Attention all Whovians! This is the off-site you’ve been waiting for!
WHAT IT IS
BBC Studios is welcoming you deep into UNIT’s most top-secret vault – the legendary Black Archive – with a brand-new immersive pop-up experience at The Harbor Club in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Inspired by The Day of the Doctor, this off-site lets fans get up close with iconic alien artifacts and timey-wimey tech from the Doctor Who universe.
WHEN & WHERE
Dates: Thursday, July 24 – Sunday, July 27
Hours:
- Thursday – Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: The Harbor Club, 100 E Harbor Dr, Gaslamp, San Diego
YOUR MISSION
Once you arrive, you’ll sign up as a UNIT recruit and earn your Level 1 clearance badge – your ticket inside the Black Archive. From there, explore legendary Doctor Who relics and infamous villains like the Dalek Mutant, Cybermen, and the Silence. Keep your eyes peeled for hints about the upcoming spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea. You never know what hidden details you’ll find!
Each evening (Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 8 PM), the Archive shifts gears from exhibit to live mission mode. Recruits take part in an interactive challenge to uncover Whoniverse secrets and, if successful, unlock a special SDCC-exclusive prize. Entry is first-come, first-served – no reservations required.
PHOTOS, MERCH & EXTRAS
- Snap a pic inside the Fifteenth Doctor’s TARDIS
- Pick up limited-edition merch
- Can’t make it in person? There’s even a digital Black Archive for fans to explore online.
DON’T MISS: WORLDS OF WONDER
If you’re craving even more Doctor Who, check out Doctor Who: Worlds of Wonder – Where Science Meets Fiction at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. This special exhibit dives deep into the science behind the sci-fi, with original props, costumes from all 17 Doctors, and behind-the-scenes insights.
TOP TIPS
✅ Show up early to get in line – mornings and late afternoons are your best bet.
✅ Want to tackle an evening mission? Plan to arrive well before 6 PM – spots will fill fast.
✅ Sunday tends to be quieter, so it’s a good day for repeat visits or shorter waits.
Gear up, earn your clearance badge, and step inside one of the coolest Doctor Who experiences SDCC has ever seen – just don’t blink!
