California’s Great America



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

 


SeaWorld San Diego



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



 
 
 

Highlights of the Sea Mammal Amusement Park

 




 

Arctic Rescue

The awesome family launch coaster

 


 

Electric Eel

The Sky Rocket

 


 

Emperor

The dive coaster

 


 

Journey to Atlantis

A great water coaster

 


 

Manta

Flying through the park

 


 

Shipwreck Rapids

A great rapids adventure

 


Universal Studios Islands of Adventure



Theme Park:Universal Studios Islands of Adventure (since 2001)
Address:6000 Universal Blvd
32819 Orlando
https://www.universalorlando.com
Operated by:Universal Parks and Resorts


Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, opened in 1999 as the second theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. Rather than following the movie studio concept of neighboring Universal Studios Florida, the park was designed as a journey through a series of themed islands, each built around its own stories, characters and adventures.

Today, Islands of Adventure is home to some of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade features Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as well as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, while Jurassic World VelociCoaster dominates the neighboring Jurassic Park area. Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and the water ride Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls add even more variety to the park.

With its detailed themed areas and an excellent collection of roller coasters, dark rides and water rides, Islands of Adventure offers plenty to explore beyond its headline attractions. Even after more than 25 years, the original idea of traveling from one completely different island to the next remains a big part of the park’s appeal.

 

Reviews

Going back to Hogwarts



 
 
 

Highlights of the Theme Park

 




 

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls

A surprisingly wet log flume

 


 

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Probably the best roller coaster with a very long name

 


 

Harry Potter and the forbidden Journey

Flying through the air on robots

 


 

Incredible Hulk Coaster

Tyre driven madness

 


 

Jurassic Park River Adventure

A great water ride

 


 

VelociCoaster

The awesome launch coaster