The madness that is San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) is here. The hotel-pocalypse has arrived, with waiting lists for astronomical hotel and Airbnb prices. Whatever the case may be, you want to make sure you’re as close to the Con as possible. Uber and Lyft prices will be surging around this time, so if you can walk it, it’ll be an easier time for you. Also, a bit of walking won’t seem so bad once find yourself standing in line for hours for a panel (I’m looking at you, Hall H).

With all that said, here are five neighborhoods you should be staying in for Comic Con International 2018 (or pre-planning for next year, if you can).

Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diegois the mecca of SDCC. The San Diego Convention Center is right by the water, with the coveted Hilton Bayfront, Omni, Hard Rock, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, and the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina nearby. If you lucked out with one of these hotels, getting to the main event will not only be a breeze, but you’ll almost be guaranteed to run into talent along the way, as several of them stay at those hotels. Imagine riding an elevator with Seth McFarlane or casually bumping into Kevin Smith in a corridor. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Bayfront twice in the eight years I’ve been attending Comic Con, and I’ve been disappointed to not get a room every single year.

But what’s great about Downtown San Diego, particularly during con week, is that it becomes a full-fledged community of nerds who camp out, and there’s always someone out and about. The breeze from the water keeps things cool (or, as cool as it’s going to get outdoors), which will help if you have to stand outside most of the day, waiting to get into the convention center. If, however, you find yourself leaving the con early, check out the waterfront Embarcadero.

Coronado

View of San Diego from Coronado photo courtesy of SD Dirk

There are a ton of benefits to staying on Coronado Island. For one, it’s not far from the convention center—just across the bridge, in fact. It’s particularly close, if you take the Coronado Ferry. Even better, it’s an absolutely lovely place to stay. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the soft, sandy beach of Coronado is one of the best I’ve ever been to. If you get there before Comic Con or stay there after and find yourself with some down time, check out some of the recreational activities Coronado has to offer, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, or tour the National Historic Landmark of the Hotel del Coronado. Coronado is also a great place to spot a celeb or three…

Little Italy

Little Italy San Diego

Just north of Downtown, you’ll find San Diego’s Little Italy. Full of wineries, cafes with patios, boutique hotels, and art galleries, it has a true Old World charm. If this ends up being the neighborhood where you’ll hang your hat during the week, do be sure to check out Amici Park, or get your con snacks from the Little Italy Mercato farmers market. However, i it’s only open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., so it’s a lovely way to finish up the con with some fresh, local goods.

Marina District

Ruocco Park in San Diego's Marina District

The Marina District is the most low-key section of Downtown you can find at this time of year. It captures the breeze from the water, and it’s covered in cobblestone walkways, accented by fountains, ponds, lakes, and bayside restaurants. Seaport Village, a dining, shopping, and entertainment complex, is on the precipice of Comic Con madness but maintains its own beauty and serenity. 

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is historic, full of Victorian-era buildings mingling with modern architecture. Though transformed during SDCC week with nerd and geek-friendly themes and banners, its flavor is still omnipresent. The Hard Rock is smack dab in the middle of the action in this neighborhood, and the Gaslamp Quarter is buzzing with traffic almost as much as Comic Con itself. There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite, or to see tons of cosplay as walking traffic goes to and fro from the convention center.