Planning a family trip? If you’re traveling with young children, Sesame Place San Diego can be a more age-appropriate alternative to some of Southern California’s larger theme parks. Most of the park’s rides and activities are designed for children between 2 and 10, with gentle rides, water attractions, live entertainment and opportunities to meet Sesame Street characters.
The park opened in 2022 at the former Aquatica San Diego site in Chula Vista. Its location also makes it particularly convenient for families coming from Baja California: it’s only about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the San Ysidro border crossing.
Before you go: tickets and planning
Ticket prices vary depending on the date, but admission generally starts at around $55 per person when purchased online in advance. Prices can be higher on busier dates.
The park also offers options such as meal-included tickets, season passes, parking packages and character experiences. Buying tickets ahead of time can be less expensive than purchasing them at the gate.
For a family of two adults and two children, a rough day-trip budget is:
| Expense | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Tickets | $220–$320 |
| Parking | From $35 |
| Food | $60–$120 |
That puts the estimated cost at $315–$475 for the day, excluding transportation and lodging.
Where is Sesame Place San Diego?
The park is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, California.
Its proximity to the border makes it especially accessible for visitors from Tijuana and other parts of Baja California.
Getting there from Baja California
For visitors crossing from Mexico, the drive after clearing the border is relatively straightforward.
From Tijuana: After crossing through San Ysidro or Otay Mesa, take Interstate 805 North and then State Route 125 toward Chula Vista. The drive takes roughly 20–30 minutes without border wait times.
From Rosarito: The trip continues through Tijuana before connecting with Interstate 805. Expect roughly 45 minutes to an hour of driving, plus the border wait.
From Ensenada: Take the scenic highway toward Tijuana and continue into San Diego County. The drive is approximately two to two and a half hours, not including the border crossing.
From Tecate: After crossing into California, connect with the state highways toward Chula Vista.
From Mexicali: Cross at Calexico and take Interstate 8 toward San Diego before connecting with State Route 125. The drive generally takes two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on traffic and border conditions.
What should you do first?
A practical strategy is to start with the rides while everyone is still dry, then move toward the water areas later in the day.
Some of the rides to consider first include:
- Super Grover’s Box Car Derby
- Sunny Day Carousel
- Abby’s Fairy Flight
- Oscar’s Rotten Rafts
- Elmo’s Rockin’ Rockets
The park is geared toward younger children (ages 2 to 10), so don’t expect the kind of thrill rides found at larger theme parks. The emphasis is on family-friendly attractions and experiences children can enjoy with their parents.
Cool off at the water attractions
The water areas are one of the biggest draws during warmer months. Families can find water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and splash areas designed for younger visitors.
Some attractions may operate seasonally or be affected by weather, so it’s worth checking the day’s schedule before making them the centerpiece of your visit.
If you’re planning to spend several hours in the water areas, consider renting a locker so you don’t have to carry your belongings around the park.
Plan around the shows and character appearances
Throughout the day, guests may have opportunities to meet Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie and Rosita, with scheduled times available through the official app.
The Sesame Street character parade is another highlight. Characters make their way through the park with music and dancing, but showtimes can change depending on the season.
Check the day’s schedule when you arrive so you don’t accidentally miss a character appearance or the parade while waiting in line for a ride.
Where to eat
You don’t necessarily have to leave the park when the kids get hungry. Dining options include Cookie Monster Café, Sunny Day Café, Sesame Sweets and various snack stands.
The park also offers simpler food choices suitable for younger children, making it relatively easy for families to stay for the entire day.
What should you bring?
Since the park combines rides and water activities, packing for both is important.
Bring:
- Swimsuits and a change of clothes.
- Sandals.
- Sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottles.
- A portable phone charger.
- Stroller, if needed.
- Any necessary medication.
- Baby food or formula, if applicable.
The park allows items such as strollers, medication, infant formula and baby food, although visitors should check the current rules regarding outside food before their trip.
What can’t you bring?
Some items are prohibited regardless of the type of visit, including:
- Weapons.
- Drones.
- Alcohol.
- Glass containers.
- Dangerous objects.
Bags are inspected before entry, so it’s best to check the park’s current security policies before leaving home.
Where to stay nearby
You can visit Sesame Place as a day trip from much of Baja California, but families who want to take their time can also stay nearby.
Chula Vista, National City, Downtown San Diego and Otay Ranch all offer accommodations at different price points and provide relatively easy access to the park.
Tips for your first visit
A few simple decisions can make the day considerably easier:
- Arrive early. Getting there at least 30 minutes before opening gives you more time for the first rides.
- Do the rides first. Save the water attractions for later if you’re visiting during the summer.
- Check the schedule immediately. Plan around the parade and character appearances rather than hoping to catch them later.
- Pack for the water. A dry change of clothes can make the trip home much more comfortable.
- Rent a locker. It’s particularly useful if you’re spending several hours in the water areas.
- Download the app before you go. It provides the map, wait times, show schedules, character appearances, restaurants and family services.
- Bring a portable charger. You’ll likely be using your phone throughout the day.
For families coming from Baja California, Sesame Place San Diego’s biggest advantage may simply be how easy it is to turn a border crossing into a full day of kid-friendly entertainment. The park is built around younger children, Sesame Street characters and attractions that the whole family can enjoy together.
