Your Guide to the Best Theme Parks in California
Best for Roller Coasters
1. Six Flags Magic Mountain
Of all the theme parks in California, Six Flags Magic Mountain has the best roller coasters by far. It boasts one of the longest and fastest coasters in the world, Goliath, which speeds you along at 85 miles per hour and has a g-force so strong it will literally take your breath away.
In the DC comics section of the park, there are multiple themed coasters including the terrifying Superman: Escape From Krypton that speeds you backwards at 100 miles per hour and drops you at a 90-degree angle. There are even a couple of kids’ coasters for the little ones and a number of tamer attractions for family members who aren’t keen on thrills.
All in all, the park has 16 different roller coasters, which makes it well worth the ticket price.
2. Knott’s Berry Farm
For nearly 100 years, Knott’s Berry Farm has been a staple of the Southern California theme park scene. After Disneyland opened only a few miles away, they had to reinvent themselves and offer something that Disneyland wasn’t — roller coasters.
Knott’s now has the longest, tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster on the west coast, Ghostrider. The park has nine different roller coasters in total, perfect for older kids, teens and adults.
Part of what makes their park so valuable is how they manage to appeal to all ages so well — even your little ones — with rides and entertainment catered to their limited attention spans.
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3. California’s Great America
One of the most budget-friendly California theme parks and certainly the most affordable Northern California theme park, California’s Great America has plenty of roller coasters to fulfill your need for speed.
Each of their six coasters offers something a little different, from inverted tracks, to wooden coasters, to 360 loops. There are also thrilling amusement rides such as Delirium and the Tiki Twirl, in addition to Peanuts-themed kiddie rides and a carousel.
Best of all, after you’ve had your fill of roller coasters for the day, you can cool off at the onsite water park that’s included in the ticket price.
