California's Great America: Thrills and Family Fun
Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and exciting attractions at California's Great America in Santa Clara, the Bay Area's ultimate theme park.
California's Great America 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 Marriott, the park has evolved through several owners and expansions, becoming a Bay Area favorite for locals 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
- Visit mid-week to avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable experience.
- Consider purchasing a Fast Lane pass to skip the lines on popular rides.
- Check the park's calendar for special events and seasonal activities.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but there are many dining options inside the park.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for a full day of walking and outdoor activities.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From San Jose, take the VTA Line 59 bus from Santa Clara Transit Center to the Mission College & Freedom stop. The ride takes about 17 minutes, and buses run hourly. From the Mission College & Freedom stop, it's a short walk to California's Great America. The bus fare is approximately $2-$5. Alternatively, take the VTA Green Line light rail from Saint James Station to Great America Station; the ride is approximately 32 minutes and costs $3.
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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. From San Jose, take US-101 North to the Great America Parkway exit. Parking at the park costs $35 per vehicle. A drop-off area is available at 4911 Great America Parkway.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Santa Clara Park
1.4 km
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James Lick Mansion
2.9 km
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Rotary Park
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Jamison-Brown House
5.1 km
Discover Santa Clara's history at the Jamison-Brown House, a beautifully preserved 1866 landmark showcasing local heritage and architectural evolution within the serene Triton Museum grounds.
Headen-Inman House
5.1 km
Step back in time at the Headen-Inman House, a beautifully preserved 1913 Craftsman bungalow showcasing Santa Clara's history and the legacy of its pioneering families.
Triton Museum of Art
5.2 km
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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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Libby's Water Tower
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Milpitas Square
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Unmissable attractions to see
South Bay Shores
0.6 km
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Peanuts Meet & Greet
0.6 km
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49ers Team Store
0.6 km
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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
0.7 km
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Larry the Singing Chicken
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Chicken Guy!
0.8 km
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Bourbon Steak Santa Clara
0.8 km
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Drop Tower
0.8 km
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The Grizzly
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Intel Museum
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Ulistac Natural Area
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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
1.0 km
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Birk's
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Loggia Restaurant and Bar
1.6 km
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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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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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L'Amour Shoppe #2 (Santa Clara)
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Store2K - Indian Grocery Store
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Goodwill of Silicon Valley
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Moonlite Center
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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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EMA Karaoke & Bar
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Camino Karaoke
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Sevens Bar & Grill
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Music Land
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Lazio Bar
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The Halford
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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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The Lounge
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Taplands
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