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San Diego Zoo vs. SeaWorld

Let's look at the main differences between the two parks
By Casey Makovich

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.

☀️Compare San Diego passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

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San Diego Itinerary – 3 Days in San Diego for First Timers

Got a few days to spend in San Diego but unsure what to do? Sun, sand, and savings -- there's so much to love in this amazing city. There's a reason San Diego has been called one of the best places to vacation in the entire country, and it isn't just the beautiful neighborhoods and near-perfect weather! World-class museums, zoos, and amusement parks are as plentiful in San Diego as beaches and palms. We’ve put together a 3 days in San Diego itinerary to help you make the most of your time in town, from theme parks to museums and beyond. This 3 day itinerary includes: LEGOLAND® California Museum of Making Music Carlsbad (free!) SeaWorld® San Diego Cabrillo Marine Monument (free!) San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air and Space Museum Reuben H. Fleet Science Center plus IMAX Only have a few days in San Diego? We’ve also put together a 1 day in San Diego and 2 day itinerary to assist with your planning. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 3-Day Go San Diego® Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience San Diego. The Go San Diego® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Planning to visit other spots in California? Then take a peak at our California road trip itinerary. We dare you to not have any fun with these recommendations. Stop #2: Museum of Making Music Next, pay a visit to the charming Museum of Making Music. Located conveniently in Carlsbad, right next to LEGOLAND®, this attraction illuminates the history of music in America over the last 100 years. Interactive and immersive exhibits highlight key movements in American musical history, including everything from the emergence of ragtime to the rise of digital technology in music-making. We recommend reserving about an hour for this attraction. Getting In: Museum of Making Music tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Stop #3: Carlsbad (free!) We recommend pairing your first day with some time to explore and shop in Carlsbad Village and Antique Mall, located in downtown Carlsbad. There's also a number of beaches, gardens, and parks to explore, whether you're looking to enjoy some time with nature or just a late afternoon stroll. Or, if you're a golf nut, you'll find a few courses to check out. You could also opt to dine in this neighborhood, which offers a variety of culinary choices from reliable chains to tasty indies. Getting In: It's free to explore Carlsbad, but additional activities may incur extra costs not covered by the pass. Stop #2: Cabrillo National Monument (free!) Just outside of the SeaWorld area is historic Point Loma, with a lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument to explore. Don't forget about the famous Point Loma tide pools, where you can see a microcosm of San Diego's marine life in one teeny tiny little vignette. It’s a great vantage point from which to see San Diego, Coronado, the naval base, and even all the way to Mexico, so don’t forget your camera! If you want to learn more about this amazing area, consult the National Park website for more information about the tide pools and the natural landscape. Getting In: We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: San Diego Air and Space Museum Next, pop over to the nearby Air and Space Museum. This dynamic and exciting museum is filled with exhibits and artifacts that tell the history of aviation in San Diego, which is, after all, one of the great aviation hubs in the country. You’ll see everything from models of the original Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon to carefully preserved aircraft like the Navy F6F Hellcat. All of the planes are beautifully restored and lovingly preserved – there’s no other institution like it in California. We recommend reserving about 1-2 hours for this attraction. Getting In: San Diego Air & Space Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Stop #4: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center The Fleet Science Center is another favorite among tech lovers and kids. This educational institution allows visitors to “play scientist for a day” and engage with technological innovations from all across the scientific fields. From engineering skyscrapers to examining real images from the Hubble Space telescope, there are so many exciting things to play with at this scientific complex. Don’t forget to stop by their historic IMAX theater – you get one daytime show free with your Go San Diego® Card! Please note that admission to this attraction is free; your pass provides you with IMAX tickets. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Getting In: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center with IMAX Movie tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Let’s Recap Enjoy your three days in San Diego by checking out this list of things to do and see. Designed to highlight a wide variety of San Diego attractions, this itinerary will help you achieve a truly rich vacation experience. Visit all of these attractions on our San Diego itinerary with a 3-Day Go San Diego® Card and save on combined admission costs. Go Card holders can save even more with additional included discounts on dining, shopping, and attractions!
Katie Sagal

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