SeaWorld vs San Diego Zoo | Which is Better?
SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo are some of the most popular attractions in San Diego, but contrary to popular belief, they also happen to be completely different parks.
So what does each park offer?
In this page, we'll explain how these parks are different and what each park offers including animal exhibits, rides, shows, & pricing.
Table of Contents
General Overview & Differences
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is primarily a zoo, where visitors from all over the world travel to see wildlife that they typically can only see on tv.
The range of animals is impressive, as one moment you can find yourself touring the safari and seeing lions, while the next you're walking through the park and can hear the apes (loudly) communicating.
This park is heavily focused on visitors walking and sightseeing. Although it is a zoo, it also features tours, several shows, and rides that visitors can enjoy.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld is an animal theme park that also features wildlife that visitors from all over the world flock to see.
Although the San Diego Zoo primarily focuses on land animals, SeaWorld focuses on marine animals, notoriously including killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seals.
This park is heavily focused on actionable entertainment including over a dozen adrenaline pumping rides, several shows and even an aquarium.
Animal Exhibits
San Diego Zoo Exhibits
Features over a dozen animal exhibits including the Polar Bear Plunge and the Gorilla Tropics.
SeaWorld San Diego Exhibits
Features 6 animal exhibits including the Killer Whales and the Wild Arctic where visitors will be able to see Beluga Whales and Walruses.
Rides
The San Diego Zoo Features Less Than a Dozen Rides
The San Diego Zoo contrary to popular belief does feature rides including the Skyfari Aerial Tram, a Guided Bus Tour, and even a classic miniature train that has been around since 1948.
SeaWorld San Diego has Over a Dozen Rides.
SeaWorld has a variety of options including extremely thrilling rides such as the Electric Eel and Manta. But they also have calmer experiences for families and kids such as Ocean Explorer & Sesame Street's Bay of Play.
Shows
San Diego Zoo Shows
The Zoo Showcases multiple shows famously including the Cheetah and Dog Show. Visitors will be able to see a Cheetah roaming around, but the catch is that the cheetah's best friend is a dog!
The pair actually grew up together and are inseparable, but the coolest feature is the calming effect it has on the cheetah.
In fact, 30 years ago the San Diego Zoo began experimenting the effects that dogs had on other animals, once zoologists began to notice the calming effects dogs had on cheetahs.
Humans aren't the only ones that love dogs.
SeaWorld San Diego Shows
SeaWorld has five shows including the Orca Encounter, Dolphin Days, Sea Lions live, Sea Rescue, and Cirque Electrique.
Orca Encounter is easily the most famous show they offer as guests will be able to see how giant, powerful, smart and athletic a killer whale really is.
It's a completely different experience seeing this animal effortlessly jump several feet out of the water and create giant splashes.
Main Difference in Shows
Animals
The Zoo will focus primarily on land animals, whereas SeaWorld will focus mainly on Marine mammals.
Location
The zoo does have a stadium used for a show, but primarily shows are in a more casual setting, where visitors can stop by and walk around rather than needing to reserve a seat.
SeaWorld on the other hand has stadiums for all of their shows and guests will want to pay attention to show times as these shows fill up quickly.
Park Size
San Diego Zoo
100 acres.
SeaWorld
172 acres.
Pricing
Parking
San Diego Zoo offers free parking.
SeaWorld San Diego parking can range from $20-$30 depending on which type of parking that you choose.
Admission
The San Diego Zoo is normally the cheaper option out of the two. However when you purchase with us, the prices will always be cheaper than the gate on both parks.
Save $20 per ticket on SeaWorld San Diego when you purchase with us.
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