Sea World in San Diego
 

Hi everyone,

Looking for a little bit of advice for our California trip in mid-October. We'll be flying into San Diego on a Saturday afternoon and leaving Monday night. I was wondering if a trip to Sea World was worth it. We would like to visit, but my concern is if it would leave too little time to explore San Diego. Is Sea World a whole day thing, or should we skip it in order to see more of the city?

Personally- I think it depends on if you have children in your group.
It has been a few years since I was at Sea World- it did not blow me away- we enjoyed it for sure- but there are a lot of things to do in SD that in my opinion were more fun-However--- I am in mid 50s- I really think children would enjoy Sea World.
We were in SD in May and of course we had to take a day to go to Tijuana- from there- I hired a cab to take us to Rosarita Beach for the afternoon- where we had grilled Lobster Dinner with all the sides for 13.00. The beach there was fun to see too- horses for rent on the beach

I think it depends if you live by a beach? If so, go to Sea World for half a day, otherwise if you don't live on a coast somewhere, I'd spend more time checking out the beaches and maybe going to Balboa Park.

That's a difficult one. I live in San Diego and Sea World is just not my thing, it's rather pricey to get into it. My good friend on the other hand loves it so much she gets an annual pass.

The zoo and Balboa park is certainly worth a day. It really depends upon what you enjoy doing?

Agree that Sea World would be good if you have kids with you, otherwise it's a very expensive day of marine life...

I would rather spend time in Balboa Park, exploring museums, gardens, eating at the Prado, seeing a play at one of the Globe theaters; visit La Jolla, walking along the cove, window shopping galleries, checking out the Museum of Contemporary Art (wonderful view of the Pacific), great restaurants... Have you been to the San Diego Zoo? Known not only for the animals, but fantastic flora as well.

Thanks for all the responses guys. There are no children in our group, we're all in our late twenties/early thirties, so I guess we might have to reconsider Sea world. Looked up prices for it and I didn't realize it was that expensive. If we had more time it might be a better option, but we would also like to see the city and the coast (La Jolla looks pretty). We're all from the East Coast so we know about beaches, but the Pacific coast looks very different from the Atlantic. (At least from what I've seen in pictures)

Balboa Park, a lot of you seem to recommend it. Just googled it and I did not know it was that big. And am I correct in understanding that the San Diego Zoo is in there? Looks like we might have to check it out. Thanks!

Yes, the zoo is located there. Most people consider this the best zoo. The Wild Animal Park (which is owned by the zoo) is about an hour north of SD. If you have a car and are willing to spend the extra money for the safari (you actually feed giraffes, rhinos), it is better than the zoo IMOP. It sounds like you really only have Sunday to do anything. You might want to explore several different areas rather than concentrate on one thing, such as the zoo, animal park, or seaworld. all of those pretty much take a full day to see. Any of them are worth doing. If you have never been to a Seaworld, it is still worth doing, even if you don't have children.

Sea World is not just for kids. My son and his girlfriend, both in their mid-twenties, have season passes and go often. You don't have to spend all day there, but it is expensive so you'd probably feel you'd want to stay a while.

The Zoo, IMO, is a must-see. It is in Balboa Park,so you can visit the Zoo then, if you can walk any further, some of the museums in the Park. There is also an excellent restaurant in Balboa Park called the Prado.

http://www.balboapark.org/

La Jolla is a great area for strolling, shopping, playing in the ocean and eating and drinking. It's not great for parking, so I'd highly recommend lunch on the Terrace at George's where you can valet park. Make reservations, it's very popular. Their signature soup is wonderful and the fish tacos are the best!

If you can squeeze it in, the Cabrillo National Monument is well worth a visit.

Well -I'm an adult who loves Sea World - but was very disapointed in the one in San diego after visiting the one in Orlando. It was very tired, lacked a lot of the same exhibits/activities - and IMHO is not that great.

The zoo is a much better option in the very limited time you have (unless all you want to do is beach).

My DH, auntie (age 75) and I went to Sea World in April and had a great time but we had a better time at the Wild Animal Park.

I also vote for the San Diego Zoo, we've been there in the past and it is one of the best in the US.

Seaworld is pretty cool: http://www.san-diego-hotels-resorts....e/seaworld.php

I think that visiting a few differnt areas of the city would be mor enjoyable (and less expensive)

There is a bike kayak tour out of La Jolla that is a lot of fun, but there is a whole lot to explore in San Diego http://www.san-diego-hotels-resorts....ttractions.php.