California's Great America: Thrills and Family Fun
Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and unforgettable memories at California's Great America, the Bay Area's premier amusement park, with exciting attractions for everyone.
California's Great America, located in the heart of Santa Clara, is a premier amusement park offering a thrilling blend of high-speed roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment. Since opening in 1976, the park has evolved into a Bay Area landmark, providing unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. From the adrenaline-pumping drops of Gold Striker, Northern California's tallest and fastest wooden coaster, to the immersive Planet Snoopy kids' area, there's something for everyone. With seasonal events like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, plus a wide array of dining and shopping options, California's Great America promises a day of excitement and memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss the South Bay Shores waterpark for splashtastic summer fun, making it a complete destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.
A brief summary to California's Great America
- 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California, 95054, US
- +1408-988-1776
- Visit website
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, to maximize your time and minimize wait times for popular rides.
- Consider purchasing a Fast Lane pass to skip the regular lines on select rides, allowing you to experience more attractions in a shorter amount of time.
- Download the California's Great America app for park maps, ride wait times, show schedules, and special offers.
- Take advantage of the park's dining plans to save money on food and beverages throughout the day.
- Check the park's calendar for special events and seasonal celebrations, such as Halloween Haunt or WinterFest, to enhance your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
For visitors arriving via public transportation, several options are available for the final leg of the journey to California's Great America. The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) offers light rail and bus services that stop near the park. The VTA Green Line and Orange Line both have stops at the Great America Station, which is a short walk to the park's entrance. Several bus lines, including the 57, 59, and Express 121, also serve the area. A single VTA fare costs $2.50, with day passes available for $5. Amtrak and ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) trains also stop at the Great America station.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, the designated drop-off and pick-up area is located just past the entrance to the California's Great America parking lot, at 4911 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. A short ride from nearby locations like the San Jose International Airport (SJC) typically costs between $20-$30, depending on traffic and demand.
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Driving
For those driving to California's Great America, parking is available on-site. General parking costs $35 per vehicle. Preferred parking, which is closer to the entrance, is available for an additional fee. RV parking is $40. A passenger drop-off area is located just past the parking lot entrance at 4911 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
Discover more about California's Great America
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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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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