if you or a member of your group is easily triggered by crowded spaces or sensory overload.
From the station, we explore Fifth Avenue (the street is closed to cars) before taking the Martin Luther King Promenade to Children’s Park. Here, you’ll find a recently renovated and completely fenced playground. A dog park is also available if you brought your four-legged friend along. A security attendant is available most of the day, so it’s one of the safer spots in downtown.
From the park, we cross Harbor Drive at Front Street and walk between the Marriott Marquis and Manchester Grand Hyatt to reach the Embarcadero’s waterfront walkway.
To add a half-mile to your route, stroll around the Embarcadero Marina Park North and enjoy the views of the bay and Coronado. Otherwise, head towards the Hilton Bayfront along the Embarcadero, no doubt surrounded by lots of superheroes and anime characters.
Another detour is the Embarcadero Marina Park South, where you can add another half-mile walking around the Rady Shell and its adjacent grassy lawns. Then, over to the Hilton Bayfront. Head toward East Village via the pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive.
Note: In recent days, the bridge elevator has been out of order. Return the way you came if using a stroller or mobility aid.
Beyond the fine views atop the bridge, you may be delighted by the local performers that entertain visitors with their song and dance.
At the bottom of the bridge, take the paved walkway along Tony Gwynn Drive back to the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station. This route is approximately two miles long, but if you added either or both of the loops around the Embarcadero Marina Parks you will travel closer to three miles in distance. SDSun
Deanna Ratnikova is a downtown mom and the creator of The GO Deck. Grab a deck today and be inspired to get outdoors and go on new adventures.
