San Antonio, Texas

Before you go to Sea World you should really watch 2009 nominee for best documentary, The Cove (but not with the kids!). I was horrified when I found out what I had been contributing to every time I'd gone to Sea World with my family, or the time I swam with dolphins in Cozumel. I will never support that kind of evil again, now that I know.

Going to disagree with Lauren. Sorry, girl. We have been family pass members to Sea World for 15 yrs. We love that park!!!
Sea World owners have the animals health and well being in mind and are an environmentally conscious corporation.
When the oil spill occurred in the Gulf last yr. Sea World sent hundreds of staff members and millions of dollars worth of vehicles and supplies to the coast to save as many animals and birds as possible.
I say GO TO SEA WORLD WITH YOUR FAMILY AND HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

Fairfield Inn, Hamptons, Courtyards and Staybridge are always good bets!

Hill Country Resort is very, very nice and $$$$, so if you will be spending little time at the hotel and more time out and about, I'd probably skip that expense.

I live almost across the street from Sea World :). There have been a bunch of new hotels that have gone up in the past couple of years - holiday inn, Fairfield inn and suites, courtyard Marriott and staybridge suites. Also, there is the Hyatt Hill Country Resort that is a little pricey but they usually have a lot of kid friendly activities. The hotels I listed are really close to the park.

Just want to add - it is not deserted over here anymore - there are tons of restaurants all within a few minutes drive. Right on the park entrance road is a Rudy's, Chunky's and a western dance hall. The restaurants that are a few minutes drive are all kid friendly too. They are mostly chains but you still have a lot of options. Also, all these restaurants are new and have gone up in the last 2 years, as well. Oh and the Radisson that others mention is now a Hilton.

there are TONS of hotels right around the area of the park. we went there last May and just went on priceline.com and got a brand new Holiday Inn for $45 a night!! it was the next street from the park, so less than 5 mins and there were plenty of restaurants in the area. but it is far from the other activities in the city. when searching San Antonio areas, there is a filter for SeaWorld area. good luck!

We went a few years ago and stayed at America's Best Inn. It's not right next to Sea World but it's right off the freeway and it was only a 5 or 10 minute drive to get to the park. The neighborhood wasn't the greatest, BUT it was clean, affordable and quiet! I even saw the maids carrying out the bedspreads to be washed, huge plus for me!!!

Unlike the others, I don't have a political reason for not going to Seaworld. Kids want more hands on and they don't get to see any animals closeup!! Mine tended to be bored after one or two shows sitting in the audience. Seaworld is also the most expensive park in the area! SA has a great zoo and they would see them closer.
But if you do go, keep in mind that it is pretty deserted in that area of town. A McDonalds is right outside the entry but always crowded. Plan to drive 3-4 miles to restaurants. 2 yrs ago, we went as a family to the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. It was fantastic but pricey but you pay for what you get. The have a swimming pool that circles around the resort for floating, sandbeach for playing, late night s'mores, family movie on the lawn with free popcorn, bikes & bike trails, hayrides and a golf course. It is 1/2 mile from Sea World. There is another one there but I don't remember the name but you will find it mentioned on the HHYR website. It seemed less pricey and had a western theme. If you do that, you never have to leave the motel for entertainment!! But don't forget the riverwalk and tower.
Good luck and have fun-glad you are going on a family trip.

I went there 7 and 5 years ago- I personally like Radisson (reasonable ) and Hyatt Hill Country Resorts (little expensive). They have free shuttle bus to Seaworld if you stay there!! Double check with these resorts.

One day at Seaworld would be great!! These resorts have an awesome kids friendly activiates. They provide outdoor movie, campfire for smores and many more.

Great to visit in River Walk, Alamo, Southwest Cultural Center, the zoo, and more when you are not going to Seaworld on that day. Have a BLAST time there!!!:)

K.,
Just a suggestion--besideds Sea World, there are tons of great things to do in San Antonio--River Walk, Children's Museum, World's Fair Park, Southwest Cultural Center, the zoo, old missions--so much, that we never made it to Sea World!
Have fun!
Victoria

Hi there,
I'm from Austin and now live in Plano and SA is a great spot that we love to vacation. When we do Sea World, we always stay at the Westin La Cantera Resort. It's more on the $$$$ side, but totally worth it! I will say, we found several deals online and my mom heard one on the Austin radio one year about an all-inclusive 3 night package with tickets to Sea World or Fiesta Texas. We did that, but it's been maybe 7 yrs? There are many other hotels in the area. Once, we tried the Radisson, and it was ok and more on the $$ side, but I prefer The Westin (of course).

I don't know how old your kids are, but I'd encourage you to take more than 1 day to do it. When you pack it in to 1 day, everyone is tired and overheated and grumpy and miserable. In 2 days, you can plan your breaks and enjoy the park more. There really is a lot to see and my kids love it.

Have fun!!