Theme Parks in Los Angeles – 2024 In-Depth Guide

You’ll never run out of theme parks to explore in Los Angeles! Visit some of the best parks, and you’ll experience thrilling rides, taste delicious foods, while making memories that will last a lifetime.

If it’s the best theme park you’re looking for, and you’re staying in or around Los Angeles, look no further! Hollywood and its surrounding areas are teeming with theme parks with experiences that range from adrenaline-inducing to family-friendly. Scream your head off on a roller coaster, or take a theme park adventure with the little ones!

You might be wondering how many theme parks are in Los Angeles. There are six major theme parks in LA, not including the nearby ones in neighboring San Diego. Seeing all the best theme parks in L.A. would take a dash of magic, but you can also experience some of them with great discounts if you keep reading!

From Disneyland to Universal Studios Hollywood, follow our in-depth guide to theme parks in Los Angeles to get an inside look at what each has to offer and how to get LA theme park discounts and special offers.

The Best Theme Parks in Los Angeles California

Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

Are you wondering what is the best theme park in Los Angeles? Many would agree that Disneyland Resort is arguably the best theme park in Los Angeles, especially for Disney babies! Of all the amusement parks and theme parks in Los Angeles, Disneyland is the most visited.

If you’re wondering how many Disney theme parks are in Los Angeles, the longstanding Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks–Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure.

As the Happiest Place on Earth, both LA Disney theme parks feature roller coasters, stage shows, fireworks, family-friendly rides, and familiar Disney characters such as the beloved Disney princesses, Marvel superheroes, and Star Wars legends.

Purchase 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-day Disneyland theme park discount tickets on Tripster, but don’t forget that a reservation is required to get into each Disney theme park.

father and daughter in front of disneylandUniversal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is THE Los Angeles theme park that pays tribute to some of the best Hollywood silver-screen movies of all time. As a motion picture-themed park, visitors are treated to immersive rides that dive into the movies you love, including The Transformers, The Simpsons, Jurassic World, Despicable Me, and of course, the incomparable Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

With the Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets, you no longer have to wait for your Hogwarts invitation letter to arrive in the mail. You’ll be able to ride a Hippogriff, drink butterbeer at Hogs Head, and experience what it’s like to live within the walls of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, even if just for a day.

More rides and attractions in this otherworldly Los Angeles theme park await, including exciting roller coasters, action-packed tram rides, and thrilling soaking wet river adventures.

Universal Studios entrance and red carpet with palm trees lining it at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, USA
photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood via Facebook

Boomers Theme Park Los Angeles

Boomers Los Angeles is a lesser-known theme park in the heart of Los Angeles, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. As one of the top family-friendly theme parks in Los Angeles, Boomers Los Angeles offers all kinds of entertainment that the family will enjoy together.

Spend an afternoon racing on the various Go Kart racing tracks to choose from, master your A-game at the numerous mini golf courses on-site, and try out a few cutting-edge video games in the Arcade!

If all other theme parks in Los Angeles theme parks are busy during Thanksgiving weekend, you can always get the Boomers Los Angeles discount tickets and expect fewer crowds.

Three girls are having so much fun riding a go-kart.
photo credit: Boomers Livermore via Facebook

SeaWorld San Diego

There aren’t a lot of water parks in Los Angeles CA, that are as impressive as Sea World, one of the best neighboring theme parks near Los Angeles. And because it’s nearby, you’ll see SeaWorld in the list of top LA water parks and best water parks Los Angeles CA frequently.

SeaWorld San Diego is a top family-friendly attraction because it features exotic water animals and amusement park attractions. After visiting amazing marine exhibits like the Shark Encounter, experience exciting theme park rides such as the gondola, log flume, and a handful of enjoyable roller coasters.

Thinking of visiting SeaWorld San Diego? The SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets are available on Tripster.

Close up of a family on the new Emperor Rollercoaster at SeaWorld on a sunny day in San Diego, California, USALEGOLAND California Resort

Which is the best theme park in Los Angeles? If you ask the kids who love LEGO, they would absolutely agree that the best theme park in Los Angeles is LEGOLAND California Resort!

Kids and kids-at-heart are immersed in all things LEGO at LEGOLAND California, a theme park designed with kids ages 2 to 12 in mind. The roller coasters keep a slower speed, the hands-on LEGO workshop will keep the little ones busy, and the rest of the rides and activities will make the little ones’ imaginations go on overdrive.

Don’t wait for LEGOLAND California Resort coupons! LEGOLAND California discount tickets are available on Tripster for all ages.

Father and daughter walking with LEGO figures with the theme park behind them and a blue cloudy sky in San Diego, California
photo credit: LEGOLAND California via Facebook

Six Flags Magic Mountain

If you ask heart-pounding, extreme thrill ride-seekers which theme park is the best in Los Angeles, they will most likely tell you to head straight to Six Flags Magic Mountain!

Six Flags delivers adrenaline-pumping thrills for strong-stomached visitors. Expect the wildest twists and turns, hair-raising spins, heart-pumping drops, and only the most stomach-flipping roller coasters. Think the ultimate overdrive bunny and the bullet carnival ride!

However, Bugs Bunny World with Looney Tunes characters and pint-sized rides are also available as calmer alternatives if you are bringing little ones.

Planning to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain and more LA attractions? We recommend getting the Go Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass. With it, enjoy your choice of LA attractions with up to 45 percent off regular admission rates!

wide shot of rides during sunny day at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, California, USA
photo credit: Six Flags Magic Mountain via Facebook

Knott’s Berry Farm

Fantasy Farm Amusement Park has been closed for years. However, Knott Berry Farm is reminiscent of the traditional family theme park that promises old-fashion fun. Nostalgia-fueled attractions can be enjoyed by all party members, including an equal amount of mellow rides for the little ones and thrill rides for the daring older kids.

Visitors can still expect to see classic attractions similar to Little Bill’s Giggle Coaster. However, there seems to have been a concerted effort of late to turn the theme park into a 21st-century hangout. Thus, there are more compact roller coasters and kid-friendly Snoopy tie-ins.

Waveswinger at Knott's Berry Farm - Los Angeles, California, USA
photo credit: Knott’s Network via Facebook

Pacific Park

The allure of Santa Monica Pier will not be complete without the carnival-style rides at Pacific Park. The rides in this park are arguably a signature of seaside boardwalk attractions. Expect games, a Ferris wheel, spinning teacup-style cars, and roller coasters.

There is no admission fee at Pacific Park. You can pay per ride or buy an unlimited wristband. If rides aren’t your thing, you can stroll the pier and enjoy the Pacific Ocean views.

pacific park sign surrounded by buildings on the santa monica pierLA Theme Parks Vacation Package

Everything under the sun can be found at Los Angeles theme parks! If you’re ready to create your own experiences, your custom L.A. theme park vacation package is just a click away!

Grab as many theme parks Los Angeles tickets as you need! If you need combo tickets to two LA theme parks, you can do that too! Then, select your choice of LA hotel to rest after a day at the best theme park in Los Angeles. 

From adrenaline-inducing thrill rides to charming boardwalk Ferris wheels. There is a theme park in Los Angeles for everyone! So start planning your Southern California vacation today!

Which LA Theme Park is Your Favorite?

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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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