Convention Center

The San Diego Convention Center is located on sparkling San Diego Bay in the heart of a vibrant downtown and was recently named one of the top three convention centers in the world. Abundant, flexible space and five-star service make the San Diego Convention Center the meeting planners choice for hosting major conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events.

With beautiful panoramic views of both the city and the bay, it is ideally situated within a mile of 7,500 first-class hotel rooms and 10 minutes from the airport. Within walking distance are a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences including Horton Plaza, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. Downtown transportation is both convenient and stylish with horse-drawn carriages, the San Diego Trolley and the Coronado Ferry. The Trolley links downtown, Old Town and Mission Valley hotels to the Convention Center. The Trolley also connects the Center to the Mexican border.

With the newly expanded Center now open, the San Diego Convention Center has doubled its size, boasting 1.7 million interior gross sq. ft. It will feature 615,701 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 204,114 sq. ft. of meeting space including two 40,000-sq.-ft. ballrooms; and 284,494 sq. ft. of pre-function, lobby and registration areas. Over half a million square feet of contiguous exhibit space is divisible into seven halls of varying size, with streamlined columns in selected halls for column-free space.

The building's architectural centerpiece, the 90,000-sq.-ft. Sails Pavilion, is now glass-enclosed and has been significantly enhanced with an industry standard trade show floor, state-of the-art lighting and a new cooling and heating system for maximum comfort all year-round. The Sails Pavilion remains the largest column-free special events area in North America, perfect for accommodating a variety of events ranging from trade show and food and beverage functions, to new product introductions and gala events.

Along with being one of the nation's most architecturally striking facilities, the San Diego Convention Center is the recipient of three Planners Choice Awards and four Prime Site Awards.

Exhibit Hall: 525,701 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space on Ground Level 90,000 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space in the Sails Pavilion on Upper Level

Meeting/Event: 72 meeting/banquet rooms totaling 204,114 sq. ft. of space, including two 40,000 sq. ft. ballrooms, - 90,000 sq. ft. of column-free space in Sails Pavilion - 8 show manager offices overlooking Exhibit Halls - Landscaped Terrace levels with spectacular bay views - ideal for receptions and breaks.

Pre-function: 284,494 sq. ft. of pre-function, lobby, registration and circulation areas including our lobby which features 115,756 sq. ft. of convenient registration areas.

Parking: 1,950-car garage

Truck Access: 50 loading docks with 8 direct drive-in accesses to Exhibit Halls including a 30 ft. high elephant door located at Hall H - On-site crate storage allowed.

Elevators: 8 passenger elevators - 3 freight elevators, 2 with 20,000 lbs. capacity and one with 10,000 lbs. capacity - 5 service elevators with 5,000 lbs. capacity - 12 escalators

Clearances: Halls A, B & C: 27 ft. to the bottom of truss; 40 ft. to ceiling - Halls D & E: 27 ft. to bottom of truss; 39 ft. to ceiling - Halls F, G & H: 36 ft. to bottom of truss; 64 ft. to ceiling

Electrical: 120, 208, 227, 480 V (Single and Three Phase) - Full range of electrical services

Telecommunications: A full range of voice, data and Internet services provided via CAT 5 wiring, multi-mode and single-mode fiber - Fiber connectivity with headquarters hotel.

Food Services: 8 concession stands in Exhibit Hall - 2 full-service kitchens - Portable specialty services.

Audio-Visual: Complete A/V production capabilities.

Business Services: Full-service business center providing: fax, copying, express mail, packaging and printing.

Lobby Services: ATM - Restaurant information and reservation booth - Uniformed, white gloved doormen - Administrative desk - Ample supply of pay phones - Fiber connectivity.

Other: Ticketing services available with permanent and portable box offices - Building in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act


615,701 sq. ft. of total exhibit space
525,701 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space
90,000 sq. ft. Sails Pavilion - exhibit, reception, special event space
Two - 40,000 sq. ft. ballrooms
204,114 sq. ft. of overall meeting space
72 meeting rooms
284,494 sq. ft. of pre-function, lobby, and registration space

Hotels Convention Center

Address: 500 W. Broadway St, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
500 WEST is an urban, European-style hotel with 260 contemporary guestrooms, fitness center, cafe and lounge. Located in a national registered historic landmark building, 500 WEST is situated in the heart of downtown San Diego. Adjacent to the San Diego Bay, 500 WEST is just steps from Little Italy, the historic Gaslamp entertainment district, Horton Plaza shopping, Seaport Village and the cruise ship terminal. The San Diego Convention Center is a short 5 minute walk from our door step. It is an ideal location for the independent savvy traveler and long term guests. More info
Location Rating Price Book Now
Downtown 500 West $$ Rating
Red Line Address: 555 West Ash Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The Best Western Bayside Inn is an ideal setting for business, meeting and social events, as well as a perfect location for the leisure traveler. We are situated in the heart of Downtown San Diego, only three blocks from the San Diego Bay.The Best Western is an enjoyable walk to such sights as the Convention Center (1 mile away), Civic Center, Seaport Village, San Diego Trolley, the Star of India and Harbor Tours Excursions. More info
Location Rating Price Book Now
Downtown Best Western Bayside Inn $$ Rating
Red Line Address: 840 A Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The newly renovated Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn is a charming Spanish-styled Inn located in the heart of downtown San Diego. Surrounded by world-class financial towers, the Inn nestles within its own lush flora, offering the most exquisite ambiance of residential warmth along with the convenience of prosperous businesses, sports, entertainment and historic districts. More info
Location Rating Price Book Now
Downtown Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn $$$ Rating
Red Line Address: 1720 Granada Ave., San Diego CA, 92102 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
Casa Granada is the ideal retreat for business and holiday travelers. The guest house is an old Spanish residence located on a lush canyon. We are located 10-15 minutes from downtown San Diego (3.0 miles to the San Diego Convention Center), the Gaslamp District, Lindbergh Field, San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Mission Bay, and Coronado. Easy access to most freeways and walking distance to several coffee shops, restaurants, shops and markets. More info
Location Rating Price Book Now
Downtown Casa Granada $$$ Rating
Red Line

Restaurants Convention Center

Address: 789 6th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
EXY
EXY, the new upscale Greek restaurant of San Diego, is both a hip lounge and a luxurious spot for fine dining. Low lights, cool colors, and smooth music have never made a meal so en vogue! The seductive setting goes hand in hand with the broad range of Mediterranean cuisine, both visually fascinating and tastefully tantalizing, touching all the senses. The variety of selections all range in flavor and style, offering delicious dishes such as the Seared Sea Scallops with lobster fumet, making for a succulent presentation of spice. With the options of private rooms, Wi-Fi access, a detailed wine list, and a sinfully rich dessert menu, guests are invited to come meet, eat, drink and be EXY! More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Mediterranean $$ Good Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 835 5th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Georges on Fifth
Georges on Fifth offers two things not common in the San Diego dining scene: dining in the company of San Diego’s elite and a twelve-ounce Prime Filet Mignon of Certified Angus Beef ®. The former takes the form of a vibrant mural of accomplished San Diegans adorning the restaurant’s two-story walls; the latter is one of the most exceptional cuts of meat in the city. Georges’ menu, with culinary highlights that include USDA Prime steak, day boat scallops, and the highest grade sushi, prioritizes quality ingredients highlighted by beautiful presentation. Factor in its unique location in a former gambling hall and saloon in the Gaslamp, elegant historic private dining rooms and Grammy-nominated pianist Tom Barabas performing on weekends, and you have one exceptional dining experience. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Steak $$$ Excellent Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 835 4th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Bottega de La Strada
Among the many Italian fine dining establishments generously peppering the Gaslamp sits the rustic Bottega de La Strada, a tavern-style restaurant created by the chef and owner of the well-known Trattoria La Strada. Authentic Tuscan entrees, pastas, and freshly-baked Florentine pizzas are served in a warm and comfortably simple atmosphere, replicating a traditional trattoria experience perfect for small and large groups. Desserts created daily by the in-house pastry chef complete a meal or round out a shopping trip. Bottega brings fine dining quality for a casual price during lunch Monday-Saturday, and dinner all days of the week. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Italian $$ Good Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 140 West Broadway, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Currant
Currant American Brasserie is a whimsical blend of rococo opulence and edgy modernity. The restaurant is a clever re-imagining of the traditional French brasserie with a distinctly American and cheeky twist. Checkerboard floors, Louis XIV furniture, and antique chandeliers create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic homage and Alice-in-Wonderland fantasy. Chef Geoffrey Yahn's menu reflects the restaurant’s aesthetic, with playful renditions of bistro classics elevated to the heights of decadence using inventive, seasonal ingredients. For the daring imbiber, Currant’s “Absinthe-Minded” cocktails transport the drinker to Lautrec’s Paris and help complete the ambiance of bohemian chic. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown French $$ Not Rated Not Rated Ratings
Red Line