You have to visit SeaWorld to appreciate all that this marine playground offers. Come face-to-face with the wonders of aquatic life by feeding seals, watching cool white beluga whales and perky penguins and stroking sea urchins and dolphins. Walk through a 57-foot acrylic tube that runs the length of a shark habitat or climb into the wet and wild Journey to Atlantis coaster, which plunges 60 feet into a lake (rain slickers optional). What's new: This spring, SeaWorld San Diego teams up with the Sesame Street gang. Kids will frolic with the musical Big Bird's Beach Party and the 4-D film that lets you watch, hear and feel Elmo and friends as they swim through the sea and fly through the sky.And the new Sesame Street Bay of Play features themed rides and an interactive play area. Another must: Shamu's newest nighttime show, Shamu Rocks (at all three U.S. parks), in which stunning moves by killer whales are set to rock music and a backdrop of global images. Bargains: For the price of regular admission, $49 for ages 3 to 9 and $59 for ages 10 and up, buy the Admission Ride Combo online and get the scenic Bayside Skyride across Mission Bay and the 265-foot ride up the panoramic-view Skytower. 800-25-SHAMU, seaworld.com. Where to stay: Bahia Resort Hotel, a five-minute drive from the park, offers a wading pool, jungle gym, seal pond, free video arcade—and two one-day SeaWorld passes for the price of one (rooms from $179 per night). 800-576-4229, bahiahotel.com.