I cannot believe that the summer season is almost coming to an end. This summer, we had the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, glamp (glamorous camp) in Yosemite and ride ATV on the sand dune in Pismo Beach. Even though we did a few trips this summer, I felt we could squeeze in one more trip with the kids on the last holiday weekend of the summer season. I decided to spend Labor Day weekend in San Diego and visit SeaWorld.
SeaWorld is known for its remarkable animals, interactive attractions, rides, aquariums and education programs for all ages. This was my kids’ second time visiting SeaWorld and they were so excited. They love animals, especially being up close to them.
From the entrance, we started heading clockwise and our first stop was the Explorer’s Reef. We planned our days around the shows, which are must see at SeaWorld. Below is the list of activities that we were able to do during our one day visit.
Explorer’s Reef
Dive in and get “hands-in” the moment you arrive at SeaWorld.
Dolphin Days
The dolphins show off their athleticism and playfulness. My kids thought the dolphins were so cute and smart.
Sea Lions Live
Featuring Clyde and Seamore, these two wacky California sea lions star alongside with their Asian Small-Clawed Otter buddy, OP, in their very own TV variety show. This show is 20-minute long. Get there early to enjoy the fun comedy pre-show.
Orca Encounter
This is an educational show about the orca. Witness orca behaviors and learn their complex communication codes. Did you know that orca is part of the oceanic dolphin family, which it is the largest member?
Penguin Encounter
A walk-through exhibit to see a few hundred arctic penguins live inside a control cold climate while the warm weather penguins live outside.
Sea Lion Point
View the sea lions up close at Sea Lion Point. We purchased a tray of fish for $9 and my kids had a fun time feeding the sea lions. Watch out for the aggressive birds that try to snatch the fish before the sea lions get them.
Sesame Street Party Parade
A 20-minute colorful, musical parade that is fun enough to get the whole family dancing. My kids had fun singing and dancing along with Elmo and his friends such as Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch and their Muppet pals. We got there an hour before the parade start and saved seats near the beginning of the parade route so that we can be one of the first to see the parade in action. Available on weekends from May 25 through September 1, 2019.
Journey to Atlantis
Experience a flume ride with a drop of 60 feet. My kids enjoyed the giant splash after the big drop so much that we had to go on this ride twice. Thanks to the Quick Queue (Front-of-Line Ride Access), we skipped the long line and got on the ride immediately.
Manta
This roller coaster shaped like a giant ray and is designed to make you feel you are soaring, diving, twisting and turning like a ray. My 9-years old son thought the Manta was a little scary, but fun and would ride it again.
Feed Flamingos
Watch flamingos eat, interact and play. There’s a food dispenser that you can purchase food to feed the flamingos.
Cirque Electrique
A 15-minute nighttime acrobatic show featuring amazing acrobatic and delightful characters in LED suits. My family was mesmerized by the performances by the world flyboard champion Jake Orel and USBA world freestyle Jet Ski champion Mark Gomez. It was our first time seeing hydroflight and freestyle jet ski stunts and it was amazing. Available on select dates from June 15 through September 2, 2019.
Tips Before You Go:
- Arrive before the park opens.
- Download the SeaWorld Discovery Guide app.
- Plan ahead with the shows and build your day around them.
- Get to the show at least 30 minutes before it starts for good seats selection (one hour for the Cirque Electrique show).
- Travel clockwise around the park if you have small children.
- A change of clothes, especially if you plan to sit in the soak zones at the shows.
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr
San Diego, CA 92109
https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
If you have been to SeaWorld before, what was your favorite show or ride?
*** I received complimentary tickets to SeaWorld. All opinions are my own.
Great post! Your pictures are always beautiful!
Glad you thought the pictures are beautiful!
What a fun summer!
Thank you!