Palm trees, sunny skies, and Hollywood are what most think of when Los Angeles comes to mind. With great weather almost all year round, it’s no surprise that there are so many theme parks in Los Angeles to choose from! The only challenge is figuring out where to go when you have so many options.
We’re breaking down the best theme parks in Los Angeles to visit (as well as places you can stay) to help solve your dilemma. So buckle up and get ready to explore your way through your next theme park adventure in the City of Angels!
1. Disneyland California
Disney California Adventure before sunset | Photo by Clyde He on Unsplash
If you’re planning to explore multiple amusement parks in Los Angeles, Disneyland California is always the top pick. While it’s not actually inside LA, Anaheim is just a 30-minute drive away. For any Disney fan, it’s pretty much mandatory to visit. But fan or not, the rides, food, and shows are always worth it.
Disneyland California’s iconic castle | Photo by Jordan on Unsplash
Do take note that Disneyland California has two separate theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
What makes them different? Disneyland Park offers the classic Disney experience with beloved characters and attractions found in other Disney parks around the world, while Disney California Adventure Park brings more thrilling rides and themed areas you could only see here.
Klook Tip: Both parks are great for families, but we recommend Disneyland Park for those with younger kids and Adventure Park for older kids.
Want to know more about their differences?Check out our guide on Disneyland Park vs. Disneyland California Adventure Park.
That said, you’ll need to purchase two separate tickets. But, we recommend purchasing a Disneyland Park Hopper ticket to experience all kinds of Disneyland California rides by having access to both parks!
Where to stay near Disneyland Anaheim
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anaheim
A standard room with 2 Queen beds, perfect for families
If you’re after a comfortable and convenient stay near Disneyland, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anaheim is a reliable choice. It’s a few minutes’ drive to the parks and offers free amenities like parking and breakfast. With cozy rooms, a pool area, and kid-friendly perks, it’s a solid home base for park-hoppers looking for ease and comfort.
Disneyland Hotel
Standard guest room at Disneyland Hotel
For a complete Disney experience, we highly recommend staying at Disneyland Hotel, where the magic lasts even after you leave the parks! It’s also a few steps away from Downtown Disney and close to both parks.
There are waterslides and themed pools, various dining options, and a spa. With cozy, modern rooms and amenities, it’s the perfect place to recharge and wake up ready for another unforgettable day at Disney.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood
Lights, camera, action! | Photo by Mathieu Marquer on Flickr
Experience some of your favorite movies come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the most famous LA theme parks! What sets it apart from other Universal parks around the world is that it’s the only one that’s also a real working movie and television studio.
Its famous Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes to actual sets and soundstages still in use today. And of course, the rides are just as fun, especially for families with older kids and groups of friends. You can also read our guide on all Universal Studio Hollywood rides you can’t miss while you’re there!
Where to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood
Sheraton Universal Hotel
The Traditional Room with a king sized bed
Sheraton Universal Hotel is a minute drive from Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk. Its rooms offer modern comfort with floor-to-ceiling views of the Hollywood Hills. With a complimentary shuttle, great dining options, and an outdoor pool for the kids, it’s a convenient pick for families and fans who want to stay close to the fun.
Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City
Two double bed room at Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City
Located in Universal City is Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City, an easy 15-minute walk from Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s one of the best places to stay after a fun day at the park. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and come with a great view of the Hollywood Hills.
If you plan to explore more of LA after your theme park day, it’s a convenient 8-minute walk away from the Metro station. And if you’re on the hunt for other fun things to do, you can check out our list of 7 fun things to do in Los Angeles to make the most of your visit!
3. Knott's Berry Farm
The wipeout thrill ride at Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic stop when exploring amusement parks in the Los Angeles area. After all, it’s the oldest theme park in Los Angeles (and in California)! What started as a 1920s berry farm is now a full day of rides, shows, and California-inspired themed lands for all ages to enjoy.
Ghost Town is a popular themed area, bringing the Wild West to life with cowboys, saloons, and that old-school theme park feel. There’s also a dedicated area for Snoopy fans! It’s a more budget-friendly option compared to the bigger LA parks, making it an easy pick for families who want fun without the splurge.
Where to stay near Knott’s Berry Farm
Pacific Inn Anaheim
Standard guest room at Pacific Inn Anaheim
If you need a place to crash after a full day at Knott’s Berry Farm, Pacific Inn Anaheim is a practical and budget-friendly option. It’s a 3-minute drive from Knott’s Berry Farm and a 10-minute drive from Disneyland, so you can easily do both parks without spending much on accommodations.
4. LEGOLAND California
At Legoland California, young ones rule the city!
Legoland California is the perfect pick if you have younger kids. The rides are gentle enough for them but still exciting enough to make their day memorable. Beyond the attractions, the entire park is built to spark creativity.
If you’re a LEGO fan or not, it’s pretty cool to see entire cities and landmarks built from millions of tiny lego pieces. And while Legoland California is not exactly within LA (an hour’s drive south), the creativity on display alone is worth the trip.
Where to stay near LEGOLAND California
Legoland California Hotel
The Adventure Room in itself is just as exciting as the park!
Legoland California Hotel is designed to be playful and fun. Rooms come in themes like pirates, adventure, and ninjas, while amenities include lots of entertainment areas for the kiddos. Since it’s located just steps from LEGOLAND California, it’s super convenient for early park entry and an easy walk back when everyone needs a break.
5. Pacific Park
Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier | Photo by Sindre Fjerdingby on Pexels
For a change of scenery, Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier offers a unique seaside experience you won’t get from other theme parks in Los Angeles. Here, you’ll find its iconic Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, offering incredible views of the coastline, especially during sunset.
While it’s smaller compared to the other parks on this list, it’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking for a more relaxed and classic pier experience.
With a Klook Los Angeles Pass, you can also pair your theme park day with experiences like a Santa Monica bike tour. It also makes a great stop between bigger parks like Universal and Disneyland.
Where to stay near Pacific Park
The Pierside Santa Monica
Outdoor pool at The Pierside Santa Monica
Just a 4-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier, The Pierside Santa Monica offers a chic beachside stay near Pacific Park. Located right across the pier, staying here will make it easy to move between the rides, beach, restaurants, and shops around Santa Monica.
FAQs
Which theme park in LA is best for first-time visitors?
The best LA theme park all depends on what you’re looking for, but Disneyland California is definitely a great choice among theme parks in Los Angeles, especially for Disney lovers and families.
What is the best time to visit theme parks in Los Angeles?
The best time to visit theme parks in Los Angeles is during weekdays (particularly Tuesday to Thursday) and outside peak holidays. Spring and fall are also great times to visit as they offer comfortable weather and lighter crowds compared to summer.
Are there skip-the-line or express passes available at LA theme parks?
Yes! Most major LA theme parks offer express pass options to help you skip lines and avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons.
What should I wear or bring when visiting LA theme parks?
Wear light clothes and comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be on your feet most of the day. Don’t forget to bring extra clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. We also recommend bringing a power bank or charger, especially if you plan to take photos and stay long at the park.
Are there food options and dining experiences inside the theme parks?
Absolutely! All major theme parks in Los Angeles offer plenty of food options, from quick bites to themed dining experiences.
Which LA theme park has the most thrilling roller coasters?
For the adrenaline seekers, there’s no better place to enjoy a good thrill ride than Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia! As the thrill capital of the world, you can definitely expect plenty of heart-dropping rollercoasters here.
More inspo for your next LA adventure
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Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
