SeaWorld San Diego 2024 Guide | Tips, Exhibits, Rides, Shows & More

Everything you need to know about visiting SeaWorld San Diego in 2024. We'll look at every single exhibit, share important tips about shows, provide updates on food menu prices, and more.
This SeaWorld San Diego Ultimate Guide is a tour of the whole park and will show you everything there is to do at SeaWorld San Diego in 2024.
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CHAPTERS
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0:00 SeaWorld San Diego 2024 Guide
0:07 Outdoor Exhibits
3:41 Indoor Attractions
6:06 Shopping & Merch
7:06 Shows
9:25 Food & Restaurants
12:39 What's New in 2024?
13:38 Rides
14:44 Outro
RESOURCES
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SeaWorld San Diego Full Tour - • SeaWorld San Diego Tou...
Every Ride at SeaWorld San Diego in 1 Day - • EVERY SeaWorld San Die...
San Diego Zoo & SeaWorld San Diego in 1 Day - • San Diego Zoo & SeaWor...
Dine With Orcas Review - • Dine with Orcas Review...
Dolphin Adventures Full Show - • [NEW SHOW] First EVER ...
Sea Lions Live Final Show - • [SPECIAL] Last Ever SE...
Orca Encounter Full Show - • Orca Encounter FULL SH...
Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight Show - • [NEW SHOW] Sea Lion an...
SOCIAL
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#SeaWorldSanDiego #SeaWorld #SeaWorld2024 #SeaWorldTips #SeaWorldTour #SeaWorldGuide #SeaWorldSanDiegoRides #SeaWorldSanDiego2024

[@anitadoucette8086]

Loved this! Thanks for all the detailed info for everyone 😊I appreciate the time and work you put into your videos 🤗☺️

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you!

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. GREAT VIDEO AND EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@karennovak7810]

This is a REALLY great and concise video of what to expect and know about the park. SO helpful as we consider future trips.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you!

[@kimberlyphifer2391]

The new menu with the renovated shipwreck cafe is MUCH better than it was 2 years ago. The salmon is FANTASTIC! The sauce they drizzle over it is very, VERY GOOD!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We’ll have to give it a try. I don’t know when though, as I don’t think we are renewing, and the kids passes are already expired (they had fun cards).

[@InTheLifeOfJeff]

I hear Beatles in the shopping intro...LOVE IT!

[@holllyrhode]

Thankyou for this!

[@SpottedTigress]

Honestly I find the new Sea lion and Otter show refreshing since they keep the same goofy energy but you actually learn something about the animals participating. Also PETA didn't force them to change the shows to this format, OSHA and the DPA did. Not sure if it really applies to the pinnipeds, but I think they just followed suit to keep the "new branding" of the shows aligned.

[@TOADISGOOFY]

Omg I just found this LOL!!! best youtube channel ever

[@lizethromo1883]

We were there this past weekend 2/3/2024 and the main entrance and guest services is under construction. The main entrance/security is off to the right (when facing the park) and guest services is in a temporary tent building by security. The exit is also off to the side. It was all very odd feeling. Also, regarding food, as a pass holder we never buy food at the park even with our discount the lines are always long and the food is not good. We back our snacks and food we haven't had any issues at security.

[@lisabostrack24]

It looked so busy. Busier when I was there Labor Day. Crazy. It is a huge difference going in the off-season. The Bat ray pool is one of my favorite places to hang. Feeding them is the best. I was there an hour on my last day. Seeing how many I can touch. I did pretty could. I agree the food is to expensive and not that great. But if you bring your own food. I love eating at Shipwreck food area. Cause you can literally sit by the ride and the sea turtles 🐢 That's my little tip. 😊

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! I should have mentioned bringing your own food because SeaWorld generally lets you get away with it so long as it isn’t in like a McDonalds bag or something.

[@Amb_Skywalker3765]

I miss the old SeaWorld treats like shamu cookies 🥲and fudge and all

[@ryannwagner512]

On what you showed the food shortie!!😭😭 Hell nawllll im deadddd🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@alphaknightone9491]

RIP Mitik (name of the Walrus) in Seaworld, he was my favorite.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I didn’t know the Walruses by name, but I’ve always enjoyed spending time at their exhibit. They beautiful animals and so graceful in the water.

[@alphaknightone9491]

Thank you. Quick side note, has the Bayside amphitheater been active cause I never seen it being used for anything recently. @@SoCalDisneyDad

[@johnbehneman1546]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!

[@kylerbrooks1517]

I'll give Calypso credit for having the best chocolate cake I ever had

[@itzelreyes271]

Have you ever done a video comparing the Seaworld or Legoland parks from California and Florida? Love the content btw, keep it coming!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I have not been to the Florida parks, though it is something I would like to do eventually. However, on our next Orlando trip, neither park is making it into the running. We are going to Universal with the kids for the first time and adding in the other two would just make it too expensive, but maybe someday.

[@candylopez4386]

My family and I are going this weekend for my birthday and it’s our very first time going ever. Question do we have to pay to watch the big shows like beluga dolphins and orcas?? Or the rides

[@angelalopez2425]

Hi. Not sure if you answered this... If you bought tickets from a a website that didn't offer all day dinning, is there a way to purchase it there?? Also will you be doing a video on the seven seasons food festival that's going on? And have yiu done the dinning with orcas? Worth it? Or no? Thanks for you help. Love the chennel

[@5Seven17]

Definitely helped, I think. I'm definitely rethinking going now, but it's too late. I got non refundable tickets. So yeah, this video was depressing

[@Bellshellie]

Hi Traver. I appreciate the videos so helpful. Will be visiting Disneyland in July. What’s the best way to travel to SeaWorld? I noticed it’s an hour away from Disneyland.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Driving is probably the only reasonable way to get there. Though you might be able to take the Amtrak and then Uber from the station. I’m not sure. It can be far longer than an hour depending on time of day. Be sure to check the traffic around the time of day you plan to head down there just to be safe. I’d even recommend checking the same day of the week as well. So if you’re going down at 10 AM on a Saturday, check the GPS at that time and day a few weeks before you go so you can appropriately plan for potential traffic.

[@jayneubauer]

Is the Dine with Orcas or the all day food pass better?

[@filmsforallnations]

Sea World is very different to Sea World in Orlando. It is next to the ocean and a hundred mile drive to Disneyland and Universal Studios in Los Angeles. All of the theme parks are near each other in Orlando.

[@alexapalomita6458]

Does seaworld have refill drinks?

[@sharonavraham290]

Is it possible to leave the park for lunch in a near by restaurant and then come back? Thank you

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! And highly recommended, because SeaWorld’s food is overpriced and not that great. You might need a hand stamp though, so check on your way out.

[@princeerick11]

CA💙💙

[@elissajones5154]

I notice you go to legoland too. Which park tends to be busier? Seaworld or legoland? We are going the weekend of January 20 and debating on which park to do on Saturday and which one to do on Monday….

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I would say that LEGOLAND would be better on a weekday, solely for how many rides they have. There’s only like 4-5 decent rides at SeaWorld unless your kids are under 6. SeaWorld shouldn’t be as slammed when you go as it was for this video. It was still Christmas “season” and they also handed out 10k free tickets at the Rose Bowl. I went to legoland on the 1st (two videos out next week) and it was way emptier than I was expecting. My kids had a great time (I spent the whole day filming guides and didn’t get to ride, but they rode a ton).

[@elissajones5154]

@@SoCalDisneyDad perfect! That is our current plan: seaworld on Saturday and legoland on Monday, simply bc of how many more lines there will be at Legoland. I’m hoping for small crowds 🤞

[@richardreynolds8326]

Can you see the walruses outside without glass? Thank you

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@richardreynolds8326 no

[@elissajones5154]

Another question: I notice on the seaworld app, they have “Dining with Animals” ever heard of it or know what it’s like??

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

The only "Dine with" event I'm aware of is Dine with Orcas. If you'd like to see my review, here is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoStq6Ggpr-AjNU

[@CorvusTX]

Seaworld is still a thing?

[@j_lynm]

Great videos! Do you think Seaworld annual passes are worth it? I have a 4 and 6 year old.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It’s pretty easy to pay for a pass to SeaWorld in relation to a single day ticket. Two visits pays for it. The third and beyond are icing on the cake. Depending on pass level of course. So if you have the ability to visit at least 2-3 times and it looks like you’d want to, then go for it! Personally, if I could only have a pass to one place in San Diego, I’d choose LEGOLAND. It is a bit more expensive though, if I remember right. But SeaWorld has plenty to do for their age range as well.

[@j_lynm]

@@SoCalDisneyDad thanks for your reply! I’m debating between Sea World and Legoland. I agree, Legoland is probably the better choice. We are in central SD so I’m just afraid of not using Legoland as much because of the drive.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@j_lynm I hear that. Our drive to LEGOLAND is 45 minutes versus 25 to SeaWorld. But I find myself able to spend the whole day at LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld I’m mostly over after 2 hours. But that’s also after having a pass for 4-5 years. That can be a benefit though. As it allows you to go, walk around, see some animals, ride a ride or two and leave and still have plenty of your Saturday or Sunday left. Going to LEGOLAND takes a bit more effort, so you want to spend more time there, and the whole day is booked so you don’t get anything else done that day.

[@Jmcarr24]

I’m debating on a single day or two day. I have a two teens 13,14 and 9 yr old. My older two will go on rides. But we will also want to walk exhibits and see shows. I see park is 10-10 for summer and fireworks. Would you do one day and would that be enough to see shows and let them get on rides? Thank you

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@Jmcarr24 I think one day is plenty. But you could spend two if you wanted to do absolutely everything and take a leisurely pace. 1 day allows you to pick two shows max, and ride 4-5 of the bigger rides, plus see all the exhibits. Depending on time of year, you might get to ride some more rides than that. I filmed a day where I rode all 14 rides (at the time that was all of them) and it took 5 hours. But 6 of those are littler rides and 2 are more like sightseeing transport. So to ride all the main bigger rides (Emperor, Electric Eel, Manta, Arctic Rescue, and Journey to Atlantis), I’d expect 2-3 hours depending on line lengths.

[@Jmcarr24]

@@SoCalDisneyDad thank you for responding. I wanted to check out probably 4 shows as i saw the new action show in the Bay Area arena. I’m thinking two days now. Have you seen it?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@Jmcarr24 I haven’t had a chance, no. Definitely do 2 days if you’d like to watch all the shows. You could spend a whole day coordinating when to watch those. Provided each show is 30 minutes, and you hop in line a minimum of 30 minutes before each show, you are dedicating 4 hours alone right there and that doesn’t include bathroom breaks, snack/food breaks, walking between the different amphitheaters, etc.

[@elissajones5154]

Do you have a video on the dining options at seaworld? What’s the best place to eat?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I don't, nothing specific for food only, anyway, just this type of video that gives a brief overview of the major locations. The best place to eat, is honestly not at SeaWorld. I know that's not super helpful, but I can't honestly recommend any location within the park as they're all overpriced, subpar food. If they have a festival going on when you visit, your best bet is to eat the festival food, at least it's usually pretty decent.

[@lizethromo1883]

I second not buy food there. We pack snacks and lunch.

[@vinceghio]

I can’t believe they changed my favorite restaurant ship reck. 😢 now it’s you go up to the counter and pick up your food and you pay for your drinks and food before. Quick tip if you have a souvenir soda cup go to ship reck Dinning area and fill it up at the drink machines there. They are now outside.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That’s actually a better system. I’ve gotten my food before and waited 30 minutes to check out and my food is cold by the time I get to sit down.

[@vinceghio]

@@SoCalDisneyDad can you review the new pharma box across from sky tower. I’m glad it’s there I once had to go home and stop at CVS on the way bc I was sick. (I live in PL) now having this is great. Can you review it soon

[@catherinelivsey264]

Looks like there is a lot of merchandise in the sea turtle shop.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

They have a lot of really nice stuff. We most often shop there or the SeaWorld Store.

[@catherinelivsey264]

Do they still have sesame street area there ?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

No, it was changed to Rescue Jr., you can learn more about that in the ride video I published yesterday. Check it out if you haven’t seen it yet. All Sesame Street related things are now permanently at Sesame Place about 20 minutes away in Chula Vista.

[@user-mg1ol9mp4k]

6:06

[@juanserrano5629]

What Freeway goes by SeaWorld 🤔🐬🛣️

[@aimeemarquez427]

Can you bring your own food?

[@user-mg1ol9mp4k]

3:40

[@user-mg1ol9mp4k]

8:14

[@user-mg1ol9mp4k]

2+ 12:43

[@Jgimple]

I used to love seaworld as a kid then I saw the behind the scenes stuff and blackfish and as an animal lover, it ruined it for me.

[@JuanGomez-ph8el]

Ok

[@guthriebarrett]

I think they're trying to move away from all that. They're doing better but it could still be argued that keeping any animals in captivity is inhumane

[@Sandyaussiecroc]

​@guthriebarrett captivity saved the Cali condor

[@jamie-gy6bd]

Nobody cares..... Grow up

[@I.say.whatever.I.want.]

I’d still go there anyway

[@kylo_adam4158]

Can i bring snacks and sandwiches into the park?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! Just no brand name stuff like McDonald’s or Chick Fil A. But homemade sandwiches are fine.

[@GoFlow1]

Yay the best park is back what’s the next time you’ll go to SeaWorld with David from big red juneys?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’m not sure when we’ll cross paths again. But it’s sure to happen at some point.

[@PorchPotatoMike]

I assume SeaWorld does not allow you to bring food/drink in like Disneyland does.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

They do to an extent. We bring our own snacks and sandwiches and water bottles in all the time. But they wouldn’t let you show up with a box of pizza or bag of McDonald’s.

[@user-mg1ol9mp4k]

14:0:6

[@Sean-uh6te]

Can you bring food into the park? Thanks for the video

[@lizethromo1883]

Yes, we bring in snacks and food all the time. This weened we went out to eat and came back my daughter walked in with her lemonade cup from the restaurant and they didn't tell her anything.

[@3drage]

Imagine being bullied out of making an interesting show by an organization that wouldn't pay admission to go to the park in the first place.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It’s frustrating for sure. Last year, they brought back the Christmas special, which was essentially the old Sea Lions Live, and it lasted a week, maybe two tops before PETA forced them to stop and now there’s just no Christmas show.

[@diannenieuwland2263]

Shipwreck used to be my family's go to. Not anymore. Used to do the all day dining. Again, not great choices anymore. Don't see many treats. Slow, cold food, dirty tables. Just unfortunate how it has gone downhill, just because a former disgruntled employee didn't get his raise.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@diannenieuwland2263 Yeah, the cold food was the first thing we noticed. It used to be grilled to perfection and piping hot. Then one time the line was so long it took 30 minutes to pay AFTER getting food, so of course we thought that’s why the burger was cold. Asked for a new one. And that one they handed us right off the grill was just as cold as the first. Terrible. Last time we ate there.

[@loridisney3782]

No