California’s Great America

California’s Great America, located in Santa Clara, is the Bay Area’s largest theme park. It offers a great mix of coasters, family rides, and a full water park. Though the park is slated to close by 2033 due to a land sale, it remains a major seasonal draw for locals and visitors to Silicon Valley.

History of California’s Great America

The park opened in 1976 as one of two “Marriott’s Great America” parks (the other became Six Flags Great America in Illinois). Over the years, it changed ownership from Marriott to Paramount to Cedar Fair, and is now operated by Six Flags following the 2024 merger. The park’s future is limited due to the land being sold in 2022, but it remains fully operational for now.

Ticket Prices & Packages

• 1-Day Tickets: ~$45–$75 depending on season

• Season Passes: Available with food plans and free parking

• Fast Lane Passes: Skip-the-line access to top rides

• All-Day Dining & Drink Deals available

• Admission includes access to South Bay Shores Water Park

Buy Tickets Here

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

The park is open from March through December, with seasonal events and themed festivals.

Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, extended in summer and during Haunt.

Best times to visit:

• April–May or late August for lighter crowds

• Weekdays in summer for short lines

• Early December for WinterFest without the rush

Top Rides & Attractions

• Gold Striker – Wooden coaster with intense pacing and a tunnel start

• RailBlazer – Compact single-rail coaster with tight inversions

• Flight Deck – Inverted coaster with jet fighter theming

• Psycho Mouse – Wild mouse coaster with tight turns

• The Demon – Classic looping steel coaster with underground tunnels

• Delirium & Orbit – Flat rides with big swings and spins

• Drop Tower – 225-foot plunge ride

Family & Kids Rides

• Lucy’s Crabbie Cabbies – Junior coaster

• Sally’s Love Buggies, Snoopy’s Space Buggies, Woodstock Express – Planet Snoopy rides

• Carousel Columbia – One of the tallest and most beautiful carousels in the world

• Flying Eagles, Logger’s Run, and Whitewater Falls – Water rides for all ages

• Snoopy meet-and-greets and shows throughout the day

South Bay Shores Water Park

Included with admission, this refreshed water park is open late May through Labor Day and features:

• Barracuda Blaster – Raft slides with sharp drops

• Coastal Cruz & Tide Pool – Wave pool and relaxing water areas

• Pacifica Splash Pad – Huge kids’ play zone

• Breakers Bay – California’s largest wave pool

• Lazy River, Cabanas, and Lounge Zones available

Seasonal Events in California’s Great America

• Red, White & Brews (Summer) – Americana festival with live music

• Tricks and Treats (Fall) – Family-friendly Halloween event

• WinterFest (Holiday Season) – Lights, snow effects, carolers, and skating

• Cultural festivals and concerts throughout the year

Dining Options

• Chickie’s & Pete’s – Crabfries and Philly cheesesteaks

• Sierra Creek Lodge – Burgers, wings, and American eats

• Pizza & Pasta Buffet – Great value for families

• Sweet Tooth Treats, Funnel Cakes, & Ice Cream – Found throughout the park

• Beer and cocktail stations during festivals and weekends

All-Day Dining and Drink Plans are available at most locations.

Hotels & Accommodation

No on-site hotel, but dozens of options nearby in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and San Jose:

• Hyatt Regency Santa Clara – Across the street

• Hilton Santa Clara – Closest upscale option

• Marriott Santa Clara – Walking distance with views of the park

• Hotels along the Caltrain corridor are convenient for out-of-towners

Many hotels offer discounted tickets or shuttle service during the summer.

Getting There & Parking

Address: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Located near Levi’s Stadium, just off U.S. 101 and CA-237.

• General Parking: $25

• Preferred Parking: $35–$45

• EV charging stations are available

• Accessible via VTA Light Rail and Caltrain (seasonal shuttles during events)

Tips for Visiting

• Ride RailBlazer and Gold Striker early — lines grow fast

• Use the Great America app for maps, wait times, and mobile ordering

• Check the calendar for stadium events — crowds can spike due to 49ers games

• Bring swimwear for South Bay Shores, especially on hot summer days

• Visit WinterFest in early December for lighter crowds and full access

Useful Links

• California’s Great America on Wikipedia

• Tickets & Packages

• Park Map & App Info

• Theme Parks in the U.S.