Exploring the Charm of a French Vacation
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With Vibrant cities, breezy beaches, natural wonders, historic places, and amusement parks, California is undoubtedly a fascinating land for tourists. Every year, California welcomes a huge number of tourists from all around the globe.
Besides mouth-watering cuisines and vibrant lifestyles, California is famous for its amazing and thrilling theme parks. So, if you are a thrill seeker and want to know what theme parks are open in California, you are at the correct place. Carefully read the article till the end so that you don’t miss any important information related to theme parks in California.
Disneyland Park is among the best theme parks in California that attract tourists with its unique Walt Disney theme. In total, Disneyland has two theme parks; one is Disneyland, and the other is California Adventure. Disneyland was founded by Walt Disney in the year 1955 in Anaheim. You can get detailed information about Disneyland ticket prices on its official website.
Days | Timing |
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday | 8 am to 12 am |
Tuesday and Thursday | 7 am to 12 am |
Website | https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ |
Number | (+1) 714-781-4636 |
Location | 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, US |
Popularly known as the ‘Thrill Capital of the World, ’ Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 209-acre amusement park. It is one of the best California theme parks due to its thrilling rides that dangle upside-down.
Its Superman: Escape from Krypton roller coaster is counted among the most intense roller coasters in the world. Six Flags Magic Mountain is the perfect place if you want a stirring holiday in California.
Monday-Thursday | 10:30 am to 12 am |
Friday | 10:30 am to 1 am |
Saturday | 10:30 am to 11 pm |
Website | https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain |
Location | 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, US |
Starting online at $69.99 per person (estimation).
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Universal Studios Hollywood is like heaven for cinema lovers who are fond of experiencing movie magic. It was opened in 1912 to give tours of Universal Studios, and since then, it has been listed among the most fun amusement parks in California. Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect adventure destination for all movie lovers who adore fictional characters.
Monday-Thursday | 10 am to 6 pm |
Friday-Sunday | 9 am to 6 pm |
Website | https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us |
Number | (+1) 800-864-8377 |
Location | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA |
Tickets start at $104 per person, approximately
Founded in 1947, Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park has been considered the best among California’s most thrilling theme parks. The speedy rides and amazing theme of Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park will fasten your heart rate. It is a must-visit summer destination in California if you are looking for a summer getaway.
Monday-Thursday | 10 am to 6 pm |
Friday & Saturday | 10 am to 10 pm |
Sunday | 10 am to 8 pm |
Website | https://www.knotts.com/ |
Number | (+1) 714-220-5200 |
Location | 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, USA |
$94.99 per person (estimation), including discount
With world-class roller coasters and thrill rides, California’s Great America has registered itself in the list of best theme parks in California. Besides exciting rides, California’s Great America also has some amazing kiddies’ rides, which makes it an ideal family holiday destination. California’s Great America is the ultimate place to visit if you are staying in Santa Clara and looking for thrilling amusement parks near me.
It varies depending on the location, and you can check its opening days and time through California’s Great America amusement park calendar and hours.
Website | https://www.cagreatamerica.com/ |
Number | (+1) 408-988-1776 |
Location | 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States of America |
$38 to $64 per person (estimation)
Disneyland Resort is undisputedly the best California theme park that welcomes guests with greetings of beloved Disney characters. The beautiful Disneyland is full of unique rides and engaging activities. Your trip to Disneyland Park will be complete with exploring Disneyland Resort.
Check the Disneyland Resort schedule at Disneyland Resort monthly events schedule & calendar.
Website | https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disneyland/ |
Number | (714) 781-4000 |
Location | Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States of America |
3 days ticket + 1 park per day | $360 (estimation) |
4 days ticket + 1 park per day | $395 (estimation) |
Park Hopper | $420 (estimation) |
Children below 2 years | Free |
Legoland is primarily designed for kids and is counted among the best amusement parks in California. It is mainly focused on kids and is called kid’s Paradise. There are many rides that adults can also enjoy, but for the most part, it is geared toward younger kids and toddlers. Legoland is for you if you have a special place in your heart for Legos.
You can check the availability and opening hours of Legoland California on its official website.
Website | https://www.legoland.com/california/homepage/ |
Number | (+1) 888 690 5346 |
Location | One Legoland DR, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States of America |
1 Day ticket of one or multiple parks | $89 per person (estimation) |
2 Days ticket of multiple parks or one park | $114 per person (estimation) |
Hotel and 2 days free ticket package | $184 per person (estimation) |
Knott’s Soak City is a water park in Knott’s Berry Farm that thrills and pleases people with water splashes from water rides. So, if you reside in Southern California and are looking for water parks and theme parks near me, Knott’s Soak City is the place to go.
Knott’s Soak City opens on selective days. It will open from 20 May 2024 to 10 September 2024.
Website | https://www.knotts.com/soak-city |
Number | (714) 220-5200 |
Location | You can get the location of Knott’s Soak City from the directions and park map available on its official website. |
Boysenberry Festival Bundle | Starting from $94.99 and taxes per person |
Daily Admission Ticket | Beginning from $74.99 and taxes per head |
Season Pass | $18 per person (terms and conditions applied) |
With over 25 amusing water attractions, Raging Waters is one of the biggest theme parks in Southern California. It has a sand beach for the entertainment of small kids. In addition, Raging Waters is comparatively less crowded, which makes it a perfect choice for people who don’t prefer waiting in long queues.
You can find the operational days and hours of Raging Waters in the Raging Waters Calendar and Hours on their official website.
Website | https://www.ragingwaters.com/ |
Number | (+1) 909-802-2200 |
Location | 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773, US |
Season Pass | $69.99 (estimation) |
Early Bird General Admission | $39.99 (estimation) |
SeaWorld San Diego is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a kid’s friendly place where you can enjoy yourself with your friends. It is designed for people who admire aquatic animals and love observing sea life. Thrilling rides, dolphin and sea lion show, and other fun activities make SeaWorld San Diego worth visiting.
Day | Timings |
On Weekdays (Monday to Friday) | 10 am to 5 pm |
Saturday and Sunday | 10 am to approximately 7 to 9 pm |
Website | https://seaworld.com/san-diego/ |
Number | (+1) 619-222-4732 |
Location | 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States of America |
Date-specific ticket | $69.99 per person (estimation) |
Any-day ticket | $109.99 per person (estimation) |
2024 fun card | $109.99 per person (estimation) |
SeaWorld SoCal passes | $132.00 per person (estimation) |
Santa Monica Pier is famous for the rides it offers on the beach. Yes, you read it right, the rides in Santa Monica Pier are amid the beach, which allows you to enjoy spectacular views with exciting rides. It’s one of the best beach-based theme parks open in California, so you should definitely give it a try for a memorable experience.
Morning 6 am to evening 10 pm
Website | https://www.santamonicapier.org/ |
Number | (+1) 310-458-8900 |
Location | 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA |
Tickets cost approximately around $5 to $12
Enjoy the chill waves of the sea with electrifying rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The elevated roller coasters and rides will fill your day with thrill and adventure. With beaches and rides, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the perfect destination for spending some quality time with friends and family.
Opens daily between 11 am to 7 pm. However, sometimes you may find it closed due to private events.
Website | https://beachboardwalk.com/ |
Number | (+1) 831-423-5590 |
Location | Reach at 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States |
There is no admission fee at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You just have to pay for the rides that you take.
Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is a dynamic theme park that gives a 20 minutes trip to a small town and zoo. The train-themed park is open year-round and also allows reservations for private events like Birthday celebrations. With its unique theme, Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is undoubtedly one of the best theme parks in California and the paradise of train enthusiasts.
10 in the morning to 7 in the evening
Website | https://www.traintown.com/ |
Number | (+1) 707 938 3912 |
Location | 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, United States of America |
$8.75 per person and per ride
In case you are looking for something different other than thrilling rides and activities, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is for you. With a roar and snore safari, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is ideal for people who adore animals and spend time with them. Out of all the theme parks in California, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the most peaceful and calming places for a family safari holiday.
Opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Website | https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets |
Number | (+1) 619-231-1515 |
Location | 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, US |
One day pass (any day) | $69 for adults and $59 for children between 3 and 11 years |
One day pass (value day) | $67 for adults and $57 for children between 3 and 11 years |
Membership | starting from $95 |
It is Popularly known for the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, Belmont Park is one of the most loved adventure parks in California. The fun rides and adventurous activities make it an admired family holiday spot in California.
New Attraction – Flip Out
Monday to Thursday | 11 am to 10 pm |
Friday & Saturday | 11 am to 11 pm |
Sunday | 11 am to 10 pm |
Website | belmontpark.com |
Number | (+1) 858-488-1549 |
Location | 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States of America |
$54 (estimation)
Disney California Adventure Park is the second adventure park in Disneyland Resort, owned by Disney. It has comparatively more rides than Disneyland Park. If you want line-free rides, Disney California Adventure Park is the ideal match for you.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday | 7 am to 10 pm |
Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday | 8 am to 10 pm |
Website | https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disney-california-adventure/ |
Number | (+1) 714-781-4636 |
Location | 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, US |
Approximately $104 to $164 for adults and $98 to $155 for Kids between 3 and 9 years
Aquarium of the Bay is appreciated by the locals for the exhibition of unique marine animals. It hosts more than 20,000 marine animals and is counted among one of the most loved water-based theme parks in California. It could be a good option for you if you want a peaceful, fun time away from the city’s hustle-bustle.
– 11 am to 6 pm (Opens daily except Christmas)
Website | https://www.aquariumofthebay.org/ |
Number | (+1) 415-623-5300 |
Location | PIER 39 The Embarcadero & Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States |
Adults | $29.79 |
Child | (4 to 12 years) – $20.70 |
Senior Citizen | $26.09 |
The fantastic theme of Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park makes it stand out from conventional theme parks. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park has chosen a nature-friendly theme. Most of their swings take inspiration from agricultural history, making it one of California’s best amusement parks.
Generally, it’s open from 11 am to 6 pm, but you should check the opening timings on Gilroy Gardens calendar &park hours, prior to visiting.
Website | https://www.gilroygardens.org/ |
Number | (+1) 408-840-7100 |
Location | 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, US |
$50 and taxes (estimation)
The intense water rides and thrill pools of WaterWorks Park makes it one of the most cherished theme parks in Northern California. Furthermore, WaterWorks Park also offers fun rides for children so that they don’t feel left out when adults enjoy rides.
– 24 hours
Website | https://www.waterworkspark.com/ |
Number | (530) 246-9550 |
Location | 151 N Boulder Dr, Redding, CA 96003, US |
Monday to Thursday | $24.95 |
Monday to Thursday (twilight) | $17.95 |
Friday to Sunday | $28.95 |
Friday to Sunday (twilight) | $20.95 |
The ‘Medieval Castle Theme’ of Castle Park never fails to amaze the visitors. Castle Park is among the most amazing theme parks in California that has 27 rides and water play areas.
You can check the opening and closing timing of Castle Park on its ‘operating hours & prices’ page.
Website | https://www.castlepark.com/ |
Number | (+1) 951+785+3000 |
Location | 3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505, United States of America |
General Admission | $29.99 |
Annual Pass | $39.99 |
With kid-friendly, thrilling rides and entertainment, Funderland Amusement Park is one of the best theme parks in Northern California for people with kids. The unique theme of Funderland Amusement Park never fails to grab the attention of the children.
Friday | 11 am to 5 pm |
Saturday & Sunday | 10 am to 6 pm |
Monday to Friday | 11 am to 5 pm |
Saturday & Sunday | 10 am to 6 pm |
Website | https://funderlandpark.com/ |
Number | (+1) 916-456-0131 |
Location | 1350 17th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822, US |
Single ride | $1.95 |
Ten rides | $16.95 |
Unlimited ride wristband | $17.50 |
Family value pack that includes 30 rides | $44.95 |
Children’s Fairyland is another kid-oriented theme park in Northern California. Considering children’s interests, the adventure park’s entire theme is inspired by Disneyland. You can refer to Children’s Fairyland if you are looking for a thrilling and dreamy amusement park for your kid.
Opens Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Website | https://fairyland.org/ |
Number | (+1) 510-452-2259 |
Location | 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, US |
Kids under 1 | Free |
General ticket | $15 |
Membership | starting from $129 to $300 |
Splash Kingdom is an Egyptian-themed waterpark with several thrilling water rides. It’s one of California’s best theme parks with a free-standing Waterslide tower. With its fantastic water rides, Splash Kingdom Waterpark is the ideal place for escaping the scorching heat of the sun.
Website | https://www.splashkingdomwaterpark.com/ |
Number | (909) 748-0241 |
Location | 1101 California St, Redlands |
$22.99 with taxes (estimation)
Pacific Park is unique among all the theme parks in California because it is the only amusement park directly located on the west coast of the USA. Additionally, it doesn’t have any admission fee, so you have to only pay for the rides that you opt for.
The timings of the Pacific Park varies day to day, you can check timings on its Pacific Park Hours Calendar.
Website | https://pacpark.com/ |
Number | (+1) 310-260-8744 |
Location | 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States of America |
$5 to $12 per head (estimation)
Similar to Disneyland, Sesame Place is full of family-friendly rides. This park has 18 rides and wavy pools that will neither disappoint you nor your kids. It’s ideal for toddlers because it has character shows and parades for entertaining kids.
Opens Daily (check Park Hours and Show Schedule on the official website of Sesame Place for precise timings)
Website | https://sesameplace.com/ |
Number | (+1) 215-702-3566 |
Location | 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047, US |
Date-specific ticket | $44.99 |
2-Park ticket | $129.99 |
Group tickets | $29.99 |
SkyPark at Santa’s Village is an outdoor adventure park in California. Amongst all the theme parks in California, SkyPark is best for nature lovers who admire the beauty of nature.
Website | https://skyparksantasvillage.com/ |
Number | (+1) 909-744-9373 |
Location | 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385, US |
– 3 days pass for $99
Initially established as a zoo, today, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is popular for thrilling roller coaster rides and is known as one of the best theme parks in California.
Check the daily operational hours of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom at their ‘Park Hours & Schedule’ section.
Website | https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom |
Number | (+1) 707-644-4000 |
Location | 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589, US |
Single Ticket | $34.99 |
Gold Pass | $59.99 |
Platinum Pass | $149.99 |
If you are fond of water, Aquatica San Diego is one of the best California amusement parks for you to enjoy summer. The fantastic water slides will leave you stunned and give you an unforgettable experience.
It opens at 10 am, but the closing time is not fixed. You are advised to call or check the timings on its website before visiting.
Website | https://aquatica.com/ |
Number | (+1) 619-943-3566 |
Location | 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, US |
Date-specific tickets range from $104.99 to $109.99 (estimation)
Trees of Mystery is an unconventional theme park that will let you enjoy nature and its beauty through its fun rides.
Trail Entrance Timing | 9 am to 4 pm |
Museum | 9 am to 5 pm |
Gift Shop | 9 am to 5:30 pm |
Website | https://treesofmystery.net/ |
Number | (+1) 707-482-2251 |
Location | 15500 US-101, Klamath, CA 95548, US |
General Admission Ticket (13 to 59) | $25 |
Senior Citizen (60 and over) | $23 |
Kids (3 to 12) | $13 |
With its amazing rides and kids’ entertainment section, Adventure City is among the perfect adventure parks in California for kids as well as adults.
You can check the daily timings of Adventure City on its ‘Park Hours & Events page.
Website | https://www.adventurecity.com/ |
Number | (+1) 714-236-9300 |
Location | 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 90680, US |
– $28.95 per person
This was all about the theme parks; moving further, let’s discuss some of the important things that every adventure traveler should have for uninterrupted fun.
Certain things can help you enjoy your theme park trip to the fullest; they are as follows: –
Carrying these things along with you will ensure that you won’t get dehydrated, sunburned, and wet during the rides.
Theme parks are fun places, but finding an ideal theme park that fits your budget can be tricky. The aforementioned list of California theme parks will help you finalize the best theme parks. In the above list, I have mentioned almost all the important information that you need to know for planning your day in a theme park; still, if you feel anything is missed, do let me know in the comments.
Besides these, there are more places where you can visit in the United States like Redwood National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Water Park in Houston, and many more.
Sources
Bill Flink ‘Get Ready for the Holidays California Theme Parks’Visit Anaheim ‘Theme Parks in Anaheim, CA’