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California's Great America: Thrills and Family Fun

Experience thrilling rides, family fun, and exciting events at California's Great America in Santa Clara, the Bay Area's premier amusement park.

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California's Great America, located 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. With over 40 rides and a variety of live entertainment and dining options, it's a destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.

A brief summary to California's Great America

  • Friday 4 pm-10 pm
  • Saturday 4 pm-10 pm
  • Sunday 4 pm-10 pm

Local tips

  • Check the park's calendar for operating hours and special events before your visit, as these can vary throughout the year.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and potentially money.
  • Download the California's Great America mobile app for park maps, ride wait times, and show schedules.
  • Take advantage of the Fast Lane pass to skip the lines on popular rides, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and spending time outdoors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Several public transportation options can get you to California's Great America. VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light rail trains and buses provide daily service from various points in Santa Clara County. You can take the Green Line or Orange Line to the Great America Station. From San Jose, the line 59 bus offers a direct route to the park. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects to VTA buses that stop near the park. A single VTA bus or light rail fare costs around $2-$5.

  • Driving

    If 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 same exit. Parking at the park costs $35 per vehicle. A drop-off area is available on Great America Parkway near the entrance.

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Discover more about California's Great America

California's Great America, a sprawling amusement park in Santa Clara, has been a Bay Area entertainment staple since 1976. Originally built by the Marriott Corporation, the park has evolved through several ownership changes, including stints under the city of Santa Clara, Kings Entertainment Company, Paramount, and Cedar Fair, before becoming part of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The park boasts a diverse collection of over 40 rides and attractions. Thrill-seekers can enjoy world-class roller coasters like Gold Striker, a top-ranked wooden coaster, and RailBlazer, a unique single-rail coaster. For families, Planet Snoopy offers a range of kid-friendly rides and attractions themed around the Peanuts gang. During the warmer months, South Bay Shores waterpark provides a refreshing escape with thrilling water slides and relaxing pools. Throughout the year, California's Great America hosts a variety of special events, including Halloween Haunt in the fall and WinterFest during the holiday season. These events add an extra layer of entertainment to the park experience, with themed decorations, live performances, and unique attractions. While the park is scheduled to close in 2033, it continues to offer a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages. With its mix of thrilling rides, family entertainment, and special events, California's Great America remains a popular destination in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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