SeaWorld San Antonio
Located in the heart of Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio is one of the largest marine-themed parks in the world. It’s a family favorite that combines aquatic animal shows, interactive exhibits, thrill rides, and a connected water park, making it a one-stop destination for both education and adrenaline.
History & Background
SeaWorld San Antonio opened its gates in 1988, originally focused almost entirely on marine education and entertainment. Over time, it added roller coasters, expanded animal habitats, and built up its water park offering. Today, it’s part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and known for blending conservation messaging with theme park excitement. It remains the largest SeaWorld park by physical size.
Ticket Prices & Packages
Single-day tickets start around $60, with frequent online discounts. Annual passes include unlimited visits and perks like free parking and quick ride queues. For extra value, you can also bundle admission with Aquatica San Antonio, the on-site water park.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round, although hours vary significantly by season.
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Spring and summer offer the most attractions open
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Fall and winter feature themed events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Celebration
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Average hours are from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, longer during peak summer months
For lighter crowds, visit on weekdays in late April, early June, or mid-September.
Top Rides & Attractions
Thrill Rides
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Texas Stingray – The tallest, fastest wooden coaster in Texas
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The Great White – Inverted coaster with loops and zero-G rolls
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Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster – Jet ski-themed launch ride
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Steel Eel – Hypercoaster with airtime hills and sweeping drops
Animal Encounters & Shows
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Orca Encounter – Educational and emotional killer whale presentation
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Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight – Comedic and interactive show
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Dolphin Lagoon – Up-close look at bottlenose dolphins
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Penguin Encounter – Indoor exhibit with icy habitats
Water Park (Aquatica San Antonio)
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Stingray Falls – Group raft ride through waterfalls and tunnels
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Loggerhead Lane – Lazy river surrounded by lush landscaping
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Tassie’s Twisters – High-speed body slides
Aquatica operates seasonally, typically from March to September.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
SeaWorld San Antonio is located on the city’s west side, about 25 minutes from downtown. Parking starts at $30 per day, with preferred and VIP options available. No direct public transport reaches the park, but ride-share services are commonly used.
Dining Options
SeaWorld offers a mix of fast casual and sit-down options across the park.
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Shamu’s Smokehouse – BBQ ribs, brisket, and classic sides
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Harborside Pizza – Family-style pizza and salad combos
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Explorer’s Café – Chicken tenders, burgers, and kids’ meals
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Pretzel and snack stands are scattered throughout
An All-Day Dining Deal is available and includes an entrée, side, and drink every 90 minutes. Dietary needs are accommodated at most locations.
Hotels & Accommodation
There are no hotels inside SeaWorld itself, but many nearby options cater to families and offer package deals.
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Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort – Upscale, family-friendly, 5 minutes away
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Hilton San Antonio Hill Country – Reliable mid-range hotel near the park
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La Quinta Inn by Wyndham SeaWorld – Budget choice with free breakfast
Some packages include a free shuttle to the park and early entry for certain events.
Tips for Visiting
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Download the SeaWorld app for showtimes, maps, and mobile ordering
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Arrive early for the best ride access and cooler weather
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Sunscreen and reusable water bottles are a must in Texas heat
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Plan ahead for animal encounters or dining experiences that require reservations
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If visiting Aquatica, pack swimwear and flip-flops for the locker areas