Drop Tower: Scream Zone
Experience a thrilling freefall at California's Great America's Drop Tower: Scream Zone, offering panoramic views and a heart-pounding plunge.
Drop Tower: Scream Zone is a heart-stopping freefall attraction at California's Great America, offering a unique blend of panoramic views and an adrenaline-pumping plunge. Riders are strapped into open cars with dangling feet, slowly ascending 225 feet into the air. The ascent provides stunning views of Silicon Valley, including Levi's Stadium and, on clear days, even San Francisco. After a tense 35-second climb, riders pause at the peak before being released into a 20-story freefall. Plunging at speeds up to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, the ride simulates weightlessness before the brakes kick in. Originally opened on March 16, 1996, as Drop Zone: Stunt Tower, the ride was themed after the Paramount film 'Drop Zone'. In 2008, it was renamed Drop Tower: Scream Zone. In 2019, the ride was repainted with brown and green hues inspired by California's redwood and sequoia trees. Drop Tower remains one of the park's most popular thrill rides.
Local tips
- Check the park map upon entry to locate Drop Tower within the Action Zone and plan your route.
- Arrive early in the day or visit during the week to minimize wait times.
- Consider purchasing a Fast Lane pass to skip the regular lines on Drop Tower and other popular rides.
- Be aware of the 54-inch height requirement before queuing.
- Secure loose articles before riding, as items may not be permitted on the ride.
A brief summary to Drop Tower
- Monday 7 am-12 am
- Tuesday 7 am-12 am
- Wednesday 7 am-12 am
- Thursday 7 am-12 am
- Friday 7 am-12 am
- Saturday 7 am-12 am
- Sunday 7 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From San Jose Airport (SJC), take the VTA line 60 bus towards Metro Station. Transfer to the Green Line light rail towards Old Ironsides Station. Get off at Great America Station, a short walk to the park entrance. A single VTA bus or light rail fare is approximately $2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From San Jose Airport (SJC), a taxi or ride-share to California's Great America takes about 10 minutes. The drop-off point is located just past the entrance to the parking lot at 4911 Great America Parkway. Expect to pay between $23-$40 for a one-way trip.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to California's Great America at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Follow the signs for park parking. Standard parking costs $35 per vehicle. A passenger drop-off area is available just past the parking lot entrance at 4911 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
