Southern California Theme Parks from Anaheim

Written by Viator, August 2010

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Golfing, Good for Kids, Must-Do Experience, Popular with Locals, Tip - Family Travel, Tip - What to See & Do, Theme Park

Southern California Theme Parks from Anaheim

Nowhere in the world will you find such a wealth of great theme parks as in Southern California. And the good news is there’s fun for everyone, from toddlers to seniors. Want to see the best the region has to offer without worrying about transport? No problem! Get picked up at your hotel and whisked away with, of course, a return journey after your day of carefree fun. Here are six of the best options.

Starting at the top, in every sense, is Six Flags Magic Mountain. This popular theme park north of Los Angeles has an amazing sixteen roller coasters, including the tallest and fastest stand-up roller coaster in the world and rides saluting superheroes Batman and Superman.

More movie magic awaits at Hollywood’s Universal Studios, where much-loved favorites of the big (and small) screen come to life. Go behind the scenes and see the special effects and stunts which have entertained millions, then take to the spectacular rides which pay tribute to horror, action adventure and cartoon classics.

In Orange County’s Buena Park, you can take your fun wet or dry, but either way you’ll be shaken and stirred. The rides at Knott’s Berry Farm have all sorts of inventive ways to turn you inside out and upside down, while adjacent Knott’s Soak City does the same, but with water. Lots of water.

Even the smallest members of the family can indulge in wet and wild fun at Legoland California’s Water Park. What’s more there are whole miniature cities made from Lego and over 40 rides in seaside Carlsbad’s premier attraction.

Finally, continue on down the coast to reach San Diego. Getting there really is half the fun; your journey takes you along the majestic California coast with great views around every turn. And once you arrive the ocean’s mightiest creatures, including Shamu the world-famous killer whale, are waiting to welcome you at SeaWorld.

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All Southern California Theme Parks from Anaheim Reviews

Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Knott's Berry Farm General Admission Ticket with Transport

my two grandchildren loved this place excellent roller coasters great fun

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Universal Studios and Night Tour of Los Angeles from Anaheim

Really great tour.Thanks Tammy, for your entertainment and knowledge!!

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: SeaWorld® San Diego Ticket with Transport

I was unsure exactly how the process would work as I had read several reviews stating they brought you to a central station and others that did not specify. A seaworld bus picked us up at the nearest ART stop to our hotel (about a block away if that). This bus then stopped at about 4 other hotels and picked up other people going on tours. We then drove to a central station(about 10 minutes away) where they drop you off and you exchange your voucher for an actual ticket for your tour and pay your fuel surcharge. They tell you which bus to get on at this point and when you go outside all of the buses are lined up with there number posted on a sign outside the door. Everyone splits up and gets on their respective tour and once everyone is on board you leave for your destination. Our tour guide was Brandon and he was absolutely awesome. During the hour and half drive he pointed out different landmarks and told us all about Orange County. When we arrived he took the whole group through the seaworld entrance and then we had the whole day to do what we wanted. It was more than plenty of time in the park and we met him back at the bus at 6:30. Please keep in mind that at this time there is a bit of a walk from the bus to the entrance because seaworld is redoing their main entrance. Not a big deal to us but just a heads up to those going. Once we got back on the bus he let us know that we could sleep if we were tired and he would let us know when we were back in the anaheim area so we wouldn't miss our stop. Which is exactly what we did, and he dropped us off on the corner of our block for our hotel. I would highly recommend taking this tour as opposed to driving yourself as we wouldn't have seen or known about half the things we saw if it wasn't for Brandon. Also when you spend 7-8 hours at a park, you are tired when you are done so it is nice to not have to drive back to the hotel after a long day. Worth EVERY PENNY!!!

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