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California's Great America
Amusement Park

California's Great America

California
4.5
(12,000 reviews)
0
Tours Available
$50-$80 (varies by date and ticket type)
Adult Entry
6-8 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, September-October
Best Time

Overview

California's Great America is a thrilling amusement park located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It offers a wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages.

One of the premier amusement parks in Northern California, offering a variety of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.

Theme Park Entertainment

Location

Address

4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California

Neighborhood: Great America Parkway

Coordinates

37.370500, -121.953000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Closed
tuesday Closed
wednesday Closed
thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (seasonal)
friday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (seasonal)
saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (seasonal)
sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (seasonal)

Admission

Adults
$50-$80 (varies by date and ticket type)
Children
$40-$60 (varies by date and ticket type, for guests under 48 inches tall)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
4 hours
Recommended
6-8 hours
Full Experience
Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

  • • Spring Break Fest
  • • Easter Celebration

summer

Hot

  • • Summer Concert Series
  • • Fireworks

autumn

Cool to mild

  • • Halloween Haunt
  • • Fall Fest

winter

Cold

  • • Holiday Celebration

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets online in advance
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds
  • Check the park map and show schedule

What to Bring

essential

ID Printed or digital tickets Comfortable shoes

recommended

Sunscreen Hat Camera

seasonal

Jacket (for cooler evenings) Umbrella (for occasional rain)

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Outside food (except for special dietary needs) Professional cameras or recording equipment

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some rides have height and health restrictions)

  • • Some rides may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions
  • • Dehydration and sun exposure are possible in summer

Medical facilities: First aid stations available throughout the park

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Debit cards, Cash (at select locations)

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Typical Costs

entry $50-$80 (varies by date and ticket type)
parking $25-$30
food $10-$15 per meal
souvenirs $15-$50

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes, Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate attire, Closed-toe shoes recommended for safety, Inappropriate or offensive clothing, Clothing with offensive language or images

Booking Tips

  • • At least a few days in advance, especially for weekends and holidays
  • • Official website or authorized ticket vendors
  • • Varies by ticket type, check terms and conditions
  • • Available for purchase online

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
First aid
Nursing room
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

California's Great America Official App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Park map, Wait times, Show schedules, Mobile food ordering, Virtual queue

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Throughout the park, including near major attractions and dining areas

Charging Stations: Available at select locations, such as near first aid stations and dining areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Distance: 10 miles

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

Taxi
$40-$50 20-30 minutes
Rideshare
$25-$35 20-30 minutes
Public Transport
$5-$10 45-60 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 5 miles

Car
Varies by parking and tolls 15-20 minutes
Public Transport
$2.50 30-40 minutes
Bike
Free 30-40 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A beloved family-friendly destination with a mix of thrilling rides and entertainment

Historical Significance: Opened in 1976, the park has a rich history and has evolved over the years with new attractions and themed areas

Insider Tips

  • Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and shorter wait times
  • Download the official app for real-time wait times and park information
  • Check the park's website for special events and discounts

Local Recommendations

  • • Try the garlic fries at Boardwalk Eats
  • • Visit the Silicon Valley History Online exhibit at the Great America History Museum
  • • Explore nearby Santa Clara attractions like Levi's Stadium and the Mission Santa Clara de Asís

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Planet Snoopy

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the bright colors and family fun

Result: Vibrant and lively photos

#CaliforniaGreatAmerica #PlanetSnoopy #FamilyFun

Orion

Best Time: Late afternoon

Tips: Focus on the thrilling drop and height of the ride

Result: Action-packed and exhilarating photos

#CaliforniaGreatAmerica #Orion #ThrillRide

Patriot

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Get a low angle to capture the ride's height and speed

Result: Dramatic and intense photos

#CaliforniaGreatAmerica #Patriot #RollerCoaster

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Designated photo zones
prohibited areas Indoor shows and attractions, Ride queues
flash photography Allowed in most outdoor areas, prohibited during indoor shows
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Prohibited without prior permission
tripod policy Allowed in designated photo zones, prohibited in ride queues and indoor areas
selfie sticks Allowed in most outdoor areas, prohibited during indoor shows and on certain rides

Nearby Attractions

Levi's Stadium

Distance: 2 miles

Walking: 40 minutes

Type: Sports Stadium

Mission Santa Clara de Asís

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 minutes

Type: Historical Site

The Tech Interactive

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 minutes

Type: Science Museum

Great America History Museum

Distance: On-site

Walking: 5 minutes

Type: History Museum

Reviews

4.5

Based on 12,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Arrive early to beat the crowds"
  • "Download the official app for real-time wait times"
  • "Try the Boardwalk Eats garlic fries"
  • "Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed experience"
  • "Check the park map and show schedule to plan your day"

Contact Information

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Rating

4.5 / 5.0

Reviews

12,000

Adult Entry

$50-$80 (varies by date and ticket type)

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