Theme Park Insider

SeaWorld San Diego reviews

Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: May 26, 2011

SeaWorld's original park opened in 1964 and is located just north of downtown, on Mission Bay. You can get driving directions by clicking the SeaWorld San Diego link on Theme Park Insider's Google map of U.S. theme parks.

Hours: SeaWorld is open year 'round. Check online for operating hours.

Tickets: Buy online. Always try to buy your tickets in advance, to save time when you get to the park.

Reservations: SeaWorld now has "Quick Queue" ride reservations available for an additional charge. It allows for one complimentary ride on the Skyride Skytower and little to no line on Shipwreck and Journey to Atlantis. SeaWorld also allows you to book special dining experiences in advance.

Strategy: Plan your day around the park's show schedule, which you can pick up as you enter the park. Arriving at park opening is not crucial here, as it is as most theme parks. In fact, many shows won't have the first showing until an hour or two after the park opens. Do try to avoid eating at the Shipwreck Reef Cafe right after a show lets out of the nearby Shamu Stadium, however.

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Readers' Tips for Visiting SeaWorld San Diego

[115 + / 6 -] I bring a few zip-lock bags to the park. Before getting on a water ride I'll protect my wallet, camera, phone, etc. An ounce of prevention...

[47 + / 8 -] When purchasing food, order it with at least one variation/substitution, this forces the culinary food preparer to make yours individually on the spot (advantages: fresher/neater/usually more generous portion, not pre-made or quickly mass produced)

[45 + / 6 -] Ride Shipwreck rapids on a hot day, you get soaked

Where to stay at Sea World San Diego

Readers' reviews:

Attractions
Exhibits(Rating)(Height)
Rocky Point Preserve9
Turtle Reef9
Penguin Encounter8
Shark Encounter7
Rides(Rating)(Height)
Wild Arctic8
Bayside Skyride7
Journey to Atlantis742
Sesame Street Bay of Play7
Skytower6
Shipwreck Rapids642
Riptide Rescue645
Manta48
Shows(Rating)(Height)
Sea Lions Live9
Pets Rule!9
Blue Horizons7
One Ocean7
Cirque de la Mer7
Lights, Camera, Imagination! 4-D5

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining
(Rating)
Dine With Shamu10
The Deli9
Shipwreck Reef Cafe7
Calypso Bay Smokehouse7
Mama Stella's Pizza Kitchen6

[Add a missing restaurant]

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