We have one and one-half days in San Diego, and would like to see either the Zoo or SeaWorld. Which do you recommend (family of four children, ages 10 to 18, and 2 adults)?

Thanks!

I like the zoo much better than Sea World. It seems less commercial and more concerned with animal welfare, so to me it has a much nicer ambiance. And because it's located in Balboa park, you can take a walk around there before or after you go to the zoo and get some great photos of the beautiful 1920s World Fair buildings.

Personally, I like the San Diego Zoo much better for all the same reasons Monica Richards gives. The animal welfare issue has been a big local concern for many years locally. The Zoo is in Balboa Park and you can make an entire day -- go to the Zoo, then walk along the Prado and see the wonderful museums and sidewalks artists/musicians, etc. It is not as commercial as Sea World.

One of the best zoos in the world is the San Diego Zoo...
Surrounding Balboa Park is stunning and if you have time, you can have lunch at the Prado which is next door to the zoo in Balboa Park.

I like zoos, and San Diego has one of the best.

On the other hand, few places have SeaWorld, which I found to be great fun. They offer three or four shows that you and your family are bound to enjoy. Plan you visit around show times.

Maybe you can do both.

There is plenty to do in Balboa Park without going to the zoo.

Another vote for the Zoo! Great area, tons to see, and Pandas!

The Zoo. More shade too! ITA with TahitiTams about Balboa Park. I need to try Prado sometime.

The zoo is good, but the responses here surprisingly one-sided.

Google "sea world san diego reviews" and click the first entry.

happytrails..
I googled what you had an TA had a not so favorable response to Sea World..
Since a lot of us live here and know both properties very well, I think the reason the SD Zoo is hands down the favorite is because its just that, an incredible zoo and don't get me wrong I do like Sea World but if the choice is the Zoo or Sea World, there is no comparsion and it there is no surprise to it!

I think your children might enjoy Sea World more. You can't really lose with either.

I would rec the zoo too. But with the age group you have, 10-18, I would say go to Sea World. Particularly if you have never been to this type of park.

Good luck and have fun.

MY

I hear you loud and clear. You have a great zoo in San Diego, but I like ours in Seattle better.

Knowing the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, visiting from Seattle, and forced to choose between the two, I would go for the unique attractions at Sea World.

A voice crying in the wilderness, HTTY

it'll be interesting to hear what Tracy decides. Tracy?

I haven't decided yet, but am leaning toward going to the San Diego Zoo. My children love the animals and don't mind walking, so the Zoo may be preferred. It is hard to compare, though, as we have never been to SeaWorld.

I appreciate all the comments. Also, is there anything else that we should do in San Diego? We are staying in the marina area one night (driving from LA, staying in San Diego one night, and driving back to LA).

Hey tracy..
Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma is wonderful place to check out along with the lighthouse.
You can go to the SD Bay and visit the USS Midway..
You can take a Harbor Boat Excursion..
You can drive up to La Jolla and see the seals, have lunch at George's at the Cove on the terrace.
Balboa Park is beautiful with all the musuems.
You can go Downtown SD and walk around the Gaslamp area.
You could go to the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.
You can go to the Hotel Del, have lunch and then play at one of the top ten beaches in the US.
Have fun!

Another vote for the zoo. It's one of the best I've ever seen. There are other Sea Worlds around.

I presume, karens, you are in jest. There are three Sea Worlds and HUNDREDS of zoos in the U.S.A.: http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/zoos/