SeaWorld San Diego To Celebrate 60th Anniversary

SAN DIEGO, CA — SeaWorld San Diego turns 60 this year. The theme park will celebrate the milestone anniversary with new experiences and limited-edition merchandise.

SeaWorld San Diego, which first opened on March 21, 1964, is slated to kick off the celebration with a launch party March 21-24. Park visitors can see a cake cutting ceremony each morning at 10 a.m. with Byron Surrett, chief parks operation officer, and receive a free cupcake, while supplies last.

Other special event highlights include:

• A gallery of historic photos and memorabilia from the park will be located at Explorer's Cafe.
• Costumed characters will be available for pictures, including Shamu, Coral the Dolphin, Sydney the Shark, Shivers the Polar Bear, Puck the Penguin and Flip the Sea Lion.
• Limited-edition food and beverage options will be available, including the return of the Shamu cookie, a blue velvet cake, a 60th Anniversary Burger, 60th Anniversary Donut, specialty cocktails and mocktails, and a 60th Anniversary IPA in partnership with Mike Hess Brewing.
• New and exclusive vintage merchandise will be available, including reusable water bottles, plush animals, snow globes, backpacks, notebooks, blankets, hats, sweatshirts and T-shirts.
• The them park will offer a custom Precious Moments collectible highlighting a memorable moment at SeaWorld titled "Sea a World of Wonder." Precious Moments sculptor Hiko Maeda will be at the park March 21-24 to sign purchased figurines and meet fans.

Later this year, the theme park will open the new exhibit, "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience." The exhibit will feature moon jellyfish, Pacific sea nettles, upside-down jellyfish and comb jellies.

For a limited time, visitors can purchase tickets, fun cards and annual passes for up to 50% off on the SeaWorld San Diego website.