A Park for Everyone – Enjoy SeaWorld San Diego with Your Family and Friends!
Guest Blogger: Michelle Hernandez, Pass Manager
Here are 10 MUST-DOS to make the most out of your visit and have a FIN-tastic time!
#1 Download the SeaWorld App
First and foremost, download the SeaWorld App! The easiest way to make your trip to SeaWorld hassle-free is by downloading the SeaWorld San Diego app for real-time updates on showtimes and wait times. That’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about when you’re trying to get your group moving!
#2 Bring Your Family AND Friends!
My favorite way to experience SeaWorld? With your favorite people, of course!
If you already are a Pass Member, don’t forget—they come with free friend tickets. That means more fun, more laughs, and more memories to make. Round up the whole crew, let the kids bring their besties, or turn it into an epic Ladies' or Gents' night out. Whether you're getting up close with amazing animals, tasting your way through a foodie festival, or braving the most thrilling rides, one thing’s for sure—this adventure is better together!
#3 Feed Sea Lions or Bat Rays
Where else can you go to feed a sea lion or bat ray? Well at SeaWorld, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing! It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to connect with these beautiful marine animals, plus it’s a perfect group activity whether you’re with your family or your friends.
No matter your age, there’s something magical about getting up close with SeaWorld’s incredible animals. Little ones, big kids, and even grown-ups will be mesmerized—it’s a special experience that never gets old! I’ve loved it since I was a kid, and honestly, if I could bring my friends every single day, I would. You truly cannot put an age limit on this experience! Head over to Sea Lion Point or Manta and purchase a feeding tray, AND don’t forget if you are a Pass Member, use your discount for up to 20% off or redeem your FREE feeding tray! From sea lions to bat rays, everyone in your family or friend group will be in AWE!
When you head to Sea Lion Point, see if you can spot the difference between the girls!
Isla has the longest whiskers of the bunch and is always laying in the sun, Bali loves interacting with people and likes to make a blow kiss noise with her mouth, Lottie likes to play with her food and Cookie is the mom of the group, and her vocalizations are quite the spectacle.
#4 Ride Shipwreck Rapids
Take family bonding to the next level by experiencing Shipwreck Rapids, a wild river raft ride, where you’re almost guaranteed to get soaked. Shipwreck Rapids is a CLASSIC ride at SeaWorld and a must-do, especially with the warm weather lately! Platinum Pass Members, you can use your daily FREE one-time quick queue on this or purchase more quick queues with your discounts and spread out the fun!
Insider Tip: If you’re not riding but your friends or family are, head down the pathway outside the ride entrance and find water blasters. Catch your group as they are zipping back and shoot some water at them to join in on the fun and make sure there’s not a dry person on the raft!
#5 Ride Arctic Rescue - Now Open | SeaWorld San Diego
Alright, maybe not everyone wants to get wet… you can still enjoy some thrills with the coasters around the park! The latest addition to the SeaWorld coaster pool is Arctic Rescue, which opened back in 2023. This is by far my favorite coaster in the park because it’s all about speed—you feel like you’re whipping through the air in a snowmobile!. If you haven’t ridden this yet, you need to.
FUN FACT: It’s the fastest and longest (2,800 ft. of track) straddle coaster on the West Coast!
#6 Lunch Time, Eat at Calypso Bay Smokehouse or Hibisco Tacos and more
Depending on what your mood is, you can enjoy some smoky, sweet, barbeque or some savory Mexican food or more—the park truly has it all!
My favorites are Calypso Bay Smokehouse & Hibisco, these restaurants hit the spot every time! If I’m craving delicious Quesa-Birria Tacos with a side of Spanish Rice and Guacamole, I head over to Hibisco. BUT if I’m craving something smokier and sweeter like BBQ Chicken and Potato Salad, I’m headed over to Calypso to fulfill that appetite. It’s AMAZING, there’s something for every craving you have!
Most importantly, the dining doesn’t have to start at lunch time! You can purchase All-Day Dining to enjoy a meal every 90 minutes to refuel and maximize your fun. This is very beneficial and efficient, especially when it comes to the little ones!
And remember, if you are a Pass Member, use your discounts to not only enjoy delicious food but some sweet savings!
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#7 Visit Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience
After lunch, cruise over to the ALL-NEW Jewels of the Sea! The attraction will serve as an amazing palette cleanser, as you are immersed in the deep, blue sea.
Inside Jewels of the Sea, you’ll learn all kinds of facts about jellies! Here’s a sneak peek… jellies do not swim. WHAT? Yup, that’s correct! Jellies do not swim, instead they pulsate and that’s how they travel through water!
A few more interesting facts - jellies are 95% water and do not have a heart, brain OR lungs, but they do have a nervous system. INSANE! There are also about 2,000 species of jellyfish and you can see 9 of those amazing species at SeaWorld, like the upside-down jelly!
You honestly cannot skip Jewels of the Sea while you’re at the park!
#8 Feeling Competitive? It’s Arcade Time!
SeaWorld has the animals, the coasters, and the food, but did you know there’s also an arcade? You can do it all!
From old-school classics like PacMan to skee-ball, this is a world of flashing lights, buzzing sounds, and nonstop fun—welcome to the arcade!
Whether you're mastering the claw machine, racking up high scores, or testing your reflexes in aracing game, the arcade is a playground for gamers of all ages. Challenge your friends, collect tickets, and trade them in for prizes—because the only thing better than winning is walking away with bragging rights (and maybe a giant stuffed animal)!
Ready to press start on the fun?
#9 Enjoy the Seasonal Events
From Mardi Gras to Summer to Christmas, there’s always something to celebrate at SeaWorld San Diego! Right now, the Seven Seas Food Festival is happening, where you can sip and taste flavors from around the world AND there’s something for everyone! If you need a little help, check out these Instagram reels to show your taste buds a great time, even the kids can enjoy some tasty treats with the Tiny Taster Guide!
Tiny Taster Guide: SeaWorld San Diego | Our littlest foodie gave two big thumbs up 👍👍 to the Roman Margherita Pizza 🍕 and Chocolate Haupia Pie 🍰 at the Seven Seas Food Festival!... | Instagram
Got A Sweet Tooth?: SeaWorld San Diego | Got a sweet tooth? 🧁🍫 Tag your dessert-loving pals and share the sweetest experience at SeaWorld! From delicious bites to adorable sights,... | Instagram
Got a Taste for Adventure?: SeaWorld San Diego | Know someone with a TASTE for adventure? Tag them in the comments to share our recipe for the perfect Seven Seas Food Festival experience,... | Instagram
Fitness Lovers: SeaWorld San Diego | 🚶♂️🎉 Happy #NationalWalkingDay! Time to celebrate the fitness gurus in your life who walk the walk! 💪👟 What’s the perfect way to hit your... | Instagram
Best Food and Beer Pairings: SeaWorld San Diego | Here for the beer? 🍻 Say less! In celebration of National Beer Day, here's our lineup of some tasty pairings to sip & savor Fridays –... | Instagram
#10 Watch Orca Encounter
To wrap up your day, you MUST go to the Orca Encounter presentation!
You’ll learn all about these beautiful animals and I promise that you will leave feeling more connected with them. The presentation demonstrates how orcas hunt, their complex communication codes and the importance of play. You’ll also learn about how our research and care helps whales in the wild survive.
It’s a powerful showcase of SeaWorld’s dedication to marine life, highlighting our deep appreciation for these breathtaking animals. Their presence brings endless joy to both our team and guests, and this presentation is a beautiful reflection of the care and commitment that make that connection possible.