San Francisco and the Bay Area offer an exciting array of amusement parks in San Francisco, ensuring endless entertainment for thrill-seekers, families, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re after exhilarating roller coasters, refreshing water rides, or parks designed for younger children, this guide to the top amusement parks will ensure you experience the best of what the area has to offer. Dive into the thrills and chills of the 10 best San Francisco’s amusement parks and its surrounding areas for an unforgettable adventure
Know here’s must-visit amusement parks in San Francisco
1. California’s Great America
- Location: 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Ticket Price: $69 for a Season Pass
California’s Great America is one of the most popular San Francisco amusement parks, offering a wide variety of attractions. From the adrenaline-pumping Gold Striker roller coaster to family-friendly rides like The Carousel Columbia, this park caters to everyone. It even has a water park, South Bay Shores, providing hours of fun for those who love both thrill rides and water-based attractions. It’s the perfect spot for a full day of adventure near San Francisco.
2. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Location: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Varies by ride
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an iconic coastal amusement park that perfectly blends nostalgia and modern thrills. Known for the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, this park offers a charming seaside atmosphere. Arcade games, carnival treats, and scenic ocean views make it one of the best amusement parks in San Francisco for families and thrill-seekers looking for classic boardwalk fun.
3. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
- Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily)
- Ticket Price: $79.99
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is where thrill rides meet wildlife encounters, making it one of the top amusement parks in San Francisco. You can experience jaw-dropping roller coasters like Medusa and The Joker, or enjoy shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and more. It’s an all-in-one adventure park, offering both wild rides and animal exhibits for a unique day out.
4. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Concord
- Location: 1950 Waterworld Pkwy, Concord
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Daily)
- Ticket Price: $79.99
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a must-visit water park for those seeking a refreshing escape. This park, located just a short drive from San Francisco, offers high-speed water slides, wave pools, and a relaxing lazy river. It’s the go-to spot among San Francisco’s amusement parks for cooling off during hot summer days with thrilling water-based attractions.
5. South Bay Shores Waterpark, Santa Clara
- Location: Santa Clara
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Daily)
- Ticket Price: Starting at $40 for a Daily Pass
Located within California’s Great America, South Bay Shores Waterpark is another top-tier destination for water lovers. It offers exhilarating water slides like Pacific Surge, as well as family-friendly areas such as the Great Barrier Reef wave pool. For those who love both amusement parks and water parks, South Bay Shores is an ideal choice near San Francisco amusement parks.
6. Aqua Adventure Waterpark
- Location: 40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Daily)
- Ticket Price: $19.99
Aqua Adventure Waterpark is a family-friendly and affordable park located in Fremont. Though smaller than others, it offers a relaxing lazy river, splash zones for young kids, and various water slides. It’s a great option among the Theme parks in San Francisco for families looking for a more low-key and budget-friendly water park experience.
7. Raging Waters, San Jose
- Location: Lake Cunningham Regional Park, 2333 S White Rd
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Varies by day
As Northern California’s largest waterpark, Raging Waters San Jose offers something for everyone. From thrilling slides like Bombs Away to more relaxed attractions like the lazy river and wave pool, it’s one of the top water-based amusement parks in San Francisco. It’s perfect for families or groups looking to beat the heat while enjoying both excitement and relaxation.
8. Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
- Location: 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Varies by age
Children’s Fairyland is a whimsical amusement park designed for young children, featuring enchanting fairy tale sets, puppet shows, and gentle rides. As one of the most magical amusement parks in San Francisco for little ones, it provides a charming and interactive experience that sparks creativity and imagination.
9. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, San Jose
- Location: San Jose
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: $17.25
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a wonderful mix of amusement rides and animal exhibits, offering a fun and educational day for families. With kid-friendly rides, play areas, and a variety of animal habitats, it’s a top choice among the Water parks in San Francisco for families with younger children who love both rides and animals.
10. Pixieland Amusement Park, Concord
- Location: 2740 E Olivera Rd, Concord
- Opening Hours: Varies by day
- Ticket Price: $2.35 per ride
Pixieland Amusement Park is a charming destination designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers. This small park offers gentle rides like the Pixieland Express and a traditional carousel, making it one of the most delightful amusement parks in San Francisco for young families. It’s a safe and fun environment for a child’s first amusement park experience.
Conclusion
San Francisco and its surrounding Bay Area offer a diverse range of amusement parks, ensuring there’s something for every type of visitor. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for exhilarating roller coasters, a family searching for child-friendly attractions, or a water lover eager to splash around in water parks, the amusement parks in San Francisco have it all. From iconic parks like California’s Great America and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to whimsical destinations like Children’s Fairyland and Pixieland Amusement Park, each offers unique experiences catering to different age groups and interests.
By exploring these parks, you can enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides, relaxing water attractions, and even animal exhibits, all within a short drive from the city. With a mix of budget-friendly options and premier parks, there’s a destination for everyone. So, whether you’re planning a fun family day out or looking for the ultimate thrill, these San Francisco amusement parks provide unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best time to visit amusement parks in San Francisco?
The best time to visit amusement parks in San Francisco is during the spring and fall months (March-May and September-November), when the weather is pleasant, and the parks are less crowded compared to the summer. If you plan to visit water parks, summer is ideal, but be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Q2. Are there family-friendly options at these amusement parks?
Yes, many of the amusement parks in San Francisco are family-friendly, offering rides and attractions suitable for children of all ages. Parks like Children’s Fairyland, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and California’s Great America have a wide range of kid-friendly rides, play areas, and even interactive exhibits for families to enjoy together.
Q3. Are there budget-friendly amusement parks in San Francisco?
Absolutely! Parks like Aqua Adventure Waterpark and Pixieland Amusement Park offer affordable pricing, making them great budget-friendly options for families. Additionally, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk allows free entry, with the option to pay only for the rides you want to experience.