Best Los Angeles Theme Parks

The Top Theme Parks to Visit While You're in Los Angeles

Disneyland in Anaheim is the number one theme park in Southern California, full of the traditional Disney charm, attention to detail and obsessively perfect "cast" to make sure your visit runs smoothly. Disneyland is more about family fun than big thrills. Disney's California Adventure shares a common plaza with Disneyland and offers a selection of rides suitable for an older crowd, mostly themed to California landmarks.

Universal Studios Hollywood is the original movie-themed amusement park located on the grounds of an active film and television studio. In addition to movie-related rides and attractions, the Tram Tour takes you through the back lot and some sound stages of the Universal Studios production studios. The Go Los Angeles Card includes admission to Universal Studios.

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is a Snoopy-themed park with a nice combination of rides for younger kids, and high thrill coasters and other more advanced rushes to keep the big kids white-knuckling it.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is the LA area's most extreme amusement park with the highest concentration of thrill rides. It is a rite of passage for area teens to get up the courage to ride these extreme monsters.

LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad is located between Los Angeles and San Diego. This Lego-themed park is designed specifically for kids 2 to 12, and some of the rides have a maximum age and weight limit. The Go Los Angeles Card includes admission to Legoland California.

Sea World San Diego is a medium-sized marine park located on the coast at the northern edge of San Diego with rides, an aquarium and dolphin, whale and other marine animal shows, including Shamu, the killer whale. Sea World San Diego tickets are included in the southern California CityPass.

Pacific Park is a collection of a dozen kid-friendly carnival rides on the Santa Monica Pier, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. There is no admission fee. You can pay per ride or buy an unlimited ride wrist band. Also on the Santa Monica Pier you'll find a trapeze school, aquarium, food court and restaurants.

Los Angeles Water Parks are open seasonally, usually starting and ending with weekends May through October and daily through the summer months.