Sea World on July 4th?

[pannm]

We went through our vacation plans and we're seriously considering switching our days. From what we've read, 100% of the beaches in San Diego/coronado area are PACKED on the 4th (no big deal...) we were going to go to the beach on the 4th, but because it's "three to four times more full as usual on a regular week day," we've decided to look into going to Sea world that day.

(For those of you who have actual knowledge of this stuff) With ALL of the things going on EVERYWHERE else on the 4th in San Diego...san diego fair, the beach parties, the coronado activities, other 4th of July activities...is Sea world going to be the better option? I know it will be 'busy', but is it INSANE on the 4th?

I do not want general sea world answers like "Oh, Sea World Orlando was packed on the 4th" because obviously, there are two completely different factors that need to be considered because of different locations...

Anyone know where I could find how full it was last year? Or any staff or other people of Sea World San Diego that know what's expected there this 4th?

 

[Camonkeygirl]

Since Seaworld is located by several beach areas, I would suggest getting there early, and leaving extra time for traffic. You will get to see lots of fireworks, but from what I have heard (my Brother use to work there) is that the 4th is not really much more busy than a normal summer day.

My suggestion would be to avoid that whole area on the 4th, due to the traffic. Are you planning on doing anything else like the Zoo or Balboa Park? If so, I would suggest those areas on the 4th. They don't have fireworks, so the crowd is not as bad. Last year, I think the 4th was the Zoo's lowest attendance date of the weekend.

 

[llump41]

Inside the park should be ok. But traffic to and fro will be a 10+ *****. If you leave after the fireworks so will the other 500k+ people who went to the beach that day.

 

[Huff]

We've gone on the 4th many times and loved it. Its crowded but not insane. The shows fill up and last minute late comers are blocked from entering. We've always planned ahead and arrived to get a seat early, about 30 minutes prior to show time and never had trouble. Less than that and you may not get a seat. That happens mostly at the Dolphin show. We just grab some snacks for while we wait.

The sea lion show has a pre-show that begins 15 minutes prior to posted show time. That means you must arrive even earlier but the pre-show is worth it.

Journey to Atlantis and Wild Arctic rides may have somewhat long lines midday but early or late should be short or even walkon. Shipwreck Rapids will have an insane line midday if its sunny and hot. Short after dark and they sell ponchos if needed. Exhibits are generally not a problem even on a crowded day. There maybe a 15-20 minute wait for the 4D movie and Shark Encounter midday.

The fireworks at night are great! Arrive early and plan to spend the entire day into the night there. Its worth it, plenty to see and do. The sea lion show as well as the shamu show have night time shows that are different than the daytime versions so be sure to see both.

We've not had traffic issues around Seaworld if you enter from I-8 and enter the parking area from the west entrance. Sea World drive from I-5 can get backed up entering the parking lot from the south. When leaving exit out past the dog kennels on the west. Much less traffic there.

 

[pannm]

Wow! Thanks for the great information! We will definately be excited to go there! We bought the southern Cali. City pass thru sea world, so we have two days at sea world. I was a little worried about going on the fourth, but from what I heard it should actually be better there than going to the beach would be in that area for the 4th!