While both are animal-centric theme parks, these two attractions offer two completely different experiences. In our guide, we've reviewed the major differences between San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. This will help you choose the park you want to add to your San Diego sightseeing itinerary.
Or, if you truly can't decide, visit both with your Go City® San Diego pass!
☀️Compare San Diego passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Admission
What is included in admission to the San Diego Zoo?
- One ride on the Guided Bus Tour
- Unlimited use of the Kangaroo Express Bus
- One ride on the Skyfari Aerial Tram
- Scheduled Zookeeper talks throughout the day
- General admission exhibits and shows
- Free parking
What is included in admission to SeaWorld San Diego?
- General admission to exhibits and shows
- Unlimited access to all thrill rides
- One ride on the Bayside Skyride
Please note: parking is not included with SeaWorld admission and starts at $25 per car for general parking. Preferred parking spots will cost you $30 – $35.
Where is each zoo located and how easy is it to get to?
Both attractions are located close to downtown San Diego and are easy to get to via public transportation.
San Diego Zoo
Located right in the popular Balboa Park, near lots of other Balboa Park attractions, the San Diego Zoo is very centrally located and close to Downtown San Diego. The zoo is easy to get to by car, bike, walking, and public transportation. The parking is also free, which is a nice bonus.
SeaWorld San Diego
Located just north of Downtown San Diego in Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego is on a peninsula-like piece of land in the bay. SeaWorld is easy to get to by car and public transportation, but not immediately close to other attractions.
Animals, exhibits & things to do
Broadly speaking, the San Diego Zoo has a greater quantity and variety of animals from different types of habitats from all over the world while SeaWorld's animal exhibits are exclusively focused on ocean life and marine animals from various parts of the world. Visitors can easily spend a full day at both parks.
SeaWorld's thrill rides and animal shows are the biggest focus at the park, while San Diego Zoo features animal exhibits and presentations, with a large focus on education about animal species.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
- You can find animals from all over the globe, including polar bears, gorillas, penguins, elephants, grizzly bears, birds, and more.
- Animals can be viewed in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats and provide great viewing opportunities for visitors.
Exhibits and things to do at San Diego Zoo
- Guided Bus Tour: Double-decker bus tour of the entire zoo with a guide that points out interesting features of the zoo and any activity you can see as you pass the exhibits
- Animal Shows/Keeper Talks: Check the daily schedule to plan your day around which animal shows and demonstrations you want to go to.
- Northern Frontier & Polar Bear Plunge: An exciting polar bear exhibit where visitors can get a unique underwater view of bears playing in the water and see other animals from the North, including white foxes, caribou, maned wolves, and more.
- Elephant Odyssey: This exhibit focuses on lots of California-native animals, from prehistoric times to the present day, including large birds, cheetahs, lions, and meerkats.
- Lost Forest: This lively exhibit features animals that call the forest their home, including tigers, hippos, monkeys and gorillas. You can find the Scripps Aviary and Owens Aviary in this section of the zoo, as well.
- Urban Jungle: Home to giraffes, kangaroos, koalas, flamingos, rhinos, and more.
- Discovery Outpost: An exhibit geared towards the younger crowd, kids can climb and play in the playground, touch animals in the petting zoo, and get up close to reptiles, insects, birds, and more.
- Skyfari® Aerial Tram: This elevated cable car ride soars over the park providing visitors an aerial view of the zoo and surrounding Balboa Park.
SeaWorld San Diego
You can find animals native to ocean environments, including octopi, sharks, penguins, tropical fish, and more.
Exhibits & things to do:
Low thrill level rides:
- Abby's Sea Star Spin - A classic spinning ride that lets you control your spinning speed
- Aqua Scout - A kid-friendly flying ride
- Bayside Skyride - An elevated cable ride that takes you above the park for aerial views of the park and Mission Bay
- Elmo's Flying Fish - An up-and-down flying fish ride
- Octarock - A family-friendly swinging ride
- Oscar's Rockin' Eel - A side-to-side ride of adventure
- Sea Dragon Drop - An outward-facing elevator-style drop ride geared towards kids
- Submarine Quest - An underwater voyage/submarine mission
- Tentacle Twirl - A classic spinning swing ride
There are countless rides and roller coasters at SeaWorld to suit everyone. There's a good mix of lower thrill rides such as Aqua Scout, Octarock, Sea Dragon Drop and Tentacle Twirl, all the way up to high thrill rides such as the Emperor and Electric Eel rollercoasters.
Medium thrill level rides:
- Riptide Rescue - A spinning ride with a few unexpected twists
- Shipwreck Rapids - A classic lazy river ride with whitewater rapids and waterfalls
- Wild Arctic - A flight simulator multi-media experience that navigates through the treacherous Wild Arctic
High thrill level rides
- Journey to Atlantis - Inspired by the legend of Atlantis, this ride plummets to great depths and makes a splash
- Manta - This multi-media launch coaster whips visitors around at high speeds
- Tidal Twister. You will accelerate at 30mph as you twist and turn around the figure-8 track.
Animal shows:
Animal shows:
- Sea Lions Live: See what resident sea lions, Clyde and Seamore, are up to with their latest TV and music spoofs.
- Dolphin Days: Dolphins and pilot whales show off their athleticism in this trainer and animal show
- Pets Rule! A heartwarming show featuring pets rescued by animal trainers
- Sea Rescue: An award-winning show that tells stories of marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, and release to the wild by the SeaWorld Rescue Team.
Special events
SeaWorld has special events taking place all summer until September, such as Sesame Street Party Parade and Electric Ocean.
Tips for visiting SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo:
San Diego Zoo Tips:
- If you use your Go City® San Diego pass to visit the zoo, you can skip the ticket booth and go straight to the turnstiles for park entry. Your admission includes unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari aerial tram, and all regularly scheduled shows and keeper talks.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. You'll be doing a lot of walking around 100 acres of hilly terrain.
- Use the hop-on hop-off Kangaroo Bus to get around to the bus routes' 4 stops throughout the park. Buses run every 15 minutes.
- Pack a lunch or snacks if you want to avoid paying for food in the zoo.
- Bring a water bottle to fill up at water fountains or purchase a souvenir fountain drink cup for discounted refills throughout the day.
- Plan to spend almost a full day at the park and go as early as you can--the animals tend to be the most active in the morning.
SeaWorld San Diego Tips:
- Check the daily schedule when you arrive and plan your day in the park around any shows or presentations you may want to see.
- Pack a waterproof camera or cell phone or use waterproof cases to protect them from getting wet on rides.
- Prepare to get soaked - whether you're on a water ride or sitting in the Splash Zone at one of the animal shows, it's hard to avoid getting wet at SeaWorld. Wear quick-dry or water-resistant clothing, or pack a change of clothes.
- Arrive to show theaters and auditoriums with plenty of time before the shows, there's often pre-show entertainment that comes into play during the 'real' show later with information or inside jokes you might otherwise not pick up.
- Stay the whole day; the park offers a whole new experience at night with shows and entertainment.
In summary:
The San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are both must-see San Diego attractions but offer very different experiences.
San Diego Zoo: Larger variety and quantity of animals, comprehensive guided tour bus and aerial tram ride included, historic park, botanical garden, more centrally located, free parking.
The San Diego Zoo has animals from all over the world in exhibits that mimic their natural habitats and it features animal presentations and keeper talks throughout the day. If you choose to visit the zoo, check out our more in-depth guide to San Diego Zoo.
SeaWorld San Diego: Narrower focus on marine life and animals from the ocean. SeaWorld admission includes access to all thrill rides, from kid-friendly to adrenaline-seeking. SeaWorld features animal shows and presentations throughout the day, and aquarium-like exhibits, including the underwater glass shark tunnel. If you choose to visit SeaWorld, check out our guide to SeaWorld San Diego.
Save on admission & visit both attractions with a pass by Go City®
Visit both San Diego Zoo vs SeaWorld, plus many other popular San Diego attractions for one low price with a San Diego All-Inclusive Pass. You’ll make great savings on combined admission to your choice of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND® California, USS Midway Museum, theme parks, harbor cruises, bike rentals, tours, and more. So pick the San Diego pass that suits you best, and go exploring!
☀️Compare San Diego passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
