2006 San Diego Survival Guide. Part 1

It’s known by many names. Nerd prom. Geek Vegas. Sodom and Gomorrah for the Stormtrooper set. But in the end, only two words are needed.

SAN DIEGO

This is the start of a series of posts with helpful hints for the trip. just a few odds and ends for the first timer at Comic-Con International. Use ‘em, ignore ‘em, whatever. They’re here if you need ‘em.

Links Of note: Let's start off easy with some helpful "planning links." I'm not including any hotel related links because if you don't already have a room...

http://www.comic-con.org
DUUUUHHHHHH!

http://cityguide.aol.com/sandiego/
A no-brainer 1st site for a lot of folks who travel. Nice overview of dining options & attractions.

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors
The website for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Really not the greatest site, but under “resources” you will find coupons you can download and print out for the trip.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/
Essentially it’s the San Diego Union-Tribune Website, but it has the most complete restaurant guide online and printable coupons. Also good to check in the days leading up to the con to see what the weather will be, street closings, possible strikes, etc. Great site for getting the lay of the land.

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/cohn/cohnrestaurants/gaslamp.php
If you love Red Meat and Pin Up art, the Gaslamp Strip Club is the place for you. Decorated with originals and prints by Alberto Vargas, the “grill your own” Steak place is the perfect dinner place during comic-con. Steaks range in price from 12.95 to 19.95. Near Dick’s Last Resort. (Note: GSC is 21 and over.)

http://www.gaslamp.org/
http://gothere.com/sandiego/gaslamp.htm
The Gaslamp Quarter. Bars…nightclubs…shopping…it’s all right here and is right outside the doors of the convention center. If you’re staying close to the convention Center, you’ll basically be living here as most of the dining options are in the quarter.
FYI: The “Gothere” site in the second link is a bit more detailed as far as locations and what’s in the Gaslamp. The .org site is devoted more to members of the Gaslamp association.

http://www.sundiegolive.com/
Great view of Downtown from across the Bay on Shelter Island. Also gives current conditions. Unfortunately the Local radio Station that streams with the web cam is a “Jack-FM” station so there’s no real local flavor but does make for okay background music if you check out the cam because you can’t wait to get there.

http://www.destinationwebcam.com/DWCportal_2/SoSDportal2.htm
Another Webcam site. Better views of the areas you’ll be in during the con.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.html
The legendary zoo by which all others are judged. Info on the zoo, online ticket ordering and web cams of Pandas doing it. Enjoy!

http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/trolley/index.asp
The ideal form of transportation during comic-Con. If you’re in the outlying area, check the routes as the trolley could save you the headache of trying to park. If staying nearby, why rent a car when you can use the Trolley? (Save the hotel’s parking fee.)

http://www.san.org/San Diego International Airport. This is where you’ll be flying in. (If you fly of course.) If you do need to rent a car, you can see what your options are. Also if you’re staying with a group, this will help you coordinate arrivals before you head to the hotel to check in.

Come back Friday for "Convention Essentials" and your options if you've forgotten to pack something.