23 Amusement Parks in CALIFORNIA (Fantastic, Mind-blowing & Magical)
Amusement parks are the best place to scream your heart out with the wide selection of rides and attractions.
You can experience blood-thumping roller coaster rides or witness the relaxing views while on a Ferris wheel!
There are also a bunch of arcade games that you can play to win prizes and amazing menus of amusement park food that you can devour while taking a break from the rides!
So, why waste your weekends or days off at home when you can explore the various amusement parks in California?
Read more to find out what amusement parks you should add to your bucket list!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best National Parks in California.
Amusement Parks in Los Angeles, California
1. Pacific Park (Thrilling Pier Rides)
A beautiful beach with a jaw-dropping sunset—these are just some of the things Santa Monica Pier is known for.
But did you know that aside from these attractions, Santa Monica Pier is also home to West Coast’s only amusement park perched on a pier, Pacific Park?
The Pacific Park has 12 thrilling rides, including their West Coaster, Shark Frenzy, Sea Dragon, Inkie’s Scrambler, Pacific Drop, and Pacific Wheel, to name a few.
Their most famous Pacific Wheel is the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel; riding the wheel gives you a panoramic view of the sea and sand of Santa Monica Beach down to Malibu to Palos Verdes.
If you’re planning a family trip down south, you should definitely head to the park to enjoy the good food and awesome rides.
Tickets for the rides range between $5-12.
Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Magical Harry Potter Adventures)
“It’s leviOsa, not levioSA!”
If you know where the quote is from, you’re pretty adequate for a Muggle.
To satisfy your craving for some magic, Universal Studio Hollywood’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has everything Hogwart has to offer!
Check out if a wand chooses you in Ollivanders; cast some spells and taste the fantastic Butterbeer in Hogsmeade; cheer your favorite wizarding school in Triwizard Spirit Rally, or hear the vocal stylings of Hogwarts’ very-own Frog Choir.
If you want to put some sense of thrill to your visit to the park, you can also check out Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to experience soaring above castles or let out some screams in their roller coaster ride, Flight of the Hippogriff.
These fun activities range from $109 for one-day admission to $349 for their one-day unlimited express access.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
3. Six Flags Magic Mountain (Extreme & Family Rides)
Not to be confused with the Six Flags in Vallejo, Six Flags Magic Mountain is an amusement park with extreme rides in the community of Valencia.
The park has a wide variety of rides that are perfect if you are with friends or family.
Their thrill rides, including but not limited to the Full Throttle, Goliath, Scream, and Apocalypse, are perfect if you are an adrenaline junkie who wants hair-rising and heart-thumping rides.
If you’re more into less extreme rides and want to go with your family and kids, Buccaneer, Jet Stream, Road Runner Express, and other exciting rides are still available for you to enjoy during your visit.
Tickets start at $39 for one-day access and up to $179.99 for the diamond pass, which grants unlimited visits, parking, and other inclusions.
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
4. Universal Studios Hollywood (Movie-Themed Attractions)
Aside from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there are attractions and rides that you can experience in Universal Studios Hollywood.
The park nods to all of its famous movies with its interactive and realistic shows and rides using state-of-the-art technology.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Word – The Ride, Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, and Supper Silly Fun Land are only some of the attractions and rides you can enjoy.
Aside from these, they also have museums, themed dining, and a tour of their world-famous studios to give you that behind-the-scene glimpse of your favorite movies.
They have one to two-day tickets ranging from $109 to $149 and annual or season passes starting from $179 to $569.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
5. Raging Waters Los Angeles (Water Adventure Galore)
The Los Angeles heat is no joke, especially during the summer!
If you want to cool off and have an adventure of a lifetime at the same time, you should head to Raging Waters Los Angeles.
Their single-day ticket costs $69.99, while their platinum and gold season passes cost $239.99 and $149.99, respectively.
The water park has enjoyable attractions and rides for all family members.
If you want to feel like you’re escaping from a volcanic eruption, you can slide down Volcana Fantasea, or if you want to be thrown into the air at high speed, you should definitely head to the Bombs Away slide.
Their other rides are Aqua Rocket, Amazon Adventure, The Bermuda Triangle, and Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror, just to name a few.
Address: 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773
Also see our article on Water Parks in California.
Amusement Parks in San Diego, California
1. Christiansen Amusements (Diverse Family Rides)
From kiddie rides to spectacular rides up to major rides, Christiansen Amusements has all these and more!
The park has a lot of exciting spots to choose from—a Ferris wheel, a giant slide, spinning gliders, a merry-go-round, a horror house, and a kid-friendly roller coaster.
All the activities and rides will surely make you famished; the park also has concession food you can enjoy while watching your kids or friends play carnival games.
The park has been in California for 59 years and is one of the classic spots you should go to if you want to have a fun time with your family and friends.
You can also rent their midway games for your corporate event, private party, and other celebrations.
Address: 1885 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154
2. Belmont Park (Beachfront Fun Extravaganza)
There’s no better way to spend your day than having a carefree and fantastic time at an amusement park.
Belmont Park is San Diego’s top-tier beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach.
Founded by the sugar magnate John D. Spreckels in 1925, the park was an effort to drive real estate and promote his eclectic railway.
Although the park almost saw an end to its era in 1976, concerned citizens rallied to ensure that landmarks, specifically the Giant Dipper roller coaster, and the Plunge Pool continue their legacies.
Today, the park continues to provide a place for friends and families to have fun through its rides and attractions, including but not limited to the Mic Drop, Zero Gravity, Control Freak, and Beach Blaster.
Address: 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
3. LEGOLAND California (Lego-Themed Thrills)
If you think Legos are only for kids, you’re greatly mistaken!
Aside from the toys, people of all ages enjoy the wonders in LEGOLAND California!
The theme park has attractions like going through a journey through the Amazon rainforest in the Adventurer’s Club, Coast Guard Build-a-Boat, Coast Cruise, Emmet’s Super Suite, and other interactive entertainments.
But if you’re after thrill rides and adrenaline-pumping activities, you can ride the park’s Captain Cranky’s Challenge, Coastersaurus, Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride, and much more!
The park also has a waterpark where you and your kids can have a fun, splashy time!
You can also make it an entertaining and educational tour in their Sea Life Aquarium or book a relaxing stay at LEGOLAND hotel!
Address: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
4. Sesame Place San Diego (Sesame Street Family Fun)
Who doesn’t love Big Bird, Elmo, Ernie and Bert, Cookie Monster, and Kermit the Frog?
If your kids are on the Sesame Street obsession train, you should definitely visit Sesame Place, San Diego!
Your kids can interact with their favorite characters and go on family-friendly rides, like the Sunny Day Carousel, Elmo’s Rockin Rockets, Abby’s Fairy Flight, and many more!
If you want to swim to cool off the San Diego heat, you can also head to the splashy waterslides in the park.
You and your kids can enjoy the shows like Welcome to Our Street! and Story Time with Big Bird.
Lastly, you can dance at the end of your visit by attending the Sesame Street Party Parade!
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
5. SeaWorld San Diego (Marine Life & Thrilling Rides)
If you ever go to SeaWorld, bring extra clothes and towels because you will be up for a wet and splashy adventure!
Going to SeaWorld is like hitting two birds with one stone; you learn vital information about sea creatures, and you can go on an adventure through their rides and have a fun swimming time.
The park has many activities, including a guided tour and up-close animal interactions, animal presentations, interactive aquariums, and thrilling rides.
Rollercoasters, swings, spinning cups, mini-submarine bumps—you name it, the park has it!
The tickets start from $109.99, and their passes range between $162 and $297.
Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Also see our article on Ice Cream Shops in California.
Amusement Parks in Bay Area, California
1. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Roller Coaster Haven)
If you want to ride roller coasters in the Bay Area, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the place to be!
Your thirst for adrenaline and thrill will surely be satisfied with over eight coaster rides to choose from.
But if riding roller coasters consecutively is not for you, you can cleanse your palate with easy rides like their bump cars or explore their animal-focused attractions.
The park also has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and food carts that offer delicious food to refuel your energy.
You can also go to the shops and merch stores to purchase something to remember the fantastic day!
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
2. California’s Great America (Thrills & Water Park Combo)
Going on a date or family or friends trip in the Bay Area, but still need to figure out where to go?
You should have California’s Great America at the top of your list!
There are many things to do in the park: ride thrill rides, witness live entertainment, and splish-splash in the South Bay Shores waterpark!
You can ride the giant swing, carousel, cable cars, and roller coasters and slide down their water slides.
Afraid there won’t be good food for your date or family?
Fret not; the park has a great selection of amusement park food, from churros to burgers down to premium dining!
Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
3. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Classic Boardwalk Bliss)
Sometimes, you just need a good, old-fashioned stroll at the park to destress last week’s worries.
But doing so can sometimes be expensive.
Fear not; Santa Beach Boardwalk offers affordable tickets so that you can enjoy all their rides!
You can hop from one ride to another with their one-day ticket, which costs between $39.95 – $69.95!
They also have season passes ranging from $89.95 to $129.95 plus tax, which includes unlimited access to their rides and Bring-a-Friend-for-Free days, arcade exclusives, and other benefits.
Their rides and attractions include the Beach Swing, Cliff Hanger, Cyclone, Fireball, Freefall, Sky Glider, and the famous Giant Dipper.
So many exciting things to await you in Santa Beach Boardwalk!
Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
4. Aqua Adventure Waterpark (Cool Water Fun)
Sometimes roller coasters can be over-rated, right?
If so, why not spend your time cooling off in a pool with water slides and other attractions?
If this sounds appealing to you, Aqua Adventure Waterpark is the place to be!
The park offers aqua fun at the affordable price of $25.99!
The attractions in the waterpark are not only for kids but also for “kids” at heart!
They have a four-story tower, Fortress of Fun, where you can slide down the big tubes to the cool water.
If what you’re after is floating leisurely with your friends and family while a gentle current carries you, then you can go to the 200-yard Round About River.
If you want to feel more relaxed and not worry about where to stay while your kids or friends swim, you can rent their cabanas to access lounge chairs, tables, and food service.
Address: 40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy. Fremont, CA 94538
5. Pixieland Amusement Park (Kid-Friendly Delights)
“Where little kids have big kid fun!”
This quote is what Pixieland Amusement Park stands by, and with their amazing rides and activities, your kids are guaranteed to be knocked out before leaving the park gate.
The park has ten different rides that your kids can enjoy.
Your kids can ride the classic rides, like tea-cups, carousels, express trains, and coin-op rides.
They can also try the more exciting rides, such as the small but mighty Dragon Roller Coaster, Red Baron Airplanes, and Frog Hopper.
Each ride needs a corresponding number of tickets before the kids can hop on.
But not to worry, a single ticket only costs $2, or you shoot the big gun and purchase the Mega Fun Pack for only $200 for 100 tickets.
Address: 2740 E Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 9451
6. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (Horticulture-Themed Bliss)
The Rose among the Thorns, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a horticulture-themed amusement park with family-friendly rides and amazing gardens.
The rides and attractions in the park are surrounded by beautifully designed landscaping, which makes it unique compared to other amusement parks.
Their rides are perfect for small kids as their thrill levels only range between one to three, three being the most thrilling.
But the main attraction in the park is the majestic gardens that feature different varieties of trees, flowers, water elements, and rock formations.
The park also has a cabana where you can lounge around with poolside service, a wide selection of food and drinks, and a camping ground where you can stargaze with your family.
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020
Also see our article on Family Vacations in California.
Amusement Parks in Anaheim, California
1. Disneyland Park/Resort (Timeless Disney Magic)
You can never outgrow your Disney phase, not even when you reach 50!
There’s just something so magical about Disney movies and characters that resonate with you until adulthood.
If you want to continue chasing that magic, be it with your friends or family, Disneyland Resort is the place for you!
You can never go wrong with the classic Disneyland rides, such as Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and It’s a Small World, to name a few.
You can also scream at the top of your lungs at the Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Silly Symphony Swings, Splash Mountain, and Incredicoaster.
And the best way to end your day is by seeing the night parade with all the characters and casts.
Tickets start at $104!
Address: Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
2. Adventure City (Family-Friendly Thrills)
Take birthday celebrations a step further by spending them at Adventure City!
The park is perfect for all members of the family!
They have kid-friendly rides, like Rescue Ride, Barnstormer Planes, Crank ‘n’ Roll, Giggle Wheel, and much more!
Adults can have fun, too!
There are also more thrilling rides and attractions, like the Drop Zone, Rewind Racers, Balloon Race, and Freeway Coaster.
The birthday package at the park costs $34.95 per person, with inclusions of a dedicated parking area, all-day unlimited rides, all-day access to the petting farm, and others.
General admission costs $26.95 and $21.95 for ages 55 and up; the arcade tickets start at $10.
Address: 1238 South Beach Blvd., Anaheim, California
3. Disney California Adventure Park (Disney with a California Twist)
Disney California Adventure Park is different from Disneyland Resort.
The parks have different rides and attractions.
You can’t deny that Disneyland has the more iconic attractions, but Disney California Adventure Park also has its perks.
It has the Radiator Springs Racers, Toy Story Midway Mania, Soarin’ Over California, and Mickey’s Fun Wheel.
You can also find the California Screamin’ in the adventure park, the only inverted coaster in the region.
The parents and chaperones can also enjoy themselves with booze in the adventure park.
Lastly, the park is where you’ll see the fantastic light and water show, World of Color.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
4. Knott’s Berry Farm (Extreme & Live Entertainment)
Are the rides in Disneyland too tame for you?
Then, Knott’s Berry Farm is the place for you!
What started as a roadside berry stand is now one of the world’s most famous theme park destinations.
The park has a good proportion of wet and dry attractions that you can explore.
They have rides that are five at the thrill meter, five being aggressive, including but not limited to the Calico River Rapids, Coast Rider, HangTime, Montezooma’s Revenge, and Silver Bullet.
The park also has a good selection of live shows that you can check out to cool down after the extreme rides.
The theme park is the perfect place if you’re undecided if you want to swim or experience hair-raising rides!
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Also see our article on Beaches in California.
Amusement Parks in Ontario, California
1. Bullwinkle’s Upland (Family-Friendly Park)
A small and simple amusement park may be the relief you need after a stressful week.
You don’t have to go far and spend wads of cash to have fun with friends and family.
Bullwinkle’s Upland offers good food and activities that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy.
The park has 72 holes of miniature golf on four themed courses, including cosmic golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, an arcade, and an XD theatre with intense motion and impressive 3D graphics.
Their on-site restaurant has a wide selection of food, like pizza, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and much more, that will surely replenish all your energy!
Still in the hunt for a venue to hold your next event?
The park also caters to birthdays, corporate events, school and youth events, and others.
You can purchase their tickets online and offline for $15 to $30 for the one-day pass.
Address: 1500 West 7th Street, Upland, California 91786
2. The Ride 7D Ontario (Immersive Motion Rides)
With all the technological advancements, it’s no wonder that there are also a bunch of advanced cinematic motion rides out there.
The Ride 7D Ontario is an immersive and interactive motion ride experience that will take you to another world without going anywhere far!
With each ride lasting only six to eight minutes, you have enough time to hop from one themed ride to another.
Their ride categories include fun, action, thriller, intense, scary, creepy, and sci-fi.
All ages are welcome to try and experience the ride as long as the height and weight requirements are met; height must be at least 40″, and the maximum weight is 350 lbs.
Address: 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764
3. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (Thrilling Indoor Skydiving)
Are you looking for another source of fun while in Ontario, California?
Well, how does indoor skydiving sound?
If this thrilling experience is what you’re looking for, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday!
The facility has a vertical wind tunnel with fans at the top and a special mechanism that helps create a column of air that enables you to fly.
Once you enter the flight chamber, you will be floating or suspended in the air, like sky diving, minus the fear of falling off the face of the earth.
An iFLY flight package typically starts at $84.99, which includes two flights per person.
Address: 4510 Ontario Mills Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764
f you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Skiing, Ziplining, and Waterfalls in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the Grandest Amusement Parks in Texas and Florida.