California's Great America: Thrills and Family Fun
Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and exciting entertainment at California's Great America, the Bay Area's premier amusement park.
California's Great America, located in Santa Clara, is a 112-acre amusement park offering a mix of thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and the South Bay Shores waterpark. Originally opened in 1976 by the Marriott Corporation, the park has evolved through several owners and expansions, becoming a Bay Area entertainment destination.
A brief summary to California's Great America
- 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California, 95054, US
- +1408-988-1776
- Visit website
- Friday 4 pm-10 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Consider visiting mid-week or arriving after dinner on weekends for shorter wait times.
- Maximize your time with Fast Lane, the paid skip-the-line option, especially during peak season.
- Admission includes access to South Bay Shores waterpark, open during the summer.
- Check the park's calendar for special events and seasonal celebrations.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted, except for baby formula and for guests with special dietary restrictions.
Getting There
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Public Transport
California's Great America is accessible via public transportation. VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light rail and buses provide service throughout Santa Clara County. The Great America Station is served by Amtrak and ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) trains. From San Francisco, you can take BART to Milpitas Station and transfer to VTA. A VTA day pass costs around $7.
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Driving
If driving, California's Great America is located at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. From San Francisco, take US 101 south to the Great America Parkway exit. Parking is $35 per vehicle. A drop-off/pick-up area is located just past the parking lot entrance at 4911 Great America Parkway.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Santa Clara Park
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Ulistac Natural Area
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Mill Pond
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James Lick Mansion
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Pump It Up Santa Clara Kids Birthdays and More
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Rotary Park
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Jamison-Brown House
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Headen-Inman House
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Triton Museum of Art
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Universal Child
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Plaza de Santa Clara
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Santa Clara Campaign Treaty Site
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Historic Del Monte
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Historic Murphy Avenue
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Larkspur Landing Milpitas
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Unmissable attractions to see
South Bay Shores
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Peanuts Meet & Greet
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Planet Snoopy
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Larry the Singing Chicken
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Drop Tower
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The Grizzly
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Levi's Stadium
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49ers Team Store
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The 49ers Museum
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Visa Box Office
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Chicken Guy!
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Bourbon Steak Santa Clara
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Intel Museum
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Agnews Historic Park
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Essential places to dine
La Fontana
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Bosc & Bartlett
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Evolution Restaurant & Bar
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Birk's
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Pedro's Restaurant & Cantina
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Loggia Restaurant and Bar
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Valley Plaza Cafe
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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
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Puesto Santa Clara
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Il Fornaio Santa Clara
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Opa! Santa Clara
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Holyland Restaurant and Catering
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Athena Grill & Catering
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California Pizza Kitchen at Santa Clara
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The Yellow Chilli by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Company Store
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Our Lady of Peace Gift Shop
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Santa Clara Square
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Santa Clara Square Marketplace
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Rivermark Village
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Greenish Planet Stores
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Eurohaus Modern Furniture LLC.
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Luxury Handicrafts - Bone Inlay, Mother of Pearl & Wood Furniture Store
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Store2K - Indian Grocery Store
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Moonlite Center
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Goodwill of Silicon Valley
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Big Mug Coffee Roaster
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Lawrence Expressway Plaza
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Santa Clara Town Center
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Floodcraft Taproom
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Lucas Lounge
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Mortar & Pestle Bar
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The Magpie and Tiger
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Sevens Bar & Grill
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Lazio Bar
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The Halford
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Music Land
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Da Silva's Bronco's Pub
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thirsty.bar
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Broncos Cocktail Lounge
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Taplands
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The Lounge
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