Though Disneyland gets all of the hype, there is another theme park that offers California tourists some much needed thrills and spills. SeaWorld in San Diego offers some of the most exciting features for both sea animal lovers and theme park patrons. There are many exhibits and live shows that focus, not on cartoon or movie characters, but on exotic sea creature life. These animals are truly wondrous creatures and steal the show every time—as hard as that may be, given SeaWorld's ultra-popular water rides. While SeaWorld is a great place to cool off, you can't ignore the amazing exhibits featuring Orcas (killer whale), sea lions, dolphins, penguins and other aquatic life.
Shamu is the most recognizable celebrity at Seaworld and the Orcas remain the most popular show at Sea World, showing up to six times per day. Audiences in the first 14 rows of the Shamu Stadium are warned that they will get wet—but nobody seems to mind the mischievous antics of this very well-behaved Orca. Shamu was the first female Orca ever captured and died in 1971. However, this original Shamu was the original Orca by which all other "stage name" Orcas are still named today, along with Namu and Ramu. However, SeaWorld is not all about the Orcas. There are also a variety of amusement park rides with sea-themes. There are roller coasters like the Journey to Atlantis attraction, which is a combination roller coaster and splashdown ride. There is also a 4D interactive movie entitled The Haunted Lighthouse and the Wild Arctic, which simulates a helicopter ride to the Arctic.
Some of SeaWorld's most fascinating attractions are the Encounter exhibits. The Shark Encounter allows guests to travel through a submerged acrylic tube into shark tanks. Imagine swimming with sharks safely and up close! You can also travel to see the Penguin Encounter, which gives guests the opportunity to view a variety of arctic penguin life. Other aquatic life that is sure to charm you includes some cameo appearances by manatees, polar bears, Pacific walruses and beluga whales.
When you visit SeaWorld you can take full advantage of the park's amenities. A SeaWorld San Diego Admission Tour gets you roundtrip transportation and admittance, which means you don't have to struggle with Los Angeles and San Diego traffic. This purchase gets you a full day of activity with full rights to video cameras. SeaWorld also offers a variety of restaurants and gift shops within the park. Choosing SeaWorld as a vacation destination is a smart move, as this is one theme park that can entertain both adults and children. SeaWorld in San Diego is as fun as it is educational. You can bring children along to enjoy the rides even while teaching them more about aquatic life and endangered species. SeaWorld in San Diego is just a short drive away from Los Angeles and one of the most exciting theme parks in all of California.
