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Drop Tower: Scream Zone

Experience the ultimate freefall at California's Great America on Drop Tower: Scream Zone, a thrilling ride with breathtaking views and a heart-pounding plunge.

★★★★★4.5 (506)

Experience a thrilling freefall on Drop Tower: Scream Zone at California's Great America. This exhilarating ride lifts you 22 stories high before plunging you down at speeds up to 62 mph, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

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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

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    Getting There

    Public Transport

    To reach Drop Tower using public transport, take the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) Light Rail or Bus to the Great America-Santa Clara station. From the station, it's a short walk to the California's Great America entrance. VTA Light Rail single ride fare is approximately $3. Several bus lines also serve the area, including lines 55, 57, and 59, with fares ranging from $2 to $5. Alternatively, Amtrak and ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) trains arrive at the Great America station. From there, follow the signs to the park entrance.

    Walking

    If you are near the Santa Clara Convention Center or hotels along Great America Parkway, walking to California's Great America is a viable option. From the Convention Center, head south on Great America Parkway. The park entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your starting point. Note that pedestrian access is well-maintained and safe.

    Taxi/Ride-Share

    For a direct route, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Clara. A taxi ride from the Santa Clara Caltrain station to Great America costs approximately $23-$29 and takes about 10 minutes. A ride-share from San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Great America is approximately $20-$30, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The drop-off/pick-up area is located just past the entrance to the California's Great America parking lot.

    Driving

    If driving, take US 101 and exit onto Great America Parkway. Follow the signs to California's Great America. Parking at the theme park costs $30 per vehicle. Preferred parking is available for $25-$30. RV parking is also available for $27. A drop-off area is located just past the entrance on Great America Parkway for added convenience.

    Local tips

    Check the park map upon entry to locate Drop Tower in the Action Zone and plan your route.
    Ride during off-peak hours or use a Fast Lane pass to minimize wait times.
    Secure loose articles before boarding, as the ride features a freefall at high speeds.
    Take a moment at the top to enjoy the views of Silicon Valley before the drop.
    Be aware of the height requirement of 54 inches (137 cm) before queuing.

    Discover more about Drop Tower

    Drop Tower: Scream Zone at California's Great America is not for the faint of heart. This towering ride elevates thrill-seekers 224 feet into the air, providing panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Silicon Valley. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of San Francisco. As you ascend, anticipation builds, knowing what's about to come. Once you reach the peak, there's a brief moment of peace before the floor drops out from under you. You'll plummet 20 stories in a mere 3.5 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. The ride uses magnetic brakes for a smooth landing, bringing you safely back to earth. Originally themed after the 1994 film Drop Zone and known as Drop Zone: Stunt Tower, the ride was renamed Drop Tower: Scream Zone in 2008. In 2019, it was repainted with a brown and green color scheme inspired by California's redwood trees. Drop Tower remains one of the park's most popular and intense attractions.

    A brief summary to Drop Tower

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