SeaWorld San Diego

Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown in Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld is a marine-inspired theme park covering nearly 200 acres. The park has activities for kids of all ages, including several water rides like Shipwreck Rapids, a tube-style rafting adventure. The biggest star—literally—is “Shamu,” the killer whale, along with other popular performances like the “Cirque de La Mer” acrobatic attraction, “Blue Horizons” dolphin and bird show, and “Sea Lions Live.” Aquariums and exhibits such as Turtle Reef and the California Tide Pool allow for up-close encounters with the animals.