San Diego Zoo vs. SeaWorld

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.

By Casey Makovich
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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?

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  • 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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  • 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
  • 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.
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San Diego Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

Planning a vacation to San Diego? Our local experts put together a helpful San Diego neighborhoods guide so you can make the most of your time in San Diego. We highlighted a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in San Diego to visit during your vacation. Balboa Park North County Coastal San Diego’s North County Coastal region is home to many top attractions, beautiful beaches, natural preserves, and seaside villages. Things to Do in North County Coastal San Diego Go on a family adventure at the popular LEGOLAND® California and SEA LIFE® Aquarium. Check out the beautifully landscaped gardens and exhibits at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Explore animal wildlife of the Savannah on a mini-safari excursion at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. La Jolla Mission Bay & the Beaches Mission Valley & Old Town Mission Valley is a popular place for visitors to stay. Its main street, Hotel Circle, is lined with moderately priced hotels that attract families and budget travelers. The Old Town Historic Park is where California began. Old Town is home to several museums that document the city’s unique history and lots of shops and casual restaurants. Be sure to visit the most haunted house in America for a spooky take on San Diego’s history. You can also opt to take a trolley ride of San Diego's Old Town, which will offer an excellent overview of the neighborhood and the city's impressive history. Hillcrest Hillcrest is San Diego’s first self-contained suburb and is known for being the central hub of San Diego’s gay and lesbian community. Visitors will notice the towering pride flag where the famous annual LGBT Pride Parade begins. The area features walkable streets complete with eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Downtown Little Italy As its name suggests, Little Italy is an area in Downtown San Diego rich with Italian culture from its early roots as a fishing neighborhood. Its Italian culture is apparent in its cuisine, little shops, and architecture. Things to Do in Little Italy Check out over 150 booths featuring fresh produce, artisan foods, and specialty items at the popular Farmer’s Market every Saturday between 8 am and 2 pm at W. Cedar and India streets. Leave your guidebook behind and hop into a GoCar for a GPS guided tour of the city. As you drive, the GoCar narrates the tour based on your surroundings. Learn all about the maritime history of the western world at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Cortez Hill Cortez Hill is one of the oldest San Diego neighborhoods in Downtown. Visitors will enjoy the quaint, Victorian and row style townhomes and poking around the various shops. Things to Do in Cortez Hill Visit El Cortez hotel, a San Diego landmark built in 1926 in Spanish Colonial Revival Style. You’ll get a view of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park from the top of the hill. Get a little shopping in at the pedestrian-friendly area complete with shops and sidewalk cafes lining Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Core-Columbia Gaslamp Quarter/ Horton Plaza Named for its gas lamp lined streets, the Gaslamp Quarter is a top destination for shopping, fine dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Things to Do in the Gaslamp Quarter Visit the oldest surviving structure located in Downtown San Diego -- The Gaslamp Museum at the David-Horton House (formerly known as the William Heath Davis House), which was actually built in 1850. Head to the Horton Plaza, a multi-level shopping plaza, movie theatre, and recreational facility. Check out the popular nightclub scene for an evening packed with fun. East Village Located on the eastern side of Downtown San Diego, Eastern Village is home to the San Diego Padres and PETCO Park. Catch a game at the park or check out the fantastic view from home plate on a tour of the stadium. Marina The Marina district is home to the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the bayside San Diego Convention Center, and more. Things to Do in the Marina District The New Children’s Museum features hands-on creative activities and innovative artwork that kids can touch, move, or climb. Head to Seaport Village, a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Embarcadero The Embarcadero boardwalk runs along San Diego’s downtown waterfront extending from the Embarcadero Marina to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Coronado Save on Attraction Admission in San Diego Neighborhoods If you're exploring this many different parts of San Diego, you're bound to want to visit a few of these exciting attractions. Consider picking up a San Diego attractions pass to suit your traveling needs. Whether you're in town for only a day or two, or even a whole week, you'll find the perfect pass for you. Save up to 55% versus paying at the gate!
Casey Makovich
Explore Balboa Park’s best free finds near the Nat
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Explore Balboa Park’s best free finds near the Nat

Free things to see, stroll, snap, and experience near the museum.

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