Blog

Must-See Theme Parks in California: What to Explore in 2025

Aug 28, 2025

Min READ

Lila Claybourne

Lila Claybourne has been immersed in the auto shipping industry for over 12 years, gaining extensive experienc...

Must See Theme Parks in California What to Explore in

Want to Ship Your Car?

Get a FREE Quote today!

Theme parks in California continue to be some of the most visited places in the country, and in 2025, the experience is only getting bigger. You might be planning a family trip, a weekend with friends, or a solo visit to revisit childhood favorites. No matter who you’re traveling with, picking the right park matters more than ever. Choosing the right park means you avoid wasting time and money on things that do not match your needs.

A single ticket at a major park can cost over $100 on peak days. That does not include parking, food, or extras like express access. With each hour potentially costing $15 to $20 per person, how you spend that time becomes just as important as where you spend it. Choosing the right park means you avoid wasting time and money on things that do not match your needs.

This guide lays out which parks work best for different age groups and interests. You will see how to get more out of your visit, avoid long waits, and focus on the attractions, shows, and food that matter most.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

Which California theme parks are the best fit for families with preschoolers, teenagers who want thrills, and adults who enjoy shows, dining, or themed rides
How to plan smarter during peak season so you can skip long lines, move through the park faster, and enjoy more of what you came for
What makes each major park different, including unique rides, entertainment, and food that you will not find anywhere else

Overview

When exploring the best theme parks in California, the ideal choice depends on individual preferences, whether you're seeking family-friendly fun, thrilling rides, or unique themed experiences.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

For Families With Young Children

These parks offer gentle rides, play zones, and character interactions designed for toddlers and elementary-aged kids.

Disneyland Park (Anaheim): The original Disney park features classic story-based rides, reopened Toontown with play areas, and services like Rider Switch.
LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad): This park is specifically built for ages 2 to 12, offering LEGO-themed rides, building zones, and a water park.
Sesame Place San Diego: A compact park transformed in 2022, it provides gentle water slides, wading pools, and live Sesame Street character shows.

For Thrill-Seekers

These parks are known for their high-speed roller coasters and intense attractions.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia): This park holds the record for the most roller coasters in the world, with over 20, including 4D and hybrid coasters.
Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park): Blending history with thrills, it features wooden coasters and modern rides, appealing to families with older kids seeking a mix of experiences.
Universal Studios Hollywood: As one of the most iconic attractions in Hollywood, it combines behind-the-scenes movie magic with thrilling rides and themed dining.

For All-Ages Fun and Themed Experiences

These parks provide a balance of attractions, shows, and immersive themed environments suitable for a wider audience.

Disney California Adventure (Anaheim): Located next to Disneyland, it celebrates California with themed areas like Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and Cars Land, offering a mix of rides and shows.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Beyond thrills, this park includes live stunt shows, animated character zones, and the famous Studio Tour, making it enjoyable for various ages.
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim): Combining Disneyland Park and California Adventure via Park Hopper tickets, this option offers extensive variety and flexibility for a complete Disney experience.

Lesser-Known and Indoor Theme Parks

These options provide unique experiences with generally fewer crowds and lower costs, often focusing on specific themes or younger visitors.

Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy): An educational garden theme park with gentle rides, water play areas, and a strong botanical focus, ideal for kids ages 2 to 10.
California’s Great America (Santa Clara): This Bay Area park offers a full day of coasters, family rides, and a water park, serving Northern California visitors.
Adventure City (Stanton): A small, budget-friendly park near Anaheim designed for children under age 10, featuring a petting zoo and mild coasters.
The Adventuredome (Las Vegas Day Trip Option): An indoor, air-conditioned park located in Las Vegas, offering coasters and arcade games, suitable for a side trip from California.

Smart Planning Strategies for Peak Season

Strategic planning can help minimize stress, reduce costs, and maximize time on attractions during busy periods.

Visit on weekdays, not weekends: Tuesday through Thursday typically have lighter crowds, while early arrival and late departure help on holiday weeks.
Use each park’s mobile app: Apps provide real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and interactive maps to navigate efficiently.
Buy line-skipping access when needed: Options like Genie+, Express Pass, or Flash Pass can save hours on crowded days, though prices vary by demand.
Book shows and character meet-ups ahead of time: Advanced reservations secure spots for popular experiences.
Pack like you’re staying all day: Bringing essentials like sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and charging cords avoids unplanned purchases and detours.

Other Notable Aspects

Accessibility: Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood offer comprehensive accessibility programs, including mobility access and sensory guides.
Unique Food and Beverage: Must-try items include Dole Whip at Disneyland, Butterbeer at Universal Studios, and boysenberry treats at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Least Crowded Times: Late January through mid-February and early November, especially on weekdays, are typically the quietest times to visit.
Car Shipping Tips: For out-of-state visitors, shipping your car via open or enclosed transport can save time and reduce stress compared to long drives.

Why California Theme Parks Stand Out in 2025

California has more theme park options than any other state. In 2025, that variety matters even more. Some parks are packed with high-speed coasters and large-scale shows. Others focus on young children, with slower rides and themed play areas. Several are adding new lands, seasonal events, and improved guest services to handle record visitor numbers. That means more choices for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a trip that matches their pace.

Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and Universal Studios Hollywood all rank among the ten most visited parks in North America. These locations keep growing with fresh attractions and new technology that make each visit feel updated. At the same time, smaller parks across the state offer simpler, more affordable experiences that still leave a strong impression. No matter your travel style, California has a park that fits.

These parks consistently rank among the best in the U.S., drawing millions of visitors each year with cutting-edge attractions and themed lands.

Best Theme Parks in California for Every Visitor

Not every park works for every visitor. Some focus on thrills. Others keep things calm for younger kids. Choosing the right fit makes a big difference in how your day turns out. Here's how to match each park to your group’s needs, with a little background to help guide your choice.

For Families With Young Children

Some of the best theme parks for preschoolers include Disneyland Park, LEGOLAND California, and Sesame Place San Diego, each offering age-appropriate rides and character zones.

Disneyland Park (Anaheim)
Opened in 1955, Disneyland was the first theme park created by Walt Disney and remains one of the most visited in the world. Fantasyland features gentle, story-based rides like “it’s a small world” and Peter Pan’s Flight. Mickey’s Toontown recently reopened with more space for young children to play and meet characters. The park’s layout and services also support strollers, quiet areas, and Rider Switch for parents with small kids.
LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
Opened in 1999, LEGOLAND was built for kids ages 2 to 12. The park includes LEGO-themed rides, play zones, a water park, and an aquarium. Kids can build and race LEGO cars or explore mini cities built entirely from bricks. The rides are designed to be slow-paced and built with safety in mind. There’s even a hotel with LEGO-themed rooms right next door, making it a full weekend destination.
Sesame Place San Diego
If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego with toddlers and preschoolers, Sesame Place delivers a stress-free experience built around gentle rides and interactive shows. Formerly Aquatica San Diego, the park was transformed into what we see now in 2022. It’s one of only two Sesame Street-themed parks in the U.S. The layout is compact and easy to navigate with young kids. Expect gentle water slides, wading pools, and rides like Elmo’s Rockin’ Rockets and Super Grover’s Box Car Derby. Live shows and interactive character walks round out the experience.

For Thrill-Seekers

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
First opened in 1971, Six Flags Magic Mountain has become a destination for serious coaster fans. It holds the record for the most roller coasters in any theme park worldwide, with more than 20. The lineup includes X2, a 4D ride that rotates on multiple axes, and Twisted Colossus, a hybrid coaster that blends wood and steel. This park is best for teens and adults who want nonstop speed and drops.
Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park)
What began as a small berry stand and chicken restaurant in the 1920s became a full theme park by the 1940s. Knott’s combines history with thrill, featuring wooden coasters like GhostRider and modern rides like HangTime. The park also celebrates California’s mining and western history with themed areas like Ghost Town. It’s a good fit for families with older kids who want a mix of thrills and classic attractions.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Built on a real working film studio, this park opened its first tour in 1964 and grew into a full theme park by the 1990s. It blends rides, live shows, and behind-the-scenes sets. Attractions like Jurassic World, Transformers, and Revenge of the Mummy offer big-screen action in real life.

For All-Ages Fun and Themed Experiences

Disney California Adventure (Anaheim)
Opened in 2001 next to Disneyland Park, California Adventure celebrates the sights and stories of California with themed areas like Pixar Pier and Grizzly Peak. More recently, it added Avengers Campus and Cars Land, giving fans access to Marvel characters and Radiator Springs racers. The park offers a good mix of rides for all ages, with shows, parades, and quiet areas that balance out the thrill zones.
Universal Studios Hollywood
While it offers intense rides, this park also includes live stunt shows, animated character zones, and the famous Studio Tour. Guests ride trams through active sets and sound stages, giving them a behind-the-scenes view of real movies and shows. This range of activities makes it suitable for a wider audience beyond just thrill-seekers.
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
When visitors want the full Disney experience, many choose Park Hopper tickets that cover both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. This option allows access to both parks on the same day. The two parks sit side by side, which makes it easy to walk between them. The combined experience offers more value and flexibility for families who want options without a long drive.

Lesser-Known and Indoor Theme Parks Worth Visiting

Not every theme park in California makes national headlines, but some offer strong experiences with fewer crowds and lower costs. These parks are worth considering if you're looking for something different or more relaxed. They also tend to be easier for families with younger children or anyone who wants to avoid long travel days or big crowds.

Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy)
Opened in 2001, Gilroy Gardens was built as an educational garden theme park for kids ages 2 to 10. The park features gentle rides, water play areas, and six themed gardens. It’s located near San Jose and focuses more on nature than thrill. The crowd size stays manageable even during school breaks, and it’s one of the few parks in the state with a strong botanical focus.
California’s Great America (Santa Clara)
Originally opened in 1976, this park has changed ownership over the years but still offers a full day of rides and shows. Located in the Bay Area, it includes coasters, family rides, and a water park in summer. The park is expected to remain open through at least 2033 and continues to update its lineup to serve Northern California visitors.
Adventure City (Stanton)
This small park near Anaheim has been open since 1994. It covers only two acres, but that makes it easy to explore in a half day. Designed for children under age 10, Adventure City includes a petting zoo, train ride, and mild coasters. Tickets cost much less than those at larger parks, which makes it a great value for families on a budget.
The Adventuredome (Las Vegas Day Trip Option)
Located inside Circus Circus on the Las Vegas Strip, this indoor park opened in 1993 and spans five acres under a glass dome. Although it’s outside California, many visitors include it as a side trip. It includes coasters, arcade games, and an air-conditioned space that works well for hot or rainy days.

Smart Planning Strategies for Peak Season

The busiest months for theme parks in California are March through August, along with holidays and long weekends. Planning around these times can help reduce stress, lower your costs, and give you more time on actual rides instead of standing in lines.

Visit on weekdays, not weekends. Tuesday through Thursday usually bring lighter crowds. If you must go during a holiday week, arriving early and staying late gives you more time with shorter waits during the first and final hours of the day.
Use each park’s mobile app. Most parks now offer real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and interactive maps. These tools help you move with purpose instead of guessing what’s nearby or available. You can also use push notifications to get updates when ride times drop.
Buy line-skipping access when needed. Disneyland offers Genie+ for quicker access to select rides. Universal Studios uses Express Pass, and Six Flags has Flash Pass. Prices vary by day and demand, so check early. On the most crowded days, these passes can save you hours.
Book shows and character meet-ups ahead of time. Some experiences require advanced reservations or fill quickly after the park opens. Booking online or through the park’s app can lock in your spot without a scramble once you arrive.
Pack like you’re staying all day. Bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles, charging cords, and a change of clothes if you have small kids or plan to visit water rides. That way, you avoid long detours or unplanned purchases.

What Sets Each Major Park Apart

Every major theme park in California brings something different to the table. Some focus on fast rides, others build immersive lands around food, shows, and characters. Below are the top attractions and dining highlights that help each park stand out in 2025.

Disneyland Park (Anaheim)

The original Disney park blends nostalgia with cutting-edge storytelling. The entrance to Disneyland Park leads directly onto Main Street, U.S.A., setting the stage for classic experiences like character greetings, parades, and Fantasyland rides.