Without a doubt, the San Diego Convention Center (111 W. Harbor Dr.) is one of the premier venues in the U.S. There are 615,701 square feet of exhibit space, over 525,000 contiguous, and outdoor and terrace space of 184,000 plus square feet and that just begins to describe the convention center. Two 40,000 square foot ballrooms, 72 meeting rooms, and 1,900 spaces in the underground parking garage give shows plenty of room. There is a gorgeous 90,000 square foot Sails Pavilion, a glass enclosed, column free space, lit with custom LEDs, and a roof that evokes the graceful sails of ships of the beautiful San Diego Bay.
Five major hotel properties are beside or across from the center, with over 13,000 rooms within a mile altogether. A part of the waterfront of the Marina District, and adjacent to the famed Gaslamp Quarter, there are more places to stay, eat, and play than in most convention center neighborhoods in the country.
Community minded, the convention center sources seasonal fruits, vegetables, seafood, and more for its kitchens, which do not have garbage disposals—all green waste is composted. Water stations abound, and packaged water is sold in cans to reduce plastic waste.
Opened in 1989, the convention center underwent a major expansion in 2001. Expansion is, however, an ongoing discussion in the city, as capacity is one of the limits to the venue. One of the venue’s most famous shows, the mammoth San Diego Comic Con, taxes capacity at 135,000 attendees.
In addition to Comic Con, Twitch Con is an annual show held at the convention center. Anime San Diego is also featured, but pop culture events aren’t the only events in San Diego. The center hosts numerous medical and bio-tech shows including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Annual Meeting, Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT), the American Society for Cell Biology Conference, and the BIO International Convention.
Capacity aside, year round mild weather, terrace and outdoor views with waterfront access, an immediate walkable downtown with abundant hotel, dining, and entertainment venues, and an airport just three miles away are just a few considerations that make the San Diego Convention Center a top contender as a tradeshow destination now and for years to come.
EAT
If you’re looking for a good steakhouse, or want an upscale place to impress for a business dinner within walking distance, Morton’s the Steakhouse (285 J St.) is about as good as you’re going to get in America’s Finest City. At the edge of San Diego’s famed Gaslamp District, Morton’s is directly across the street from the convention center.
A little further from the convention center lies The Melt (635 Fifth Ave), a burger and grilled cheese joint that staggers with its sandwich options. There are grilled cheese options, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. Added bonus: the place is open until 3am every night.
SLEEP
We always try to point out a hotel that is actually connected to the convention center, and San Diego Convention Center does not disappoint with The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (333 W. Harbor Dr.), right beside Hall A. On the waterfront west of the center, two towers overlook the hotel’s private marina. There are two outdoor pools and a fitness center to keep in shape or relax, and plenty of restaurants and bars if you don’t want to walk far from your room after convention hours. Bonus hotel: on the other side of the venue, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is right next to Hall H.
Staypineapple’s Hotel Z is about a half mile from the convention center. The pet friendly boutique hotel is right in the heart of the Gaslamp District. Signature European two duvet bedding prevents cover stealing from your roomie so there will be no tension during your continental breakfast.
PLAY
It’s San Diego and we’ve already mentioned the famous Gaslamp District, so you know there’s plenty to do in town. But there’s also Seaport Village (849 W. Harbor Dr.), a 14 acre waterfront with shops, restaurants, and landscaped walkways and views of San Diego Bay that cannot but help you relax after a busy convention visit.
This story originally appeared in the Q4 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 66. For original layout, see Print Version
