Many families planning San Diego vacations center them around visiting SeaWorld San Diego. It is the San Diego theme park that I am asked about the most because it’s one of the best activities in San Diego for kids from toddlers to teens. The good news is that there are various ways to buy discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets reliably.
Which method you choose depends on how long you intend to spend in the park, your itinerary once inside, and which other San Diego attractions are on your to-do list. Rest assured that you’ll easily be able to choose the right SeaWorld ticket based on the information below so you can avoid coupons, discount codes, and deal links that do not work.
Please note: SeaWorld San Diego is open! Rides are open as well. If you purchase tickets using the links in this post, I may be compensated.
SeaWorld San Diego Reopening Guidelines
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SeaWorld San Diego reservations are no longer required! It is recommended that guests wear face coverings when indoors per CDC guidelines. No proof of vaccination is required.
You can expect increased sanitization throughout the park and contactless payment methods are encouraged. You still should buy SeaWorld San Diego tickets before arriving at the park to avoid paying gate prices.
Important General SeaWorld Ticket Tips
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You will save money by purchasing tickets and experiences online, in advance. For reference gate prices vary depending on the day and time of year, however, the normal retail price at the gate for single-entrance SeaWorld San Diego tickets is around $109.99 for ages 3 and older. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
Spending a half-day at the park is completely doable if you are pressed for time. Plan to arrive in the morning, enjoy the shows and outdoor exhibits, grab lunch, see a few more things, and leave.
It’s important to read all terms and conditions before purchasing SeaWorld tickets. Be sure that they do not expire before your visit and check refund or transfer policies.
SKIP THE LINES
SeaWorld San Diego has a variety of Quick Queue passes that provide guests with express entry to the best SeaWorld San Diego rides like (Manta roller coaster and Electric Eel) and priority seating at shows. I would recommend this for older kids who will primarily be interested in the thrill rides which tend to have long lines.
1. Direct From SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego offers numerous different admission ticket options via its website. Keep in mind that they charge a $9.99 service fee for online orders.
2. Discounted SeaWorld and Multi-Park Tickets
I offer discount SeaWorld tickets right here, powered by aRes Travel, a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to major California attractions. These SeaWorld tickets are print-at-home or mobile, so you can head straight to the gate without the need to redeem a ticket voucher. There is a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead.
Their discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets also require reservations. After purchasing the tickets, you’ll receive a voucher with a link to make reservations.
VISITING FOR MORE THAN ONE DAY?
Definitely consider a Fun Card, Annual Pass, or Two-Day Tickets
3. SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card
Fun Card holders receive unlimited visits to SeaWorld San Diego through December 31, 2023. This pass does have some limited blockout dates, but it’s popular with residents and people who may visit more than once in a year and don’t plan to park a car in the lot.
It doesn’t provide parking and dining discounts, but it’s still a great deal seeing that it’s nearly the same price as 1-Day SeaWorld tickets. Price: $109.99
4. SeaWorld San Diego Annual Passes
For a bit more than the Fun Card, a SeaWorld San Diego Annual Pass can add more value. And, they’ve revised the passes to include even more for a limited time.
Your annual pass includes the new Spooktacular and Christmas festivities that are on tap in the coming months. I’ve listed some of the pass highlights below, but the list is long for each.
Silver Annual Pass
These annual passes include unlimited admission throughout the year with:
- Unlimited admission for 12 months
- Two free guest tickets
- Free general parking
- 10% Discount on dining
- 20% Off merchandise
- and more
(Price: $183/person)
Gold Annual Pass
The Gold Annual Pass also includes:
- Unlimited Admission
- Four free guest tickets
- Free up-close parking
- 30% off daily and all-Season Discounted Quick Queue
- Up to 30% off merchandise
- 15% Off dining
- and more
(Price: $216/person)
SeaWorld + AQUATICA Platinum Pass (11 Parks)
SeaWorld Platinum Pass holders receive:
- Unlimited admission for 12 months to 11 SeaWorld Parks locations (VA, FL, CA, TX, PA)
- Six free passes for friends
- Free up-close parking
- Free reserved show seating
- Free animal experience
- Free single-ride quick queue per day
- Free-up-close parade viewing
- Up to 50% off merchandise
- 20% Off dining
- One free Howl-O-Scream ticket on select dates
- and more
(Price: $330/person)
Plus, you’ll also get access to SeaWorld San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Williamsburg; Aquatica San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio; Adventure Island; Water Country USA; and Sesame Place with no blockout dates in addition to many other VIP benefits and discounts throughout 2023 with a Platinum Pass.
HOLIDAY EVENT ADMISSION IS INCLUDED
Annual Pass holders receive free admission to Halloween Spooktacular and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
5. Go San Diego (Most Popular San Diego Attractions Pass)
Note: Go San Diego does not qualify for the October kids free promotion.
The Go San Diego pass saves up to 50% off of admission to 45 top San Diego attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, in three simple steps:
- Choose the pass option that best suits you (you can buy an All-Inclusive pass or Explorer pass) and buy your pass in advance.
- Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
- Show the pass at any eligible attraction and you’re in for free.
The All-Inclusive passes are available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-day options, each at different prices. With the Explorer pass, you’ll buy the option to see 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions and tours that you can choose as you go over the course of 60 days from first use.
Make sure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. This is by far the most popular San Diego sightseeing pass.
See also: 10 Benefits of the Go San Diego Discounted Attractions Pass
PLEASE NOTE: Go San Diego passes are not qualifying tickets for the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion in October.
EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNT
Use promo code LJM10SDO to apply an extra 10% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes! This discount stacks on top of sale rates!
6. California Explorer Pass (Includes Los Angeles and San Francisco Attractions)
Temporarily not available The California Explorer Pass offers an excellent solution for those on a California road trip. Explore 3, 4, or 5 major California attractions over 60 days. Participating attractions include:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- LEGOLAND California
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Warner Brothers Studio Tour
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Knott’s Soak City
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Belmont Park
- California Academy of Sciences
- California’s Great America
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Note: California Explorer Pass does not qualify for the October Kids Free promotion.
7. Bundle a Hotel with SeaWorld San Diego Tickets
You can often save even more with a SeaWorld San Diego vacation package that includes your hotel and the cost of admission.
For hotel advice, you can read my list of favorite hotels near SeaWorld San Diego.
8. AAA Discount Tickets
Members of AAA can receive various SeaWorld San Diego discount ticket options throughout the year. None are available in California at the time of this writing, but you can check with your regional office.
However, be mindful that it is often less expensive to buy directly through SeaWorld San Diego or aRes Travel than to use AAA.
9. Free Military Tickets
Active duty military members and veterans receive special SeaWorld theme park discounts through the Waves of Honor program. Active military personnel and three direct dependents will receive one complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego that is valid through December 31, 2023.
This complimentary promotion is sometimes available for veterans and their three-direct dependents. Currently, this offer is available through July 9th, 2023.
10. Teacher Fun Card
SeaWorld San Diego offers unlimited free park admission to certified California and Arizona K-12 teachers via its complimentary Teacher Fun Card. The 2023 Teacher Fun Card is valid for unlimited admission through December 31, 2023. First park visit has to occur on or before June 30, 2023, to activate the card. Blockout dates apply.
SeaWorld San Diego Tickets FAQs
These are the most frequently asked questions that land in my inbox. Or, consider this your TL;DR (too long; didn’t read).
How much are tickets to SeaWorld in San Diego?
The gate prices for general admission varies depending on the day and time of year, however, currently, you can expect to pay around $109.99 at the gate for ages 3 and older at SeaWorld San Diego.
How can I get discounted tickets to the park?
I offer up-to-date tips for finding discounted tickets through trusted vendors. The theme park also offers Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and other limited-time offers throughout the year.
I have tickets for when the park was closed. What happens?
Unused SeaWorld San Diego tickets that were meant to be used when the park was closed in 2020, automatically were given an extended expiration date. These tickets and unused park experiences were valid through December 31, 2021. Unused internationally-purchased tickets were through the first week of January 2022.
Do children get into the park for free?
Children ages two and younger can enter the park for free year-round. However, SeaWorld San Diego participates in the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion in October. This is a county-wide promotion where kids age 9 and younger receive free admission when accompanied by an adult who holds a qualifying ticket.
Currently, children under nine years old get a FREE Single Day Ticket, along with an adult ticket. This ticket must be purchased by December 31, 2023. Visits are valid until the end of the year.
How many days do I need at SeaWorld San Diego?
If you are pressed for time, you can enjoy the park in a half-day. However, most families spend a full day unless they’re splitting visits into multiple days.
Believe it or not, multi-day visits are common, especially for families staying in nearby Mission Bay hotels. They’ll buy the 7 Days for the Price of 1 ticket (temporarily unavailable) and spend a few or more half-days in the park. This is especially convenient when traveling with children who need to nap or don’t have the stamina for a full theme park day.
Can you buy packages that include SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo?
Yes, you can purchase several multi-park passes that include both theme parks.
- Seaworld and San Diego Zoo Combo Package includes one-day general admission to the San Diego Zoo and seven consecutive days of SeaWorld San Diego general admission.
- The San Diego 3-For-1 ticket gets you admission into SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park within seven days of your visit to the first park.
- The Go San Diego® 3-Day Pass grants you access to more than 45 attractions in the area, including both parks, but you must visit them within three consecutive days.
How much is SeaWorld San Diego parking?
General parking for a single car costs $30. Up-close parking costs $50, and VIP parking starts at $70. Annual pass holders receive free general parking.
Does the park offer annual passes?
Yes, the park offers three versions of the SeaWorld annual pass: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each pass has its own unique perks, but all passes offer unlimited admission, free guest tickets, discounts on dining, free general parking, and more. The Platinum pass provides unlimited visits to 11 other parks across the country.
What kind of ticket upgrades are available?
The park offers several different upgrades you can purchase, from animal encounters and reserved seating at shows to Quick Queue front-of-the-line access (we recommend this upgrade) and dining specials. These experiences are additional add-ons to your general admission ticket.
DOES SEAWORLD OFFER STUDENT DISCOUNTS?
No, SeaWorld does not offer student discounts. However, it’s always worth browsing the web for up-to-date deals and discounts offered at the various SeaWorld locations.
IS THERE A SEAWORLD FIRST-RESPONDER TICKET DISCOUNT?
SeaWorld is not currently offering discounts for First Responders, however, it has done so previously. Please continue to check back in for updated discounts and deals available for First Responders.
DOES SEAWORLD OFFER BUY-ONE-GET-ONE FREE TICKETS?
SeaWorld San Diego offers an incredible Kids Free Single-Day ticket annually for use in October (sometimes even September). This means that for every one adult ticket purchased, one child, between the ages of 3 and 9, can attend SeaWorld for free. All children under the age of 3 do not require a ticket upon entry.
Currently, children under nine years old get a FREE Single Day Ticket, along with an adult ticket. This ticket must be purchased by June 12, 2023. Visits are valid until the end of the year.
Are all the rides included with admission?
All the rides are included with your ticket, except for Bayside Skyride gondola and Skytower. Both rides cost an additional $6 for ages 3 and older. Rides are temporarily closed until further notice.
How Can I Get SeaWorld San Diego Discounts in the Park?
The best way to secure in-park discounts is through an annual pass. Depending on whether you choose Silver, Gold, or Platinum, you’ll receive 10-20% off of dining and up to 50% off of select merchandise purchases in addition to other perks.
What is your personal experience with the park?
I live on Mount Soledad in La Jolla, and I can see SeaWorld San Diego from my backyard. Having grown up in Orange County, I’ve been visiting the park since I was a kid. And I get to visit now as a parent. Sesame Street Bay of Play appeals to toddlers, the new roller coasters thrill teens, and there’s plenty to do for ages in between.
When marine mammals are in danger along the San Diego coastline, SeaWorld San Diego rescues them. I’ve called their rescue hotline when I’ve seen La Jolla seals and sea lions hurt or malnourished. They’ve always responded and have even followed up with me to let me know what happened to the animals.
How do you buy discount SeaWorld San Diego tickets?
See also: Top 10 Things to Do in San Diego and Best Things to Do at Mission Bay
Learn also how to buy discounts:
- LEGOLAND California tickets
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- Disneyland tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
- Universal Orlando tickets
- Aquatica San Diego tickets
- Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
- Walt Disney World tickets
- SeaWorld San Antonio tickets
- SeaWorld Orlando tickets
Photo credits: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld® San Diego
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
Planning a Trip to San Diego? Start Here!
And, don’t forget to save money on sightseeing with my discount tickets or a Go San Diego Card.
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Before You Go
San Diego Zoo vs. SeaWorld San Diego: Which Is Best to Visit?
18 Things to Do at SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
New SeaWorld San Diego Halloween Fun: Spooktacular & Howl-O-Scream
10 Fun Things to Do Near SeaWorld San Diego
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