South Bay Shores: A Californian Waterpark Adventure
Experience thrilling slides and relaxing pools at South Bay Shores, the perfect water park escape inside California's Great America!
South Bay Shores is a 15-acre water park located within California's Great America in Santa Clara. Originally opened as Crocodile Dundee's Boomerang Bay in 2004, it was expanded and rebranded as South Bay Shores in 2021. The park features a variety of water attractions, including thrilling water slides like Pacific Surge and Logger's Run, a large wave pool called Breakers Bay, and a relaxing lazy river known as Rushin' River. For younger visitors, South Bay Shores offers Pup's Pier, an elaborate water playground with smaller slides and splash zones. The Tide Pool is a zero-entry tot pool perfect for toddlers. The park provides plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas, allowing guests to relax between rides. Admission to South Bay Shores is included with a ticket to California's Great America. The water park is generally open during the summer months, with operating hours varying.
Local tips
- Check the park's website for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they vary depending on the day and time of year.
- Admission to South Bay Shores is included with a ticket to California's Great America, offering a full day of amusement park and water park fun.
- Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save money and time at the gate.
- Apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated throughout the day to protect yourself from the sun.
A brief summary to South Bay Shores
- Monday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Getting There
-
Public Transport
For those arriving via public transportation, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Light Rail and bus lines offer convenient access to California's Great America. Take the VTA Light Rail Green or Orange Line to the Great America Station. From the station, South Bay Shores is a short walk through the main entrance of the amusement park. VTA bus routes 55, 57, and 59 also stop near the park. A single VTA fare costs $2.50.
-
Taxi/Ride-Share
If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft), the designated drop-off/pick-up area is located just past the entrance to the California's Great America parking lot, at 4911 Great America Parkway. From there, it's a short walk to the park entrance. A typical ride-share from downtown Santa Clara will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand.
-
Driving
If driving, follow signs for California's Great America on Great America Parkway. Parking is available at the main parking lot. General parking costs $30 per vehicle if purchased online in advance, or $35 at the gate. The pick-up/drop-off and rideshare area is located just past the entrance to the California's Great America parking lot entrance. This area's street address is 4911 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
