Orlando, Florida, may be the Theme Park Capital of the World, but California may be able to give it a run for its money. Throughout the state, you’ll find a litany of options for spending the day at an amusement park, from small parks designed for the smallest among us to a park dubbed the Roller Coaster Capital of the World!
Planning a trip to California and hoping to get your scream on? We’ve compiled a list of the best amusement parks in California for you, whether you’re a thrill seeker or prefer a tamer time. Pick your favorite California theme park from this list, and you’re bound to have a fun and family-friendly time.
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The 15 Best Amusement Parks in California Worth a Trip
1. Have Family-Friendly Fun at Disneyland Park
Since 1955, Disneyland Park has been the Happiest Place on Earth. Born out of a desire to create a place where both kids and their parents can experience the magic together, this California theme park can be found over in Anaheim, where Sleeping Beauty Castle awaits you!
Throughout Disneyland Park, you can plunder with pirates on Pirates of the Caribbean, see the silly specters of the Haunted Mansion, and go on a journey to Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight. “Star Wars” fans, in particular, will find plenty to love here as they venture off to the world of Batuu in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge section of the park, where they just might run into their favorite characters from the “Star Wars” movies and shows.
2. Stop Over at Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure is Disneyland Park’s sister park and one of the best theme parks in California. Found just across from the original Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure was originally themed around all things California, but it’s since gotten a major facelift and now celebrates plenty of Disney movies and shows.
From high-speed racing with the characters of Pixar’s “Cars” franchise to helping out your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man at the Avengers Campus, there are thrills galore at this California theme park.
3. Enjoy the Thrills of Universal Studios Hollywood
Located in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best adventure parks in California, with tons of scream-worthy thrills. Come face to face with Imhotep from “The Mummy,” roll out with the “Transformers” crew, and splash down after seeing a battle for the ages on Jurassic World – The Ride.
But there’s also plenty of fun to be had here, no matter your age. Play Mario Kart like never before in the new Super Nintendo World, race around town with your friends from “The Secret Life of Pets,” or become an honorary Minion!
4. Marvel at all the Excitement of Knott’s Berry Farm
Located in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the best and most beloved theme parks in California. Taking its name from the boysenberry farm that started it all, this theme park has plenty to uncover, whether you’re exploring an Old West ghost town or taking the little ones on their first coaster over in Camp Snoopy.
Each season brings something new, from the Boysenberry Festival to the annual PEANUTS Celebration. When the weather heats up, you can also check out the park’s sister waterpark, Knott’s Soak City.
5. Step Back in Time at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Since 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been a staple of every summer for those on the Central Coast. You’ve probably seen this amusement park, even if you didn’t realize it. It’s been featured in classic films like “The Lost Boys” and “Us.”
When you visit this iconic boardwalk, you can play mini golf and arcade games, dine on delectable treats like massive funnel cakes, and ride beloved rides like the famous Giant Dipper!
6. Visit California’s Great America Before It’s Gone
California’s Great America, located in Santa Clara, is one of the most famous amusement parks in California, but it’s going through a strange time right now. According to the park’s operator, Cedar Fair, they sold the land the park sits on, but the park will remain open for up to 11 years.
For now, things are still in full swing at California’s Great America, with 60 rides in operation and entrance to the South Bay Shores Waterpark included in the cost of your Great America admission. Better plan to visit Great America sooner rather than later. Although it may remain open until 2033, there’s really no telling when it may close.
7. Revel in Everything Awesome at LEGOLAND California
Over in Carlsbad, you’ll find LEGOLAND California, one of the coolest California theme parks if you’re visiting with little ones. Over on the theme park side of things, you’ll find more than 60 LEGO-inspired rides and attractions, all aimed at children between two and 12.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can also hang out at the LEGOLAND Water Park, where kids can race down slides, chill out on the sandy beaches, get creative at Build-a-Raft River, and more. For even more fun, you can also go under the sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium.
8. Get Your Scream on at Six Flags Magic Mountain
With 20 roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia holds the title of the most roller coasters of any amusement park in the world. This is one of the most famous amusement parks in California, and it’s home to scream-worthy, thrilling coasters, like Goliath, which features high speeds and a stomach-twisting 255-foot drop.
For those who like their rides a little less exhilarating, there are also plenty of experiences for the whole family, including attractions that take you into the world of the Looney Tunes and DC heroes and villains.
9. Enjoy the View from Pacific Park
The Santa Monica Pier is where you’ll find Pacific Park, one of the most beloved amusement parks in California. With waterfront views, this park features midway games, boardwalk treats, and 12 thrilling rides, like the West Coaster, the only steel roller coaster over the Pacific Ocean, and the Pacific Wheel, the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel.
10. Meet the Animals at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Magic Mountain isn’t the only Six Flags amusement park in California. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, found in Vallejo, is an animal-themed park featuring thrilling rides alongside areas where you can watch all sorts of animals.
This is definitely one of the most unique theme parks in California, where you can walk along the Bird Trail, step inside the Bobcat’s Den, and get up close to animals of all kinds. For an even closer look, you can also sign up for an animal interaction, like the Paint ‘N Create, where you’ll create a work of art with a dolphin!
11. Take the Little Ones to Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a wonderland that’s both natural and humanmade, making for another one of the most unique California theme parks. This amusement park on California’s Central Coast gets its name due to its horticulture theming.
Alongside more than 40 thrilling rides and other attractions, you’ll see the Circus Trees, incredible living trees that were cultivated to take on extraordinary forms, as well as wander through six uniquely-themed gardens.
12. Spend a Day at Funderland Park
If you find yourself over in Sacramento wondering what to do while you’re visiting with kids, head over to Funderland Park. This cute and quaint California amusement park offers 10 rides and attractions that are sure to delight your little ones.
With rides like the Flying Dragon, a great first coaster for kids, and the Funderland Express Train, Funderland Park is a perfect place for young kids to get their first amusement park experience.
13. See Stories Come to Life at Children’s Fairyland
Credited as having inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland, Children’s Fairyland in Oakland is one of the best amusement parks in California for little ones. This park, found on the shores of Lake Merritt, was one of the first themed amusement parks in the United States.
Rides aren’t really the central draw to Children’s Fairyland, however. Although there are some small rides that are great for young kids, the big draw is the themed playsets, which are inspired by all different fairytales.
14. Make a Splash at SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego is where you’ll find California’s SeaWorld, one of the most fun adventure parks in California. This park features high-speed thrills, with coasters themed after creatures under the sea. However, the park also lets you get up close to those real creatures.
Hang out with animals like sea lions and dolphins, see these remarkable critters perform, or book your own animal encounter to learn even more from the animal experts.
15. Ride the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an oceanside amusement park in California that’s an iconic symbol of San Diego. This park, which has been around for nearly 100 years, features tons of ways to play, including rides, arcades, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, a ropes course, a zipline, an escape room, bowling, and much more!
