111 West Harbor Drive: Find the Right Convention Center Entrance, Parking & Event
The San Diego Convention Center is located at 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Its waterfront building sits across from the Gaslamp Quarter, with the San Diego Bay promenade behind it.
Before you arrive, find your assigned lobby or exhibit hall, check your event registration, and decide whether the underground garage or nearby trolley will work better for you.
San Diego Convention Center Address & Harbor Drive Entrances
San Diego Convention Center
111 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
General inquiries: (619) 525-5000
The long convention building faces Harbor Drive on its city side. It stretches across multiple lobbies and halls, so arriving at the correct end of the building matters, especially when you have limited time before a session.
| Arrival Purpose | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Public event | Check the ticket or organizer email for your assigned lobby, admission gate and registration hours. |
| Conference registration | Use the organizer’s specific lobby information instead of assuming registration is at the main stairs. |
| Exhibitor delivery | Follow freight dock and marshalling instructions, not ordinary guest parking directions. |
| Accessible arrival | Confirm your lobby and the nearest ramp, elevator or accessible drop-off location. |
| Hotel guest walking over | Use designated crossings along Harbor Drive and check which lobby is closest to your event. |
San Diego Convention Center Parking: Garage Entrance, Fees & Rules
The underground parking facility is directly below the convention center. It is owned by the Port of San Diego and operated by ACE Parking.
Convention Center Underground Garage
- Entrance: Harbor Drive
- Capacity: 1,950 vehicles
- Accessible stalls: 31
- Payment: Upon entry
- Rates: Vary by event
- Re-entry: Not permitted
- Overnight parking: Not permitted
- RV parking: Not permitted
Nearby Downtown Garages
A large parking structure of approximately 2,000 spaces is located near Harbor Drive and Park Boulevard, adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Additional paid garages and lots are available across the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown waterfront.
Before paying: Check rates, maximum stay, height clearance, event surcharges and overnight permission.
How to Choose Parking in 5 Steps
- Check event access: Confirm your event’s public hours and the garage’s operating arrangement for that date.
- Check the price: Review the venue’s parking information and any current ACE rate or reservation listing.
- Compare alternatives: If the convention garage costs more than expected, check neighboring downtown garages.
- Check overnight needs: If staying in a hotel, choose a property or public garage that specifically permits overnight parking.
- Save your location: Record the garage entry, level and closest elevator before going to the event.
Official Parking Contacts
ACE Parking: (619) 237-0399
Convention Center parking rules and rate information
The venue itself does not independently operate or set prices for this garage.
Upcoming San Diego Convention Center Events: 2026–2027
The following events were listed on the venue’s official calendar on October 15, 2026. Individual organizers control public admission, ticket prices, registration procedures, schedules and cancellation terms.
| Dates | Event | Listed Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 16–20, 2026 | American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting | 16,000 |
| Oct 31–Nov 3 | CRF 2026 Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics | 11,000 |
| Nov 7–8 | Eckhart Tolle Weekend Intensive | 900 |
| Nov 8 | WESCON Regional Cheer and Dance Championships | 6,000 |
| Nov 13–15 | TwitchCon 2026 | Large convention; projection varies by calendar listing |
| Nov 19–20 | Fintech NerdCon | 1,500 |
| Nov 27–29 | 2026 San Diego International Convention | 30,000 |
| Dec 1 | X-STEM Workshops San Diego 2026 | 800 |
| Dec 3–5 | CSBA Annual Education Conference & Trade Show | 4,500 |
| Dec 12–16 | American Society for Cell Biology Annual | 6,000 |
| Dec 12–13 | USA Card Show | 4,000 |
| Dec 31–Jan 3, 2027 | San Diego International Auto Show | Not listed |
Attendance figures are estimates published by the venue, not actual admissions or guaranteed ticket availability.
Find Tickets and Event Entrance Details
- Identify the event title and date in the table.
- Open the official event calendar.
- Check the event listing and organizer details.
- Confirm whether it is open to the public or restricted to registered participants.
- Follow official registration or ticket instructions.
- Check entry time, bag policy, hall assignment and parking notices before attending.
Trolley, PRONTO Fares & Getting Here Without a Car
San Diego’s MTS trolley is an attractive option for visitors staying elsewhere in San Diego County. The Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter trolley stops serve the surrounding waterfront/Gaslamp area.
On standard MTS Trolley, bus and Rapid services with PRONTO.
PRONTO fare-capping amount; tap or scan for every boarding.
How PRONTO Works
- Get a PRONTO card or install the PRONTO mobile app.
- Add funds before your journey.
- Tap or scan at the trolley platform validator before boarding.
- Your eligible fare includes transfers within the two-hour window.
- Keep tapping or scanning on later journeys to receive applicable fare capping.
Current MTS PRONTO payment and fare details.
Transportation From San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is northwest of the downtown convention center. Choose the transfer based on luggage, budget, mobility and your arrival time.
| Option | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Taxi / rideshare | Use the airport’s assigned passenger pickup zones; set 111 W Harbor Drive as the destination. |
| Rental car | Navigate to an appropriate garage rather than assuming you can stop indefinitely on Harbor Drive. |
| Public transit | Check the current MTS airport-to-downtown route and any transfer needed to reach a convention-area trolley station. |
| Hotel shuttle | Only use a hotel shuttle if your specific accommodation confirms it operates. |
For a public-transit trip, use the official MTS trip planner with your travel date and airport terminal. Route patterns and departure times may change.
Hotels Near 111 West Harbor Drive
There are several well-known hotels directly beside the convention center or across Harbor Drive in the Gaslamp Quarter. Your best option depends on the assigned exhibit hall, total room charges and access during major events.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Waterfront hotel beside the eastern end of the convention center. Useful for attendees whose events are toward the Hall H or eastern lobby area.
Compare current room fees, hotel parking and walkway access.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
333 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Waterfront hotel west of the convention center, convenient for events using western lobby areas.
Check the walking route to your particular lobby rather than assuming all halls are equally close.
Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Hotel on the city side near the Gaslamp Quarter, suitable for conference guests who also want downtown restaurants and nightlife.
Confirm event-specific pedestrian connections and hotel policies.
What to Compare Before Booking
| Priority | What Matters |
|---|---|
| Early conference sessions | Walking route to the correct lobby and room. |
| Lower travel budget | Full room price, taxes, mandatory fees and parking. |
| Exhibitor stay | Room-block availability, delivery arrangements and transportation. |
| Accessible visit | Specific room accessibility features and crossing/elevator access. |
| Multi-day convention | Cancellation flexibility and conference group rates. |
Many conference organizers provide separate official room-block links. Check these before selecting a public hotel rate.
San Diego Convention Center Map & Harbor Drive Directions
San Diego Convention Center
111 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Nearby Landmarks for Orientation
Downtown restaurant and entertainment district across Harbor Drive.
Waterfront promenade behind the convention center.
Major sports and entertainment venue east/northeast of the center.
Waterfront park beyond the convention center area.
Building Map, Exhibit Halls & Floor Plans
The venue contains three principal visitor levels. Your assigned registration desk may not be on the same level as the meeting room or exhibit hall.
| Level | Spaces & Navigation |
|---|---|
| Ground | Lobbies A–H, Exhibit Halls A–H and access toward Plaza Park. |
| Mezzanine | Meeting rooms 12–19 and mezzanine terraces. |
| Upper | Meeting rooms 1–11 and 21–33, ballrooms, Sails Pavilion and outdoor terraces. |
Exhibit Halls
The venue advertises more than half a million square feet of contiguous exhibit floor space, configurable into separate halls.
Standard hall labels include A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, with sub-divisions for some layouts.
Meeting Rooms & Ballrooms
The center offers up to 72 meeting rooms, two major ballrooms and the approximately 90,000-square-foot Sails Pavilion.
Event capacity depends on approved seating, stage, exhibits and safety configuration.
Using the Official Floor Plan
- Locate the event’s specific room, booth or hall designation.
- Identify the nearest appropriate lobby on the ground-level map.
- Check the elevator, escalator or accessible ramp needed.
- Follow event signage; temporary partitions may change circulation routes.
- For exhibit setup, consult the approved organizer’s service and loading documents.
Official level-by-level building map
Accessibility, Restrooms & Building Amenities
Accessibility Features
- 31 accessible underground parking stalls
- Accessible ramps and automatic entrance doors
- Elevators between ground, mezzanine and upper levels
- Accessible restrooms and drinking fountains
- Service animals permitted under applicable rules
- Assistive listening equipment and stage lift arrangements by advance request
Visitor Facilities
- Water bottle filling stations
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in designated attendee spaces
- Starbucks locations in Lobbies C and E, event-dependent hours
- FedEx Office Business Center in Lobby D
- Mothers lounges and lactation pods
- Device charging and Guest Services assistance
For interpreters, temporary accessible seating, assistive listening devices or special access, contact the event organizer ahead of time. Building-level accessibility and event-specific accommodations may be handled by different teams.
Official accessibility information
Food, Bags and Security
Food and beverage options vary with event activity. Bag rules, security checks and attendee re-entry are often organizer-specific. Do not assume that permission for one convention applies to another.
Exhibitor and Event Planner Information
The center publishes extensive technical and operational documents for organizers and exhibitors. These include building diagrams, capacity charts, equipment orders and current service pricing guides.
Exhibitor Preparation Checklist
- Get the exhibitor manual and approved move-in/move-out schedule from the organizer.
- Confirm the hall, booth number and authorized delivery address.
- Review freight loading and marshalling yard procedures.
- Arrange electrical, telecommunications, cleaning and audiovisual needs.
- Confirm rigging, display structure and fire-safety approval requirements.
- Wear closed-toe shoes in the exhibit halls and docks during move-in/out.
- Do not bring children under 18 onto the show floor during move-in or move-out.
- Complete service orders and payments within the organizer’s deadlines.
Published Planner Resources
- Facility guide and capacity charts
- Detailed hall and meeting-room diagrams
- Regulations and safety rules
- 2026–2027 client pricing guide
- 2026–2027 exhibitor services ordering guide
- 2026 catering and booth catering menus
- Loading dock and marshalling information
- Downtown hotel and transportation maps
How to Request Convention Space
- Prepare your preferred dates, attendance estimate and event format.
- Determine exhibit halls, meeting rooms and hotel requirements.
- Estimate catering, equipment, internet, security and staffing needs.
- Contact the sales team with the event proposal.
- Request available space, a cost estimate and event terms.
- Review permits, accessibility, insurance and cancellation obligations.
- Proceed with the formal event agreement only after approval.
Event booking: (619) 525-5220
General telephone: (619) 525-5000
Event services: (619) 525-5428
Lost and found: (619) 525-5407
Before You Travel: Quick Visitor Checklist
- Confirm your event date and whether public tickets or credentials are needed.
- Save 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.
- Identify your actual lobby, hall and session level.
- Check the event-specific underground parking cost.
- Do not plan overnight parking in the venue’s underground garage.
- Check Harbor Drive closures and construction notices.
- Consider the trolley if you are staying elsewhere in San Diego.
- Save event-specific bag, entry and accessibility information.
- Check your hotel’s full stay price and cancellation policy.
- Allow time for busy registration and security lines.
Related California Convention Center Guide
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center: Parking, Arena & Theater
Visiting another Southern California waterfront convention destination? Compare Long Beach’s convention halls, arena, theater entrances, paid parking and visitor transportation.
San Diego Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the address of the San Diego Convention Center?
The San Diego Convention Center is located at 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101, across from the Gaslamp Quarter and beside San Diego Bay.
2. Where is the parking garage entrance?
The on-site underground parking garage is entered from Harbor Drive. It has 1,950 spaces, including 31 accessible parking stalls, and is operated by ACE Parking.
3. How much does parking cost at the San Diego Convention Center?
Parking rates change according to event activity and are set by ACE Parking. Check the published event rates before arriving. Payment is collected upon entry.
4. Can I park overnight at the San Diego Convention Center?
No. The official underground garage does not permit overnight parking or RV parking, and there are no in-and-out privileges.
5. Which trolley station serves the convention center?
Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter are convenient MTS trolley stops in the surrounding area. Choose the station nearest your assigned lobby.
6. What hotels are near 111 West Harbor Drive?
Nearby hotel options include Hilton San Diego Bayfront at 1 Park Boulevard, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina at 333 W Harbor Drive, and Omni San Diego Hotel at 675 L Street.
7. What events are coming to the San Diego Convention Center?
The late-2026 official calendar includes the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, CRF 2026, TwitchCon 2026 and the San Diego International Auto Show. Schedules and ticket availability can change.
8. Is the San Diego Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue provides accessible entrances, parking spaces, elevators, restrooms and additional access features. Request specific event accommodations in advance.
9. Where can I find the convention center floor plan?
The official building map and PDF floor plans show ground-level exhibit halls A–H, mezzanine meeting rooms and upper-level ballrooms, meeting rooms and the Sails Pavilion.
10. How can I contact the San Diego Convention Center?
Call (619) 525-5000 for general inquiries or (619) 525-5220 for event booking. Attendee ticket and registration questions should usually be directed to the event organizer.
Official Sources & Visitor Resources
Verified reference date: October 15, 2026. Live event information, parking rates and transportation policies may change.
San Diego Convention Center — Official Website Official Event Calendar Official Parking Information Building and Floor Maps Accessibility Services Restrooms, Wi-Fi and Building Amenities Facility PDFs, Rates and Planner Documents MTS Trolley and PRONTO FaresThis is an independent visitor information guide from convention-center.org and is not an official publication of the San Diego Convention Center, ACE Parking or MTS. Registration, purchases, service orders and event contracts are completed with their respective providers.