Visiting SeaWorld? Read Insider Tips from Fans!
Planning a vacation to SeaWorld San Diego? Our fans are here to help with their true and tried tips to make the most of your visit to the park. Their best advice? See the animals and have fun!
Donovan, California
Check park hours and show times before you get to the park and attraction closures on the website on the day of your visit. Some attractions close for annual maintenance in the off season (January through May).
Know what you can/can't bring into the park. And get a locker too! Lockers are needed for carry-ons for Manta.
Get to the park early or before opening. Lines are shorter for rides in the morning and crowds are minimal. This will give you more time to explore the park.
Stay at least 6 to 8 hours. Staying for this amount of time will allow you to see all of the shows, animal exhibits and encounters, and rides.
Avoid walking near the amphitheaters towards the end of shows as crowds will pour out around that time.
Check out the touch pools at Explorer’s Reef and all of the amazing animal encounters. There are so many exhibits and aquariums at the park. My favorite animal exhibits are Shark Encounter and the Orca Underwater Viewing.
Stay in the know for deals, discounts, and new attractions/events. Sign up for email notifications on the website.
Have fun! Enjoy the animals, shows and rides!
Cassie, California
Get a Fun Card if you think you will want to go back a few times before the end of the year. If you think you will want to revisit more often than that, get an Annual Pass.
My personal favorite restaurants for a full meal in the park are Calypso Bay Smokehouse, Shipwreck Reef Cafe, Explorer's Cafe, and Baja Grill.
If you want a delicious snack, get the chocolate cake cup at Explorer's Cafe. It's rich and delicious, and although I don't split it with anyone, it could probably be split ;)!
Do the DeepSee VR: Orca 360 experience. It's only $10 a person, and you get to feel like you're right next to the orcas and even virtually swim with them, all while learning about how they're cared for. It's an amazing supplemental experience that I believe not many people know about.
Dakota, California
Spend time looking at animals and learning how to help them and their environment. Be prepared to get wet. Take tons of pictures!
Alexis, Arizona
Buy tickets a month or so before you go on vacation. (Make sure not to forget your tickets!)
Make sure to get to all the shows 30 minutes before they start to get a great seat.
Go see all the animals.
Take a break so you don’t tire yourself out and so you don’t get everything done too soon.
Moe, California
Sunscreen for the sun, wind breaker or jacket for those who get cold easily and staying all day.
Ride Journey to Atlantis in the heat of day with a change of clothes.
Have kids and want photos? Buy PhotoKey and save the memories.
Want a true interaction? Do a behind-the-scenes tour or if you can, swim with dolphins or beluga whales.
Sunset: Bayside Skyride, no better pictures.
MOST OF ALL SMILES FOR A FANTASTIC JOURNEY OF FUN!
Jessica, California
Download the app to secure good seats at the shows without the stress.
Pack towels and sunscreen for the kiddos.
Wear good walking shoes but pack a pair of flip-flops to wear on the water rides.
Pack a plastic bag to keep your belongings in on wet rides.
Jennifer, California
Plan your day with the park map you’re given to see all you can. Take your kids, a friend, your parents, your in-laws. Takes lots of pictures and just enjoy the views. Take it all in. Before you leave, if you don't have one already, get your Annual Pass.
Rose, California
“Been going since 1991. Literally I’ve been going since I was 3 days old, according to my grandma. Now my family and I are members.”
Make sure you bring some quarters for the flamingo food, and the water bombs for the water rides.
Make sure you have enough battery life for your pictures and videos.
Get to the park early so there won’t be a long wait time, or you can buy a Quick Queue pass but that’s usually better during the summer time.
If you have an Annual Pass, don’t forget to use it for your discounts.
Alexis, California
There's water pretty much everywhere. Don't wear anything you don't want to get wet. Arrive early for the national anthem. Plus, there's so much to see in so little time.