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On the list of brilliant ideas throughout history, something has to be said for Walt Disney and his idea about how to stir up a sleepy little Anaheim orange grove. Since Disneyland opened its doors over 50 years ago and embedded itself into the hearts and dreams of millions of children everywhere, theme parks of a similar nature have been built all around the world. While Disneyland still remains the nexus of California's theme parks, it is no longer the only, or most unique, option for amusement in Los Angeles. Many of LA's other theme parks offer tourists the chance to ride some of the fastest roller coasters ever built or to re-enact some of the most celebrated and thrilling movie moments. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from or which theme park you choose, there's something undeniably intoxicating about the sensory adventure waiting on the other side of the entrance gates.
Disneyland
1313 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802; Tel. 714.781.4565
The Granddaddy of all amusement parks still packs them in - and that's the problem. But despite the crowds, the great rides--Pirates of the Caribbean, The Matterhorn, Splash Mountain, The Haunted House, It's a Small World--still make it worth an annual trip. Just try to do it on a weekday or during off-season, otherwise, the lines are eternal. Tip: to get a good meal, make reservations in advance at the Blue Bayou, which has the best food at the park. Ask for a table near the water. Seriously.
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Disney's California Adventure
1313 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802; Tel. 714.781.4565
Disney's newest edition, a theme park based around California smack dab next to Disneyland, hasn't really caught on with natives or tourists. The good news is that this means few lines and a swift trip through this Tragic Kingdom. The attractions worth visiting are: Paradise Pier, a recreation of a beachside boardwalk with a screaming coaster, Ferris wheel, and arcade games; Grizzly River run, a water romp down a bear-shaped mountain; and an "Aladdin" stage show that's a hoot (except for a required parking-lot wait that's almost as long as the show's 45-minute running time). The acclaimed Electric Parade, which for years turned on visitors at Disneyland, has re-ignited here every evening.
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Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park CA 90620; Tel. 714.220.5200
Once an actual berry farm, Knott’s Berry Farm is now a Southern California theme park boasting 160 acres of thrilling rides, attractions and fun family shows. At this popular Los Angeles attraction, visitors can enjoy 165 wild rides and unique attractions, including an action-packed Old West Ghost Town, six-acre Camp Snoopy for kids and all-new Jaguar, the Streaking Big Cat of Roller Coasters.
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Legoland California
1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008; Tel. 760.918.5346
There are plenty of kids around 5 or 6 who consider this their favorite theme park. And, for the first hour or so, anybody would be fascinated by the fact that virtually everything here is built from Legos. There is a children's driving school that is not only fun for the kiddies, it's hilarious for adults to watch their offspring run though traffic lights and hit other cars. It's like watching an episode of World's Best Car Chases. Sequestered away in Carlsbad (a 45 minute drive from L.A.) near an Ostrich farm, this is definitely a unique experience - especially for anyone still using a sipper cup.
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Pacific Park
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401; Tel: 310.260.8744
This old-school amusement park is small but its spectacular location on the Santa Monica Pier along the ocean makes it worth a visit. There's a rickety roller coaster and a slew of arcade games, and the park's perch allows it to feature what may the best view in Los Angeles—from the top of its tall Ferris Wheel riders can see up and down the beautiful Pacific Coast. Tip: For those wanting great lunch or dinner, the recently refurbished The Lobster at the top of the pier has great seafood.
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Raging Waters
111 Raging Waters Dr., San Dimas, CA 91773; Tel. 909.802.2200
With over 35 water slides and attractions on 50 acres, Raging Waters is a thrilling warm-weather destination for both young and old. The largest Waterpark in California, Raging Waters in Los Angeles is ranked #3 in the Travel Channel’s list of the Top 10 US Water Parks. All swim-levels will find something fun at this Southern California attraction, from lazy slow-moving rivers to sandy beach areas to waterslides that plummet.
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Seaworld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109; Tel. 619.226.3900
A famous theme park that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, SeaWorld is one of the most well known destinations in San Diego. A loveable cast of animals is perhaps the main draw; cast members include Orcas, Bottlenose Dolphins, Commerson’s Dolphins, Pilot Whales and Beluga Whales. Filled with breathtaking shows, exhibits, aquariums and rides, this Southern California theme park satisfies visitors of all ages.
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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia CA 91355; Tel. 661.255.4527
Located next door to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is an awesome Los Angeles water park. This 15-acre park is home to waterslides, rides and hangouts for all ages, from mild options like the River Cruise, which coasts lazily down a scenic river to relaxing places like Castaway Cove and Shipwreck Shores, to moderate rides like Black Snake Summit and Lost Temple Rapids to thrilling rides like Tornado and Tony Hawk’s Halfpipe. Games and regular special events add another element of fun to this Southern California water park, and there are delicious dining options to reenergize exhausted swimmers.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355; Tel. 661.255.4100
A recent scientific study reported that riding intense roller coasters can cause minor brain damage; if that's the case, then this SoCal theme park will make the synapses misfire more than just about any other park. A legendary Los Angeles theme park, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known for some of the most thrilling rides in the country. Among the famous rides at this amusement park is The Riddler, the world’s fastest and longest stand-up rollercoaster; Scream, a floorless coaster that soars at 65 mph; Goliath, a legend that speeds along at 85mph; Tatsu, the tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster in the world; and X2, a $10 million 4D thrill ride with rotating seats and state-of-the-art visual, audio and sensory effects. In all, this 260-acre park features hundreds of rollercoasters and water rides, games and attractions that are as thrilling for adults as they are for children.
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Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608; Tel. 818.622.3801
The most popular attractions here are based on either aged film franchises ("Back to the Future") or major box-office flops ("The Waterworld" show). The Mummy Returns: Chamber of Doom is simply a glorified Haunted House and the Terminator 2: 3D show is as needlessly harsh and grating as Ahnold's accent. But there are plenty of reasons to check this place out: Jurassic Park: The Ride is a water-logged blast and the Special Effects Stages offer a hilarious look at the way films made and enhanced. An added benefit is the adjacent Universal Citywalk, which has far better restaurants than those found at most theme parks. Special Offer! Book a 1 Day Ticket and get your second day for free.
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