The Top 7 Amusement Parks in California

California is basically synonymous with amusement parks — and with so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered all the details about the top seven California amusement parks here on this page, along with the tips and tricks that’ll help you plan the perfect RV vacation to visit one (or several!) of them.

• California’s Great America and South Bay Shores in Santa Clara, California
• Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California
• Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park, California
• LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, California
• SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California
• Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor in Valencia, California
• Universal Studios in Hollywood, California

Renting an RV to explore the California amusement parks makes it easy to visit multiple parks without having to unpack and repack your bags or shuffle through multiple hotel rooms. It’s also often a more affordable way to travel, especially if you’re planning to add other stops, like California national parks or state parks, to your trip. But more on that later. For now, let’s get an at-a-glance look at California’s best amusement parks.

California Amusement Parks: At a Glance

Park	Location	Ticket Cost	Attractions	Onsite Overnight RV Parking?
California’s Great America and South Bay Shores	Santa Clara	Varies based on season, park, and attractions	Demon, Flight Deck, Patriot, Gold Striker, Berserker, Rushin’ River, Tide Pool, Pacific Surge	No
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure	Anaheim	Varies based on season, park, and attractions	Sleeping Beauty Castle, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, Soarin’ Over California	No
Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City	Buena Park	Varies based on season, park, and attractions	Wipeout, Supreme Scream, Sol Spin, Hat Dance, Calico Mine Ride, Tidal Wave Bay, The Wedge, Sunset River, Mrs. Knott’s Famous Fried Chicken, Scary Farm, Merry Farm	No
LEGOLAND California	Carlsbad	Varies based on season and attractions	Miniland USA, Driving School & Junior Driving School, The Dragon roller coaster, Build-a-Raft River, Lion Temple Wave Pool, SEA LIFE Aquarium	No
SeaWorld San Diego	San Diego	Varies based on season and attractions	Emperor, Electric Eel, Manta, Arctic Rescue, Wild Arctic, Orca Encounter, Shark Encounter, Jewel of the Seas, Bayside Skyride over Mission Bay	No
Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor	Valencia	Varies based on season and attractions	Apocalypse, Full Throttle, Goliath, Ninja, Scream, Tatsu, Jammin’ Bumpers, Buccaneer, Forgotten Wave Sea Pool, and other waterpark attractions	No
Universal Studios	Hollywood	Varies based on season and attractions	Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Halloween Horror Nights	No

Why RV to a California Amusement Park?

As you can already tell, a lot of California’s amusement parks are clustered in southern California, close to the dense population center of Los Angeles. But the Golden State itself is vast and full of wonderful things to explore — which an RV makes a lot more possible.

When you travel in an RV, you’ll get to set your own schedule, enjoying a flexible itinerary that you can change on the fly. You’ll also be able to maintain your routines and stability as you travel around the state, which is great for keeping up with a healthy eating plan or keeping kids happy and sane even in the midst of a vacation. RVs also have the added advantage of lots of storage space, which means you can bring all the gear your kiddos (and you!) need without it being a problem. Last, but certainly not least, it’s just plain fun. RVing is a unique and special form of travel and there’s a lot of camaraderie in the community. Who knows? Once you try it, you may just find you’re hooked!

California’s Great America and South Bay Shores (Santa Clara)

While most of the parks are clustered further south, Northern California still has an amusement park well worth visiting. It’s California’s Great America, often simply called Great America for short. This 112-acre theme park was originally opened in 1976, though it was known as Marriott’s Great America then. It’s evolved a lot over the years, but never abandoned its original spirit of fun and adventure: the park features more than 40 rides and attractions, including the world-renowned Gold Striker, which is considered one of the best wooden roller coasters still existent on Earth by those in the know. (There are plenty of thrilling metal coasters and other more modern rides to experience here, too, so don’t worry if vintage isn’t your thing!)

Like many other parks in California, this one is also home to an attached waterpark, known as South Bay Shores. Open seasonally, the park includes all the classics like a wave pool, family raft ride, lazy river and more.

Stand-Out Features

California’s Great America is a classic thrill-ride type amusement park. Top picks for most visitors include:

• Major modern coasters like Demon, Flight Deck and Patriot
• The old-school thrill of Gold Striker
• Family-friendly rides like Psycho Mouse and Berserker
• Waterpark features including Rushin’ River, Tide Pool, and Pacific Surge

The park also offers shopping, live entertainment, and dining opportunities including Auntie Anne’s pretzels, Maggie’s Smokehouse Chicken, and the South Bay Cantina.

Nearby RV Campgrounds

Located near Santa Clara, just a few miles north of San Jose, California’s Great America is within an easy drive of several excellent campgrounds — but we’ve listed a few below to help you plan your trip in a flash.

• Garden City RV Park is the nearest-by option with full hookups as well as onsite laundry facilities
• Trailer Villa is worth considering if you’re looking to stay a bit closer to the heart of the Bay Area and in beautiful environs to boot
• Finally, for those who really want to get out into California’s beautiful nature, Portola Redwoods State Park Campground is an unmissable opportunity

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure (Anaheim)

There’s no way we couldn’t include the west coast’s answer to Florida’s Walt Disney World — and although Disneyland Park is, indeed, significantly smaller than its Orlando counterpart, it’s no less worthy of a destination. Originally opened in 1955, this park has been a classic for decades for families and young couples alike, and is home to such classic attractions as Sleeping Beauty Castle, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and “it’s a small world.”

Attached to, but distinct from, Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure offers its whole own world to walk into, complete with the real-life roller coaster of Emotional Whirlwind from Inside Out and the fun, interactive experience at Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout! You can even wander through the famed desert drag made iconic by Disney’s Cars, Radiator Springs, and participate in a high-speed race of your own..

Stand-Out Features

These two parks are truly immersive and massive, and you could easily spend several days exploring them and not see it all. That said, some of the most iconic, must-see features include:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Haunted Mansion
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Radiator Springs Racers
• Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!
• Soarin’ Over California

Nearby RV Campgrounds

There’s more to Anaheim than meets the eye — including plenty of premier RV campground options. Here are just a few to help you get started with your brainstorming session for your upcoming trip:

• Anaheim Harbor RV Park is the closest option to Disneyland and offers full hookups
• Orangeland RV Park is a little further from the action but offers onsite mini golf, a dog play area, and a gym
• Glen Ivy RV Park is another option if you’re looking for something a bit quieter and further from the heart of the action

Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City (Buena Park)

Knott’s Berry Farm may strike you as a strange name for an amusement park — and fair enough. But it’s true: this world-renowned theme park actually did start as a humble berry farm, where families would show up to pick some ripe produce for their tables. Today, it’s an immersive experience complete with roller coasters, live entertainment, games, and food ranging from fair snacks to world-class sit-down dining. And, of course, Camp Snoopy, where the entire Peanuts™ gang will be waiting to greet you and your kiddos.

Knott’s Berry Farm is also home to a water park, Knott’s Soak City, which boasts a whopping 23 slides, a family raft experience, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, and interactive sections including water guns, nozzles, sprayers and more so the whole family can get in on the action. Opening in mid-May and staying open until the weather turns cool again in mid-September, Soak City is a great way to beat the California heat while enjoying those sunny rays this part of the country is so well known for.

Stand-Out Features

While you’re at the Berry Farm, don’t miss out on:

• Thrill rides including Wipeout, Supreme Scream and Sol Spin
• Family rides and attractions like Hat Dance and the Calico Mine Ride
• Water attractions including the 750,000-gallon wave pool at Tidal Wave Bay, The Wedge family raft ride and Sunset River lazy river
• Dining opportunities including gourmet churros, open-air barbecue and, of course, Mrs. Knott’s famous fried chicken
• Seasonal events like Scary Farm (Halloween) and Merry Farm (winter holidays)

Nearby RV Campgrounds

A close neighbor of nearby Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, Knott’s Berry Farm is technically in Buena Vista rather than Anaheim — but it’s close enough to enjoy both cities. Meanwhile, the closest RV parks include:

• Anaheim Harbor RV Park, again one of our top picks for either of these amusement parks (and other southern California stays)
• Rosewood Mobile Home & RV Park, which puts you slightly closer to the heart of Los Angeles and all of its to-dos
• For those who’d like to stay a bit closer to the beach, Pacific RV Park is an excellent third option

LEGOLAND California Resort (Carlsbad)

Opened in 1999, Legoland California is a newer amusement park — but certainly one that’s generated a lot of buzz amongst travelers, particularly those with young kids. Conveniently located only half an hour north of San Diego (and about an hour away from Anaheim, where so many other California amusement parks are centralized), Legoland also offers an attached water park with more than half a dozen thrilling water rides, sandy beaches that will make you think you’ve flown to a tropical destination, Pirate Reef, Build-a-Raft River and so, so much more.

Stand-Out Features

Families with young kids love Legos, so it makes sense that Legoland beckons. Among other attractions, be sure not to miss:

• Miniland USA
• The LEGO NINJAGO World interactive ride
• Driving School & Junior Driving School
• The Dragon roller coaster through the LEGO castle
• Build-a-Raft River in the LEGOLAND Water Park
• Lion Temple Wave Pool & water slides at the water park
• SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California Resort

Nearby RV Campgrounds

Looking for a place to call home base between your LEGOLAND adventures? Here are the best nearby RV-friendly options.

• Not every southern California amusement park is near a public campground, but Legoland is! Carlsbad State Beach offers a picturesque place to wake up each morning before your family fun day
• Oceanside RV Resort offers similar environs with slightly more upscale amenities, including an onsite swimming pool and spa
• Or, stay further inland at Escondido RV Resort to be more central to other southern California wilderness areas

SeaWorld San Diego (San Diego)

It’s not quite an aquarium. It’s not quite an amusement park. It’s both in one — and so much more. No matter the size of your travel party and what kinds of activities each of you like to get into, SeaWorld San Diego is home to something that will delight, surprise, and even educate you. And all of it is guaranteed to be fun.

Originally opened in 1964 as the first SeaWorld park (sorry, Florida), this site will fly you high on thrilling roller coasters and then take you into the underwater magic where creatures like orcas, bottlenose dolphins and penguins play. There’s even a touch pool for curious youngsters, and the Wild Arctic habitat where you can meet walrus and beluga whales, among others.

Stand-Out Features

Given how many different things are going on at SeaWorld, it’s no surprise that you could spend several days and not see it all. If you’re like most visitors, you’ll want to prioritize:

• Emperor, Electric Eel, and Arctic Rescue roller coasters
• Orca Encounter featuring killer whales
• Beluga whales and walruses at Wild Arctic
• Dozer the walrus
• Dolphin Adventures show
• Penguin habitat with emperor and king penguins
• Shark Encounter underwater tunnel
• Jewel of the Seas jellyfish attraction
• Bayside Skyride over Mission Bay

Nearby RV Campgrounds

Located just north of the heart of San Diego, there are several RV campgrounds in the SeaWorld area to consider.

• Mission Bay RV Resort offers beach access within an easy drive of the park
• Santa Fe Park RV Resort is a bit further north, but offers a luxurious and pristine experience with a sparkling pool and well-stocked clubhouse
• San Diego RV Resort is another classic option with tall palms and well-manicured lawns

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor (Valencia)

If it’s thrill you’re after, it’s Six Flags Magic Mountain you need to pop into your RV’s GPS system. Known as the “thrill capital” of not just California, but the world, this park is home to some of the highest-flying coasters in the business. And, again, it also has an onsite water park, Hurricane Harbor, for cooling off after a day walking around to all those scream-inducing coasters has you heated. 

Stand-Out Features

Six Flags is the kind of place where many of the attractions are ones you might dare your friends to brave, but it’s got gentler, kid-friendly rides, too. Some must-dos are:

• Thrill coasters like Apocalypse, Full Throttle, Goliath, Ninja, Scream, Tatsu and more
• Family friendly options like the carousel, Buccaneer, Jammin’ Bumpers and Road Runner Express
• Waterpark attractions including massive slides, raft rapids, and the Forgotten Sea Wave Pool

Along with shopping and dining options, live entertainment and character meet-and-greets round out a perfect day at the park.

Nearby RV Campgrounds

Up in near Santa Clarita a bit further from the hustle and bustle of the greater LA metro, camping around Six Flags Magic Mountain gives you a great opportunity to combine amusement park thrills with more relaxed outdoor activities. Consider staying at:

• Valencia Travel Village RV Resort, which boasts not one but two heated pools and a spa
• Castaic Lake RV Park, which will put you within easy reach of its namesake lake as well as the park and other attractions
• River’s End RV Park and Campground — no additional charge for kids 4 and under!

Universal Studios (Hollywood)

Not every theme park can say it exists in its very own city — but Universal Studios Hollywood can. Covering a massive 415 acres only minutes from the heart of Los Angeles and in business for nearly six decades now, Universal Studios is an absolute must-see for film buffs and cinematic agnostics alike. It’s also home to some of the best thrill rides in Southern California, along with themed areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights.

Stand-Out Features

In 2026, Universal Studios’ most coveted rides and attractions include:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
• Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
• Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
• Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Nearby RV Campgrounds

Although technically addressed in Universal City, Universal Studios Hollywood is truly part of the greater Los Angeles area, which is itself made up of so many vibrant, smaller communities. It shouldn’t surprise you that there are some wonderful RV campgrounds to be found in the City of Angels, but if you’re at a bit of a loss, here’s where to start:

• Hollywood RV Park is a longstanding and well-appointed option, and among the closest to Universal Studios
• Walnut RV Park is just a bit further afield, and offers, among other attractions, a heated pool
• If you’re wanting to get further out into nature, consider River’s End RV Park and Campground, tucked onto the north side of the Angeles National Forest (monthly pricing also available)

Tips for a Cool California Amusement Park Trip

There sure is a lot of amusement park fun to be had in California! While any trip to the parks is sure to bring some family smiles and unforgettable moments, taking a bit of time to plan your trip early can go a long way toward lowering stress so the only thing you’ll be screaming about is how fast that roller coaster is zipping along. Here are our insider tips.

• Buy your tickets online ahead of time! While specific prices can vary a lot depending on which parks you’re visiting, which specific attractions you’re after, the age of your children, the season, and more, it’s almost always the case that you’ll save substantially by buying online ahead of time rather than waiting to purchase tickets at the park gate.
• Save time for other California fun. The parks are amazing, but so are nearby natural landscapes like Angeles National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park and, of course, the beach. You could also consider extending the trip into a longer California road trip, stringing together several of its state parks or taking the entire Pacific Coast Highway trek.
• Book early! These are very popular destinations. Both RV rentals and campground sites are likely to go fast, so you can save money and also last-minute lack of options by booking as soon as you can.

Speaking of which: RVshare offers the largest selection of peer-to-peer RV rentals in the U.S. Each of our rigs is owned and loved by a real, live human being and traveler, just like you, and every rental is backed by roadside assistance and insurance protection. We also offer one-way RV rentals and delivery and setup options so you can truly customize your vacation experience to your specific needs. Ready to make some family memories? Book your RV rental for an upcoming California amusement park road trip today.

California Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for even more to do in California? Check out these must-sees:

The Top 10 Waterfalls in California
The Top 10 Landmarks in California
California’s Best State Parks
California’s Best Campgrounds
Travel Local California

Enjoy your time in the California sun!