From Baby Dolphins to Flamingo Chicks, Summer is Serving Marine Magic, Music Legends and Major Splash Vibes

Summer in San Diego is already a vibe, but SeaWorld is making it unforgettable. From dolphin calves and fizzy pink drinks to retro beats and reimagined coasters, this year’s Summer Spectacular brings the kind of high-energy, all-day experience that defines peak summer in San Diego. You’ll catch ’90s legends perform live, meet rescued marine animals with stories that’ll melt your heart, and stay late for fireworks, laser shows, and $0.75 beer.Whether you’re in it for the music, the marine magic, or the splash-filled thrills, here are six reasons why SeaWorld San Diego is the summer event you can’t miss. summer at SeaWorld San Diego

 

Baby Dolphins. Enough Said.

You could scroll TikTok for hours and not find anything cuter than Cardiff and Chance, two rescued dolphins who’ve made inspiring comebacks thanks to SeaWorld’s animal rescue pros. Cardiff was found near Cardiff Beach with a fractured jaw and head trauma; Chance was discovered alone in the South Bay salt flats, fighting to survive. Both were deemed non-releasable and now thrive in the company of their playful podmates, proving that resilience has flippers.

And the pod’s about to get even cuter: two brand-new dolphin calves, Jupiter and Phin, were recently born to first-time moms Coco and Corona. For now, these little ones are bonding with mom behind the scenes and will join the pod later this year, so stay tuned for double the baby dolphin cuteness.

Watching young dolphins play, bond, and learn in real time feels like a front-row seat to the marine version of Bluey.

Bonus: every visit supports SeaWorld’s animal rescue and rehab efforts—more than 42,000 rescues and counting.

The Summer Spectacular Concert Series Is Pure ’90s and 2000s Gold

Dream on, dream away… I think I’m gonna have to stay. Stay forever.

If those Color Me Badd lyrics just triggered a core memory, you already know what kind of night this is. And just wait until you’re shouting “My pony!” at full volume when Ginuwine hits the stage.

SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series is a full-on time machine, minus the dial-up tone. Every Saturday night from June 21 to August 23 (except July 5), the Bayside Amphitheater becomes the place to relive the music that raised us. Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Trina, Ying Yang Twins, Baby Bash, and Waka Flocka Flame are all on deck. You’ll also catch stacked throwback collabs during the I Love the ’90s Tour—featuring Rob Base, Treach of Naughty by Nature, Young MC, and Color Me Badd—and The Turnt Up Tour with Petey Pablo, Bubba Sparxxx J-Kwon, and Paul Wall.

Concert access is included with admission, but if you’re all about prime views and perks (yes, including a complimentary drink), go for reserved seating. Even better? Become a Pass Member and unlock unlimited summer access to every concert and weekend. With no blockout dates, it’s the best way to catch all the hits and all the fun.

 

Bennett the Sea Otter Pup Is Stealing Hearts

Rescued at just 2.5 weeks old after being found alone in Pebble Beach, Bennett the southern sea otter pup has overcome a challenging start to life. After receiving care at Monterey Bay Aquarium, Bennett was deemed non-releasable and transferred to SeaWorld San Diego, where he met Mocha, a 13-year-old otter known for her exceptional maternal instincts.

From the start, Mocha stepped into a nurturing role, guiding Bennett through essential otter skills like deep diving, foraging, and playful discipline. Now five months old and full of energy, Bennett is thriving as he prepares to make his debut at the Wild Arctic exhibit.

With his spirited personality and inspiring rescue journey, Bennett is more than just cute—he’s a living example of SeaWorld’s commitment to marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

 

Reimagined and Ready: Journey to Atlantis Is Back

One of the park’s most legendary coasters is back, and she’s had work done. The reimagined Journey to Atlantis now includes immersive storytelling, mind-bending LED visuals, and a fierce new narrative featuring the S.E.A. Collective and a very not-chill kraken. Think: ancient secrets, mermaids, scientists, and a splashing finale that’ll leave you soaked and screaming in the best way.

You’ll be hooked from the moment you step into the queue. And yes, it still has a major water drop, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.

But this is more than just a flume ride with flair. The adventure kicks off in the Discovery phase, where you’ll explore S.E.A. Collective research and decode mystical murals that hint at Atlantis’s rise and fall. In Descent, you’ll board your boat and dive into the ruins just in time for a full-on Kraken attack brought to life with projection mapping, thunderous sound, and soaking water effects. Then comes Escape: a bold vertical elevator finale that launches you skyward in a flash of lightning and mist. Will you outpace the beast? That’s on you.

And if you’re still hungry for adrenaline? The Manta coaster blends underwater vibes with family-friendly thrills in a multimedia launch ride that mimics the swoop of a giant ray. For something a little more electric, Electric Eel delivers twisting inversions, heart-pounding drops, and a whole lot of hang time, all in a compact, high-energy package.

summer at SeaWorld San Diego

Cute Chicks of Summer

SeaWorld’s fabulous flock just got bigger—fluffy flamingo chicks have hatched this season, and you can spot them lounging on mud mounds, living their best baby bird life. Flamingos aren’t born pink; their vibrant color comes from carotenoids in their diet, and brighter feathers mean better luck in love.

Home to Caribbean flamingos—one of the largest and most colorful species—SeaWorld even offers an Up-Close Encounter where you can step into their habitat, snap pics, and talk with an aviculturist. The park’s flamingo care runs deep; in 2019, the team helped rescue nearly 2,000 orphaned chicks in South Africa.

What’s equally as cute as flamingo chicks? Three fluffy king penguin chicks! Covered in soft brown down feathers, these chicks will eventually molt into the sleek black-and-white feathers with bright orange accents that define their species. As the second-largest penguin species in the world, adult king penguins can weigh between 25 to 45 pounds. With over 200 penguins representing five species in Penguin Encounter, don’t miss your chance to see these adorable chicks up close during the Ultimate On-Ice Penguin Experience.Whether they waddle or wade, flamingo and penguin chicks prove that cuteness knows no climate!

 

The Party Doesn’t Stop When the Sun Goes Down

Extended hours mean more time for thrills, snacks, and nighttime sparkle. Get front row for the new Rhythm of the Reef Parade, or vibe out at Pirates Ahoy! Catch BMX riders pulling backflips under the stars, if that’s more your speed. The summer lineup is stacked. Cap it all off with the Enchanted Wonders Fireworks show every night this summer—a dreamy, music-backed finale that feels straight out of a movie.

And yes, there’s $0.75 beer. Every day. One per guest. Cold and waiting at High Tides Brew. Cheers to that.

 

The Final Splash

Whether you’re chasing thrills on Journey to Atlantis or swaying to “Lean Back” with Fat Joe, SeaWorld brings the heat. Summer 2025 is a full remix of conservation and celebration, blending splashy fun with heartwarming moments. Bond with a baby sea otter. Watch dolphin calves play. Dance your heart out at high-energy concerts. Come for the headliners, stay for the animal encounters, and leave with your heart a little fuller. Your camera roll will be overflowing.

Plan your visit at SeaWorld San Diego, and catch the best of San Diego summer while it lasts.