Top Things to do in California
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The 10 Best Water & Amusement Parks in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. HangTime
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By marcoallain006
Gird your loins because this thing dangles you over the main drop. Oh and with only a lap restraint!
2. Disneyland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,350 reviews
Welcome to the place where imagination is the destination. For young and old, big and small — it's the happiest place on earth! Come build memories with your family that last a lifetime as you discover the wonder of this magical, fantastical world. When you enter the lands that comprise Disneyland Park, stories come to life around you, immersing you in tales from some of your favorite Disney films.
Reviewed By silvia_martins - Katy, United States
We had a wonderful time there! It was not supposed to be crowded, according to crowd calendars, but I did think it was quite busy and some lines were long, which makes it difficult with two very young kids. It is natural to compare with Orlando and the possibility of getting Fastpass for almost everything (which does not happen at Disneyland!), so in that sense we could not go to all the rides we wanted to as it would be too tiring for the kids, but we definitely enjoyed it a lot and we were able to go to many. Since a lot of the rides do not have a minimum height limit, we really enjoyed a lot of options! We really enjoyed Buzz Lightyear (it is definitely one of our favorite ones - we got to go twice on the same day!) and the classicals like Small worls, Dumbo, Storybook Canal, Finding Nemo, Space Mountain (single rider line was really helpful as only my husband and I could go and we needed to go separately!) Highlight for the kids was Toontown!!! They loved every bit of it and had major fun to greeting the characters (including Goofy and Pluto that were just walking around!!!!)
3. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
An extraordinary combination of nature preserve and theme park that comprises more than 75 acres of trees, plants, water and rocks combined with rides, picnic grounds, miniature golf and spectacular gardens.
Reviewed By ccrconinc - Concord, United States
Late October and early Nov is the perfect time and place to spend a beautiful fall day with the kid( s ) or just wanted to be a kid yourself amazing trees scape ride for the kids Time for bonding !!!
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36,488 reviews
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Explore Universal Studios backlot on the legendary Studio Tour. Then face the action head on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies. End your day with the energy and excitement of Universal CityWalk. All this and much more. Only at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.
Reviewed By Jazzyjeff041 - Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom
We visited and stayed at Disneyland Anaheim at the Clarion, we used a private transport company from our hotel to Universal which costed us at the time $120 each way (the company was Newman’s and the driver friendly and the vehicle immaculate) well worth the money if you want to travel in style and stress free. We could not fault Universal in anyway, we only had one day at universal due to the traveling distance so we upgraded to the one free fastpass entrance to every ride, this is a must to get everything done in a day which we done comfortably, amazing park, amazing atmosphere, Harry Potter world is a magical place, and the tram tour takes you around the real Universal film production areas and sets from past movies like psycho, war of the worlds etc. Highly recommended.
5. Children's Fairyland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Children's Fairyland is a magical mid-century park where young children can create, imagine, play, and learn all day long, located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California.
Reviewed By 623ramim - Benicia, United States
I remember bringing my children to Fairyland so it was a particular joy getting to experience it again with my granddaughter. She loved getting to experience her favorite nursery rhymes and fairytales come to life. I can still hear her giggles as we watched the puppet show. The staff were a pleasant addition, offering smiles and assistance as we rode the train and carousel. After 50 years Fairyland is still a magical place for young and old alike.
6. Disney California Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,496 reviews
Experience the thrill of the an old wooden rollercoaster, but with modern twists, turns and technology, at "California Screamin." Or enjoy a live performance by your favorite characters at Disney's newest theme park, featuring a slew of exciting rides and family entertainment.
Reviewed By vicky255068 - Brisbane, Australia
So much to see and do , Cars Land is amazing and the cars ride is epic ???? world of color show is stunning , I did the dessert party , best seat in the house and scrummy food ???? plenty to do for young and old ????
7. Downtown Disney District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,768 reviews
Make way for more magic with unique eateries, upscale shops and exciting entertainment for Guests of all ages at Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney District! Check out Disney fan favorite shops like World of Disney, Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, & Disney Home; and unique restaurants like Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes & Salt & Straw. For the most up to date health and safety measures and top things to know, go to: https: //disneyland.disney.go.com / experience-updates / downtown-disney / Check out Disney fan favorite shops like World of Disney, Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop, & Disney Home; and unique restaurants like Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes & Salt & Straw. For the most up to date health and safety measures and top things to know, go to: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/downtown-disney/
Reviewed By CMelam - Bend, United States
In addition to the two Disney parks, there's also Downtown Disney which is a must see when in Anaheim. We always have a great time walking around Downtown, shopping, having a great meal, and just hanging out. There are plenty of restaurants, great shopping opportunities if you've forgotten to buy your keepsakes in the park, and a great place to people watch. You can get many of the sweets that you can find in the park, and the huge Disney store has everything you could want.
8. Adventure City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Adventure City is the little theme park that's big on family fun! Admission for a family of four is less than a ticket to a big park so you can enjoy all of our 17 rides, shows and attractions for one affordable price! Experience thrills on one of our two roller coasters including our newest coaster, Rewind Racers. North America's first forward and reversing family shuttle coaster. Take a ride on the Adventure City Express Train for a scenic trip around the park or get a little loony on the crazy bus. Meet some new animal friends in our petting farm. Enjoy fun, interactive children's shows and so much more! Adventure City, Orange County's premier destination for affordable family fun!
Reviewed By elizabethlascheid - Marina del Rey, United States
Adventure City is just the best little theme park in Southern California. The people that work there are so kind and helpful. The place is spotless and I don't know how they do that with all the kids. There are plenty of bathrooms, and all are super clean. There is not a ton of food there so maybe eat before. We have been before. This time we went to their Halloween event. They were open for most of October at night and on a week night--they are usually not open late on weeknights. It was wonderful. It was a great price. You just go to their website and buy on line. The staff is dressed up and they have trick or treating for the kids. All the rides are dressed up for the holiday and the whole experience is just the best. Adventure City is not something for adults without kids. Most of the rides are for 13 and under, but anyone can go on them. They do have a big coaster which is the best. You will love this place. Have the best time.
9. Drop Zone Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By 669marcusl - Perris, United States
Drop zone is in perris not menifee. Menifee gets no parts of drop zone. It's a perris family theme park atraction.
10. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By The_Wrights_Komoks - Comox, Canada
Our first trip to Disneyland (and California Adventure Park) and this was our very first ride!!! Super cute and fun ride to break yourself in with.
