10 Tips for Enjoying Your First San Diego Comic-Con (2025)
How to Maximize Your Comic-Con Fun
“I think everybody’s weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it.”
Ellie, Rachel, & Kevin at their first San Diego Comic-Con
Yay! You’ve secured an SDCC Badge for the very first time! But what should you expect, and how should you plan for this incredible Con?
Held at the sprawling San Diego Convention Center, Comic-Con International (AKA San Diego Comic Convention, San Diego Comic-Con, and SDCC) is equal parts thrill ride, endurance test, and pure magic. But if you're not prepared, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the crowds, long lines, and maze-like exhibit floor.
If it's your first time attending San Diego Comic-Con, get ready for the ride of your life at Nerd HQ. This legendary pop culture event draws fans from around the world to celebrate everything from comic books to popular TV shows, video games, and the ongoing contribution of comics to modern media.
Here's the good news for SDCC newbies: you don’t need to go in blind. With several years of experience under our belts, we’ve compiled this detailed guide to help first-time attendees make the most of every minute. It's packed with the best Comic-Con tips to help you survive and thrive at your first San Diego Comic-Con.
Before we dive in, here's a quick note: To attend Comic-Con International, you must first create a Comic-Con Member ID and obtain your SDCC Badge.
Badge sales typically occur each fall, so if you missed out on this year’s Con, create your Member ID and keep an eye out for the 2026 SDCC Badge Sale!
10 Tips For Navigating San Diego Comic-Con Like a Pro
We remember how overwhelming our first SDCC was, so we've developed these tips to help you navigate your first experience. While these tips are geared towards “newbies,” they also apply to returning attendees.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Comic-Con is NOT the time to try out a new pair of shoes. You will walk a lot! From walking to the San Diego Convention Center from your hotel or one of the official SDCC Shuttles to exploring the Exhibit Hall or speeding to a panel on the other side of the massive building, you’ll easily get 10,000+ steps each day. Ensure that you select a high-quality pair of shoes. Supportive sneakers and sandals are the best options, but a comfy pair of boots can also be a good choice.
Don't let sore feet be your kryptonite!
Your panels won't wait. Your photo ops won't pause. Your feet shouldn't quit.
If you run out of time, consider having your shoes or sneakers shipped to your hotel or picking them up at any Amazon Locker location. Spend some time walking around your hotel to help break them in quickly.
FREE SHIPPING TO SAN DIEGO HOTELS & AMAZON LOCKERS
We can’t forget to mention the plentiful lines you will encounter at SDCC. (They don’t call this the “Line Con” for nothing.) Yes, you’ll have opportunities to sit down while grabbing a bite to eat, viewing a panel, or waiting in line, but you'll spend a lot of time standing. Don’t underestimate how much of an impact standing in line can have on your feet.
Bonus Insider Tip: If your cosplay requires new shoes, break them in beforehand to avoid discomfort. If it demands an uncomfortable pair of shoes for the perfect look (think heels or zero-support sandals), bring a spare pair to change into later. Your future self and your feet will thank you!
Bring a Reliable Backpack
While the SDCC-provided bags (more on those in Tip #6) are cool keepsakes, they aren’t that durable. In fact, we’ve had straps break on multiple bags after overstuffing them. Having your own strong bag with numerous organizational compartments will be more comfortable, convenient, and secure. Plus, you’ll know you have plenty of room for all those souvenirs and freebies you’ll accumulate.
If you bring your own backpack, you can simply fold up your SDCC-provided bag to fit inside and keep it as a souvenir. Then, once you return to your hotel at the end of the day, you can take it out and leave it there, freeing up even more space for any remaining days.
Don't be the person whose weekend gets ruined by backpack failure. Your future self will thank you when you're comfortably carrying your convention treasures while others struggle with broken straps and torn bags.
GRAB YOUR COMIC-CON SURVIVAL BACKPACK NOW!
Get it before you leave for San Diego because preparation is half the victory! If you run out of time, consider having the backpack shipped to your hotel or pick it up at any Amazon Locker location.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
Here are some essentials you should plan to pack each day. (Please note that we are excluding any food or drink-related items, as we will touch on those later in Tip #5.)
Your SDCC Badge – This is, by far, the most essential thing to pack each day, as you cannot enter the Convention Center without it. Ensure you have it with you at all times.
Since this is your first Con, you may or may not have a lanyard to wear your badge around your neck on your first day. Hold it as you enter the Convention Center, where you will need to scan it. You can pick up a complimentary lanyard upon arrival (more on that in Tip #6).
External Battery – A portable charger (and any necessary cords) is non-negotiable! Your phone battery will drain quickly, thanks to all the photos you'll be taking.
You’ll be thankful to have an external battery that allows you to recharge without needing to find an available wall plug. Plus, don’t forget that you will need to find your way back to your hotel at the end of the day, and you can’t access Uber or Google Maps if your phone is dead!
Here are some of our favorite external batteries
Sunscreen – It’s called “Sunny San Diego” for a reason! Be sure to include sunscreen in your bag, especially if you plan to explore outside the Convention Center and/or visit neighboring hotels, such as the Hilton Bayfront, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, or the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Even if that’s not part of your plan, you will likely spend some time outside. A portion of the lines for Ballroom 20 and Hall H are located outside, and while they do their best to offer shade, you will not always be covered. The Sails Pavilion features outdoor food and seating areas. The Mezzanine level also has an exterior area where you can enjoy a view of the Bay, and you can sometimes find large cosplay groups getting photos on the staircase.
Wallet with Credit Cards, Cash, & Picture ID – Inevitably, you will want to buy things—t-shirts, stickers, pins, collectibles, and so much more! Ensure you don’t forget your cards and cash to purchase your numerous SDCC souvenirs.
Additionally, Comic-Con International requires that you always have a photo ID on hand. They note that you must present your ID upon arrival and that security checks will be conducted to verify that only the person listed on the badge is admitted into the event. (We have never encountered an ID check in four years of attendance, but we still always have our ID, just in case.)
We recommend this passport wallet ... RFID TRAVEL WALLET
This passport holder and cover is perfect for your ID, making it easy to access your cards, bills, and travel documents, which you can organize in each of the available slots inside. We’ve been using this for the past 4 years!
Don't Try to Do Everything
SDCC newbies can be overwhelmed by the massive number of panels, activities, and sights to see at their first Comic-Con experience. First, take a deep breath and accept that getting to everything you want to do or see is impossible. You simply can't see it all.
Pick 2–3 must-do items per day (such as particular panels, autograph signings, or favorite artist interactions), then go with the flow. This helps lower stress and allows you to fully enjoy everything around you rather than always trying to get to “the next thing.”
An inflatable T-Rex dressed as Batman in the Exhibit Hall.
Keep An Open Mind
This is very important, especially if you’re attending with someone else. You may not be interested in the same things, and that’s okay! While you could split up and attend different panels, we encourage you to try attending the ones your friends or family members have selected. We've each been surprised that some of the panels we’ve most enjoyed were not the ones we initially picked.
Similarly, sometimes your most memorable moments at Comic-Con aren't the ones that were on your must-do list! We’ve found that some of the more popular panels we’ve attended paled in comparison to the random panel or two that were taking place in the same room right before one of our must-see panels or that we just happened to walk into on a whim.
Bonus Insider Tip: Follow hashtags like #SDCC, #SDCC2025, and #ComicConInternational on Instagram and X. These hashtags often break news faster than official channels. You’ll find last-minute giveaways and flash events throughout the Con, especially on Sunday when the Con is winding down.
Plan for Meals
The convention center offers a variety of food options, including hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, sandwiches, salads, and pretzels. Food trucks and several restaurants are also located throughout the Gaslamp District. While these options aren’t cheap, we have never found them to be ridiculously expensive, and we often choose to pick one or more of them.
However, if you want to save some money, there is a Ralph’s grocery store a couple of blocks away where you could pick up snacks or sandwiches ahead of time to take with you. We've also heard of people who stop at Subway on their morning walk to the Convention Center to get a sandwich for later. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle. There are several hydration stations scattered throughout the Convention Center. With plenty of time spent walking and standing, staying hydrated is essential!
Bonus Insider Tip: Take advantage of free hotel breakfasts! (Our favorites are at Holiday Inn Express properties.) Eat a large meal to hold you over and stock up on some packable items, such as bananas, apples, muffins, and bagels, to eat later.
Pick Up Your Free Books, Bags, & Lanyards
As an SDCC badge holder and attendee, you are entitled to a free set of books, an SDCC bag, and a lanyard. Each of these items can be picked up on-site in the Sails Pavilion (located on the upper floor of the San Diego Convention Center).
In years past, attendees received a Souvenir Book and an Events Quick Guide Book when picking up their books, bags, and lanyards. In recent years, however, Comic-Con International has transitioned the Souvenir Book from a physical book to a downloadable PDF. Each year, the Souvenir Book provides information about various anniversary celebrations and features a “Yearbook” section with a bio and photo of each Special Guest attending the Con.
SDCC badge holders will still receive a physical version of the Events Quick Guide Book. This book is invaluable, providing a quick overview of the programming schedule, detailed information about each panel, and an Exhibit Hall map. We recommend keeping this book handy and referring to it frequently. (We have found it much more valuable than the Comic-Con official app and website, as it provides a clean look at each day’s programming schedule.)
Bonus Insider Tip: Wait until later to pick up your books, bag, and lanyard. While the line tends to move quickly, it is tremendously long during the first part of each day, especially on Wednesday’s Preview Night and Thursday morning. By delaying your pick-up of these items, you can get in a panel (or two) or explore the Exhibit Hall a bit rather than spending time in line.
Have a Strategy for the Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall is massive, and it’s always bustling with people. With limited personal space, it will likely take you longer than expected to get from one end to the other, even if you’re not stopping at booths. This is especially true if you’re trying to navigate it with others in your group. Give yourself several hours to explore it properly.
Located just off the main lobby, the Exhibit Hall is the place to go to find a new graphic novel, action figures, video games, collectibles, and LEGO sets. From t-shirts and stickers to comic books and props, there is no shortage of things to buy or just to enjoy looking at as you explore. There’s even a chance for random celebrity encounters! (We’ve personally seen Grant Gustin and Michael Rooker at booths within the Exhibit Hall.)
Don't miss Artists' Alley! This section of the Exhibit Hall tends to be a bit less crowded. It is also a good place to meet comic artists and support creators. You can find some very unique art pieces for sale and, oftentimes, have a conversation with the artist who created them.
Bonus Insider Tip: Keep the Quick Guide Book handy for the Exhibit Hall map, which highlights the most popular booths (Marvel, DC, Dark Horse Comics, LEGO, Star Wars, Funko, etc.).
This provides a helpful way to get oriented upon entry. The guide will also offer a comprehensive exhibitor list, indicating the booth number for each exhibitor.
Embrace the Cosplay Culture
Cosplay is a massive part of SDCC. Don’t be afraid to ask for pictures with your favorite cosplayers. Most cosplayers enjoy posing for photos. It’s a significant part of the culture, which is why they spend months planning and creating their costumes. But the key is to ASK FIRST! It’s common courtesy to ask before snapping a photo of someone in costume. Most cosplayers are thrilled to pose, even for a selfie with you. But never touch someone or their costume without permission.
When dressing up, ensure your cosplay is comfortable enough for extended periods. Bring repair supplies (such as safety pins and glue) and respect venue rules regarding props. Also, remember that you may be stopped and asked to pose for photos if you decide to cosplay. Plan a pose or two for your character of choice, and enjoy feeling like a celebrity if/when you’re asked for a picture.
Bonus Insider Tip: Consider skipping the cosplay if you have a packed day or need to get around fast. They can slow you down, especially if you've got a killer cosplay, and people stop you often for photos.
Skip Hall H
Hall H is the single-most popular room at San Diego Comic-Con. It’s where SDCC’s biggest panels take place: think Marvel, Star Wars, Warner Bros., and other major studios. It's the hot spot for brand-new trailers, big announcements, and surprise celebrity appearances. Hall H panels are probably why you, like Ellie, became interested in Comic-Con International in the first place.
While this might be controversial, we recommend first-timers skip Hall H and focus on enjoying the rest of the SDCC experience. We've never even tried to get into Hall H and never regretted it.
Bonus Insider Tip: Smaller rooms host incredible discussions on comics, writing, animation, and behind-the-scenes content. Sometimes, you can even catch exclusive premieres.
In recent years, SDCC has transitioned to the Hall H line wristband system in an effort to better manage crowds. With this system, attendees who wish to enter Hall H must get in the “Next Day Line,” where they will wait (as the name suggests) for access to the next day’s panels. In the evening, SDCC volunteers will hand out wristbands for the next day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beyond that, we won’t delve into the specifics of how the Hall H line works, as numerous other sites (such as the SDCC Unofficial Blog) explain it more effectively than we could. Just remember that it is the most popular and, therefore, the most challenging room to enter.
Unless you’re dying to see something exclusive, there is so much more to fill your day(s) with than standing in that line for hours. Remember that you could spend an entire day in line and STILL not obtain a wristband before they are all gone!
Bonus Insider Tip: If you're experiencing FOMO about Hall H, be aware that most trailers and announcements are typically posted on YouTube shortly after the panel for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Downtown San Diego
It's rare for first-timers to secure badges for all four days (we didn’t), so you'll likely have a day or two to explore. Check out some of the numerous offsite events in the Gaslamp Quarter and the surrounding hotels. Grab a bite to eat in Little Italy, explore art installations in Balboa Park, or take a ride on the trolley.
Want a break from the SDCC crowds? San Diego has amazing culture and sights, from beautiful beaches to amusement parks and more. Get out of the heart of Nerd HQ and discover what else Sunny San Diego has to offer! If you need some ideas, check out our family guide to San Diego!
To truly enjoy San Diego, consider taking a professional guided tour! You'll absolutely remember the San Diego Bay Sunset Sailing experience, the laughter with friends on an Old Town Tales, Tacos, and Tequila Tour, or a skip-the-line entry ticket for the USS Midway Museum!
The question isn't whether you can afford to go, it's whether you can afford not to. Claim Your Experience
Your First San Diego Comic-Con Is Just the Beginning
Attending San Diego Comic-Con for the first time can be overwhelming. But, with a bit of planning, some comfy shoes, and an open mind, you won’t just survive; you’ll thrive!
Remember, no two Comic-Cons are the same. You will have FOMO. You will miss something incredible. However, you will also have unforgettable experiences and walk away with stories that last a lifetime. It's easy to get addicted to such a fun time. Your first year attending will likely not be your last!
Whether you’re geeking out over panels, chasing swag, or bonding with fellow fans, SDCC is an unforgettable celebration of pop culture. If this guide helped you feel more prepared, we'd love to hear from you! Have you been to SDCC? Got a tip for first-timers? Planning your first trip now? Drop a comment below!
Stay weird, stay wonderful, and welcome to San Diego Comic-Con! Good luck!
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