Originally Posted by linsj

Reporting back for future reference ...

I ended up going by myself and stayed at Embassy Suites downtown/bay on points. Great location by the ocean, across the street from Seaport Village, restaurants within walking distance, close to public transportation.

Instead of taking taxis, I decided to go cheap. Took the Green Line Trolley to Old Town and transferred to bus 9 to SeaWorld, easy to do and about a half hour trip. For the zoo, it's a 15-minute bus ride (#7), few blocks walk to catch it from ES.

If I were to do this trip again, I'd stay at ES and use the trolley and bus. (I hate renting cars in cities, paying parking fees, and driving in unfamiliar territory.)