Watch colorful floats, dancers, and favorite Sesame Street friends cruise along the main route. Upbeat music and bubbles keep little ones totally transfixed.
Pro tip: Pick a curbside spot about 15 minutes early so kids can see.
Sesame Place San Diego Tickets
Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.Loved by over 54 million guests worldwide
Top things to do in San Diego
How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless
We curate the best ways to experience
We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.
We partner with the best
Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.
All the best options, in one place
Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.
Book with complete peace of mind
Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.
Slide 1 of 41/4
Slide 1 of 4
Quick overview
- Ticket options: Pick dated or any-day single tickets for full access to rides, shows, and water attractions; annual passes suit locals planning repeat visits.
- Zones & rides: Sesame Place San Diego blends a themed main street and gentle dry rides with slides, splash areas, lazy river, and wave pool.
- Unique experiences: Expect a character parade, live shows, meet-and-greets, optional character dining, plus seasonal Halloween and Christmas events when on the calendar.
- Queues & access: All guests clear security and turnstiles; online tickets skip ticket booths, and on select dates priority passes shorten queues at major slides and rides.
- When to book: Summer weekends and holidays are busiest; book 1–2 weeks ahead and target midweek dates if you prefer lighter crowds.
- Good to know: The park is heavily water-focused and many attractions are weather-dependent; tickets are usually date-specific and non-refundable, and strict height rules apply.
- Best upgrade: On hot, busy days, a same-day priority pass is the strongest upgrade; it can notably reduce 30–60 minute waits on headline slides.
What to expect at Sesame Place San Diego
1/6
First steps onto Sesame Street
You’ll park just outside the main gate, then pass through security and ticket scans before stepping into the Sesame Street Neighborhood. Colorful façades of 123 Stoop and Mr. Hooper’s store set the scene. Music, bubbles, and the first glimpses of Elmo or Cookie Monster instantly signal this is a day built around young kids.
A compact park that’s easy to map
From the Sesame Street Neighborhood, paths branch toward dry-ride areas on one side and the water attractions on the other. Big Bird’s Beach, The Count’s Splash Castle, and the lazy river anchor the splash zone. The park’s compact 17-acre layout makes it easy to loop back for naps, snacks, or repeat favorites.
Gentle thrills and splashy slides
Dry rides and water slides weave through the day. Younger thrill-seekers try Super Grover’s Box Car Derby or spin high on Sesame Street Soar & Spin, then graduate to Oscar’s Rotten Rafts and Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides. Practical tip: head for big slides and The Count’s Splash Castle soon after opening, before midday queues build.
Shows, parade, and character moments
Live entertainment punctuates the heat. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Big Bird star in sing-along shows at the outdoor theater, giving everyone a shaded break. Later, the Sesame Street Party Parade rolls past with music, dancers, and towering floats, so kids can wave to almost every character in one go.
Refuel, cool down, and reset
Food stops cluster near the main pathways and water areas, serving kid-friendly staples like pizza, burgers, and chicken strips. Shaded patios and picnic-style tables become natural reset points between splashes. Indoors, air-conditioned dining and occasional character meals let families cool down while Elmo and friends roam between tables.
Last waves and goodbyes before you leave
As afternoon light softens, many families drift back to Big Bird’s Beach or the lazy river for one last play session. Others browse souvenir shops near 123 Stoop for plush friends and t-shirts. On the way out, characters often appear near the exit, offering final waves and goodbye photos before sleepy rides home.
Things to know before booking your Sesame Place San Diego tickets
Booking window
- Sesame Place San Diego runs on a seasonal, calendar-based schedule, with more open days in spring and summer and limited or no operation in winter.
- Dated tickets can sell out for hot weekends, school holidays, and special events, so aim to book at least 7–14 days ahead for these periods.
- Buying Sesame Place San Diego tickets online also skips the on-site ticket-booth line (you’ll still queue for security and turnstiles).
The big decision
The Single-Day Ticket is dated and gives one full day of access to all open rides, shows, and water attractions. It’s usually the best-value option if your plans are firm and you know exactly which day you’ll visit. The Any Day Ticket trades a higher price for flexibility, letting you choose your visit date within its stated validity window – helpful if you want to watch the weather or your schedule isn’t locked yet.
- The Sesame Place San Diego Annual Pass makes sense if you’ll visit several times in a year, especially if you live in or near San Diego.
- Season passes typically include passholder perks such as parking and in-park discounts (exact benefits can change, so always check the current list) and often pay for themselves after a few visits.
- Keep in mind the park is designed mainly for kids around 2–8 years old, so a pass is best if that age range will be in your life all season.
Add-ons & upgrades
- These Sesame Place San Diego tickets focus on park admission; extras are purchased separately through the park.
- Optional upgrades like Magic Queue/Quick Queue (priority access on select attractions), cabanas/daybeds (reserved shaded bases by the water), and dining or character experiences such as Dine with Elmo & Friends can significantly change comfort and wait times.
- They’re most valuable on hot, busy days, but add meaningful cost, so factor them into your overall budget before committing.
Transfers & logistics
- Most visitors self-drive or use rideshare from San Diego. Expect about 20–30 minutes by car from downtown and plan for paid parking in the on-site lot, with standard and closer “preferred” options available.
- If you’re considering an annual pass, it includes free general parking, which can materially affect long-term value.
Discounts & ways to save
- If your date is fixed, dated Single-Day Sesame Place San Diego tickets usually offer better value than flexible Any Day tickets.
- Weekdays outside peak summer and school holidays tend to be both cheaper and less crowded, stretching your budget and your time in the park.
- For local or repeat visitors, doing the math on an Annual Pass with parking can reveal substantial savings over a season. Children under 2 years enter free with a paying adult, so you don’t need to buy them a ticket.
Policies & restrictions
- Height requirements are strictly enforced, and many key slides and the family coaster sit around the 42–48 inch range; check the official height chart and measure kids before booking so you know how much they’ll actually ride.
A large share of Sesame Place San Diego is water-based, and some attractions are seasonal or weather-dependent, so in cooler months you should be comfortable with a more rides-and-shows day if major water features aren’t operating.
- Outside food is generally limited to baby food and special-diet items, and the park operates largely cashless, so plan to pay for parking, lockers, and food by card or mobile wallet.
- Sesame Place San Diego is a Certified Autism Center, with sensory guides and quiet spaces that can be crucial for families with autistic or sensory-sensitive children – for many, this is a deciding factor when choosing between local parks.
Park zones at Sesame Place San Diego
1/6
Sesame Street Neighborhood
Theme: Classic Sesame Street neighborhood – entry boulevard
Highlights:
- Just past the main entrance
- 123 Sesame Street stoop and storefronts
- Parade route and frequent character spots
Tip: Helpful landmark corridor when finding shows, rides, and exits.
Dry Rides Area
Theme: Family dry rides and small coaster
Highlights:
- Off main street, opposite water attractions
- Home to Super Grover’s Box Car Derby
- Carousel, Sesame Street Soar & Spin, gentle spinners
Tip: Often used earlier in the day before families move toward slides and pools.
Water Park Zone
Theme: Wave pool and lazy river hub
Highlights:
- Behind dry rides, toward park’s back
- Big Bird’s Beach wave pool centerpiece
- Lazy river ring linking major slide areas
Tip: Acts as central water spine between kids’ splash zones and taller slide towers.
The Count’s Splash Castle & Kids’ Splash Areas
Theme: Interactive splash structures for younger kids
Highlights:
- Beside main water zone, opposite wave pool
- Anchored by The Count’s Splash Castle complex
- Shallow spray pads and small slides for little riders
Tip: Helpful if focusing day on toddlers; nearby seating keeps supervision simple.
Slide Towers & Racer Slides
Theme: Water slides for older kids and adults
Highlights:
- Along lazy river on park’s outer side
- Multi-lane racer slide and enclosed tube slides
- Higher height requirements; draws confident riders
Tip: Good detour when riders want faster slides without leaving water zone.
Show Stage Area
Theme: Outdoor stage for Sesame Street shows
Highlights:
- Off Sesame Street Neighborhood, beside central plaza
- Hosts Sesame Street character shows on the outdoor stage
- Near Sunny Day Café and character meet spots
Tip: Regrouping point; paths here lead to entrance, rides, and water.
Rides at Sesame Place San Diego
| Ride name | Zone | Description | Thrill level | Avg. wait time | Ride type | Best time to ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Count’s Splash Castle | Water park zone | Multi-level splash fortress with small slides and fountains. Watch for the huge tipping bucket drenching the deck. | Low | 15–30 min | Water play structure | Early morning or late afternoon |
Big Bird’s Beach (Wave Pool) | Water park zone | Large wave pool with gentle surf and shallow entry. Notice how the waves build toward the deeper middle section. | Low | 0–15 min | Wave pool | Before noon |
Oscar’s Rotten Rafts | Water park slides area | Family raft slide with mild twists and turns. Look for Oscar’s grumpy touches along the walls and signage. | Medium | 15–30 min | Family raft slide | Early morning or during shows |
Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides | Water park slides area | Pair of twisting slides suited to older kids. Notice how each flume spirals differently before splashing into the pool. | Medium | 15–30 min | Body slides | Early morning |
Sesame Street Soar & Spin | Dry rides area | Spinning tower that lifts seats high above Sesame Street. Watch the park views change as your gondola slowly rises. | Medium | 10–20 min | Spinning tower ride | Mid-afternoon after parade |
Super Grover’s Box Car Derby | Dry rides area | Gentle family coaster with small drops and curves. Notice kids’ reactions on the first downhill dip and final turn. | Medium | 30–60 min | Family roller coaster | Right at opening |
Lazy River | Water park zone | Slow-moving channel for tube floats. Look out for shaded stretches and sprayers that cool you between bigger slides. | Low | 15–30 min | Lazy river | Mid-afternoon |
Carousel | Dry rides area | Classic carousel with Sesame characters on every row. Notice the different figures and choose a favorite before the ride starts. | Low | 5–15 min | Carousel | Late morning |
Multi-lane Racer Slide | Water park slides area | Side-by-side mat slides built for friendly races. Watch which lane feels fastest, then switch positions for another run. | Medium | 20–40 min | Mat racer slide | Late morning or during parade |
Tube Slides Tower | Water park slides area | Collection of enclosed and open tube slides. Notice how each route mixes darkness, curves, and brief bursts of daylight. | High | 30–60 min | Tube slides | Right at opening |
Things to do at Sesame Place San Diego
Enjoy the Sesame Street Party Parade
Catch live shows with your favorite characters
Settle into the outdoor theater for singing, dancing, and storytime with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and friends. It’s a fun, shaded break when everyone needs to sit down.
Pro tip: Aim for a late-morning or mid-afternoon show to dodge peak heat.
Explore the Sesame Street Neighborhood
Stroll past 123 Sesame Street, Mr. Hooper’s Store, and colorful stoops pulled right from the show. Snap photos at the famous stoop and fire hydrant between spontaneous character hugs.
Pro tip: Visit before the parade for cooler, less crowded photos.
Celebrate seasonal events and holidays
Seasonal events like Elmo’s Halloween Spooktacular and A Very Furry Christmas add decor, music, and special shows. Expect extra photo ops, costumes, and limited-time activities on select dates.
Pro tip: Check the calendar; offerings change by date.
Shop for Sesame Street souvenirs
Browse gift shops stocked with plush Elmos, apparel, toys, and colorful souvenirs. Let kids choose a small keepsake to remember their first splash-zone victory or character hug.
Pro tip: Shop mid-afternoon to avoid end-of-day lines and meltdowns.
Visiting Sesame Place San Diego with kids
Bringing little ones here? This park is built around younger children, so most kids 2–8 can actually ride, splash, and play rather than just watch.
- Kid-sized rides & water play: The Count’s Splash Castle, Oscar’s Rotten Rafts, Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides, and Big Bird’s Beach wave pool all cater to younger kids, with plenty of ride-with-a-parent options.
- Characters everywhere: Catch the Sesame Street Party Parade, then meet Elmo and friends around the 123 Stoop — or book Dine with Elmo & Friends for guaranteed table-side time.
- Family-friendly facilities: Stroller rentals, family restrooms, nursing/quiet rooms, and autism-friendly sensory guides and spaces help kids recharge when they’re overwhelmed or tired.
- Easy meal breaks: Quick-service spots serve familiar kid favorites like pizza, burgers, and chicken, while the character buffet keeps lunch fun and structured.
Everything is scaled to small kids, so the day stays big on smiles and lighter on stress for parents.
What’s new at Sesame Place San Diego
A Very Furry Christmas celebration
A Very Furry Christmas transforms the park with holiday overlays, from re-themed shows to seasonal décor. This limited Christmas event runs on select dates during the holiday season each year. Ideal if you want Sesame Street with festive flair. Visit during the holidays.
Elmo’s Halloween Spooktacular weekends
Elmo’s Halloween Spooktacular brings kid-friendly frights to the park, with Halloween overlays on shows, décor, and activities. This seasonal event runs on select fall dates each year during the Halloween season. Great if you prefer cute over scary. Plan a fall visit.
Sesame Summer Splash water fun
Sesame Summer Splash highlights the park’s water attractions during peak heat, with seasonal programming built around slides, splash zones, and Big Bird’s Beach. It typically runs on select dates across the summer, especially July. Great if you love water play. Visit this summer.
Itineraries for a perfect Sesame Place San Diego visit
Morning
Start in Sesame Street Neighborhood for photos at the iconic 123 Stoop and character greetings with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster before crowds build. Then make your way to Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, and Sesame Street Soar & Spin, enjoying some of the park’s most popular family rides with shorter wait times.
Midday
As temperatures rise, head to the water attractions and splash zones. Spend time floating along Big Bird’s Rambling River, racing down water slides, and cooling off at Count’s Splash Castle. Break for lunch at one of the park’s dining locations before catching a live character show or interactive performance for a relaxing break from the rides.
Afternoon
Continue exploring the water park areas and family attractions, mixing thrilling slides with gentler rides suitable for all ages. Stop for additional character encounters and themed play areas, then find a good viewing spot for the Sesame Street Party Parade, where colorful floats, music, and beloved characters bring the streets to life.
Evening
As the crowds begin to thin, revisit favorite rides or enjoy attractions you may have missed earlier in the day. Take family photos around the brightly themed neighborhoods, browse the gift shops for Sesame Street souvenirs, and end your visit with one final character appearance or seasonal entertainment offering before heading home.
Plan your visit
- Sesame Place San Diego opening hours: 10am
- Sesame Place San Diego closing hours: Between 5pm and 7pm (subject to change)
- Closed on: Opening days and hours vary by date and season, so always check the official calendar online for the date you plan to visit.
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, United States | Find on Maps
- Closest bus stop: Brandywine Av & Main St (2.3 miles)
- Distance from San Diego city center: 30 minutes (16 miles)
- Distance from San Diego International Airport (SAN): 40 minutes (19.6 miles)
How to reach
- By car: Drive via I-805 and follow signs to Entertainment Circle; the on-site parking lot faces the entrance.
- By rideshare: Set your destination to “Sesame Place San Diego”; drop-off is near the main entrance plaza.
- Parking: Paid parking is available for all guests who do not have the Annual Pass to Sesame Place San Diego, with options starting at $35/vehicle.
- Sesame Street Party Parade: Typically runs once a day on most operating days, with timing listed on the schedule.
- Viewing tips: Families often claim curbside spots 10–20 minutes early for easier viewing and photos.
- Stage shows: Live character shows run at an outdoor theater; use them as shaded breaks between rides.
- Character moments: Scheduled meet-and-greets happen near the Sesame Street neighborhood; check the daily program board.
- Seasonal events: Special offerings like Halloween and Christmas events bring limited-time shows and decorations on select dates.
- Height rules: Every ride and slide has posted minimum height requirements.
- Typical ranges: Many larger slides use minimums around 42–48 inches; some kiddie rides start near 36 inches.
- Ride charts: Review the official height requirement chart before visiting.
- Adult accompaniment: Certain attractions require younger children to ride with a supervising adult.
- Water competence & medical limits: Some intense attractions may expect confident swimmers and may not be suitable for certain guests.
- Guest Services: Located at the entrance/exit, for all park-related queries and on-site bookings.
- Restrooms: Standard and family restrooms throughout the park.
- Changing areas: Spaces and showers support transitions between attire.
- Lockers: Available near major zones for valuables.
- Strollers and wheelchairs: Rentals are available near the front gate.
- First aid: A staffed first-aid location is on-site.
- Family support: Nursing and quiet rooms are provided.
- Cabanas: Optional bookable shaded areas.
- Life vests: Life vests are available for use to all guests near the water slides and attractions.
- Shopping & food outlets: Gift shops and quick-service restaurants are spread throughout the park.
- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located at the park.
- Parking: Accessible parking is available at Sesame Place San Diego.
- Wheelchairs: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths, with rental options available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Certification: The park is a Certified Autism Center.
- Ride access: Each attraction has an accessibility profile.
- Sensory guides & Quiet Spaces: Provided for guests needing reduced stimulation.
- Approach routes: The main entrance is step-free.
- Nursing stations: Nursing stations are located across the park with baby changing facilities, along with a dedicated diaper changing area.
- Security screening: Mandatory bag checks and ticket scanning.
- Prohibited items: Certain items, like weapons or glass, are not allowed.
- Bags & coolers: Oversized items may be refused.
- Outside food: Limited to specific necessities.
- Cashless payments: Operates primarily by card or mobile payment.
- Photography: Personal photos allowed; professional equipment restricted.
- Smoking: The park is a strict no-smoking zone.
- Swimwear: Required on water attractions.
- Toddlers: Must wear swim diapers as per hygiene rules.
- Footwear: Water shoes recommended; follow slide guidelines.
- Coverage: Appropriate and secure swimwear is advised.
- Dine with Elmo and Friends: Enjoy a family-style character dining experience featuring appearances by your favorite Sesame Street friends. Prior booking is required, and the experience is not included with general admission.
- Grover’s Grill: Refuel with burgers, sandwiches, and kid-friendly favorites in a casual outdoor setting.
- Big Bird’s Beach Bites: Grab quick snacks, refreshing drinks, and light bites between rides and water play.
- Rock Water Oasis Bar: Relax with frozen cocktails, beer, and specialty beverages in a laid-back poolside atmosphere.
- 123 Pin Trading: Browse collectible Sesame Street pins and trading accessories perfect for fans and collectors.
- Sesame Souvenirs: Find a wide selection of plush toys, apparel, gifts, and keepsakes inspired by Sesame Street characters.
- Hooper’s Store: Shop for character-themed merchandise, toys, and everyday souvenirs in a neighborhood-style market setting.
Tips & guidelines
Skip The Count’s Splash Castle at rope-drop; start with Oscar’s Rotten Rafts before families cluster in the big play structure.
Ride Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides immediately after Oscar’s Rotten Rafts; they share stairs, saving a repeat climb with small kids.
While Sesame Street Party Parade crowds line the Sesame Street Neighborhood, head to Sesame Street Soar & Spin for shorter queues.
Hit Big Bird’s Beach wave pool before midday; shaded chairs go fast, and afternoon sun makes sand and deck scorching.
If you’ll stay mostly around Big Bird’s Beach, choose lockers beside that zone to avoid repeated entrance walks.
After loud Sesame Street stage shows, detour to marked quiet/sensory spaces for a low-stimulation reset before tackling more rides.
Pull up the official daily schedule on your phone to time Sesame Street Party Parade and character shows around nap windows.
For guests with autism or sensory sensitivities, use the park’s attraction sensory guides to prioritize calmer options like lazy river loops.
Frequently asked questions about Sesame Place San Diego tickets
Most visitors choose a standard 1-day ticket with dated entry. If you want flexibility on which day you go, pick a flexible entry ticket. Families planning several visits a season usually save more with a season pass.
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and summer. Sesame Place has a seasonal calendar, and popular dates along with add-ons can sell out before the day.
A standard 1-day ticket with dated entry locks you to a specific operating day, often at a lower price. A flexible entry ticket usually costs more but lets you visit on any valid date in a stated period.
Children under 2 years old enter free and don’t need a ticket. Everyone else, including older toddlers, requires a paid ticket as per the age category at checkout.
For most families, one full day covers key rides, water attractions, and a show or parade. Multi-day tickets or a season pass are ideal if you plan to visit multiple times.
Sesame Place San Diego is designed mainly for younger children, roughly ages 2–8. Toddlers enjoy gentle rides and splash areas, while older kids prefer bigger slides and wave pools.
Height requirements are strict. Many major water slides require a minimum of 42–48 inches, while some kiddie rides start near 36 inches. Always check the official height chart.
Yes, standard 1-day tickets and season passes include the parade and regular character shows. Special-event tickets or dining add-ons may require separate purchase.
Many attractions are outdoor and weather-dependent. Tickets are generally non-refundable in the event of ride closures due to weather or maintenance, so check the forecast before visiting.
Standard tickets cover park admission only. Parking, lockers, cabanas, and meals are additional, though season passes may offer discounts.
Sesame Place San Diego is a Certified Autism Center, offering sensory guides and quiet spaces.
