10 Best Theme Parks in Los Angeles

Experience movie-based thrills at Universal Studios Hollywood. Immerse yourselves in the worlds of Harry Potter, Super Mario, Jurassic Park, and the Simpsons as you strap yourself into exciting roller coasters and immersive experiences. Film fans won’t want to miss the behind-the-scenes studio tour where you can discover all the tricks of the trade.

Although it’s just a 15-minute drive from city centre LA and accessible via subway, Universal Studios feels like entering another world as you brush shoulders with characters from the Minions, Shrek, Transformers, and many more. If you want to get on rides quicker, you can purchase a Universal Express ticket and skip the queue once for each ride.

Immerse yourself in some of the best kids’ films at Disney California Adventure Park and become part of the storey. Visit the Cars at Radiator Springs, climb into the Toy Story toy box, or live out your superhero fantasies at the Avengers Campus. Each area promises an immersive and high-octane experience, including the Cars racetrack and the Incredicoaster.

A 20-minute drive from Anaheim, you’ll want to get there early to make the most of your day. Make sure you check out some of the incredible themed restaurants around the park. You can download the Disneyland app to keep you on track and help you maximise your time.

Adrenaline junkies will find themselves at home in Six Flags Magic Mountain with record-breaking attractions. Take a deep breath and ride the world’s tallest and longest single coaster, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, and the world’s first 360-degree looping coaster, The New Revolution. There’s also the fastest and tallest looping coaster in the world, Full Throttle. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, check out some of the family attractions such as the Swashbuckler and the Scrambler.

A 40-minute drive from Hollywood, Six Flags has more roller coasters than any other theme park with over 100 different rides and attractions. Make sure you see one of their stunning live entertainment shows when you need to catch your breath.

Classic attractions and modern roller coasters combine to make dreams come true at Disneyland. From It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where you can fly the Millennium Falcon in a galaxy far, far away, there are thrills for big and little kids.

An hour’s drive from city centre LA, Disneyland makes it easy for you to plan your visit with the ability to join a virtual queue and order your food in advance from the app. In the evening, make sure you head to Main Street and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle as dazzling projections transform them and tell the storey of 100 years of Disney.

You’ll feel like you got your Hogwarts letter when you enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios. Make your way around the castle and encounter magical creatures on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey before taking to the skies on the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff coaster.

Just 15 minutes from city centre LA and located within Universal Studios, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a truly magical experience as you visit Ollivander’s for a wand, cast spells in Hogsmeade, and dine at the Three Broomsticks or the Hog’s Head. Stop by Honeydukes and indulge in Exploding Bonbons and Chocolate Frogs when you need a sugar fix.

As you explore the 4210 acres of greenery and climb to 1625 feet above sea level at Griffith Park, you’ll discover all sorts of attractions to keep you entertained. You can get up close and personal with the animals at LA Zoo, go on pony rides, get the inside track with the rangers, and little ones can enjoy a miniature train ride.

Located in the Los Feliz area, a 10-minute drive from city centre LA, Griffith Park is home to the famous Hollywood sign. You can hike up to it on one of the trails or save your legs and take advantage of the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle.

Once a roadside berry stand, Knott’s Farm is now one of Southern California’s most popular theme parks. Take time to explore each of the 4 themed areas, including the Old West Ghost Town featuring the Calico River Rapids ride and Camp Snoopy with 15 family-themed attractions. There’s also Fiesta Village, which pays homage to California’s Hispanic roots, and the Boardwalk, which includes HangTime, California’s first drop roller coaster.

If you need some time to cool off, you can visit Knott’s Soak City Water Park which has 23 speed, tube, and body slides. When you need to refuel, be sure to visit Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant, which has been using the same authentic fried chicken recipe for over 80 years.

Pacific Park boasts 12 thrilling rides and is a place where the whole family can play. Enjoy riding the Pacific Wheel, the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, which takes you 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier and offers stunning ocean views. For thrill-seekers, the West Coaster hits top speeds of 35 mph and takes you 50 feet up before plummeting around the first helix bend.

You can reach Santa Monica Pier from city centre LA within a 25-minute drive and spend time exploring the quirky pier, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. Drink in ocean views as you enjoy traditional Californian cuisine and find the perfect souvenir from one of the beach-themed stores.

Prepare to be dazzled by Boney Island, a theme park that captures all the magic of Halloween. You’ll see skeletons do things you never imagined as they perform rope tricks, levitate through hoops, and perform shadow puppetry. But the skeletons aren’t the only stars of the show: singing shrubbery, bantering spiders, and a flock of skeletal hummingbirds will make this an unforgettable experience.

A 20-minute drive from city centre LA, you’ll be welcomed by Maestro Maxilla, your animated skeleton host who conducts the water dance and leaps from cauldron to cauldron as the music plays. Boney Island is suitable for families of all ages as there’s no gore or scares, just the magic of Halloween.

Sherman Oaks Castle Park boasts an incredible mini golf course which is fun for the whole family. You’ll have to navigate a number of obstacles, including a few water features. After your round, you can get the clubhouse experience and enjoy a cool beer.

Once you’ve refuelled, you can then spend some time taking on the arcades or step up to the tee and practice your swing at the batting cage. This fun-filled day for the whole family is just a 20-minute drive from city centre LA.