Location: Skyforest, California Years Active: 1955 – Active SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a Christmas explosion in the middle of California’s mountains. This isn’t your grandma’s SkyPark at Santa’s Village offers a variety of rides and attractions, making it the perfect place for a family outing. While smaller than some of the larger US amusement…
Location: Los Angeles, California Years Active: 1995 – Active Six Flags Hurricane Harbor LA. It’s a classic, but is it worth the hype? This water park has been a SoCal staple since 1995, offering heart-racing slides and a welcome break from the heat. If you’re all about those adrenaline rushes, “Tornado” is a must-ride. But…
Location: Atascadero, California Years Active: 1955 – Active The Charles Paddock Zoo isn’t your standard zoological park. It’s small, tucked away in the California town of Atascadero. But it packs a punch – this zoo is all about endangered species. They’ve got tigers, lemurs, even adorable red pandas. It’s a little gem for animal lovers….
Location: Palm Desert, California Years Active: 1970 – Active The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens? It’s a different beast. We’re talking desert critters – the tough, the weird, the surprisingly adorable. It’s a sprawling place, so wear comfy shoes and be ready for some heat. But hey, that’s the desert, right? The animals here aren’t…
Location: Santa Monica, California Years Active: 1996 – Active Pacific Park ain’t Disneyland. It’s smaller, a bit grittier, but that’s the charm. This classic amusement park sits right on the Santa Monica Pier, waves crashing just feet below some of the rides. Locals love it, and you will too. The star attraction? That’s the Pacific…
Location: San Dimas, California Years Active: 1983 – Active Raging Waters San Dimas’s splashy escape! It’s been a SoCal favorite since 1983. Expect a tropical theme – think waterfalls and palms – plus a ton of slides and pools. Thrill-seekers, this is your spot! Think huge drops like “Drop Out.” Want to chill? Grab a…
Location: Sacramento, California Years Active: 1978 – Active Funderland Amusement Park…it’s a Sacramento tradition. Old-school charm? They’ve got it. The Dragon Coaster still rattles your bones like it did back in the day. Expect classic carnival vibes, not Disneyland. But kids? They don’t care. They’re too busy squealing on the Flying Dragon Swing and chugging…
Location: San Francisco, California Years Active: 1929 – Active Okay, here’s the real deal on the San Francisco Zoo it’s old. Like, opened in 1929 old. That means some of the enclosures feel straight out of a different era, especially if you care about animal space. But hey, if nostalgia’s your thing, the zoo’s got…
Location: Oakland, California Years Active: 1922 – Active The Oakland Zoo isn’t some picture-perfect nature preserve. It’s a place to get close to the wild – the raw, the noisy, sometimes even the smelly. Founded way back in 1922, this zoo has seen it all. It’s tucked away in Knowland Park, which adds to the…
Location: Monterey, California Years Active: 1984 – Active The Monterey Bay Aquarium isn’t just another tourist trap. This place is legendary – they were the first to ever showcase a living kelp forest! It’s more than just gawking at fish. They’re all about teaching you how the ocean works, and why you should care. You’re…