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SeaWorldvsBelmont Park
Both are rated highly by professionals. On balance, SeaWorld is the choice of most reviewers compared to Belmont Park. SeaWorld comes in at #6 in San Diego with positive reviews from 6 sources like Fodor's, Travel + Leisure and Michelin Guide.
SeaWorld
Fodor's
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
U.S. News & World Report Travel + Leisure Frommer's
500 SeaWorld Drive, SeaWorld of California, San Diego, CA 92109
From $0/night
Fodor's "SeaWorld is spread over 189 tropically landscaped bay-front acres—and it seems to be expanding into every available square inch of space with new exhibits, shows, and activities." Full review
Frommer's "A big draw for a number of visitors coming to San Diego, the educational pretext of SeaWorld increasingly takes a back seat to slick shows and rides." Full review
Lonely Planet "One of the west’s most popular theme parks, SeaWorld opened here in 1964, and killer whale Shamu has become an unofficial symbol of the city." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This marine-inspired theme park has activities for kids of all ages, including several water rides like Shipwreck Rapids, a tube-style rafting adventure." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"This waterfront attraction mixes entertainment and education in a venue designed to heighten awareness of conservation issues." Full review
National Geographic "Original branch of the marine-theme amusement park. The “Shamu” orca show in a seven-million-gallon pool-stadium is impressive, as is the heavy dose of patriotism and souvenir peddling." Full review
Where "With San Diego’s connection to the Pacific Ocean, SeaWorld—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary—remains the signature theme park of America’s Finest City." Full review
U.S. News & World Report18.0
"Here you'll get to see a range of animals, including dolphins, California sea lions, California otters and sea turtles...as for the rides, travelers love the lightning fast Manta Ray rollercoaster" Full review
Travel + Leisure "SeaWorld's dolphins, orcas, Beluga whales, otters, turtles, penguins, fish, and other sea creatures entertain, educate, and make us appreciate their beauty and value their presence"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Frommer's "SeaWorld offers up simulated marine environments, including an arctic enclosure featuring beluga whales and polar bears, sharks looming overhead in a wraparound tank, and four penguin species" Full review
Belmont Park Lonely Planet Fodor's
Afar Magazine Where
Condé Nast Traveler U.S. News & World Report Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Frommer's
3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109
From $0/night
Lonely Planet "This old-style family amusement park at the southern end of Mission Beach has been here since 1925." Full review
Fodor's "The once-abandoned amusement park between the bay and Mission Beach Boardwalk is now a shopping, dining, and recreation complex." Full review
Afar Magazine "Belmont Park is right on Mission Beach and is a little amusement park with a wooden roller coaster." Full review
Where "Located right on Mission Beach, Belmont Park offers nostalgic summertime fun and modern entertainment for the whole family." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—at Belmont Park, we embrace it. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report19.0
"A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to beachfront amusement park and boardwalk Belmont Park." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Go back in time to an old-style beachside amusement park with rides, arcades, and views of the Pacific"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Travel + Leisure "This vintage amusement park features bumper cars, a carousel, and other classic attractions as well as shops, restaurants, and snacks"
22 Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Kids
February 21, 2023
Frommer's "There are a variety of carnie-style rides at Belmont Park, but something more unique awaits next door at the Wave House." Full review
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Note: As of this writing Belmont Park has declared bankruptcy over a lease dispute with the city.
