Sesame Place San Diego vs The Wave Waterpark
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Sesame Place San Diego | The Wave Waterpark |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Sesame Place San Diego
- splash pad
- gift shop
Only at The Wave Waterpark
- wave pool
- swimming pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Sesame Place San Diego
California
Sesame Place San Diego brings the beloved Sesame Street characters to life in a water park setting that's absolutely perfect for families with young kids. This park is all about the toddler and preschool crowd, with most attractions designed for children 12 and under. You'll find gentle water slides with Elmo and friends watching over everything, plus a massive splash area where Bert and Ernie pop up to surprise little ones with water sprays. The Cookie Monster-themed play structure is a hit with my kids every time we visit. What really sets this place apart is how thoughtfully designed everything is for short attention spans and even shorter legs. The water depths are shallow throughout most areas, so parents can actually relax a bit while kids explore safely. The lazy river here moves at a perfect pace for families floating together on tubes. Beyond the water attractions, you'll find dry rides and shows featuring the Sesame Street gang. Big Bird's Beach Bash show is worth timing your visit around, and the parade that winds through the park gets everyone dancing along. The food situation is typical theme park fare, but they do offer some healthier options for kids which I appreciate. Parking can get crazy busy during peak season, so I always recommend arriving right when they open. The park isn't huge, which works in your favor since little legs won't get as tired walking around. If you can swing it, rent a cabana for the day. Having a home…
Read the full Sesame Place San Diego guide →The Wave Waterpark
California
The Wave Waterpark in Vista sits in the heart of North County San Diego, making it a local favorite for families looking to beat the Southern California heat. This community-focused outdoor park has that classic California water park vibe - palm trees, sunny skies, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a massive corporate operation. The centerpiece is their wave pool, which generates gentle rolling waves perfect for younger kids to play in safely while older kids can bodysurf and splash around. You'll find a solid collection of water slides ranging from mild to wild, including some classic tube slides and body slides that keep the lines moving. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park, and it's actually lazy - not one of those rushing rivers that feels more like white water rafting. For families with toddlers, the kids' area has smaller slides, water features, and shallow pools where parents can actually relax a bit while keeping an eye on the little ones. The food situation is typical water park fare - burgers, pizza, nachos - but the portions are decent and prices won't completely drain your wallet. Smart visitors arrive when the gates open to claim a good spot, especially on weekends when locals flood in. Cabanas are available and worth it if you're planning a full day, particularly during summer when shade becomes premium real estate. The park has that authentic California outdoor water park feel that's becoming harder…
Read the full The Wave Waterpark guide →Ready to visit Sesame Place San Diego?