SeaWorld San Diego

From swooping rides to interactive animal experiences and world-class attractions, SeaWorld San Diego always makes a big splash.

Located just off Mission Bay, the park offers a variety of ways to learn about and celebrate marine life. Start your visit at the Explorer’s Reef area, just inside the park’s entrance, lined with touch pools, then see marine life up close at exhibits such as Dolphin Point and Shark Encounter. Check out the schedule for educational presentations about different species, or take one of the park’s exclusive tours where you can get behind-the-scenes encounters with resident dolphins, sea lions, penguins, or beluga whales. 

The San Diego theme park has increasingly become a hotbed for roller coaster lovers too. The park’s newest rides have their own marine-life inspirations, such as the Electric Eel, the Manta, and Emperor—the tallest, longest and fastest dive coaster in California, which takes a 90-degree plunge like a diving Emperor penguin. Don’t miss the Arctic Rescue ride—the fastest straddle coaster in California—that places you in a snowmobile-shaped car as you pretend to be a member of Sea World’s accomplished rescue squad. Then explore the Arctic Rescue exhibit and the Rescue Jr. play area to check out vehicles, equipment, and fascinating information related to the SeaWorld rescue team that has saved more than 40,000 animals to date.

Check the park’s calendar when planning your trip, as different times of year bring seasonal events. Come for the Mardi Gras festival in January or February, the Seven Seas Food Festival in spring, or the musical events of summer’s Viva La Musica and Summer Spectacular. Autumn and the holiday season bring their own extravaganzas, including Howl-O-Scream, filled with wandering zombies, the little kid–friendly SeaWorld Spooktacular, and the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration.

Insider tip: Book your admission tickets online before arriving to make the most of ongoing discounts or deals that bundle in meals.