Dress to impress: Escape from Columbus to San Diego for Comic-Con International

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.

Whether you’re ready to book your trip now or just wondering what it would cost, take a look at these forthcoming flights between Columbus and San Diego, which we pulled from travel site Skyscanner.

We've also included top-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions in San Diego to showcase the range of local amenities that travelers will find there. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Flight deals to San Diego

Currently, the cheapest flights between Columbus and San Diego are if you leave on July 17 and return from California on July 21. Spirit Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $436.

There are also deals to be had later in July. If you fly out of Columbus on July 18 and return from San Diego on July 21, United can get you there and back for $513 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 splurge on top quality, consider The Hotel del Coronado. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $290.

According to its website, it has several ocean-view restaurants and bars; shops and boutiques; beach equipment and boat rentals; a heated pool and a 24-hour fitness center. There's also a program for children ages 4-12.

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.

Located near the famous Balboa Park, home of attractions like the San Diego Zoo, the Lafayette is a classic California hotel, with bungalows for those seeking more private accommodations, and, as its central attraction, the Weissmuller Olympic Pool.

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 and the San Diego Convention Center. Other attractions include the San Diego Zoo.

Top picks for dining and drinking

If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, San Diego has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started.

Extraordinary Desserts (2929 Fifth Ave.)

First things first: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Extraordinary Desserts, which has an average of 4.7 stars out of 160 reviews on Skyscanner.

"This is a very nice place to hang out with friends and share some beautifully decorated treats," wrote visitor Roque.

The Prado at Balboa Park (1549 El Prado)

One of San Diego's most popular restaurants is The Prado at Balboa Park, with 4.6 stars from 133 reviews.

Set in a rich landscape and finely manicured gardens, the Prado Restaurant is located at the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego.

In-N-Out Burger (2005 Camino Del Este)

Finally, there's In-N-Out Burger, the iconic California fast-food chain.

"Favorite place to grab a burger, and it is so cheap," wrote Kim. "Freshly made fries and milkshakes made with real ice cream round out a great meal."

Featured San Diego attractions

Not sure what to do in San Diego, besides eat and drink? Here are two top recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.

The San Diego Zoo (2920 Zoo Drive)

First up is The San Diego Zoo, with 4.8 stars from 1,036 reviews.

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most prolific and popular zoos in the world. It houses over 4,000 animals from more than 800 species.

Balboa Park (1549 El Prado, San Diego)

Then, there's Balboa Park, with 4.8 stars from 816 reviews.

Balboa Park is a massive urban park in San Diego. Along with countless green spaces and gardens, the park is home to multiple museums, shops, restaurants and, most famously, the San Diego Zoo.

"Beautiful," wrote visitor Ryan. "Lots to see. Amazing museums. Great family environment."

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.