SeaWorld San Diego Parking: Everything You Need to Know

by Theme Park Center January 19, 2023

When you pull up to the parking lot, you'll realize there are multiple options available when parking at the SeaWorld San Diego park.

In this page, we'll go over all of the parking options that are available, why you'd consider other parking options, and how they stack up against each other.

Types of Parking at SeaWorld San Diego

There are three types of parking at SeaWorld San Diego including:

General Parking
Up-Close Parking
VIP Parking

1. General Parking

General Parking is going to be your most basic and cheapest option when parking at SeaWorld San Diego.

seaworld san diego general parking

It's also the most common parking choice amongst visitors.

General Parking will be $30 consistently every day of the year, for one car, motorcycle or RV/Camper.

You're able to pre-pay for parking directly from the SeaWorld official site.

Why Pre-Pay For Parking?

It's simple, when you pre-pay for parking you can just show the park attendant the receipt, and they'll seamlessly let you through in seconds.

Whereas if you decide to pay at the park, you'll have to spend a few minutes there, as they process your payment, before providing you your receipt.

Take into consideration the hundreds of visitors who will do this while you're in line behind them, and you'll wish everyone had prepaid parking!

2. Up-Close Parking

Up-Close at SeaWorld San Diego will provide you access to park closer to the entrance of the park, at a higher cost than general parking.

seaworld san diego up close parking

You may think that it's not a big deal, however you should take into consideration how you will feel after a long day at the park.

After walking around for the entire day and having a fantastic experience, for some guests they don't want to spend another half an hour (on a busy day) walking back and trying to find their car.

Up-Close Parking Prices

Up-Close prices change daily and can range from $50-$60.

It is typically more expensive during the weekends, busy season, as well as near the holidays.

The SeaWorld site provides a calendar that shows the differences in pricing prior to adding it to cart.

Upgrading From General Parking to Up-Close Parking

If you decide to pre-pay for a General parking pass, and later on decide that you'd actually like to go the Up-Close parking route, you can do so at any parking toll booth.

This occurs more often than you think, and the parking attendants are well aware of this and can help you easily upgrade your pass.