What’s your definition of fun? For many, it is a visit to a theme park or a water park with their loved ones. From hopping onto different rides and slides to meet and greet sessions, the amusement parks let one immerse themselves in a fun-filled experience. So what are you waiting for? Experience a day filled with thrill and adventure at one or more of the amusement parks in San Diego. We guarantee that there won’t be a dull moment as you get immersed in unique activities.
5 Amusement Parks In San Diego
Here’s the list of top amusement parks in San Diego to indulge in a unique experience with various themes and thrilling rides that cater to different age groups:
1. Belmont Park
Belmont Park is one of the best amusement parks in San Diego where you can enjoy a day packed with entertainment. Start your adventure with big thrill rides like Beach Blaster, Zero Gravity, Giant Dipper Rollercoaster, Octotron and Flip Out to little thrill rides like Tilt-A-Whirl, Krazy Kars, Wave Jumper, Mic Drop, and more.
A section dedicated to games includes escape rooms, arcade games, carnival-style games (balloon busting, tub toss, etc.), racing games, virtual shooters, claw machines, sports games, and more. There is a photo booth on the premises where you along with your family and friends can dress up and get pictures clicked. After a day of enjoyment, you can grab a snack or meal from any of the restaurants or quick-bite sections on the premises.
Location: 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
Timings: 12 noon to 6 p.m. (timings are subject to change daily so make sure to check the calendar)
Ticket Price: Starting $25 onwards
Must Read: Things To Do In San Diego
2. Sesame Place
Image Credit: Lilypad.ua for Wikimedia Commons
Sesame Place offers more than 18 rides, games, live entertainment, attractions, and more for a day full of fun. With family-friendly rides, slides and play areas, the park remains crowded all day long. The themed rides include Sesame Street Soar & Spin, Cookie Monster-themed towers, Elmo’s Rocket Ships, Abby’s Fairy Flight, and more. Whereas, themed slides include Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides, Cookie Monster Mixer, and Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnels, among others.
Live shows and party parades featuring famous characters accompanied by meet and greet sessions, high-energy music and bright lights are the highlights of Sesame Place. Storytime session with the Big Bird is an interactive experience that engages people of all ages alike. The park also conducts events regularly.
Location: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Timings: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (timings are subject to change daily so make sure to check the calendar)
Ticket Price: Starting $46.99 onwards
3. SeaWorld
Spread across an area of 189 acres, SeaWorld is famous for its sea animal shows, aquariums, rides and rollercoasters. It houses the fastest and longest roller coaster to exist on the West Coast. The rides here are divided into three categories: low, high and medium thrill, and you can hop onto it as per the level of thrill you want to seek. The prominent rides include Shipwreck Rapids, Journey to Atlantis, Tentacle Twirl, and Manta, among others.
The park authority organises seasonal events like Mardi Gras, Howl-O-Scream, Viva La Musica, Seven Seas Food Festival, Christmas Celebration, and more. Special encounters and presentations with dolphins, orcas, and sea lions are the highlights of the SeaWorld.
Location: 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Timings: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (timings are subject to change daily so make sure to check the calendar)
Ticket Price: Starting $57.99 onwards
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In San Diego
4. The Wave Waterpark
Next on the list is one of the best water parks in San Diego, The Wave Waterpark, with numerous pools and waterslides to enjoy your entire day. Although the park is small compared to other amusement parks in San Diego, it is popular among the kids. Splash Pad, Slide Tower, Riptide Slide, El Rio Loco, and Flow Rider are the different sections of The Wave Waterpark. Another section, The Competition Pool, is a temperature-controlled pool where you can practice swimming.
The little ones are in for a treat as the park has additional facilities like the mermaid program, junior lifeguard program, swimming lessons, flow rider & water polo classes, splash camps, CPR classes, and scout badge programs. To satiate your hunger pangs there are a variety of food options available, from Pizzas and Burgers to Churros and Pretzels, along with beverages.
Location: 101 Wave Drive, Vista, CA 92083
Timings: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (timings are subject to change daily so make sure to check the calendar)
Ticket Price: Starting $21 onwards
5. San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo is more than a zoo, offering a plethora of activities to visitors, making it one of the most popular theme parks in San Diego. The main activities of the park include wildlife presentations, Botanical tours of Orchid Greenhouse & Carnivorous Plant Greenhouse, 4D theatre, and play areas for kids like Tree of Dreams, Elephant Play Yard, and Polar Play Area.
The aerial tram offers breathtaking views of the zoo as you hop onto it for a ride. Special experiences like exploring the zoo on a Discovery Cart Tour, exclusive VIP experience with a personal tour guide, up close animals-in-action experience, inside look tours, and early morning access to Wildlife Explorer’s basecamp.
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (timings are subject to change daily so make sure to check the calendar)
Ticket Price: Starting $58 onwards
Further Read: San Diego Beaches
Excited to visit these amusement parks In San Diego? We already know your answer! So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to the U.S.A. and embark on this fun adventure that is going to be worthwhile. The experiences you will carry back to your home will be stories to cherish for a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amusement Parks In San Diego
Does San Diego have amusement parks?
Yes, San Diego has some of the best amusement parks in the USA like:
1. SeaWorld
2. San Diego Zoo
3. Belmont Park
4. The Wave Waterpark
5. Sesame Place
Is Disneyland closer to LA or San Diego?
Disneyland in Anaheim, California is 30 miles away from Los Angeles and 95 miles away from San Diego. Hence, it is closer to LA.
What is the best time to visit San Diego’s amusement parks?
Spring and fall season in San Diego is the best time to visit the amusement parks as the climatic conditions are pleasant for outdoor activities.
What is the biggest roller coaster at SeaWorld in San Diego?
Emperor Dive Coaster is the fastest, tallest and longest roller coaster in SeaWorld in San Diego that can plunge 90 degrees with a speed of 60 miles per hour.
How much does it cost to get into the San Diego Zoo?
One day pass for value days at San Diego Zoo costs $58 for children aged 3-11 and $68 for adults aged 12 and above. However, on regular days, a day pass costs $62 for children aged 3-11 and $72 for adults aged 12 and above.
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