SeaWorld San Diego Guide

I’ve been visiting SeaWorld San Diego since I was a child and it’s still fun to go now as a mom. This theme park does the best job of catering to kids of all ages from toddlers to teens because you can see Elmo, but also ride multiple high-speed roller coasters (that I can see from my backyard over Mission Bay).

I (Katie Dillon) have been going to SeaWorld San Diego since the age of two and I can see the park from my house.

Get the Most Out of Your Visit

Save on Tickets

Top 5 Reasons to Visit

Must See Highlights

Dining

Getting There: Map, Parking & Directions

All SeaWorld San Diego Articles

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Ways to Save on Tickets

There is absolutely no need to pay gate prices. Choose a sightseeing pass or individual tickets.

Directly Through SeaWorld

IIt feels like there’s always some sort of sale happening on the park’s website. You can also buy parking, dining experiences, and upgrades here.

Try Seaworld.com

Our Ticket Site

You can find some exclusive deals that differ from the park’s website. Use promo code SAVEMORE on some tickets.

Buy Discount Tickets

San Diego CityPASS

Includes Birch Aquarium, USS Midway, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and a few others. Use promo code SAVEMORE for $8 off.

Use CityPass

Go City San Diego

Save up to 50% on over 50 attractions. SeaWorld is on the All-Inclusive pass. Use promo code GOSDO5LJM for 5%.

Use Go City

Journey to Atlantis water ride at SeaWorld San Diego.

Penguins swim outside at SeaWorld San Diego.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit

SeaWorld San Diego is one of our parks that has fun for the whole family, between rides for toddlers and hairy roller coasters for teens.
It’s independently accredited, reviewed, audited, and certified by premier zoological and animal welfare organizations.
SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. They are who we call when our La Jolla sea lions and seals are in danger.
You can upgrade your day from shorter line waits to behind-the-scenes tours that include up-close animal encounters.
Season Passes and Fun Cards make two visits or more per year cost-effective.

Must-See Highlights

Rescue Jr. toddler area with tame rides and climbing structure.
Explorers Reef touch pools with reef sharks and more overseen by Animal Ambassadors.
Sea Lion Point where you can buy fish to feed to these chatty residents.
Multiple roller coasters — Electric Eel is a favorite among teens.
Journey to Atlantis water ride.
Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight show that is funny and educational.

SeaWorld San Diego Dining

Honestly, outside of the Seven Seas Food Festival and special events like the winter holiday season (where the food is great including the waffle on a stick I ate pictured on the left), dining is just okay at this theme park. Lines can be long at the counter-service restaurants, so plan your meals before you are starving.

You’ll find plenty of fun food like ice cream and cotton candy. Starbucks drinks like Frappucinos and lattes are made to order at Coral Market. BBQ from Calypso Bay Smokehouse is one of the most popular meal items. Healthier grab-and-go snacks await at Discoveries Fresh Market. Find tacos and bowls at the new Hibiscus Tacos.

Plenty of adult beverages from carts and restaurants can be found across the theme park. And did you know that you can add All-Day Dining to your ticket?

Get All-Day Dining

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Getting There

Address

500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

Parking

VIP Parking: $70
Up-Close Parking: $50
General Parking: $30

BUY PARKING

Check Hours

SeaWorld San Diego usually opens at 10 a.m., but park hours can range from closing at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

CHECK THE CALENDAR

SeaWorld San Diego Map and Directions

Most people drive or take rideshare because public transportation to the park is a grind.

Getting There by Public Transportation

Our MTS bus stops at SeaWorld San Diego. You can check their trip planner for possible routes.

SeaWorld San Diego Directions

From I-5 (North or South): Take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs to the Park.
From Downtown San Diego: Take State Route 163, proceed to Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Exit 27). Go east and follow signs to the Park.

Dropping off kids and not staying?
No problem. You can enter and drop off at the front entrance.

SeaWorld San Diego Guide Articles

A turtle at SeaWorld and elephant at San Diego Zoo collage.

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SeaWorld San Diego Guide

Get the Most Out of Your Visit