Los Angeles is home to world-famous theme parks, so we wouldn’t blame you if you are just as excited about a rollercoaster as a kid. The theme parks in Los Angeles and within Southern California have such intricate designs and entertainment options that they cater to every age group, from toddlers to middle-aged adults.
It is safe to say that amusement parks in the USA, particularly Disneyland, have impacted American tourism, and the theme parks in the Los Angeles area are not far behind in continuing the legacy.
Jammed with original attractions, nostalgia, and packed crowds from the day the doors opened, here are some of the best theme parks in Los Angeles for a much-needed thrill in your life.
Disneyland Park
Address: Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
We will start with the best theme park in Los Angeles, Disneyland Park, where it all started.
Only 30 miles away from Los Angeles, it is the “happiest place in the world” for kids and families. There is magic to be found everywhere.
Here is why Disneyland California Adventure Park is the hero of all theme parks in the Los Angeles area – old and new magic, timeless rides and attractions, and nostalgic dining spots.
Join a high-speed chase with the Incredibles through enclosed tunnels, rise 80 feet up over the world’s wonders, or rev up your Lightning Mc Queen, Luigi & Guido through the picturesque landscape of Pixar movie Cars.
Before you go, step into the home of Big Hero 6, San Fransokyo Square, which is bustling with neighborhood-inspired eateries, festive beer gardens, and chocolate shops.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Pacific Park is a beautiful Los Angeles fun park that overlooks the breathtaking Pacific Ocean during the day and sparkles in colorful lights when the sun goes down.
With 12 thrilling rides and the solar-powered Ferris wheel as the focus of attention, Southern Californians love to spend their warm weekends at Pacific Theme Park in Los Angeles.
The rides and attractions borrow the beachside theme from Santa Monica Pier. Ocean sprays on your face as you go up, down, and around the roller-coaster track, a wooden ship with two sea dragon heads swings you in a 180-degree arc, and the relaxing bench on Seaside Swing offers views of Palos Verdes Peninsula all the way to Santa Monica Mountains.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
Universal Studios Hollywood has always been prominent among the best theme parks in Los Angeles, CA.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Universal Studios Hollywood is worth every visit and penny you spend. The rides and attractions cater to everyone – and by everyone, we mean movie lovers who want a behind the scene peak at the secrets of their favorite movies, families who are looking for safe rides for their mischievous kids, full grownups who want to let loose on rides that have your insides go upside down, and thrill seekers wishing to meet some wizards.
It’s a fun-filled theme park in Los Angeles, but there is lots to see and do. This is why you must plan your visit in a way that covers all the attractive rides and leaves some space for stunning dining destinations.
Super Nintendo World
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 90068, United States
Super Nintendo World might look like it caters to a specific age bracket, but even adults cannot help but ride on the chaotic racing course in this theme park in Los Angeles.
Bringing the mushroom kingdom to California, it is one of the best theme parks in Los Angeles. The Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an augmented reality ride, taking support from a path of chaotic dark rides and interactive Mario-themed visors.
And then it is just you and the skidding vehicle along the course as you listen to the steering prompts and the other combative karts that appear in your visor. Launch the Koopa shells in any direction you want, and after you have exhausted yourself on the popular ride, head on to the Toadstool Café to enjoy a fun and tasty dish by Chef Toad.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States
Not less than 40 miles away from LAX lies Six Flags Magic Mountain, a theme park in California with world-class roller coaster rides and animal encounters.
The ride-on attractions at Six Flags Mountain are nothing short of exceptional, but Apocalypse, the unforgiving and ultra-fast rollercoaster, and Buccaneer, the swift and cunning pirate ship that tosses and swings you high up in the air, always stands out as the most popular one.
The park also has stellar restaurants serving everything from Asian and American cuisine to Italian and Mexican delights. So, prepare to dig into the best pepperoni pizzas, soft pretzels, hand-battered chicken, tacos, acai bowls, and soft serves.
Six Flags is one of the best amusement parks in Los Angeles. It ticks off many boxes in one go—family-friendly rides, kids’ rides, a thrilling experience, dining, and events. Plan your visit accordingly, as many other tourists and locals like you have this theme park on the top of their bucket lists.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, United States
Knott’s Berry Farm, spread over 57 acres of land, is an amazing theme park in the Los Angeles area and is operated by Cedar Fair. It takes about 26 minutes to drive from Los Angeles to this exciting place in Buena Park.
There are four themed areas—Ghost Town, The Boardwalk, Fiesta Village, and Camp Snoopy—each with its own world-class shows, rides, attractions, and restaurants.
A day spent at Knott’s Berry Farm means Old West and Ghost Town adventures from the 1800s, a journey through Fiesta Village’s Hispanic roots, living the South Californian beach lifestyle, mammoth roller coasters, and Snoopy’s Tenderpaw Twister Coaster.
Being one of the most visited and best theme parks in Los Angeles CA, prepare to find a large queue at the entrance, but once you are in, there is no way you are leaving without racing heartbeats and a promise to visit it again.
Knott’s Soak City
Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, United States
Knott’s Soak City is a water park operated by the same entertainment company, Cedar Fair. Separately gated right next to the berry farm, Knott’s Soak City doesn’t mess around regarding water park activities, and just like Knott’s Berry Farm, the drive from Los Angeles to Knott’s Soak City is just 27-28 minutes long.
Slip and slide around the 23 tube, speed, and body slides. The Shore Break has 6 different water slides for a thrilling, family-friendly adventure, and The Tidal Wave Bay has a 750,000-gallon wave pool. This awesome theme park in Los Angeles is open from mid-May to early September.
The Beach House is the ultimate favorite of kids and adults – get access to 200 water guns, sprayers, nozzles, and other fun surprises. We cannot see one boring day spent at Knott’s Soak City.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios is 100% worth visiting, even if you are not a hardcore Harry Potter Fan.
This theme park is sprawling, which can make deciding which ride or attraction to visit first difficult. So, let’s start with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a thrilling, magical motion simulation that takes you over the towering gates, castle grounds, and passages you have come to love in the movies.
But if you don’t like being strapped to your seats, take a rollercoaster ride on Flight of the Hippogriff in the direction of Hagrid’s Hut and around the pumpkin patch. This one’s for the whole family.
Springfield U.S.A
Address: 49 Production Plaza, North Hollywood, CA 91602, United States
Welcome to the world of Simpsons with Springfield U.S.A, a fun theme park in Universal Studios Hollywood where you can settle down with a Krusty Burger or a Lard Lad donut before boarding on a thrilling roller coaster journey.
The Simpsons Ride is the most popular attraction in the theme park. It is a ride as satirical as the show and takes you through Krustyland with Marge, Homer, Lisa, Bart, and Maggie, as well as some of the fan-favorite cameos.
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