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Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Drop Tower.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
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.
The Drop Tower: Scream Zone is a thrilling freefall ride located in California's Great America in Santa Clara. Riders ascend 225 feet before plunging 20 stories at speeds up to 60 mph, offering breathtaking views of the South Bay before the adrenaline rush. Originally themed after the movie 'Drop Zone', it remains a popular attraction for thrill-seekers.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Drop Tower
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
Discover more about Drop Tower
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.
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Getting There
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.
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.
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.
A brief summary to Drop Tower
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