By Carlos Rico
Attending Comic-Con International can be quite expensive with lodging, transportation, meals and buying exclusive merchandise in the exhibit hall. Finding ways to save money and free or more affordable activities can be challenging, but help is on the way.
This guide provides some examples of where to find food and drinks under $15, along with transportation deals and free activities that do not require a Comic-Con badge.
Food and drink specials
While the area around the convention center is home to many expensive restaurants, there are some more affordable options. For example, there is a Ralph’s grocery store on the corner of G Street and First Avenue as well as four 7-Eleven and three CVS Pharmacy stores nearby for cheaper food, drinks and snacks.
Here are some other affordable options near Comic-Con:
Cafe: For a mix of breakfast, sandwiches, salads, wraps and other food options, try Cine Café. There are breakfast bagels starting at $7.99, a garden salad for $11.99 and sandwiches for $10.50. Cine Café also sells snacks and drinks. 412 K St.
Pizza: For pizza lovers, Krisp has a two-slice deal with a drink for $8 plus tax. There are various flavors and ingredients like cheese, pepperoni, veggie and more. 1036 Seventh Ave.
Tacos: One of the best taco deals in San Diego is at Taqueria Los Chuchys. On Thursdays, it offers one free al pastor taco when you buy two. Tacos are $3.95 and also come in birria, carne asada, carnitas, chicken, tripe and cactus. 543 Fourth Ave.
Vegan: A place for vegetarian and vegan foodies is Veggilish. The concept here is to build your own bowl, similarly to Chipotle, with numerous vegetables, proteins, dressings and bases to choose from. Bowls start at $13. 1146 Seventh Ave.
Transportation deals
Free shuttles: For all badge holders, Comic-Con offers free shuttle service to and from the convention center from various locations throughout the city, including hotels near the airport and Mission Valley. There will be six routes for shuttles making multiple stops starting July 19 from 3 p.m. to midnight, July 20 through July 22 from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day and July 23 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The full shuttle schedule and map can be accessed here.
Free rides for individuals or small groups: Circuit Transit gives free rides around downtown San Diego, including Little Italy. It looks like an extended golf cart and works similarly to a ride sharing company, but without any cost. To request a ride to and from the convention center download the Circuit app on the Apple or Google Play stores.
The trolley: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System has three trolley lines arriving at Comic-Con with day passes starting at $5. Plus, there will be a special trolley line between Balboa Avenue and 12th and Imperial stations July 20 through July 23. Transit passes are available via PRONTO cards at ticket station machines and on the PRONTO app. The trolley schedule, map and park and ride locations can be retrieved here.
Bicycle riding: Bicycle commuters can also save money by riding to Comic-Con. There are three designated bike racks closest to the Convention Center that can be found on this map.
Inside Comic-Con
According to the San Diego Convention Center, outside food is not allowed inside the exhibit hall, since the convention center has its own food pavilion, but snack are allowed while waiting in outside lines. Water containers are allowed, with several water filling stations located across the building.
Inside the convention center, there will be breakfast burritos for $11, California burritos for $14, a Frito pie for $10, Auntie Anne’s pretzels for $8 and nachos for $8.
Free installations and activities outside of the convention center
For those without a Comic-Con badge, there are still fun ways to enjoy the convention. Various Hollywood studios, comic book companies, toy manufacturers and other companies install temporary pop-ups and activations across downtown San Diego for promotion.
One of them will be a Jurassic Park 30th anniversary interactive pop-up on Friday July 21 and Saturday, July 22.
Also, the Adult Swim Festival on the Green will take place behind the convention center, next to the South Embarcadero on July 20 through July 22.
To find more events outside of Comic-Con, click here, and find our 2023 coverage here.
