SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Sesame Workshop Open Sesame Place San Diego

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street,” have opened Sesame Place San Diego, the newest theme park in California and the first Sesame Place on the West Coast.  

The new theme park is full of immersive experiences and admission provides access to all water attractions and dry rides, plus entertainment offerings like shows and a parade. Sesame Place is the second theme park of its kind in the U.S. 

Sesame Place offers 18 “Sesame Street”-themed rides and exciting water attractions, including a family-friendly rollercoaster, wave pool, lazy river, rides and waters slides, all included with park admission. Kids will get the chance to play in a world that offers immersive physical and digital character experiences, including an experience at the iconic “Sesame Street” Neighborhood. 

"This is a great time for the company as we open the doors to sunny days at Sesame Place and welcome guests from all over to experience this new theme park," says Marc Swanson, chief executive officer, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Sesame Workshop. We are continuing the legacy we started 42 years ago together by creating a second theme park in the U.S. where children and guests can laugh, learn and enjoy playing in a fun and meaningful way. This park is part of a big year for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment as we have opened new attractions already in 2022 across multiple parks as part of our overall business strategy and will continue to expand our offerings in the coming years with exciting experiences for our guests." 

The park includes a “Sesame Street” parade, a musical play area, photo opportunities and a never-before-seen live character show. "Welcome To Our Street" stars Elmo, Abby, Grover, Rosita and Cookie Monster as they all work together to find the perfect way to welcome their friends to Sesame Street. Offered a few times a day, the “Sesame Street” Party Parade is filled with contemporary tunes, Sesame Street favorites plus performers jumping rope, hula hooping and moving with their Sesame Street friends.  

"This moment has been over 40 years in the making," says Ed Wells, executive vice president and head, global media and education, Sesame Workshop. "Since the first Sesame Place launched in 1980, it has been one of the best ways for kids and families to interact with the Sesame brand and their favorite characters, up close and in person. We are thrilled to continue expanding our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment with the introduction of Sesame Place San Diego, the West Coast's only standalone theme park based entirely on ‘Sesame Street.’ This park is full of new interactive, entertaining and playful learning experiences for families and continues our mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder." 

The park also features 11 water attractions, including Big Bird's Beach with a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. Events throughout the year at Sesame Place will include The Count's Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas. 

Sesame Place San Diego opens as a Certified Autism Center as designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Sesame Place San Diego mirrors Sesame Place Philadelphia, which was the first theme park in the world to achieve this designation. Staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training was completed prior to the park's opening, and robust pre-visit planning resources, including a park-specific sensory guide are featured on its website, making it easier for parents to plan activities that satisfy their child's specific needs and accommodations. Designated quiet rooms with comfortable seating are in the park near Sesame Souvenirs. 

For more information and to purchase Season Passes, visit Sesameplace.com.