Drop Tower: Scream Zone

4.5 (506)

Brave the Drop Tower: Scream Zone at California's Great America for a 224-foot freefall and breathtaking views of Silicon Valley. A thrilling experience!

Home
California
Union City
Drop Tower

Experience a thrilling freefall on Drop Tower: Scream Zone at California's Great America. Ascend 224 feet for panoramic views before plummeting 20 stories at speeds up to 60 mph. A must-try for adrenaline junkies!

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

Local tips

Ride during sunset for optimal views of the South Bay before the drop.
Consider purchasing a Fast Lane pass to skip the longer lines, especially during peak season.
Check the park's operating calendar for hours and special events.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Peanuts Meet & Greet

Meet the Peanuts Gang in Santa Clara

South Bay Shores

South Bay Shores: A Splash of Californian Fun

California's Great America

California's Great America: A Thrilling Family Adventure

Getting There

Walking

From California's Great America entrance, follow the main pathway towards the Action Zone. Drop Tower: Scream Zone is easily visible due to its height. Walk time is approximately 5-10 minutes within the park.
Public Transport

Take the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) Light Rail to the Great America Station. From the station, walk north along Great America Parkway, then follow signs to the park entrance. Alternatively, several bus lines (e.g., 57, 59, EXPRESS 121) stop near the park. From the bus stops, follow signs to the entrance. VTA single ride fare is approximately $2.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share

If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft), set your destination to California's Great America. The designated drop-off point is located just past the entrance to the parking lot at 4911 Great America Parkway. From there, walk to the park entrance. Expect to pay around $15-25 for a ride from nearby locations like the San Jose Airport.
Driving

If driving, navigate to California's Great America at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Follow 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.

Discover more about Drop Tower

Drop Tower: Scream Zone is a heart-stopping freefall ride located within California's Great America in Santa Clara. This towering structure stands at an impressive 224 feet (68 meters), offering riders panoramic views of the Silicon Valley and surrounding areas before the exhilarating plunge. The ride begins with a slow, tension-filled ascent that lasts about 35 seconds. Once at the top, riders get a brief moment to take in the views, which on a clear day can stretch as far as 20 miles to the South Bay, including sights like Levi's Stadium. Then, without warning, the car is released, sending riders into a freefall of 20 stories in just 3.5 seconds. Reaching speeds of up to 60 mph, it’s the fastest ride in California's Great America. Originally opened on March 16, 1996, as Drop Zone: Stunt Tower, the ride was initially themed after the Paramount film 'Drop Zone'. In 2008, it was renamed Drop Tower: Scream Zone. In 2019, the ride was repainted with a brown and green color scheme inspired by California's redwood trees.