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What to Do in San Diego if You’re a Total Geek
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items San Diego has Comic-Con, sure but that’s just the start. I put together a list of the best geeky spots around the city, from indie theaters screening anime deep cuts to game stores where you can finally find that elusive D&D mini.
If you've got a day or two in San Diego and you're into arcades, comics, retro consoles, or just hunting nerdy collectibles, this list has you covered. Hope it helps you plan your next geeked-out day trip. Let me know which ones you hit—or if I misse...
If you've got a day or two in San Diego and you're into arcades, comics, retro consoles, or just hunting nerdy collectibles, this list has you covered. Hope it helps you plan your next geeked-out day trip. Let me know which ones you hit—or if I misse...
Map
Sections
4
Nerd Culture Museums & Attractions
Play Like a Kid Again
Tabletop & Comic Book Havens
Catch a Cult Classic or Sci-Fi Flick
Nerd Culture Museums & Attractions
Yes, you can get your museum fix while geeking out over pop culture, science, and fandom history.
A year-round celebration of pop culture from the team behind SDCC itself. Exhibits have featured everything from Spider-Man retrospectives to cosplay showcases.
Comic-Con Museum
Great for families or anyone who still gets wide-eyed about space, energy, or VR demos. Tons of interactive exhibits and IMAX films.
Fleet Science Center
An unexpected geek-out zone for fans of miniatures, dioramas, and scale model world-building. It’s like a real-life tabletop setup.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Play Like a Kid Again
Arcades, pinball parlors, and retro game lounges—because the high score still matters.
An adult-friendly arcade packed with retro cabinets, pinball machines, and local craft beer. It's a lively mix of nostalgia and nightlife, and you might lose hours chasing that next level.
Coin-Op Game Room - Gaslamp, San Diego, CA
This tucked-away classic game room has everything from Skee-Ball to 4-player Pac-Man. Great for a casual stroll followed by some vintage button-mashing.
Buster's Beach House Seaport Village | San Diego CA
Offers a rotating collection of consoles and arcade cabinets, all paired with geek-themed drinks. Think Mario Kart and martinis in the same evening.
Bruno’s Retro Game Bar (La Mesa)
Half retro game store, half play space, and all nostalgia. You can buy, sell, or just nerd out over wall-to-wall cartridges and figurines.
Best Used Video Games near Mira Mesa, San Diego, CA
Tabletop & Comic Book Havens
These are the shops and spaces where campaigns begin and fandoms come to life.
This is one of the best-stocked Magic: The Gathering and tabletop game shops in the city. The vibe is super welcoming for both casuals and competitive players.
At Ease Games Gaming & Tournament Center
Wall-to-wall comics, statues, and collectibles. There’s something wonderfully chaotic about browsing here—you never know what rare gem you’ll stumble across.
Comics-N-Stuff – SAN DIEGO'S LARGEST COMIC ...
A tabletop gaming mecca with regular events for Warhammer, D&D, board games, and card games. Spacious play area and a solid community vibe.
Game Empire
A cozy one-stop shop for both comics and gaming, with a diverse selection of indie titles and a loyal local following.
VILLAINOUS LAIR - 3220 Adams Ave, San Diego, California
Catch a Cult Classic or Sci-Fi Flick
Yes, you can get your museum fix while geeking out over pop culture, science, and fandom history.
A throwback double-feature drive-in that’s stayed true to its roots. Great for watching blockbusters under the stars with your favorite snacks.
South Bay Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet
An indie film house that often runs cult classics, anime showings, and geek-adjacent international films. Think Studio Ghibli weekends or a surprise Akira screening.
Digital Gym CINEMA
Luxury theater with occasional retro and genre-specific programming. More comfy chair, less sticky floor.
THE LOT Liberty Station