Sea World, San Diego
Located in the Mission Bay area of San Diego, easily reached from the freeway is Sea World.
The theme park / aquarium / zoo has grown in recent years such that one day is not sufficient to see all of it. We would recommend at least 2 days if you want to go to every show and see every exhibit.
Tickets are $47 for adults and $38 for children aged 3-9 which makes it an expensive day out, especially when you add in the food & drinks and even more so if you buy photos and other souvenirs.
A better value ticket is the Deluxe Single Day ($55 / $45) which actually gives you 2 days in the park and a behind-the-scenes tour.
Seaworld is definitely a great place to visit and the shows are very entertaining and polished.
Swim with the Dolphins
For a very special treat for someone you can suit up (wetsuit provided) and take part in the Dolphin Interaction Program ($140).
For 90 minutes you get to go in a pool with the dolphins and in small groups of about 4 a trainer will teach you to go through some tricks with a dolphin.
