#sdcc SDCC’16: Tips From a Local – “Where to Go to Decompress”

By: Nicholas Eskey

Much of San Diego Comic-Con will be a tiring blur once you reach Sunday. Technically the last day of the convention, many of people are already tired of the crowds, greasy foods, and all the running between sales booths and panels. It’s for this reason that Sunday is deemed family day, as the typical 4 day con-goers are feeling too lack lustered to put in the complete fervency that they did over the three previous days.

If you find yourself in this same situation, this local has some suggestions on where you can go to decompress, or at least escape and take a break from the convention, if only for a little while over the 4 days.

Seaport Village: This 14 acre waterfront complex is a recreation of a harbor side setting in times gone by. All within walking distance of the Convention Center, Seaport Village has a great array of shopping, dining, and entertainment. All of this is completed with the view of the bay with all the fantastic boats harbored there. Seaport Village even features a refurbished Merry-Go-Round that is still in operation to this day.

Balboa Park: If you want to get further away from downtown, Balboa Park is a beautiful option. As early as 1868, this park has been a fond favorite for locals and travelers alike. With its early Spanish inspired architecture, this park is home to the San Diego Zoo, 15 major museums, a large arts village, upscale dining, the Japanese Friendship Garden, The Old Globe theater, The Botanical Garden, and more. Don’t miss the bell tower that plays a different melody every hour.

Hillcrest: Going even further away from downtown, Hillcrest is situated uphill along University Avenue. The LGBT friendly area is home to all walks of restaurant styles, as well as bars that range from the very casual to the somewhat dressy. If you feel like hitting up the clubs, there will be a great many Comic-Con themed parties held during convention time.

Pacific Beach: Home to a wide spreading beach and a pier that has guest cottages as well as its daily share of fishermen, Pacific Beach is a very happening area with its own collection of bars and restaurants. The beachy area is also a favorite spot for surfers, college kids, and sunset enthusiasts. If you’re thinking about visiting in the morning, you might as well hit up the local favorite Kono’s Café for breakfast, though make sure to bring cash as they still don’t accept cards. With their popularity, this doesn’t hamper them in the least.

Black’s Beach: Black’s is a unique Unique meaning it has a clothing optional rule. Frequented by beach walkers, surfers, and nudists, this beach is situated next to UCSD College in La Jolla. Be careful when you try to make the trip down to the beach however, as the most used way of access is a slippery staircase that descends from the cliff that overlooks the Black’s. If you rather not risk it, there’s the Torrey Pine’s Gliderport at the top, where you can grab a quick bite or take up a little paragliding.

Point Loma: A great degree of San Diego’s military history is situated in this area, from the old Naval Base, to the Naval housing. Check out Liberty Station, which was once the area for the old Naval Barracks. The preserved buildings now house restaurants like Slater’s 50/50, The Corvette Diner, and Soda and Swine. There’s also a plethora of shopping choices, dance studios, and the recently relocated IDW’s San Diego Comic Art Gallery. If you want some more history, head down to Cabrillo National Monument park, where you can see one of the few remaining lighthouses in the united states.

I might add that all these areas have a great deal of Pokestops if you’re going to be playing Pokemon Go, all except Black’s Beach at least. If you think about it, it’s really for the best. I’m sure the locals won’t appreciate seeing a cellphone pointed at them, nor believe you if you said you spotted a Krabby.