For many of us the one time we come to San Diego is when the yearly Comic-Con convention takes place here.  Hundreds of thousands of people descend on the Gaslamp district, in search of the pop culture mecca that is San Diego.

But what about visiting when there is no convention.  What about Comic Non?  I’m spending a week here, and it’s a very bustling town with a lot do to, even without the con.  It has a lot of culture and amazing food. It is also the best time to check out the hotels that you may be staying in during the beloved convention.

That is one of the things I’m doing while I am down here.  Last night I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel.  Its usually a hotel that is always picked on the hotel lottery, but not that many people get it.  It is a party hotel, and for me that isn’t ideal.  However in off season it was great.  The bed was comfy and it was nice and roomy.  I also found out that you can rent a dj system or guitars if you feel the need.  I thought that was pretty awesome.

Today I’ve moved over to the Keating hotel.  A quaint hotel with the feel of Palm Springs and sounds of New York City.  It is right in the heart of the Gaslamp district.  In walking distance of all the spots you would ever want to get to.

I just happen to be staying here on the day where the Padres are playing the Dodgers at the ever accessible Petco Park ( sorry no zombies this time).  Luckily we can walk there, as traffic is crazy during this type of event.  In all honesty, the Comic-Con organizers do a much better job of directing traffic than regular event planners. Last night was almost impossible to get to the Hard Rock.  We made it, but it wasn’t pretty.  And when there is a baseball game letting out, the foot traffic is insane. Oh and one way roads everywhere don’t help, nope.  Not one bit.

I’d also like to mention a great place for breakfast, in addition to the amazing Richard Walkers for pancakes.  A ways up on 5th street is a place called Snooze.  Great food, mostly breakfast.  They are big on using cage free eggs, recycled paper, and saving where ever they can.  I like that in a restaurant.  It was definitely fresh tasting and had a great selection of food.  Highly recommend.

So if you enjoy coming to San Diego Comic Con in July, its definitely worth it to stay in San Diego when the convention is not ongoing so that you an truly enjoy the city.  It won’t have sci-fi cafe’s everywhere or giant Viking boats in random places, but you will definitely find a lot of fun things to do.