California is a dream destination for many amusement park enthusiasts around the world. Amusement parks in California offer leisure opportunities, an unforgettable outdoor experience, a fun-filled day with friends or family, and a thrilling solo adventure. However, with many options, picking the best amusement parks in California can be daunting. In this article, I carefully examine some of the best amusement parks in California to see.
Best Amusement Parks In California
Below are the best amusement parks in California:
1) Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park started as a farm, but now it’s a family-friendly amusement park with various rides and games for all ages. For those seeking thrills, the Supreme Scream and other adrenaline-pumping coasters won’t disappoint.
- Phone: (714) 220-5200
- Entrance Fee: $69, adults, $54, children
But there are also rides like the Timber Mountain Log Ride, popular with families. It’s no wonder why Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the nation’s most visited amusement parks.
2) Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita is among the must-visit amusement parks in California. At Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, you’ll find the most roller coasters of any amusement park worldwide. But that’s not all.
- Phone: (661) 255-4100
- Hours: 10:30 am-5 pm Monday – Thursday, 10:30 am-12 am Friday, 10:30 am-1 am Saturday, 10:30 am-11 pm Sunday
- Entrance fee: $65 for adults; $60 for children
This park is a thrill-seeker’s paradise with a superhero theme and rides based on comic book characters like Batman and Superman. There are also more miniature rides for kids and live shows for all ages. And adjacent to the park is Hurricane Harbor, a popular water park perfect for cooling off on hot California days.
3) Legoland California Resort, Carlsbad
For younger children, Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad is one of the must-visit amusement parks near. Lego toys inspire this park and feature impressive Lego art.
- Phone: (888) 690-5346
- Hours: 10 am-5 pm Monday – Friday, 10 am-9 pm Saturdays, 10 am-7 pm Sundays
- Entrance: $101 for adults, $95 for children under 13, and Free for children under 3
Kids can ride kid-friendly attractions, experience interactive exhibits in the Imagination Zone, and play with tubs of Legos. And for a hot day in Carlsbad, the park’s water park is a perfect way to cool off.
4) Disneyland Park, Anaheim
Disneyland Park is one of the amusement parks in California, Anaheim, that many visitors love to visit in California. Walt Disney’s original theme park offers classic Disney rides, new coasters, and top-notch live shows. And with plenty of dining options and hotels nearby, this park has it all.
5) Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is a great place for movie lovers. It has sets and props from popular movies. In addition to roller coasters, this amusement park is also a working studio.
- Phone: (800) 864-8377
- Operating Hours: 10 am-6 pm Monday – Thursday, 9 am- 6 pm Friday – Sunday
- Entrance: Tickets start at $104
You can enjoy a glass of butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or have a thrilling experience on the Transformers 3-D ride. So, if you’re looking for one of the amusement parks in California for movies, Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is the place to be.
6) Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo is not just an amusement park with rides and roller coasters; it’s also a zoo and aquarium. The Dare Devil Coaster is a must-ride attraction at this park. Also, you can visit the wildlife attractions in the park, like Seal Cove and the butterfly habitat.
7) Knott’s Soak City
Knott’s Berry Farm, unlike other amusement parks in California, has a water park. This park operates from May to September, where visitors can enjoy the fast slides or innertubes sports.
- Phone: (714) 220-5200
- Hours: Seasonal, May – September
- Entrance: $69, adults, $54, children
The best time to visit Knott’s Soak City is during summer. Kids love this park more compared to adults. Moreover, the park has several snack stands serving chicken snacks, golden French fries, and slushies.
8) California’s Great America, Santa Clara
California’s Great America amusement park is in the Bay Area, Santa Clara. It has over 50 attractions, including the famous wooden roller coaster, Gold Striker. For one price, Guests can enjoy numerous fun activities at Great America, including the Boomerang Bay waterpark.
9) Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim
Disney California Adventure Park is one of the amusement parks in California, located next to Disneyland in Anaheim. It is a sister park that focuses on Disney’s most famous films. From The Little Mermaid to Toy Story to Cars, guests can explore the world of their favorite Disney and Pixar characters.
10) SeaWorld San Diego
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience in San Diego with your children, SeaWorld is the place to go. This aquatic zoo boasts a variety of marine animals on display, as well as interpretive exhibits that are sure to entertain and educate visitors of all ages. SeaWorld San Diego is among the amusement parks in California for education and marine activities.
- Phone: (619) 222-4732
- Hours: 10:30 am-5 pm Monday – Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday, 10 am-7 pm Sunday
- Entrance: $64, adult, Free, children under 4
Visitors can enjoy walking and sitting at the park to watch the Orca Encounter, Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight, or the Dolphin Encounter. These shows are all unique and enjoyable in their way. They provide an excellent opportunity to rest your feet while enjoying some world-class entertainment.
