SeaWorld

SeaWorld Grown-Up Tours

Strolling through SeaWorld is comforting. Quiet sidewalks and landscaped lanes abound. Indeed, a number of local senior citizens who were part of mall-walking clubs have learned that an annual pass gives them access to a very pleasant walk in the park—as well as a day filled with wonderful attractions. Follow in their footsteps on a walk of up to a mile, from west to east.

West Side Story

The west side has most of the attractions—and the most paths. From the entrance, walk around past the information center and to the left toward Turtle Point, where the lazing residents remind you that speed isn't everything.

Turn left into Key West at SeaWorld, where you can enjoy nature—first by feeding and petting the slippery skates at Stingray Lagoon and then by spending time with the residents of Dolphin Cove. The dolphins are plentiful and always on the go; be sure to head to the far end of the cove and drop down into the grotto, where a wide window reveals their underwater world.

After looping the cove, double back through Key West, passing Turtle Point and walking toward the entrance, before peeling off to your left toward the Waterfront area. When you reach the shores of the lagoon, linger by the water for a bit, and then stroll past the Sky Tower —unless you'd like a bird's-eye view of the entire park. In that case, head on up and see the sights. You may also want to spend a few minutes watching the action at Pearl Dive.

East Side Story

Start at the Seafire Inn, a great place to grab a bite to eat and cool off in the air-conditioned interior or on the screened patio facing the lagoon. Head to the boardwalk and take it across the lagoon. This pleasing, uncongested walk brings you to the rear of Shamu Stadium, and although you can circle it in either direction, go right to avoid crowds of kids gathered at Shamu's Happy Harbor.

Walk to Wild Arctic, where an observation area affords a glimpse of polar bears and walrus. Spend some time in the frozen North before returning to the sidewalk, which winds its way behind the Atlantis Bayside Stadium and slowly and surely back toward the park entrance and, all too soon, the real world.