Sea World San Diego
Sea World San Diego is an amusement park and aquatic zoo rolled into one. For most people, the appeal of the park is linked to the charming personalities of dolphins and killer whales. These huge marine mammals (not fish!) are fascinating in their size, intelligence and willingness to do tricks for humans. While Sea World San Diego isn't the place for big thrill rides, it's definitely a great choice for an all-day family friendly outing.
Sea World San Diego is one of several parks within the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks group. The name Anheuser-Busch probably sounds familiar, particularly if you like American beer. As odd as it sounds, the Anheuser-Busch Companies are involved in both beer making and in amusement park operation. And--we know you're thinking it--does that mean you can buy beer at Sea World San Diego? It sure does. But you can't get sloshed, because Sea World San Diego is a family destination, not a bar.
Sea World San Diego Tickets
You can buy Sea World tickets online or at the gate. If you can, buy them ahead of time and spend less time waiting in line once you get there. You can buy the tickets individually or as part of a group ticket deal, such as the Southern California City Pass or the San Diego 3 for 1 Pass.
What you can find at Sea World San Diego
The bulk of your day at Sea World San Diego will be spent watching the shows. You'll see dolphins trained for tricks and comedy, dancing dogs, acrobatic killer whales and silly sea lions. Since the specific shows and schedules change periodically, you can plan your day once you arrive. You'll be handed a map and show schedule at the game. Take a few minutes to pick what you want to see and plan the rest of your day accordingly. You'll want to arrive at the shows 20-30 minutes before they start to get a good seat. Don't sit in the front unless you don't mind getting wet.
In between shows, you can fit in the other rides and attractions.
Sea World San Diego has three main rides, plus the Sky Tower and Bayside Skyride. The two water rides are Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids; both have minimum height requirements of 42 inches. Journey to Atlantis combines some twisting and turning along with mock floods and fogs before sending you down a 60-foot drop into a lake. The six-minute ride also gives you a peek at Commerson's dolphins, native to the waters south of South America and portions of the Indian Ocean.
Shipwreck Rapids is an Atlantis- and South Sea-themed take on the white water rapids ride. Both rides douse its passengers, so try to plan your visit on a warm day.
Wild Arctic is a simulated helicopter ride that shakes you around, without really taking you anywhere. The ride provides the visuals and the motions to give you the sense that you're flying into dangerous Arctic territory.
Additional charges apply for Bayside Skyride and Sky Tower. Bayside Skyride carries you over Mission Bay in an open-air "bucket," while Sky Tower sends you straight up to the top of the 265-foot tower. If you like scenic views from high places, take a spin on each of them.
Sea World San Diego's attractions are sea life tanks and habitats that are set up for visitor viewing. The Shark Encounter, for example, is a 280,000-gallon tank filled with various types of sharks. You get to walk through a tube so that the sharks are swimming over and around you. Avoid this one if you're claustrophobic! Other habitats feature killer whales (the famous Shamu), dolphins, polar bears, walruses, penguins, manatees and more.
Sea World San Diego Restaurants
Sea World San Diego is an all-day attraction, so you'll need to know what kind of food is available. Restaurants within the park are:
- Calypso Bay Smokehouse: mesquite grill serving ribs, chicken tenders, salads, desserts, kids' menu, Pepsi brand sodas, water, lemonade, beer and more
- Coconut Bay Cafe: deli fare, kids' menu and assorted beverages
- Mama Stella's Pizza Kitchen: Italian specialties, including pizza, eggplant parmesan, Caesar salad, desserts, plus a kids' menu and assorted beverages
- Mango Joe's Beach Cafe: fajitas, fajita salads, steak sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches, kids' menu, Pepsi brand sodas, water, milk, lemonade, beer and more
- Pineapple Pete's Island Eats: fresh-made smoothies, soft serve sundaes, funnel cakes, Pepsi brand sodas, water, hot chocolate, beer and more
- Plaza Bakery: coffee and espresso drinks and baked goods
- Rocky Point Cafe Healthy Alternatives: specializes in sandwiches and salads having less than 750 calories and 25 grams of fat.
- Shipwreck Reef Cafe: sandwiches, salads, vegetarian dishes, desserts, kids' menu, Pepsi brand sodas, water, tea, lemonade, beer and more
Several restaurants feature low-fat and low-carb menu choices.
Sea World San Diego Location
Sea World is just northwest of the intersection of Interstates 5 and 8 in San Diego. If you can find your way to either freeway, they'll be plenty of signs to direct you on where to exit. Click to view Sea World's location on Google maps.
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