Looking for a round-up of all the amusement parks in Southern California?
From the iconic Disneyland Resort to the adrenaline-pumping Six Flags Magic Mountain to the movie-making magic of Universal Studios Hollywood, there are more theme parks in Southern California than just about any other part of the country.
And as the mom of a teenager who has lived near San Diego for more than 20 years, you can bet I’ve been to every single one of them multiple times!
Deciding on the best theme parks to visit when there are so many to choose from can be overwhelming! That’s why I’ve put together this quick guide to all the amusement parks Southern California is home to so you can plan a great vacation for the whole family.
Amusement Parks in Southern California
To help you easily explore Southern California’s theme parks, I’ve divided this guide into three sections by geographic area: San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
San Diego County
1. Belmont Park
Coming up on its 100-year anniversary, Belmont Park in Mission Beach is a beachfront amusement park featuring numerous rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1925.
The iconic presence of this coaster against the backdrop of ocean waves creates an atmosphere of excitement and nostalgia. Other attractions at Belmont Park include arcade games, bowling alley, mini golf, laser tag, sky ropes course, and more than a dozen rides. There are also plenty of spots to grab a bite, and of course the beach is just steps away.
Belmont Park is one the best amusement parks Southern California has to offer – if you are looking for a unique beach town experience. Much like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Northern California, Belmont Park is a fun theme park experience by the sea. It is the perfect place to visit on hot summer days, and so much fun to split your time between the beach and rides!
Best of all, Mission Beach offers free parking – you just have to arrive early to ensure you find a spot.
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
2. SeaWorld San Diego
From thrilling rides to fun and educational live shows, SeaWorld offers a unique experience with marine life. The park does a nice job creating a balance between learning and entertainment.
There has been a shift in the park’s focus since the bad press it received after the documentary Blackfish was released in 2013. While there are still shows, you won’t see any performers riding on the backs of dolphins or getting in the water with the orcas. Instead, the message is now about sea life protection and learning about the marine animals’ natural habitats and conservation. I think that is a good change!
Another shift you’ll see at SeaWorld San Diego is the addition of more rides. With its move away from relying on its resident marine mammals to entertain guests, lots of new rides and attractions have sprung up over the years. In addition to the long-standing SkyTower and Bayside Skyride, you’ll now find thrilling roller coasters such as Manta, Emperor, Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, and their newest ride, Arctic Rescue.
There is also an entire section of the park with rides and activities just for little kids, making SeaWorld San Diego a park the whole family can truly enjoy.
Finally, it is worth a mention that SeaWorld hosts several great events throughout the year which make a visit even more worthwhile. Check out the Seven Seas Food Festival in the springtime, the Summer Spectacular, and be sure to visit during the holiday season for their SeaWorld Christmas Celebration.
- 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego
- seaworld.com/san-diego
3. Legoland California Resort
Located north of San Diego in Carlsbad, Legoland offers a wide range of attractions perfectly suited for little kids. With more than 60 interactive play areas, shows, and kid-friendly rides, this Southern California theme park offers something for every young adventurer.
When my son was younger we visited often. The park’s emphasis on creativity and learning through play makes it an ideal destination for families with younger kids. Not only can they build things with Lego bricks themselves, but they will love wandering through Miniland USA, which features more than 30 million LEGO bricks in its fascinating displays.
New in 2024 is Dino Valley, where kids can dive into some prehistoric dino adventures!
Legoland California also has a water park. The main thing to know is that although the Legoland Water Park is separate, it is only accessible through Legoland. Therefore, you cannot but just a ticket to the water park; you must purchase admission to Legoland in order to access the water park. Legoland-only tickets do not include admission into the water park but can be upgraded to include same-day admission to both for $30. This is a nice add-on, especially on hot days – though it does add significantly to the price.
- One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
- legoland.com/california
4. Sesame Place San Diego
If Belmont Park is one of California’s oldest theme parks, then Sesame Place San Diego is the newest. Opened in 2022 (it replaced Aquatica San Diego), Sesame Place offers a mix of theme park and water rides, shows, parades, games, and fun activities.
With its familiar cast of favorite characters from Sesame Street and interactive play areas with water features, Sesame Place is best for young children, but it is an amusement park parents will enjoy, too. There are tons of water slides, a lazy river, and a family-friendly wave pool, as well as about a dozen or so rides for little kids. No roller coasters or thrill rides here, so if you have teenagers or older kids this is not the park for them!
- 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
- sesameplace.com/san-diego
Los Angeles County
5. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a fun experience for thrill-seekers and families alike. It is a great park, especially for adults, older kids, and teenagers. You’ll find thrill rides and shows, and of course the world-famous Studio Tour where you can experience “movie-making magic” from the comfort of a tram.
In recent years, the theme park has expanded to include new rides and adventures. Some of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Transformers, and the Jurassic World ride featuring a giant tyrannosaurus rex and waterfall drop.
Universal Studios Hollywood is also home to the new Super Nintendo World, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary in 2024. It has an exciting Mario ride, which was not my favorite but if you have gamers in your family, they will love it!
If you have some more time to spend in the Los Angeles area, be sure to also check out these things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
- universalstudioshollywood.com
6. Six Flags Magic Mountain
There’s a reason Six Flags Magic Mountain is called the Thrill Capital of the World.
Located about an hour north of downtown Los Angeles, Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts more than 20 heart-pounding roller coasters, including the iconic Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, X2, Batman, and Goliath that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
With an electrifying atmosphere and an assortment of thrilling attractions, Six Flags Magic Mountain promises an unforgettable escapade for thrill seekers. If you have a teen, Six Flags is guaranteed to be their favorite theme park.
Although they do offer lots of family-friendly rides including a Looney Tunes-themed area for small children, Six Flags Magic Mountain is best suited for teens, tweens, and adults who love a good thrill.
- 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia
- sixflags.com/magicmountain
7. Pacific Park
For a classic beachfront amusement park in Southern California, look no further than Pacific Park in Santa Monica.
The vibrant energy of the Santa Monica Pier combined with Pacific Ocean views creates an exciting atmosphere. Though the rides themselves are not what you’d call amazing – they have the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel, plus about ten other small carnival-type rides – it’s the beach vibe you are here to enjoy.
The cool thing that sets Pacific Park apart is that it is an admission-free amusement park. This means anyone can walk up the pier and enjoy the sights and sounds, play some games, or buy a snack. Rides and attractions are priced individually and range from $5 to $15. Unlimited Ride Wristbands are also available if you want to make a day of it.
The abundance of kid-friendly rides and attractions combined with the casual beach atmosphere makes Pacific Park the perfect destination for families seeking a day of fun by the sea.
Plan to arrive early if you are visiting on a sunny weekend, as parking in Santa Monica can be a challenge.
- 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
- pacpark.com
Orange County
8. Disneyland Park
Of all the amusement parks in Southern California, are there any more famous than Disneyland? It is truly an iconic park.
The magic of Disneyland, with its beloved characters, classic rides, and family-friendly attractions, promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The park offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and thrilling adventures, making it ideal for all ages.
Though the Disneyland Resort has received much ire for its price hikes over the last several years, it remains one of the busiest theme parks in Southern California – proving that the quality of the park is worth the price. We have been going to Disneyland for so long, the cost of my first annual pass was less than what a one-day ticket is today!
The Happiest Place on Earth is open longer than most parks, too. Meaning – you can start your day earlier and stay until midnight most nights. I recommend getting there for rope drop first thing in the morning to truly squeeze the most into your day.
You’ll want to ride the classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and The Haunted Mansion. But be sure to check out new areas like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Toontown.
- 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
- disneyland.com
9. Disney California Adventure Park
Often lumped in with Disneyland but very much a theme park in its own right, Disney California Adventure is located adjacent to Disneyland Park in Anaheim.
When it opened in 2001, Disney California Adventure highlighted the state of California. You could ride a 1920s Red Car Trolley, visit a seaside amusement park, or ride the rapids through a gold mining wilderness.
Since then, it has added way more Disney magic to the mix. DCA has expanded to now include Cars Land, Pixar Pier, and Avenger’s Campus. They also host numerous special events throughout the year, like the Food & Wine Festival and Plaza de la Familia during Disneyland Halloween Time.
Although there are many fun rides for young kids to enjoy at Disney California Adventure, of the two Disney parks in Anaheim, DCA is more popular with adults than younger children.
If you are short on time and want to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, considering purchasing Park Hopper tickets so you can go back and forth between the two. However, I recommend at least two days at the Disneyland Resort so you have ample time to enjoy both parks.
- 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
- disneyland.com
10. Knott’s Berry Farm
Located in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm is Southern California’s oldest theme park. What began as a fun little ghost town in the 1940s to entertain guests while they waited for a table at Mrs. Knott’s chicken dinner restaurant, has transformed into a thrilling theme park. is an iconic destination in Southern California.
Knott’s Berry Farm caters to the entire family with its unique blend of history, entertainment, and modern attractions, making it a must-visit theme park in Southern California. While the ghost town still exists (as does the chicken restaurant, and you’ve got to try it) big roller coasters and other thrilling rides have been added.
Our favorite ride at Knott’s Berry Farm is still the classic Calico Mine Ride. The ride, opened in 1960, carries you aboard ore cars through the dimly lit tunnels of a working gold mine. The winding journey will take you past underground lakes, waterfalls, caverns filled with thousands of formations and geysers. It is so realistic, when we recently visited the Caverns of Sonora in Texas, the first thing I thought was how much it reminded me of the Calico Mine Ride!
If you are visiting in the summer, Knott’s Soak City is adjacent to the park and a fun place to go to cool off with a water ride or two and some amazing water slides.
- 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- knotts.com
11. Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone is one of the oldest coastal amusement parks in California. Located on the waterfront in Newport Beach, you can go on rides, play games at the arcade, rent water sports equipment, check out a nautical museum, catch a harbor cruise, or just enjoy great food and drinks.
The rides aren’t huge or particularly thrilling, but they are fun in a classic way and the views from the top of the Ferris wheel are pretty spectacular. 600 E. Bay Avenue, Newport Beach
Map of Southern California Amusement Parks
To help you visualize where these 11 theme parks are located throughout Southern California – here is an interactive map!
Best Time to Visit Amusement Parks in Southern California
When planning a visit to these SoCal theme parks, timing is key. I’ve found that the best times to visit are during the spring and fall months. The weather during these seasons is typically pleasant, with milder temperatures and lower chances of extreme heat. It’s an ideal time to enjoy all the outdoor attractions without the discomfort of sweltering heat.
Additionally, visiting during the weekdays when school is in session can help avoid large crowds. Weekdays often see fewer visitors, allowing for shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience. Moreover, the period immediately after the summer rush and prior to the holiday season tends to offer a good balance of manageable crowd sizes and operational park hours.
Special events and seasonal attractions can also influence the best time to visit. Theme parks often host events during Halloween and Christmas, transforming the parks with special decorations, shows, and entertainment. These seasonal offerings can add an extra layer of excitement for visitors, but they also attract big crowds.
Overall, the spring and fall seasons present the optimal opportunity to experience the best amusement parks in Southern California. It’s a time when the weather is delightful, the crowds are more manageable, and the parks often feature special events that enhance the overall experience.
Final Thoughts: Amusement Parks Southern California
Southern California is the ultimate destination for amusement park enthusiasts. From sun-kissed beach boardwalks to the exhilarating rides thrill seekers crave, the most popular theme parks on the west coast (and possibly in the entire United States!) are located right here.
Southern California amusement parks cater to different age groups and interests, offering a variety of live entertainment from stage shows and family-friendly rides to world-class roller coasters. With unique experiences such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and thrilling new rides at SeaWorld San Diego, each park promises a unique experience and fun for the whole family. Plus, SoCal’s year-round perfect weather sets the stage for endless fun and adventure.
Discount Theme Park Tickets
There are a variety of ways to save money on tickets to Southern California theme parks, including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, or bundling tickets through CityPass. I recommend purchasing park tickets from authorized seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today has discount theme park ticket prices and offers a variety of ticket types to suit any budget.
Get Away Today sells discount theme park tickets as well as vacation packages. They will even assist with all your vacation plans with their free concierge service! Get Away Today’s tickets are also flexible and refundable.
Save This List of Theme Parks for Later!
Planning a trip to Southern California? Pin the image below for future reference!
