Sea World - San Diego: Theme Park Guide
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Opened in 1964, Sea World is one of the top attractions in San Diego. The park offers plenty of animal attractions and shows, some great coasters and water rides, plus a few more upcharge attractions.
What To Do Before Your Visit
We suggest planning a full day to visit the park. We also recommend planning ahead and visiting the park website to book animal encounters in advance. They often sell out during the busy summer months and on weekends.
Sea World San Diego Parking
Plenty of parking is available within a short walk to the front entrance. Parking is about USD$25 with close-up and VIP parking available for an upcharge. There are also two free EV charging stations available on a first-come basis.
Sea World San Diego Tickets
There are numerous options for discount tickets available online. It’s always best to seek out the best deal before heading to the park. Typically the online sale price at the park's website is a better value than at the gate.
The Go City Pass for San Diego is also an enticing option for those planning to visit other area attractions such as the popular San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, or LEGOLAND.
Sea World San Diego Animal Attractions
One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Shark Encounter an underwater shark viewing tunnel. A moving walkway slowly takes you through a giant aquarium where you can see various shark species swimming above and around you.
The Penguin Encounter is also a must-see. The giant enclosure is home to over 400 penguins of different species. They even have Emperor and King penguins, two species that are very rare to see in captivity.
The heavily themed Wild Arctic is a walk-through attraction that is home to Beluga whales, walruses, and adorable sea otters.
Elsewhere in the park, you will find sloths, sea lions, sea turtles, eels octopuses, rays, and the Sea World standards: orca whales, seals, and dolphins.
Sea World San Diego Shows
The shows at Sea World San Diego are always changing and evolving. The best part about an animal show is that no two shows are ever alike.
The shows are always held in giant arenas with plenty of seating for all. Be sure to check the show schedule for the day. Most shows run twice daily.
Sea World San Diego Rides
Between your animal encounters, you can find plenty of top-notch coasters. New for 2022 is the Emperor, a dive coaster meant to simulate a diving penguin. It’s a short but satisfying ride.
The looping Electric Eel coaster has multiple launches giving one of the best rides in the park. The slightly more easy-going Manta stays low and zooms over the back end of the park.
The Journey to Atlantis is a combination coaster and water ride. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer visit. The ride has some surprises along the way.
Shipwreck Rapids is the park’s other water ride. It’s a circular raft ride that has always given us a heavy soaking!
You’ll also find a splash zone for the kids and some smaller spinning rides for younger-aged guests.
An up-charge attraction, the Bayside Skyride, is a wonderful suspended gondola ride that takes you outside of the park for great views of the ocean and bay as well as the downtown San Diego skyline. The Skytower, another up-charge, takes a slow spinning rise above the park. If you’re going to pick just one, we recommend the Skyride.
Sea World San Diego Food
The food in the park is your standard theme park fare. If you’re planning to eat twice, a great deal is the all-day dining pass. It allows you to enjoy an entree, side, and drink once per hour during your day in the park.
Sea World San Diego Events
Check the park’s website for upcoming events. They have special events for Halloween and Christmas as well as food festivals throughout the year.
While you’re visiting San Diego, check out one of our favorite nearby attractions, Old Town San Diego.
