California’s Great America

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Theme Park:	California's Great America (since 2008)
	Great America (2007)
	Paramount's Great America (1993 - 2006)
	Great America (1985 - 1992)
	Marriott's Great America (1976 - 1984)

Address:	4701 Great America Pkwy
	95054 Santa Clara
	https://www.cagreatamerica.com/

Operated by:	Six Flags

California’s Great America located in the heart of Silicon Valley, has been a Northern California favorite since opening in 1976. Just minutes from downtown San José, the park combines an impressive collection of roller coasters with family attractions, live entertainment and the South Bay Shores water park, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Among the park’s best-known attractions are Gold Striker, RailBlazer and Flight Deck, but they are only part of a much broader attraction lineup. From family rides and classic attractions to thrill rides and the South Bay Shores water park, California’s Great America offers a balanced mix of experiences that easily fills an entire day.

Whether you’re visiting for the roller coasters, spending the day with family or cooling off at South Bay Shores, California’s Great America offers enough attractions to comfortably fill an entire day.

Fun Fact: The park was featured in Beverly Hills Cop III.

Reviews

A visit to California’s Great America

Highlights of the Theme Park

Demon

A classic Arrow looping coaster

Flight Deck

The intense flight

Gold Striker

A modern GCI wooden coaster

Patriot

A fun looping coaster

Psycho Mouse

A slightly different Wild Mouse

Railblazer

An intense adventure ride

TKathke February 24, 2024 August 28, 2026 California's Great America

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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Theme Park:	Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (since 1907)

Address:	400 Beach St
	95060 Santa Cruz
	https://beachboardwalk.com/

Operated by:	Santa Cruz Seaside Company

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California, is one of America’s classic seaside amusement parks. Opened in 1907 along the shores of Monterey Bay, the Boardwalk has welcomed generations of visitors and remains closely connected to the traditional beach and amusement park culture of the California coast.

At the heart of the park is the Giant Dipper, the historic wooden roller coaster that has been operating since 1924 and remains one of the Boardwalk’s most recognizable attractions. It is joined by a varied collection of thrill rides, family attractions and classic amusement park rides, including the historic Looff Carousel. With the beach just steps away, the rides and surrounding boardwalk naturally blend into the lively atmosphere of the Santa Cruz waterfront.

More than a century after opening, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk still feels like a true California seaside amusement park. Historic rides, the beach and the Pacific Ocean are all part of the experience, giving the Boardwalk a charm that has grown over generations.

Reviews

A short visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Highlights of the Amusement Park

Giant Dipper

A true classic

Rock-O-Plane

The interactive looping ride

Undertow

A fun spinning coaster

TKathke February 18, 2024 August 9, 2026 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

SeaWorld San Diego

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Theme Park:	Sea World San Diego (since 1964)

Address:	500 Sea World Dr.
	92109 San Diego
	https://seaworld.com/san-diego/

Operated by:	United Parks & Resorts

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California, is the original SeaWorld park and has been part of Mission Bay since 1964. What started as a marine park built around aquariums, animals and live shows has changed significantly over the years. Roller coasters and thrill rides have become a major part of the park, while its connection to the ocean remains visible throughout.

Emperor, Electric Eel, Manta and Arctic Rescue make up a varied coaster lineup, joined by the longtime favorite Journey to Atlantis. SeaWorld’s original focus is still very much present as well, with large aquariums and habitats featuring sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions and many other species. The park’s location along Mission Bay provides a fitting backdrop, with water and coastal views never far away.

SeaWorld San Diego has come a long way since 1964. What was once primarily a marine park is now a place where you can spend the morning watching dolphins and penguins and the afternoon riding some of San Diego’s largest roller coasters.

Reviews

A visit to the original SeaWorld