San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California. It is the second-largest city in California and the eighth largest in the United States. San Diego is renowned for its vast miles of white sandy beaches, parks and favorable climate throughout the year. The climate is characterized by warm, dry summers, mild winters and an average yearly temperature of above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius). Its economy majorly depends on defense/ military, tourism, international trade, and manufacturing. Tourist attractions include Balboa Park, Belmont amusement park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld San Diego. With all these parks, it is no wonder in 2013, it was rated by ‘The Trust for Public Land’ as having the ninth-best park system among the 50 most populous US cities. For a place to stay in the city, check out some amazing historic hotels and beach house rentals. Read on to find out more about the top theme parks and amusement parks in San Diego, California.
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1. Sesame Place
Based on the beloved Sesame Street TV show characters, this theme park brings to life the world of Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and more. With a variety of interactive attractions, thrilling rides, live shows, and meet-and-greet opportunities with favorite Sesame Street characters, Sesame Place creates a delightful atmosphere of fun and learning.
The park is designed with young children in mind, offering gentle rides, splash zones, and play areas that cater to their interests and developmental stages. From colorful parades to engaging performances, Sesame Place immerses visitors in the whimsical world of Sesame Street while promoting values like friendship, creativity, and curiosity. It’s a fantastic destination that combines entertainment, education, and cherished childhood memories.
Sesame Place
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, USA
Website: Sesame Place
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Fri: 10am - 5pm; Wed - Thu: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm
2. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
This zoo sits on 1,800 acres (728.4 hectares). It is home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 400 species and a botanical collection of 3,500 species and 1.5 million specimens. The animals are wild and endangered species from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.
Explore exhibits such as Asian Savanna and African Plains where you will see animals such as Indian rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and giraffes, Tiger trail with Sumatran tigers, Nairobi Village, and Gorilla Forest and lion camp. Enjoy photo caravan rides, balloon safaris, and safari tours that pull up right alongside the various animals. So if you want the little ones to have a unique adventure in San Diego, this park ticks the box!
Book Tours : San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tram Tour
3. Aquatica San Diego
HOORAY for the weekend: Time to go on Taumata Racer! We open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Adventurers. See you here at Aquatica!
Posted by Aquatica San Diego on Friday, 11 September 2015
Aquatica San Diego is a seasonal park that usually opens in May and closes in late September. It features seven long water slides, many pools to play in, and flamingoes and freshwater turtle habitats. Experience the thrilling water rides that are suitable for the whole family. Relax and unwind sitting in the lazy river or pools. This water park in San Diego definitely offers a worthwhile experience and is a great way to spend your day out in the lovely sun!
Aquatica San Diego
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, USA
Website: Aquatica San Diego
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am to 6pm
Price: 47.99 USD/adult and 42.99 USD/child
4. Inflatable World
We are OPEN for the 2018 season and what a beautiful day it is! Hope to see you and your families soon!
Posted by Inflatable World Mission Valley on Saturday, 7 April 2018
Bring your kids here for a fun day out. This giant amusement park is next to a shopping mall and features 13 amazing inflatables with massive slides, obstacle courses, and bounce houses. Sometimes it has water slides and water balloon fights as well. The location gives children plenty of space to run and play in the sun. The inflatable world offers parents the ideal place to enjoy some play time with their children.
Inflatable World
Address: 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Website: Inflatable World
Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 12pm to 6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am to 6pm
Price: From 17 USD
5. Balboa Park Miniature Railroad
Back in the old days, traveling by train was the image of American romance. Get to go on an amazing train ride at Balboa Park Miniature Railroad. The train is operated by San Diego Zoo. Enjoy a three-minute ride through a portion of Balboa Park in this open-air antique train. The ride is suitable for both adults and kids.
Balboa Park Miniature Railroad
Address: 1800 Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Balboa Park Miniature Railroad
Opening hours: Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4.30pm
Price: 3 USD
6. Belmont Park
This oceanfront amusement park offers thrilling rides and a boardwalk where you can soak in the sun at the beach or go surfing or swimming in the ocean. The most famous ride is the Giant Dipper roller coaster. Keep fit while indulging in fun things to do like rock climbing, rock wall, zip line, and sky rope. Have fun playing games like laser maze, laser tag, overdrive bumper cars, and Tiki Town mini golf. There are also various restaurants where you can have a bite with the ocean view as your backdrop. With all these attractions, visiting this park is a must do.
Belmont Park
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: Belmont Park
Opening hours: Friday-Saturday 11am to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 8 pm
7. Waterfront Park
Posted by County of San Diego Waterfront Park on Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Enjoy a day at this public park that features interactive splash fountains, beautiful gardens with distinct themes, and a lot of playing ground and equipment for kids. To ensure that a well-rounded family bonding is catered, picnic areas at this park are provided as well. Unleash the kid in you and play in the splash fountains or unique playing ground. Take a walk along the waterfront while capturing great pictures.
Waterfront Park
Address: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Waterfront Park
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 6am to 10pm
8. K1 Speed
K1 Speed has a chain of indoor-racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all ages and skill levels. Explore Arrive & Drive races that are 14-lap heats against the clock. The karts feature 20hp electric motors that for roughly 0.25 miles (0.4 km) indoor kart track, they can reach speeds approaching 45mph. Feel the adrenaline rush as you race fast in these karts.
K1 Speed
Address: 1709 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113, USA
Website: K1 Speed
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday 11am to 11pm, Saturday 10am to 12am, Sunday 10am to 9pm
Price: From 22 USD
9. Legoland California
Sitting on a 128-acre (52-hectare) site, LEGOLAND California features a range of 60 thrilling rides, shows, and imagination-stimulating games. Visit Explorer Island where you can travel through a prehistoric jungle and dig for fossils. Small kids can build with large soft play bricks at DUPLO Playtown. Enjoy six pirate-themed water rides on LEGO boats at Pirate Shores. Tour Miniland USA which showcases large-scale LEGO models of eight regions in the USA. Hungry? You can eat from more than ten restaurants and food stands!
One of the best amusement parks in San Diego, Legoland is more favorable for children but kids at heart can also enjoy various activities.
Book Tours : LEGOLAND California Admission Ticket
10. SeaWorld San Diego
This animal theme park, oceanarium, outside aquarium and mammal park sits on nearly 200 acres (81 hectares) in Mission Bay. Feel the adrenaline rush as you go on thrilling rides such as the Manta and Electric Eel. Journey through one of the world’s largest underwater viewing tunnels and see killer whales, walruses, beluga whales, dolphins, otters, sea lions, turtles, penguins, and sharks. Go on animal tours where you get to interact with some of the animals and even feed them. You can also attend shows such as the Chinese acrobats and seasonal events such as the Lunar New Year. Enjoy an all-day dining package that offers a beverage, an entree, a side or a dessert up to once per hour at participating restaurants. It’s a great way to spend a day at this theme park that has activities favorable for both adults and children.
Book Tours : SeaWorld; San Diego Admission Ticket
Experience untamed joy
Theme parks and amusement parks provide a safe zone where children can be children and enjoy their various attractions and adults can get in touch with their inner child self. There is everything for everyone and a day here, out in the lovely sun will definitely be extremely fun and you will create lovely memories to be cherished. Plan a trip to San Diego and visit the top theme parks and amusement parks in San Diego, California.
Frequently asked questions about the theme parks and amusement parks in San Diego, California
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