Spotlight: San Diego - SeaWorld

Spotlight: SeaWorld was founded in 1964 as a marine zoological park. It gradually developed into a full blown amusement park complete with rides and shows. Its success spawned three other SeaWorld parks over the next 25 years. Today, SeaWorld San Diego is owned by the City of San Diego and operated by SeaWorld Entertainment. Adjacent to the park is the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, whose objective is to research marine biology to educate the public on protecting marine life.

Location: SeaWorld is located at 500 Sea World Drive in San Diego, CA.

Cost: Although more expensive at the gate, you can purchase tickets online for 59.99

Time: Although the schedule changes seasonally based on holidays, weekends, etc., the park is usually open from 10:00 am-10:00 pm during the summer and 10:00-5:00 during the school year.

Description: SeaWorld is an amusement park with an aquatic theme. All the attractions can be divided up into three major categories: rides, shows, and animals. The rides range from little kid rides such as Elmo's Flying Fish to roller coasters like Journey to Atlantis. You can cool off on Shipwreck Rapids or get a great view of San Diego and the sea at the top of Skytower. The most unique ride is probably Wild Arctic, where you explore the arctic aboard a jet-helicopter simulator.

Shipwreck Rapids

Getting ready to ride Manta

     SeaWorld is probably best known for its shows. Although often controversial, the various killer whale shows featuring Shamu have traditionally been the most popular. New laws and public backlash spurred by animal rights propaganda such as the film Blackfish have prompted various changes. The shows in which orcas and humans interact with each other in the tank were banned after the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau. The new orca show, Orca Encounter, focuses more on education rather than entertainment. Other shows feature dolphins, sea lions, circus performers, Elmo and friends and other sea creatures.

     In addition to rides and shows, SeaWorld is also an impressive aquarium in its own right. In addition to orcas, dolphins and sea lions, visitors can get close views of beluga whales, turtles, sharks, polar bears, penguins and any number of fish and sea creatures. There are both touch pools (where you can even pet sting rays) and traditional tanks, depending on the animals inside.

Beluga whale

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - SeaWorld is one of the attractions included in San Diego's Go Card.
- Wear something that you don't mind getting wet, because chances are you will to one degree or another. Of course, you can avoid getting wet based on where you sit during shows or which rides you go on.
- SeaWorld hosts several seasonal events, such as this summer's Electric Ocean, the Halloween Spooktacular, and the annual Christmas celebration.

- There are a variety of restaurants around the park. You can buy food as you go, or purchase an all-day dining deal (35.99/adult 10+) that allows you to get up to one entree, one side or dessert, and one drink each hour.
- SeaWorld has additional parks in Orlando, FL and San Antonio, TX.
- SeaWorld also owns and operates a water park called Aquatica San Diego. It is actually located in Chula Vista (22 miles away) and features 22 slides.

Nearby: Fiesta Island Park, Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, Old Town San Diego SHP, Balboa Park