One day. Sea World and ???

Question

Hi.

We are two adults, with one 9 years old. On August 6 (Wed), we will arrive at SAN late evening, pick rental car and stay around. August 7 (Thu) will be Sea World day till evening. Later we will leave for LA, when usual traffic will be slow down. Questions -

1- In which area we should stay ? A basic one is okay to spend night, neither we are very picky for food.

2- We can leave Sea World by 5 PM and if we assume we will leave for LA around 8, we will have around 3 hours to spend around. I searched on Google and found few options to choose from -

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

La Jolla Cove and Underwater park

Cabrillo National Monument (looks like closes at 5 pm)

Anything else?

What would you suggest ?

Thanks

Answer

For your one-night stay in San Diego, since your main activity the next day is Sea World, it makes sense to stay in a central area with easy access to the freeway for your departure to LA in the evening. Neighborhoods like Mission Valley, Hotel Circle, or even near Old Town are practical, affordable, and convenient for dining and access to Sea World. Mission Valley is especially good for budget options and quick freeway access.

Regarding your late afternoon/early evening options after Sea World:

Sea World usually closes around 5 PM in August, so leaving the park around that time gives you a few hours to enjoy the city before starting the drive to LA around 8 PM. Here are some options:

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: This is a fantastic choice for a short scenic stop. The cliffs offer dramatic ocean views and are ideal for photos. Sunset is particularly beautiful here, so your timing works perfectly. Note that parking is limited, so a quick stop is usually best.
La Jolla Cove and Underwater Park: A short drive from Sea World, La Jolla Cove is scenic with sea lions, tide pools, and ocean views. It’s kid-friendly and a relaxing place to stretch your legs before a longer drive.
Cabrillo National Monument: As you noted, it closes at 5 PM, so it won’t be feasible for your schedule unless you arrive earlier in the day. Otherwise, it’s best saved for another visit.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: If you want a quick cultural experience, Old Town offers historic buildings, shops, and a casual atmosphere for a short stroll or snack. It’s open later than Cabrillo and is conveniently located near Mission Valley.
Point Loma/Harbor Drive: You could drive along the waterfront near the marina for sunset views, stopping briefly for photos or a walk along the promenade. This is easy to combine with a short snack or coffee stop before hitting the freeway.

For a quick itinerary suggestion:

Leave Sea World by 5 PM.
Drive ~15 minutes to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for sunset photos (~30–45 minutes).
Optionally, swing by La Jolla Cove (~20 minutes) if you want to see sea lions or grab a quick snack.
Head back to your hotel in Mission Valley to pick up any belongings and then start your drive to LA around 8 PM when traffic is lighter.

This plan maximizes your scenic experiences without rushing and keeps you on schedule for your evening departure to LA. Staying near Mission Valley ensures you’re close to Sea World, easy freeway access, and reasonable dining options for dinner or a late snack.

One day. Sea World and ???

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