San Diego Convention Center Parking Woes: Don’t Let It Derail Your Big Event
The Parking Hassle: A Reality Check
Are you planning to attend a big event or conference at the San Diego Convention Center? If so, you may be in for a surprise if you haven’t thought about parking in advance. The Convention Center’s parking structures are notoriously congested, making it easy to get stuck in a frustrating limbo of searching for a spot only to end up parking miles away, far from the action. Don’t let parking woes ruin your big moment! In this article, we’ll guide you to alternative parking options near the Convention Center, shedding light on the best choices, complete with reviews, locations, and price ranges. But first, let’s outline the problem.
The Problems with Convention Center Parking
- Compact spaces: San Diego has densely populated streets, which makes large parking lots and garages uncommon. As a result, space is at a premium, exacerbating congestion and competition.
- Peak hour traffic: During morning and evening rush hours, parking challenges intensify as more travelers arrive and depart.
- Circulating parking attendants: In a misguided attempt to organize traffic, some garages direct drivers to alternative locations, causing back-and-forth drives, lost patience, and added frustration.
The Convenience of Alternative Parking Options
Instead of battling the crowds and long lines for direct Convention Center parking, consider the excellent alternatives in the vicinity. Within walking distance, biking distance or nearby, we recommend the below options:
- Smart Parking near Petco Park
Cost: $12/hour + tax
Location: 3344 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (Walking: 5-10 minutes)
Located just across the bay bridge, this structure is accessible within 5-10 minutes of walking once you park. Reviews rave: "I love that [Smart Parking] has dedicated traffic lanes and shuttle service inside the parking lot!" and "Staff helpful, facilities clean!"
Additional Tip: When heading back after your event, plan your return walk or drive along the coastal route (Pacific Highway).
- Liberty parking lot
Cost: $16/hour + tax, includes 15-minute shuttle to the San Diego Convention Center
Location: 1655 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (Transportation: 15-minute shuttle available)
Located within walking proximity to the Convention Center, Liberty also offers a free 15-minute shuttle direct to the main event hub for attendees.
Testimonial Quote: "Shuttle was frequent and convenient! Made the trip that much more manageable!" and "[Liberty Parking] has reliable staff, secure facility, and no hassle to find parking."
The nearby hotels have limited access to on-site parking. Hotel guests might enjoy:
-
Omni Hotels and Resorts
- Cost: Free + validation with a stay at least 2 hours at Omni-sanctioned dining
"Convenient location and comfortable lodging; plus complimentary parking - 132
[The Parking app]
- Cost: Free + validation with a stay at least 2 hours at Omni-sanctioned dining
- **Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa
- Cost: Not applicable; includes complimentary valet parking
Additional recommendation for alternative transportation options: utilize public transit options such as taxi, Uber, Lyft, or walk to a nearby train station to board the San Diego Trolley Trolley Orange Line (North San Diego), with buses running between North Park Rail Station to Mission Valley to help minimize congestion.
