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This information last updated 3/20/2001.
| Where to Stay | Weather & Wardrobe | Budget |
I have stayed at various region hotels. I have some real horror stories that I can share via private email, but won't here. The end result is that I recommend you stay in the Hotel Circle area. Hotel Circle straddles freeway I-8 just East of the I-5. Driving in the area can be a tad confusing, as your hotel could be on either side of the freeway and it is not always apparent how to get across. The major advantages to staying here are several different restaurants on Hotel Circle less than 5 minutes' drive away, most major attractions within 15 minutes, a fair-sized shopping mall (Fashion Valley) a mile to the North, and a selection of accommodations to fit nearly every budget. Here are a few hotels that I picked at random. Their inclusion is for reference only and is not an endorsement of any particular property:
If you're an AAA member, pick up a California Tourbook and call the hotels that interest you. Don't forget to ask for your discount!
Note: Even though there's a pretty fair selection of hotels and a large number of rooms in the area, they fill up quickly. Make your reservation at least two months in advance. I've called a month prior during the Summer and was not find to get a room anywhere within 25 miles for under $100. Other times, I've been stuck in the not very nice parts of town. Call early!
Southern California has probably the best weather in the entire United States. San Diego is particularly temperate. The weather here can be unpredictable, though. In general, our coldest months are late October through mid-February, with some cold snaps coming back mid-March through early May. The warm months are mid February and early March, May, early June, late September, and early October. The other times are usually hot weather. I'm not going to quote averages, because I've always found them meaningless. Instead I will supply real numbers.
An overcast Winter's day will usually be in the low 60's while the sun is out, and can cool down to the 50's rather quickly. If it's windy, subtract up to 20 degrees for wind chill (it is a cold, moist breeze from the ocean). If it's a sunny day, the temperature will be in the mid-60's, but may go as high as 80! Be prepared though, because as soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly. Long pants or jeans and a medium-weight sweater or jacket should keep you comfortable. Leave the parka at home.
Rainy days are usually in the high 50's, and are not an unpleasant time to visit the park. Wear a poncho or a long coat with a hood, and bring something to sit on if you decide to see any of the shows, as the stadium seats are open to the weather.
The warm months usually see daytime highs to the low 80's, often tempered with a mild breeze. You should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 8; you'll get burned without even realizing it because it won't feel hot. Evening temperatures will dip into the 60's. These months are the least predictable of all. Layer your clothing, and bring a mid-weight jacket and heavy pants or jeans for those sudden cold snaps.
Summer days are almost never pleasant. It gets very hot, usually in the 90's, sometimes higher. Nights may be a balmy 75 degrees, or may quickly cool to the low 60's. Typical park dress is shorts or very lightweight pants and t-shirts or tank tops in lighter colors. You'll be sitting in the sun for up to an hour at a time and darker colors get uncomfortably hot. Bring swimsuits for the youngsters so they can cool off mid-day at Shamu's Happy Harbor. Also, bring sunscreen and use it, even if the sun is hiding behind the clouds. The sun is very strong in this region, and those who are fair-skinned can expect a sunburn in under 20 minutes. Sunscreen is available in the park for around $7-9, no bargain but you'll wish you'd spent the money when you're forced to stay indoors for three days because of your sunburn. Hats or umbrellas are also an excellent idea.
You may want to bring a change of clothing on the days the park is open late, or if you have children that insist on sitting in the splash zone. The water in Shamu's tank is the coldest, maintained at 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Bring a windbreaker or other light jacket and keep them in your car for the evening chill. Better yet, you may want to take a break from the crowds about 3:00 and go back to your hotel for a shower, swim, and dinner. Come back about 6:00 for Summer Nights!
All but the most upscale restaurants in the area around the park allow casual attire (t-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, etc.) so if you're visiting during the warmer months, don't be too concerned about changing. You'll fit in just like the other tourists, and most of the natives. You might want to leave the giant Shamu plush in the car, though.
So, you want to know how much a day at Sea World is going to cost you? I cannot tell you exactly how much to bring, but I can give you some general guidelines.
