San Diego Comic Con: Best Places To Go If You Don’t Have Tickets

by Maria Haase

San Diego Comic Con is by far the biggest consumer convention in San Diego and people travel to San Diego from all over the world to enjoy the latest releases, meet their favorite actors, and dress up in intricate cosplay costumes. But tickets for Comic Con San Diego are starting at hundreds of dollars a day and sell out in a hot second. So is it still worth coming to San Diego if you don’t have Comic Con San Diego tickets? Definitely!

There are so many events and things to do outside of the actual convention that it is worth a trip to downtown. Here are some of the best spots to check out if you don’t have tickets to the actual San Diego Comic Con.

Gaslamp Quarter/5th Avenue

Nothing beats people-watching during Comic Con in the Gaslamp Quarter. If you are lucky, get one of the streetside tables, sit down, and enjoy the show. From street artists to fantastic Cosplayers, groups of friends in matching outfits, you’ll be entertained just by watching the people walking by. Also, check the bars and locations for special events and promotions.

People dressed up in Cosplay during San Diego Comic Con on 5th ave under Gaslamp Quarter sign

Martin Luther King Promenade

This is another great spot for people watching and seeing all kinds of Cosplayers and performers, activities, and activations. There is no shade or place to sit, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and some water.

In Front & Back of the Convention Center

While you might not be able to get in, you’ll get to see some of the best Cosplays right in front of the convention center as well as in the back along the waterfront towards Seaport Village. Last year, we took dozens of photos and videos with fantastic cosplay artists and had a lot of fun.