Must-See California Theme Parks & Attractions

San Diego is packed with great things to see and do including these top theme parks and attractions.

SeaWorld San Diego

Spread across 190 acres on beautiful Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld is known for its amazing animals, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides, beautiful landscaping and education programs for all ages.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the only attraction to offer this popular day sail adventure experience aboard San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history and sailing. Few 21st Century people have sailed aboard a 16th Century galleon. You can become one of them. No sailing experience is required. An invaluable addition to your experience is the onboard historian who will explain how the San Salvador was sailed, navigated and defended. 

In addition to learning about the exploration of the West Coast, guests can assist the sail crew, enhancing their back-in-time experience.

Your tickets include general admission to visit the Museum fleet of ships and exhibits before your sail!

This hilarious interactive show puts visitors right in the middle of the pirate action. Participants will be sworn in as part of the ship crew, trained how to navigate, sword fight, bail water from a sinking ship, escape from the King’s Jail, swab the deck and other pirate skills. Board at the Maritime Museum and head out on San Diego Bay for this non stop outdoor pirate playground staged aboard the galleon replica San Salvador.

Celebrate good fortune this Lunar New Year, a holiday recognized throughout many East and Southeast Asian countries. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, and those born during this zodiac year are known for being calm, agile, and prosperous.

Birch Aquarium is launching Oceans at Night, a first-of-its-kind event that invites a 21+ audience to experience an immersive blend of art, science and technology after hours. The new monthly series celebrates the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark. 

Oceans at Night features interactive experiences highlighting ocean phenomena that occur at night including bioluminescence and biofluorescence, while creating a fun, adults-only atmosphere with live music, a glow lounge with life-sized games, glowing nighttime dives and epic ocean views.