Calling all fans of comics and pop culture! Need a reason to visit San Diego in the summer, which the Weather Channel says has one of the best year-round climates in the nation? Then Comic-Con International is the excuse you've been waiting for.
The mammoth celebration of everything from traditional comic books to the latest in anime, sci-fi and Western animation fills the San Diego Convention Center each year to its capacity of 125,000. Spanning July 18-21 this year, the conference will, as always, feature panels, awards, autograph sessions and special guests, including artist Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men), cartoonist Sergio Aragonés (Groo the Wanderer) and writer/artist Ebony Flowers (Hot Comb).
Feel free to come in costume, and as it has for over 33 years, Comic-Con offers child care. And when you're not at the convention, venture out to explore San Diego, with its beaches, historical sites and world-famous zoo.
Using travel site Skyscanner, we’ve sifted through the cheapest flights between Miami and San Diego, including some standout hotel options and other favorite local attractions. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Cheapest San Diego flights
The cheapest flights between Miami and San Diego are if you leave on July 18 and return from California on July 20. Frontier Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $462.
There are also deals to be had later in July. If you fly out of Miami on July 19 and return from San Diego on July 21, American Airlines can get you there and back for $471 roundtrip.
Top San Diego hotels
To plan your stay, here are some of San Diego’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.
The Hotel del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave.)
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Hotel del Coronado. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $290.
"History and elegance describes it best. Some of the best flora in the San Diego area. A must see on any visit," wrote visitor Jack.
The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows (2223 El Cajon Blvd.)
Another 4.6-star option is The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. Rooms are currently set at $79/night.
The U.S. Grant (326 Broadway)
A third option is The U.S. Grant. The 4.7-star hotel has rooms for $159/night. Set in the heart of San Diego, this hotel is close to the Westfield Horton Plaza, Petco Park, as well as the San Diego Convention Center. Other attractions include the San Diego Zoo.
Featured San Diego food and drink
San Diego has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
Extraordinary Desserts (2929 Fifth Ave.)
Let's start with the essentials: dessert. For a popular option, check out Extraordinary Desserts, which has an average of 4.7 stars out of 160 reviews on Skyscanner.
"I loved the fresh fruit tartlets — they're so delicious and so beautiful that you will never want to eat them!" wrote visitor Roque.
The Prado at Balboa Park (1549 El Prado)
If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to The Prado at Balboa Park, with 4.6 stars from 133 reviews.
Set in the rich landscape and finely manicured gardens, the Prado Restaurant is located at the House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego.
"Go past the reception desk to the outdoor seating. There are a few couches and bar tables that you don't need reservations for. We love the fried green beans and the potstickers," wrote reviewer Sandra.
Mister A's (2550 Fifth Ave., 12th Floor)
Also worth considering is Mister A's, which offers spectacular views and is just minutes from downtown.
"The place is beautiful, the view is gorgeous and the food is amazing!" wrote Makiah.
What to see and do in San Diego
To round out your trip, San Diego offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are a couple of top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.
The San Diego Zoo (2920 Zoo Drive)
First up is The San Diego Zoo, which houses over 4,000 animals from more than 800 species. At over 100 acres, the zoo offers exhibits that run the gamut of the world’s ecosystems: rainforest, savannah, desert, the list goes on.
The Gaslamp Quarter (614 Fifth Ave.)
Finally, consider checking out The Gaslamp Quarter.
The Gaslamp Quarter is alive with activity almost every day (and night) of the week, from restaurants to bars to fashion to art to movies and more. Bordered by the water and downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp is home to some of the nicest hotels and swankiest hot spots San Diego has to offer.
This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
