Hi everyone. My husband and I are going down to San Diego at the beginning of March for 4 1/2 days and we're deciding whether to go to the zoo, Sea World, or both. We know we need a full day for the zoo, but are wondering how long we actually need to enjoy Sea World if we don't stay for too many shows. We just have a limited number of days and want some relaxing time, so we're trying to figure out if we need a full day or 1/2 day.
Thanks!

I prefer Sea World to the Zoo. I would say plan a whole day at Sea World and a half day at the Zoo. I think there is much more to do at Sea World and the Zoo can easily be done in half a day.

I would agree with a full day at Seaworld but I could spend a half a day just looking at the Gorilla exhibit at the Zoo let alone a half day for EVERYTHING. I guess it just depends on your tastes. I would plan full day at the Zoo...half at Seaworld if you want to cut somewhere but a full day would be better for both.

I live in San Deigo...a full day for Sea World is fine.Ditto the zoo but next to the zoo is balboa Park which is wonderful....museums, and great things to see.

Although I love both the SD Zoo and Sea World, I would agree with Barbara to do the full day at Sea World and spend less time at the Zoo. Admission to Sea World is pretty expensive these days and if you really want to get the experience, you need to see most of the shows. As others have pointed out, a full day at the Zoo would be could but if you are pressed for time, you can take the ride around the zoo to get a general overview, then walk to the exhibits that interest you most. Last time my daughters and I went it was a cold Jan day (had to use up passes) so we stayed about 1/2 a day and still saw a lot. Loisco is right about Balboa Park, maybe you could tie your Zoo visit in with some of the other venues at the Park.

Meant to say a full day at the Zoo would be great but...

yes, you need a full day at sea world. i usually go to the first show of the day for shamu because it's so good you'll want to go back again in the afternoon.
taking the tour shuttle around the zoo first thing is a good idea to get your bearings. there are some sections that you may not feel the need to walk too. it is very large. i could spend 20-30 minutes at each of the gorilla, polar bear and hippopotamus exhibits. i think it opens at 9:00 a.m. i'd say you could probably be out of there by around 2:00. then you could waunder balboa park and have a late lunch or dinner there - can't remember the name but there is a good restaurant.

Just to give you an idea of expenses, Sea World is $50 for entrance and $7 parking. The Zoo is $28 for Best Value ticket (entrance to Zoo, Bus tour and Skyfari ride) Parking free. Also, at the Zoo after you take the bus tour, get your hand stamped and you can ride the express bus for free the rest of the day. There are a lot of hills in the Zoo, but there is no need to walk up a single hill. Let the bus take you up the hill.

The restaurant in Balboa Park is the Prado. Good restaurant in a nice setting. Every Tuesday, the musuems in Balboa Park are free on a rotating basis. Check with the musuem to find out which Tue they are free.

wow, sea world was always expensive but now it's at $50!!! a family of 4 putting out $207 just to get in. to bad cause i love it there. if you go on their website, you can save 10%.