Major Attractions

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is launching a new permanent exhibition that brings seadragon conservation to the forefront. Slated to open by Memorial Day 2019, the exhibition, which has yet to be named, will be home to weedy and leafy seadragons as well as several species of seahorses and pipefish. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be one of the most expansive seadragon habitats in the world. The 18-foot-wide, 9-foot-tall exhibit will hold 5,375 gallons of water, and the habitat is designed to create the ideal environment to breed leafy seadragons, which has never been done in captivity. With an expanded seahorse nursery, hands-on experiences for young learners and a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes Seadragon Lab, the exhibition will immerse guests into the underwater lives of seahorses and seadragons, while giving them a peek into the work Birch Aquarium’s world-class husbandry team is doing to ensure the species survive into the future. The new seadragon exhibition will be the fourth major exhibition Birch Aquarium has opened in three years and the largest indoor aquarium addition since its grand opening in 1992.

In 2019, LEGOLAND® California Resort celebrates its 20^th anniversary in San Diego’s North County. The theme park is giving children aged 12 and under a free admission on their birthday in celebration of LEGOLAND’s 20th birthday. The park is also offering special events throughout the year starting with The LEGO® Movie™ Days on Feb. 16-18 and 23-24. Movie Days celebrate the release of The LEGO® Movie™ 2: The Second Part and are filled with fun activities for guests including photos with the cast, a scavenger hunt and a LEGO build activity inspired by the blockbuster film. An exclusive attraction will also be coming to LEGOLAND California in conjunction with the movie’s opening in February. Additionally, coming in spring, “LEGO® City 4D- Officer in Pursuit,” a new 4D short film exclusive to LEGOLAND parks debuting at the Showplace Theater, will combine dazzling 3D computer animation with 4D real-world effects.

SeaWorld San Diego’s new dueling roller coaster, Tidal Twister, will make its debut in May 2019. A first of its kind adventure, this unique ride is an exhilarating experience that demonstrates the power of the ocean. Accelerating to 30 mph, riders will twist and bank as if riding the tide along a tight figure-8 track that includes a dynamic zero-G roll at the center section. Two trains, holding 16 passengers each, load at opposite ends of the figure-8 track and cross in the center with guests facing both forward and backward on the trains. A height requirement of only 48" makes this a perfect ride for younger guests and family members. Also, in 2019, the park is offering a lineup of year-round seasonal events, all connected to a cause that reflects SeaWorld’s Park-to-Planet commitment to help save the ocean and the creatures that live there.