Arrival and expo
Wednesday 26 MayRunners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.
- Half-dayHarbor cruise
- EatPhil's BBQ
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary
28 to 30 May 2027 · ExpectedSan Diego, United States
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in San Diego.
Airport to Balboa Park to downtown
San Diego International (SAN) is 10 minutes from downtown, right next to MCRD.
Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
Public transport directions to Balboa Park to downtown
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Old Town and Mission Valley | Chain hotels on the trolley. |
| Mid-range | Gaslamp and Little Italy | Walk to the Convention Center. |
| Splurge | Coronado and La Jolla | Beach resorts. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town
- Mid-range: Hotel Republic San Diego
- Splurge: Hotel del Coronado
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 28 to 30 May 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Day before the race
Thursday 27 MayRunners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.
- Easy outingOld Town food tour
- EatLiberty Public Market
Race day
Friday 28 MaySpectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.
- Cheer pointBalboa Park.
- Cheer pointThe Embarcadero.
- EatLittle Italy Mercato
Recovery day
Monday 31 MaySore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.
- Easy outingGaslamp brewery tour
- Rain or heat backupUSS Midway Museum
Family-friendly picks
- SeaWorld San Diego.
- Legoland in Carlsbad.
- Birch Aquarium.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Gaslamp Quarter.
8 tours worth booking for Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Harbor cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Whale watching | Half day | Families |
| Old Town food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Tijuana day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| San Diego Zoo | Full day | Families |
| USS Midway Museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| La Jolla kayak and snorkel | Half day | Families |
| Gaslamp brewery tour | Evening | Night owls, Food lovers |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Fleet Science Center.
- Natural History Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Trolley lines serve downtown, Old Town and the border; MTS buses and rideshare elsewhere.
Day trips from San Diego
- La Jolla: 25 minutes
- Temecula wine country: 1 hour
- Carlsbad: 40 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon 2027?
The next edition is 28 to 30 May 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Balboa Park to downtown?
San Diego International (SAN) is 10 minutes from downtown, right next to MCRD. Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
Where should I stay for Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
For most visitors the best base is Gaslamp and Little Italy: Walk to the Convention Center.
What else can we do around Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
Good short outings in San Diego include USS Midway Museum, La Jolla kayak and snorkel, Harbor cruise. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
Family-friendly picks: San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, La Jolla kayak and snorkel. SeaWorld San Diego.
How far is Balboa Park to downtown from San Diego centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
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