California's Great America: Thrills and Family Fun
Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and splashtastic adventures at California's Great America in Santa Clara!
California's Great America in Santa Clara is a 112-acre amusement park offering a mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and the South Bay Shores waterpark. Originally opened by Marriott in 1976, it continues to be a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike.
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 4 pm-10 pm
- Sunday 4 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Check the park's operating calendar online for the most up-to-date hours, as closing times vary.
- Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving after 5 PM on Sundays for shorter wait times.
- Take advantage of the Fast Lane pass to skip the lines on popular rides.
- Admission includes access to South Bay Shores waterpark, so bring your swimwear.
- Parking is available, but it can be expensive. Carpooling or using public transportation can save money.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Several public transportation options can get you to California's Great America. VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light rail and buses arrive daily from various points in Santa Clara County. You can also take Caltrain, ACE (Altamont Commuter Express), or Amtrak to the Great America station. A single VTA bus or light rail fare is typically around $2-$5. Check the VTA website for schedules and specific routes.
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Ride Share
If arriving from San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft will cost approximately $30-$40 and take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The 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.
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Driving
California's Great America is located at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. From US 101, take the Great America Parkway exit. Parking at the park is $35 per vehicle. RV parking is $40. A passenger drop-off area is available 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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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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Historic Del Monte
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Plaza de Santa Clara
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Historic Murphy Avenue
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Larkspur Landing Milpitas
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Big Al's
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Santa Clara Campaign Treaty Site
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Unmissable attractions to see
South Bay Shores
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Peanuts Meet & Greet
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49ers Team Store
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The 49ers Museum
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Planet Snoopy
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Levi's Stadium
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Visa Box Office
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Larry the Singing Chicken
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Chicken Guy!
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Bourbon Steak Santa Clara
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Drop Tower
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The Grizzly
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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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Evolution Restaurant & Bar
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Bosc & Bartlett
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Birk's
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Loggia Restaurant and Bar
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Pedro's Restaurant & Cantina
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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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Holyland Restaurant and Catering
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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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