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SeaWorldvsSan Diego Zoo
Both are highly recommended by expert reviewers. Overall, San Diego Zoo scores significantly better than SeaWorld. San Diego Zoo has a TripExpert Score of 96 with recommendations from 7 reviews such as Where, Lonely Planet and Travel + Leisure.
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
San Diego Zoo Fodor's
Concierge Lonely Planet Michelin Guide National Geographic Where
Time Out Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
2929 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
From $0/night
Fodor's "Balboa Park's—and perhaps the city's—most famous attraction is its 100-acre zoo." Full review
Concierge "No other local attraction is more synonymous with San Diego than the Zoo, a 90-year-old institution that lives up to its reputation."
Lonely Planet "This justifiably famous zoo is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions, showing more than 3000 animals representing more than 650 species in a beautifully landscaped setting." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"One of the largest, most diverse and most celebrated zoological parks in the world." Full review
National Geographic "World-renown 100-acre (40-hectare) facility in Balboa Park, with a botanical collection that rivals the animals. Bus tours skirt most enclosures quickly." Full review
Where "It's world-famous for a reason. Visitors can get up close and personal with more than 4,000 creatures from nearly every corner of the world. " Full review
Time Out "Nestled in Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo fully deserves its reputation as one of the finest in the world." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The expansive “habitats” include a tropical rainforest filled with gorillas, a recreated Arctic tundra with polar bears and reindeer, and a Giant Panda Research Station." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This world-famous zoo in Balboa Park houses more than 4,000 animals including giant pandas from China and many rare and endangered species"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Travel + Leisure "The zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals and more than 650 species and subspecies. Plus, its wildlife alliance arm has made great strides in areas like genetic diversity, reproductive sciences."
14 of the Best Zoos in the U.S.
April 8, 2022
