Reopening Guide for San Diego Theme Parks
There’s really no end of great reasons to visit San Diego. Our miles of beautiful beaches, perfect year-round weather, and world-class museums and restaurants are only some of the most often-cited. Still, there’s another reason to experience “America’s Finest City” that truly stands out: our famous San Diego theme parks. This is one of the nation’s biggest and best destinations for theme park attractions, truly featuring something for everyone. And now that an end to the pandemic is on the horizon (and restrictions are predicted to be lifted statewide as of June 15th, 2021), San Diego’s theme parks are beginning to reopen to the public.
Interested in visiting? Then check out our handy guide to when and where you can once again enjoy theme parks in San Diego.
SeaWorld San Diego (1 mile from the hotel)
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
SeaWorld has delighted generations of visitors with its entertaining and educational up-close marine-life exhibits of playful seals, orcas, dolphins, and more. If you’ve been hoping to return to the park to visit all your underwater friends, then there’s good news! As of June 1, 2021, SeaWorld San Diego is once again open and welcoming guests. Appropriate face coverings are mandatory, and proof of vaccination may be required. Other guidelines also apply, so be sure to visit SeaWorld’s visitor information page for additional details.
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Belmont Park (1 mile away)
There’s just no substitute for the classic boardwalk-style beachfront amusement park. Thankfully, San Diego’s waterfront rides-and-games destination is once again open for business. Located in picturesque Mission Beach, Belmont Park features landmark rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster, plus mini-golf, rock climbing, classic oceanside dining, and more. If you plan to visit, please note that appropriate face coverings will still be required and certain group size limits are in effect. Check the Belmont Park “What’s Open” page for more info.
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Inflatable World (6 miles away)
(Photo: @inflatableworldSD)
San Diego’s bounciest new amusement park features giant inflatable bounce houses, exhibits, a toddler zone, climbing walls, and other buoyant balloonacy. Kids of all ages enjoy the air-filled fun at this 30,000-square-foot Mission Valley attraction. Inflatable World is currently welcoming visitors provided state-mandated COVID-safe protocols are followed (appropriate face coverings for all guests 2 years of age or older, appropriate distancing, etc.). More information is available at Inflatable World’s website.
1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
San Diego Zoo (7 miles away)
Rightly regarded as one of the finest zoos in the country, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals of more than 650 different species — including many threatened and endangered. The zoo’s exhibits, plus its conservation and education efforts, draw more than 3.2 million visitors every year. The zoo is currently open, and thanks to its open-air nature, it has fewer restrictions than some other area attractions — although face masks are required. Please note, however: Advance purchase of tickets is required for all visitors; no admission tickets will be sold on-site. If you have any additional questions, please check the San Diego Zoo Visitor information page.
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Balboa Park (8 miles away)
While not a theme park per se, Balboa Park is still an engaging family destination that draws millions of visitors per year thanks to its abundant green spaces, exceptional restaurants, collection of public art, and proximity to a family of world-class museums. Since the park itself is open-air, common-sense outdoor safety practices such as appropriate face masks, social distancing, and handwashing apply. If you plan to visit, be aware that each of the museums, restaurants, and other attractions within (and adjacent to) Balboa Park have their own levels of required safety. You can learn more at the Balboa Park COVID-19 safety page.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
LEGOLand California (32 miles away)
(Photo: @legolandcalifornia)
As a celebration of all things creative, LEGOLand California, in nearby Carlsbad, is a SoCal theme park destination that’s not to be missed. Thrill rides, live shows, and larger-than-life displays of brick-based art have delighted families here for more than two decades. If you plan to visit, you’ll find the park is currently open and ready to welcome you, albeit with some important considerations. Out-of-state guests will need to show valid ID and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, which must be completed at least 14 days prior to visiting. Limits on group sizes will also be strictly enforced. More information is available at LEGOLand’s “Safe to Play” information page.
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
San Diego Zoo Safari Park (33 miles away)
(Photo: @sdzsafaripark)
This sister park to the San Diego Zoo is located just outside of Escondido, about a half hour north of The Dana. This vast environment offers visitors a chance to observe animals in a wide-open space that closely mimics their natural habitat. The Safari Park is open and welcoming guests, provided the blanket safety policies that also cover the zoo are followed. Learn more about the park and its policies at the Safari Park’s Safety Information Page.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
Planning Your Visit
When considering your 2021 travel, it’s worth noting that as of late April 2021, California currently enjoys the lowest per capita COVID-19 case count in the nation. Thanks to the effectiveness of preventive measures such as social distancing, face masks, and the steady rate of immunization, California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that he plans to lift the majority of COVID-related restrictions in the state by June 15, 2021. So it’s certainly worth keeping a close watch on the state’s Travel Updates Information Page as you plan your travel schedule.
When it’s time to finalize your planning, The Dana on Mission Bay would be overjoyed to host you during your stay. Please feel free to take a look at our special offers page to select the travel deal that’s right for you — including our “You Belong in the Zoo” and “SeaWorld and Friends” packages, bundled with plenty of extras to better help you enjoy your time at these attractions!