SeaWorld San Diego Celebrates 60th Anniversary

The theme park has celebration plans for 2024, starting March 21, for a limited time, guests can purchase tickets, Fun Cards and annual passes for up to 50% off.

By Andreína Longoria.

Tijuana.- SeaWorld turns 60 this year, and SeaWorld San Diego has big plans to celebrate all year long. Starting March 21, it will be 60 years to the day SeaWorld first opened its doors in San Diego. Plus, for a limited time, guests can purchase tickets, Fun Cards and annual passes at up to 50% off.

To kick off the celebration, SeaWorld San Diego will host a 60th Anniversary Launch Party March 21-24 that will include:

• A celebratory cake cutting at the park opening with Byron Surrett, director of parks operations. Byron will speak to guests and reflect on the company’s 60 years. This ceremony will take place every day at 10am and guests will receive a free cupcake, while supplies last.

• Special limited-edition food and drink options, including the return of the beloved Shamu cookie, a blue velvet cake, a 60th anniversary burger, a 60th anniversary donut, special mocktails and a special 60th IPA 30th anniversary in partnership with Mike. Hess Brewing. This new beer will be a variation on Mike Hess’ beloved West Coast IPA, with an expansion of bright citrus, pine and resin notes and more fruit characteristics.

• New and exclusive vintage merchandise, including reusable water bottles, stuffed animals, snow globes, backpacks, notebooks, blankets, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, a custom Precious Moments collectible and more.

• A custom Precious Moments collectible highlighting a memorable moment at SeaWorld titled “Sea a World of Wonder.” This limited edition figure will only be available for purchase while supplies last. Precious Moments sculptor Hiko Maeda will be at the park to sign purchased figures and meet with fans from March 21-24. Hours will vary by day and will be available in the park’s daily hours.

• For the first time in recent years, guests will be able to see Shamu & Crew together again and take a commemorative photo with them. Kids of all ages will love meeting costumed characters: Shamu, Coral the Dolphin, Sydney the Shark, Shivers the Polar Bear, Puck the Penguin and Flip the Sea Lion.

• In-park commemorative displays that share memorable in-park moments with guests and ambassadors. Guests are invited to share their own images and videos of their favorite SeaWorld memories using #SeaWorld60.

• In the Explorer’s Café there will be a special gallery of historical photographs and park memorabilia from the past 60 years.

To add more excitement to 2024, the new “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” exhibition will open later this year. The Jellyfish Experience, the first of its kind at SeaWorld parks, will be the park’s newest immersive and interactive aquarium.

Plus, coming soon are exciting new performances and shows, new food and beverage options, and more exclusive and collectible merchandise.