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San Diego Zoo vs. SeaWorld

Let's look at the main differences between the two parks

Trying to decide whether to visit San Diego Zoo vs SeaWorld? Both are iconic San Diego attractions, but both offer different experiences. Our guide has all you need to know about admission, thrill rides, practical details, and more.

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?

hamadryas_baboon_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?

aerial-view-seaworld-marine-life-theme
  • 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

Animals

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

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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

Aquarium

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
SeaWorld thrill rides

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:

Seaworld San Diego

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:

San Diego Zoo

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 ✈️ 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in San Diego For Birthday

Planning to spend your birthday in San Diego? This party town has everything you need to make your special day go off with a bang. From paragliding off the cliffs at La Jolla to cocktails on Mission Beach and sailing into the sunset in San Diego Bay, we run down our 10 favorite things to do in San Diego for a birthday. Reach for the Sky Take flight over the Temecula Valley on a thrilling sunrise balloon ride. There are a number of companies such as Magical Adventures Balloon Rides operating up here, around 20 miles from downtown San Diego, with flights generally including 45-60 minutes in the air and a champagne toast to steady your nerves when you land. You’ll soar high over the Temecula wineries and, on clear days, enjoy far-reaching views across mountainous desert landscapes to the east, shimmering ocean vistas to the west and San Diego’s distant skyline in the south. As birthday experiences go, this one is pretty special. Meet the Locals Spend your special day with some of San Diego’s most special wildlife by renting a kayak at La Jolla Shores and paddling gently out into the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. This astonishing marine reserve is home to a dazzling array of sea critters. On a good day you might spot curious leopard sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and harbor seals swimming through the clear waters under your boat. Look out too for bright orange Garibaldi, the California state fish, no less. Afterwards, make for the nearby secret sea caves, many of which are only accessible by kayak. Have a Picnic in Balboa Park Is the sun shining? Well, of course it is: you’re in Southern California! Hit one of the local street markets for freshly baked breads, aromatic cheeses and – as it’s your birthday – as much homemade cake as you can possibly eat, then head over to Balboa Park for a lazy lunch with friends. Choose a wild spot along one of the many walking trails or pick a manicured lawn off the main El Prado drag. Alcohol is permitted in designated areas, but not in glass bottles, so make sure to think outside the (wine) box if you’re planning on celebrating with a drink. Catch a Game at Petco Park Head downtown to the East Village for all the thrills and spills of a Major League Baseball game on the San Diego Padres’ home turf. All you need to get into the spirit is a beer, a hot dog and, of course, a giant foam finger. The atmosphere at these games can be electric so it’s perfect for birthday fun, as well as being conveniently close to the Gaslamp Quarter’s fab nightlife. If baseball isn’t your bag, check listings for concerts at the stadium instead: Petco Park has hosted some of the biggest stars on the planet, including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Green Day and The Rolling Stones. Hit the Road Whether it’s your 21st, 40th or 99th, you can’t fail to be charmed by GoCar’s cute two-seater electric vehicles. Rent one of these brightly colored little beauties and hit the streets of San Diego for a self-guided narrated tour (yes, the car actually talks!) of the city’s best attractions. Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter, take a spin round Balboa Park, park up for lunch in Little Italy and discover the city’s rich heritage in the Old Town. You can follow the car’s GPS route at your own pace, or go freestyle and check out hip neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest. Take a Leap of Faith There won't be many things to do on your birthday in San Diego that come close to the adrenaline rush of launching yourself from the cliffs at La Jolla. Brave souls can take tandem flights with expert paragliders at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where colorful parachutes bob and weave through the air, gliding out elegantly over the ocean and along the sand-colored bluffs before riding the warm air currents back to terra firma. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even be lucky enough to spot seals and dolphins frolicking in the surf below. Get a Taste of the Good Stuff About an hour out of Downtown, Cali’s Temecula Valley is home to somewhere in the region of 40 (count ‘em) wineries, producing award-winning Chardonnay, Cab Sauv, Malbec, Riesling and more. Almost all of them offer tours and tastings and, as this is effectively an educational experience (right?), you can get tipsy in the California sunshine absolutely guilt-free, with the lush green vineyards stretching out before you as far as the eye can see. Head to Wilson Creek, Callaway and Vindemia for some of the finest vino-fueled views in the valley. Sip Birthday Cocktails by the Beach Take a spin on the century-old Giant Dipper rollercoaster at Belmont Park before moseying on over to Cannonball for some of the best cocktails on Mission Beach. Grab a table on the huge rooftop terrace and settle in for some top-drawer people-watching and expansive views of the beach and sea. There’s sushi and Pacific Rim dishes to snack on, but it's the drinks you came for, right? Get the party started with a rum-infused Mission Beach Mai Tai and keep it rolling with a punchy Cactus Cooler. Delicious. Sail into the Sunset SoCal sunsets are famously beautiful, with the sky putting on a cosmic show of fiery orange, bruised purple and flamingo pink as the sun disappears over the horizon. Grab your camera and set sail on an evening cruise of San Diego Bay, where you can expect impressive sunset views of the city skyline as well as attractions including the USS Midway Museum and curvaceous Coronado Bridge. Tours include dinner and drinks and a chance to wander the deck and spot seals and dolphins gliding silently alongside the boat. Have a Laugh! Head up to the La Jolla Comedy Store for big names and even bigger laughs at this San Diego outpost of the legendary LA club. Or spend an evening in the Gaslamp Quarter where atmospheric dive bars, hip microbreweries and rooftop cocktail joints go some way to demonstrating why this historic ‘hood is also the nightlife hub of the whole city. There’s great comedy to be found here, too. Try the open mic night at the American Comedy Company or lose all inhibition for the raucous sing-alongs and all-night danceathons that have made The Shout! House’s Dueling Pianos show one of San Diego’s best birthday nights out. Save on things to do on your birthday in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Best Walks in San Diego

It would require several weeks with a detailed map and a good pair of walking boots to even scratch the surface of the hundreds of awe-inspiring walking opportunities in San Diego. The landscape of this sprawling metropolis is a vast pot-pourri of canyons, mountains, beaches, wild nature reserves and quirky neighborhood villages. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore this fascinating city with our taster guide to some of the best walks in San Diego. A Stroll Through Old San Diego Its heady hybrid of Mexican, Spanish and American influences make San Diego’s atmospheric Old Town a great place to start your exploration of the city and its rich, multicultural heritage. Here, after all, is where it all began. Grab your camera and get ready for a real flavor of the Old West, complete with prickly cacti, swaying palms and a plethora of original and recreation buildings, including the red-brick courthouse and – gulp – spooky Whaley House, purported to be one of the most haunted buildings in America. Amble through the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to pretty Plaza de Las Armas, where you’ll find the 18th-century Spanish El Capitan cannon and a number of highly Instagrammable 19th-century adobe buildings. Pause awhile to watch traditional horse-drawn carriages rumbling past the blacksmith shop; if you time it right you might even catch one of the regular living history demonstrations that are held here. There’s also a colorful Mexican market with cute boutiques, unique souvenirs and oodles of authentic taquerias. Tuck in to a spicy fish taco or two to give you the energy you need to hoof it up the hill to Presidio Park, where San Diego’s original fort and mission were established in 1769. The pristine white tower of the Junípero Serra Museum boasts far-reaching views across the park’s perfectly manicured lawns to the Old Town and the ocean below. Take a Walk on the Wild Side Some of the best walking trails in San Diego can be found in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, just a few miles north of Downtown in La Jolla. If it’s sweeping coastal views, skyscraping cacti, colorful wildflowers and otherworldly rock and sandstone formations you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. There are eight miles of marked trails over nearly 2,000 acres here on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Take the Broken Hill Trail Loop for an unchallenging three-mile loop that passes a grove of the native trees from which the reserve takes its name. These unusual endangered pines are so rare that they’re only found here and in one other place in California. Walk the route down to the stunning beach, one of the finest in the area, or continue on to Broken Hill itself for cracking sunset sea views. At less than a mile, the Guy Fleming Trail is the park’s easiest, with some incredible views that belie its relatively short length. Here, too, you can see the famous Torrey pines up close and enjoy views of Los Peñasquitos Marsh, La Jolla and, on clear days, as far out as the Santa Catalina Islands. Keep your eyes peeled for gray whales migrating along this stretch of coast from December to April. Walk San Diego’s Museum Mile Located just north of Downtown, Balboa Park is a huge tract of urban parkland that covers some 1,200 acres. Inside, you’ll find everything from world-class museums to Japanese gardens, theaters and cafés, as well as walking trails galore. You could spend hours if not days exploring it – indeed, there’s probably enough here to fill an entire vacation! For an easy walk that packs a serious punch, enter from Sixth Avenue, joining the broad El Prado boulevard, where many of Balboa Park’s biggest attractions can be found. Take time to admire the wild cocktail of architectural styles along its length, from the shaded cloisters and garlanded columns of Casa del Prado to the California Building’s intoxicating blend of Baroque, Rococo, Gothic and Churrigueresque styles, complete with playful tiled dome and striking three-story belltower. Nearby, statues of masters Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán gaze out from above the elaborate entrance to the San Diego Museum of Art, a Spanish Renaissance-style confection that houses a huge collection of fine works by its stone sentries, as well as significant pieces by Goya, El Greco, Monet, Canaletto, O’Keeffe and many more. Head south from El Prado to find inner peace in the zen-like solitude of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Then onwards to the ornate Spreckels Organ Pavilion, home of the planet’s largest outdoor organ. Timed just right, you might even catch one of the free recitals that boom out every Sunday afternoon around 2PM. Urban Exploration in North Park If you’re in the market for a nice walk in San Diego that also just happens to take in a bit of local history, a few brewery taprooms and a spot of urban art along the way, then look no further than North Park, a hip and happening ‘hood that hugs the northeast corner of Balboa Park. Start by immersing yourself in San Diego heritage with a stroll through the neighborhood’s leafy streets. Head north from Balboa Park between Pershing Avenue and 28th Street and it won’t be long before you stumble upon a traditional Craftsman’s house or two, modest bungalows with architectural hallmarks that include plain wooden exteriors and wide terracotta porches. Originally intended as an antidote to gratuitous Victorian opulence and ostentation, many of the homes here were built by Arts and Crafts pioneers David Owen Dryden and Edward F. Bryans in the early 20th Century. Sightseeing can be thirsty work, can’t it? Good news! A short hop east to 30th Street is where you’ll find perhaps the highest concentration of brewery taprooms anywhere in San Diego – no mean feat here in the craft beer capital of the USA! Pause for some well-earned refreshment at the Belching Beaver, where you can also liven up your Instagram with a selfie in front of the Greetings from San Diego mural on the brewery wall. Then continue your odyssey through this achingly cool suburb, where the street art is as plentiful as the beer is strong. Look out for colorful pieces by local legends Kreashun and Madsteez. And no, you haven’t had too much hazy pale ale to drink: that really is a skateboarding donut on the wall over there. Fans of US rock royalty should complete the trail on Adams Avenue, where artist Travis Crosby’s tributes to Prince and Jimi Hendrix are a joy to behold. Save on things to do in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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