Happy 60th Anniversary SeaWorld San Diego!
Located on nearly 200 acres next to Mission Bay, today’s SeaWorld San Diego is a theme park, accredited zoo and aquarium that truly offers much for everyone to see and do — young and old alike. You’ll find marine life, up-close animal encounters, thrilling world-class rides and rides for the little ones, educational exhibits and activities, musical performances, seasonal holiday celebrations, fireworks and laser light shows, animal interactions, special seasonal food offerings and much more — all while serving as a major participant in animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation efforts, and impactful research.
Electric Ocean end of the day laser light show
SeaWorld San Diego’s year-long anniversary celebration kicked off on March 21 with a weekend packed full of special festivities. At park opening Byron Surrett, Chief Parks Operation Officer, spoke to guests and reflected upon the company’s 60 years. He told us that “it all started when four UCLA fraternity brothers, led by Milton Shedd, decided they wanted to create a place that allowed people from all over the world to come and experience the wonders of the ocean, first-hand.” Afterwards, the cake was cut and park guests were invited to enjoy a free celebratory cupcake.
A special, curated exhibit documented SeaWorld San Diego’s 60-year history. The exhibit included maps showing the park’s evolution, rare photographs and memorabilia.
The nearby gift shop sells special 60th Anniversary keepsakes.
I purchased an individually crafted anniversary sign and added an anniversary pin to it.
Also during the opening weekend of the anniversary celebration, Precious Moments sculptor Hiko Maeda was in the park demonstrating his sculpting skills and signing guests’ purchases of his limited-edition figurine titled “Sea a World of Wonder.”
The SeaWorld app contains all sorts of helpful information about the park, activities, dining opportunities and even an interactive map that shows you where you are at any given moment and how to get to where you are going. Check out the sweeping views of the park and Mission Bay from atop the Sky Tower.
At the Shark Encounter, pass through the clear viewing tunnel and observe sharks swimming above and around you.
SeaWorld’s animal rescue and care team is on call and available 24 hours a day, year-round, protecting and rehabilitating animals and their habitats. Their exceptional animal care is “Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. “
You’ll want to visit again and again, so consider the many special benefits to being a SeaWorld San Diego annual passholder. The park undergoes several transformations, depending upon the time of year. Observing the animals’ behaviors is a fascinating experience full of surprises that never grow old. Entertainers celebrate key holidays with special performances. At special events, experts from SeaWorld educate guests about the fascinating and diverse creatures that they care for.
Halloween, complete with trick-or-treating for candy, is one of my favorite holiday celebrations at SeaWorld San Diego.
During the Christmas holiday season, visit with Santa, enjoy special entertainment and check out the live reindeer.
In the summer, enter the stadium and enjoy an action-packed stage and water spectacular on Mission Bay. There are indoor, themed stage shows, complete with SeaWorld characters, geared to kids.
Coming soon to SeaWorld San Diego is a brand-new exhibit called “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience.” This immersive and interactive aquarium will be the first of its kind for SeaWorld parks.
“Each of the three galleries will feature a jelly species to discover including Moon Jellyfish, Pacific Sea Nettles, Upside-Down Jellyfish, and Comb Jellies. Through educational components and aquarist staff within the exhibit, guests will learn from experts what makes a jellyfish, the beauty and diversity of the translucent species, their behaviors and patterns, and how they have adapted to some of the most extreme environments on Earth.”
For more information, visit https://seaworld.com/san-diego/.
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Copyright © 2024 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #833r1
Even Mickey went to Sea World.
This’s a good reminder, I’ve to go visit those friends of Shamu!
Jan, I never go on roller coasters, not even gentle ones. Some people dislike bugs…I dislike roller coasters!
David.
David,
I do not much care for roller coasters either — especially the rough ones. Their violent shaking literally makes my head hurt. That is certainly not my idea of fun.
Jan
Sea World San Diego is certainly an impressive place. It had to reinvent itself after withdrawal of the headline Orca shows, and is now a rival of all the other huge Theme Parks. They have managed to retain their uniqueness by having the most focus on marine life.
My family and I visited Sea World Orlando many years ago when it was still a relatively small operation. We loved it. I’m sure it is now on a par with San Diego.
Hi David,
SeaWorld San Diego has been installing impressive rollercoasters the past few years. This diversification probably attracts a younger audience. They are too intense for me. I wish they would also build some ocean-themed ‘dark rides,’ like at Disneyland.
Right now I am waiting for a lowriders hopping demonstration, at the 2024 GoodGuys Del Mar Nationals.
Jan