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California Amusement Park Vacation

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California Is About Classic Entertainment

It's easy to feel dizzied by California's electric array of amusement parks, especially when they feature so many dramatic roller coasters and gravity-defying rides. Luckily for you, we've curated a guide to the very best The Golden State has to offer! Whether you're in search of some serious entertainment without the hefty price tag, or you're all about an all-access pass to the world's most famous attractions, we've got the information you need to plan an unforgettable California amusement park vacation.
Where Are the Best Theme Parks in California? - HomeToGo
Introducing Our List of Theme Parks in California and Their Prices for 2019

Where Are the Best Theme Parks in California?


What are the top theme parks in California? Attracting tens of millions of visitors per year, The Golden State is home to some of the most iconic amusement parks in the world. With so many to choose from, HomeToGo has researched exactly what's on offer across the state, to make sure you're in the loop! Whether you're heading to San Diego or Santa Monica, our ranking has all the insights you need to organize the perfect theme park vacation.

The California Theme Park Index incorporates the cost of one day's parking, adult admission, lunch, and one night's stay in nearby accommodation, to help travelers choose the right amusement park based on their budget and location. We had a scream putting this guide together - now buckle up and enjoy!

Jaw-Dropping Facts About California’s Top Amusement Parks

Riders waving their hands on a blue roller coaster

The most-visited theme park in California is Disneyland in Anaheim. Open since 1955, it attracts around 20 million visitors per year.

A red winner's badge icon

The top-rated roller coaster in California is Gold Striker at California's Great America. It opened in 2013 and reaches 54 miles per hour.

A red roller coaster exiting a vertical drop

California's fastest, tallest and, steepest roller coaster is Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

A blue roller coaster ascending a hill

California is home to more roller coasters than any other U.S. state (a whopping 87). Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts 18 of these!

What Does it Cost to Visit California’s Top 9 Amusement Parks?

Rank
Theme Park
Parking
Ticket
Meal
Accom
Total
1
Knott's Berry Farm
$20.00
$62.00
$14.49
$32.36
$128.85
2
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
$30.00
$56.99
$14.99
$36.25
$138.23
3
Six Flags Magic Mountain
$25.00
$89.99
$18.88
$62.39
$196.26
4
SeaWorld San Diego
$22.00
$77.99
$12.99
$89.94
$202.92
5
Legoland California
$22.00
$110.99
$12.35
$73.02
$218.36
6
California's Great America
$20.00
$39.99
$14.99
$152.17
$227.15
7
Disneyland Park
$25.00
$149.00
$17.49
$57.48
$248.97
7
Disney California Adventure Park
$25.00
$149.00
$17.49
$57.48
$248.97
9
Universal Studios Hollywood
$25.00
$139.00
$17.99
$107.80
$289.79

How We Created This Guide

Total = Parking + Ticket + Meal + Accommodation

Parking: The cost of parking one vehicle for one day in the standard parking lot, purchased online in advance. Prices were taken from the official park websites.

Ticket: The cost of entry for an adult. When available, we selected any-day tickets for 2019, purchased in advance online. If any-day tickets were not available, we looked at prices on June 1, 2019. For the parks which only sell two-day tickets, we looked at the price of two-day tickets and then halved it. The parks provided us with ticket prices for 2019. 

Meal: The cost of a cheeseburger, fries, and regular drink combo meal. If combo meals were not available, we looked at the price of the individual items and then added them together. We used online menus and contacted customer service teams to curate this price list. 

Accommodation: The average price, per person per night, to stay in an accommodation close to the theme park, based on a group of 4 people. We examined the price of every night between April 6 and June 22, 2019, and then calculated an average. 

We researched these prices in March 2019. If prices for 2019 were not available, we used prices from last year's ranking. Taxes and processing fees are not included. If you have any requests or would like additional information, please email [email protected]

Amusement Parks in California: Top Accommodations

Condo Carlsbad Village
Nov 17 - Nov 24
-18%
$169
$139 per night
Condo ∙ 3 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Bright Condo in Carlsbad Village with Yard & Grill
5.0
"Excellent" (106 ratings)
Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, California
Details
Vrbo
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Condo Townsite
Oct 31 - Nov 7
-29%
$259
$195 per night
Condo ∙ 2 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Pleasant Condo in Townsite with Grill, Sauna & Pool + Ocean Views + Close to Beach
5.0
"Excellent" (177 ratings)
Townsite, Camp Pendleton South, California
Details
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Cottage Balboa Park
Mar 2 - Mar 9
$189 per night
Cottage ∙ 3 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Cottage in Balboa Park with Yard & Grill
5.0
"Excellent" (303 ratings)
Balboa Park, San Diego, California
Details
Vrbo
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Best California Amusement Parks for Budget Travellers

Best California Amusement Parks for Budget Travellers

California isn't just about package deals and pricey entertainment, though. There are plenty of quality experiences available in California to those on a budget – the climate alone is worth traveling for!

  • 1. Knott's Berry Farm

    The hundred-year history of this unique theme park is a testament to its iconic allure. What was once a simple family farm has grown into a vast 160-acre playground that's enjoyed by families from all over the world. From the waterpark to famous farm cuisine and the Old West Ghost Town, the delights of this characterful attraction never cease to please its patrons, both young and old.

  • 2. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

    This sprawling theme park is located approximately 40 miles from Downtown San Francisco. Its impressive range of roller coasters twist and tower above the Northern California landscape. Thrill seekers will be delighted to hear that Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has plenty of white-knuckle rides on offer, while still offering exceptional value for money.

Best Places to Stay for Amusement Parks in California

Private room Six Flags Magic Mountain
Apr 1 - Apr 8
$72 per night
Private room ∙ 2 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Private Room in Santa Clarita
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Details
Homestay.com
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Apartment Six Flags Magic Mountain
May 19 - May 26
$150 per night
Apartment ∙ 3 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
Charming Rental Apartment in Valencia with Free Parking
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Details
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Condo Six Flags Magic Mountain
Sep 16 - Sep 23
$266 per night
Condo ∙ 4 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Condo in Valencia with Private Patio
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Details
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Best California Amusement Parks for Thrillseekers

Best California Amusement Parks for Thrillseekers

Adrenaline junkies make the pilgrimage to California from all over the world. Known as the epicenter of many of the planet's fastest and most famous rides, California boasts some of the most thrilling amusement parks.

  • 1. Six Flags Magic Mountain

    Six Flags is home to some of California's most extreme thrill rides. The Apocalypse roller coaster drops you from a height of 75 feet, while Batman: The Ride takes you on a curious loop-the-loop trail at what feels like supersonic speed. For those who like their fun fuel injected, there's Full Throttle, a ride that features 160-foot loops. Ever ridden a hypercoaster? Goliath is even faster than your usual roller coaster and tops out at a height of 255 dizzying feet.

  • 2. California's Great America

    Home to the Gold Striker, a wooden roller coaster which is considered amongst the best in the world, California’s Great America is a great option for those located or traveling to the Bay Area. Located around 8 miles from Downtown San Jose, this multifaceted park has something for the whole family to enjoy. Roller coaster fans will also love Patriot and Flight Deck.

  • 3. SeaWorld San Diego

    Visit SeaWorld San Diego for less with a joint pass, which lets you access San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, and Seaworld over the course of several days. The CityPASS also reduces the price of your ticket. Inside SeaWorld, you'll get the chance to experience dynamic animal shows featuring all your furry (and scaly) favorites, and ride gripping roller coasters.

Recommended Accommodations for Amusement Parks in California

House Knott's Berry Farm
Sep 9 - Sep 16
$225 per night
House ∙ 12 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
Whole Vacation Home in Fullerton
4.2
"Very good" (40 ratings)
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, United States
Details
Vrbo
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House Knott's Berry Farm
Jul 1 - Jul 8
$451 per night
House ∙ 10 guests ∙ 5 bedrooms
Nice House in Sherwood Forest & Thistle Development with Free Parking
4.4
"Very good" (15 ratings)
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, United States
Details
Vrbo
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House Knott's Berry Farm
Aug 12 - Aug 19
$285 per night
House ∙ 8 guests ∙ 3 bedrooms
House in Southwest Anaheim with Grill & Yard
4.9
"Excellent" (52 ratings)
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, United States
Details
Vrbo
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Best California Amusement Parks for Families

Best California Amusement Parks for Families

California amusement park vacations are a child's dream. Come to the place with "where dreams are made." It's not just the prevalence of fairytale castles, though. California's amusement parks are plentiful, and young and old will marvel at this mecca of Western entertainment.

  • 1. Disneyland

    Built under the watchful eye of Walt Disney, Disneyland California may be 50 years old, but offers plenty of fast-paced entertainment. Eight themed districts let visitors explore a shifting mirage of fanciful environments, each with exciting themed rides. Splash about on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, or whizz along the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Don't miss California Screamin', a state-of-the-art roller coaster that will leave you breathless.

  • 2. Disney California Adventure Park

    This 72-acre theme park is devoted to a figure that looms large among California's cultural giants. Disney's influence on the state is as vast as the roller coasters that dominate the park's skyline. You'll meet all of your favorite cartoon characters from the worlds of Pixar and Marvel, too. Explore the seven themed regions of the park, all crammed with roller coasters, rides, and other attractions.

  • 3. LEGOLAND California

    Compared with the premium amusement alternatives available in California, this LEGO-themed park purveys more cost-effective fun. The park is constructed of more than 20 million LEGO bricks. With an extensive miniature park, aquarium, and plenty of roller coasters, there's much enjoyment to be had here, whatever your age.

Top Offers for Amusement Parks in California

House Universal Studios Hollywood
Nov 10 - Nov 17
$285 per night
House ∙ 5 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Charming Vacation Home in Hollywood Hills with Grill + Jetliner Views
5.0
"Excellent" (186 ratings)
Universal Studios Hollywood, Central LA, California, United States
Details
Vrbo
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House Universal Studios Hollywood
Nov 10 - Nov 17
-29%
$584
$413 per night
House ∙ 4 guests ∙ 2 bedrooms
Nice House in Hollywood Hills with Solar Pool
5.0
"Excellent" (105 ratings)
Universal Studios Hollywood, Central LA, California, United States
Details
Vrbo
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House Universal Studios Hollywood
May 26 - Jun 2
$311 per night
House ∙ 2 guests ∙ 1 bedroom
House in Hollywood Hills with Pool, Yard & Grill + Ocean Views
4.9
"Excellent" (53 ratings)
Universal Studios Hollywood, Central LA, California, United States
Details
Vrbo
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Frequently Asked Questions

California Amusement Park Vacation: How much does it cost to rent a vacation home in California?

You can get an incredible rental for somewhere between $361 and $620 and find discounts up to 38%!

Can I find a vacation home for a group of guests for California Amusement Park Vacation?

Usually the size of a House rental is 186 m² and can fit 7 guests on average which is great for large groups.

What kinds of vacation rentals can i book for California Amusement Park Vacation?

You can find 68,377 House rental and 15,412 Apartment rental for California Amusement Park Vacation right here on HomeToGo.

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Average Nightly Rental Prices in California

Vacation Rental Price Information in California

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Rental Availability Information in California

California Amusement Park Vacation Inspiration

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