Six Flags Magic Mountain is a park of thrills. If you love fast, up in the air rides, or if you have teenagers who do, this is the place for you. Many of the attractions have a minimum height requirement of 48", but there is also a kids area for the little ones in your family.
Three Must-See Attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain
X2 - The seats rotate 360 degrees on this popular ride that is 3,610 feet in length and travels up in the air the equivalent of 20 stories at 76 mph. Add to that a light show, music, and other sound effects, and you are promised an unparalleled spin.
Superman – You'll sit with another 13 brave ones and in seven seconds will reach -- in reverse and going up -- a speed of 100 miles. Once you are 415 feet in the air, there will be no way but down, to which you will plummet at 92 miles per hour, face first, feeling just like Superman.
Twisted Colossus – Whether you had a prior chance to go on the iconic and now closed wooden Colossus or not, riding Twisted Colossus will allow you to be at the landmark location and inside the structure that is the most recognizable in the entire park. You can pay tribute to Six Flags Magic Mountain's history and at once face your fears on this new ride.
Where to Stay Near Six Flags Magic Mountain
Stevenson Ranch, Valencia, and Castaic, about an hour northwest of Los Angeles, are three of the cities near Six Flags Magic Mountain. There are plenty of lodging options at each of them. The Santa Clarita Trolley Service provides free transportation to Six Flags Magic Mountain from a few hotels. Read more about it here.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Six Flags Magic Mountain
Summer weekends are quite busy. If you can, visit during the week or in the winter. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as many of the attractions are outdoors. If you must visit during the peak months, start early in the day and stay after 5 p.m., when the crowds get lighter.
Discounts at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Periodically Six Flag Magic Mountain offers special deals that get posted on this page. You may want to enter your email at the bottom of that page for a chance to win tickets and to receive special offers.
Food at Six Flags Magic Mountain
No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed in the park. However, from pizza and burgers to sushi and ice cream, you can find lunch, dinner, and snacks all over the park. See a list of options on this page.
Parking at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Parking at Six Flags Magic Mountain is $20 per car, or $35 for valet parking.
Transportation alternatives at Six Flags Magic Mountain
There is a way to get from Los Angeles to the park using public transportation. It requires a few transfers but you can read directions in detail on this page.
If you stay at select hotels in the area, the Santa Clarita Trolley can take you back and forth from the park at no charge. Learn more about this here.
Author's Bio: Dena Burroughs has lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years. She loves palm trees, traveling, and dancing Salsa. VidaSalsera.com is her own website.
Knott's Soak City is situated next to the famous theme park, Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Fun in the sun is packaged to please all ages, and the attractions range from high-adventure to relaxing floats. Beat the heat at this fun-filled destination.
Three Must-See Attractions at Knott's Soak City
Who needs an ocean? Tidal Wave Bay is the place for surfers. The adventurous love Banzai Falls, a six-lane speed ride where riders bolt down a slide on a 40-foot course. Youngsters enjoy a playground-like setting featuring an octopus that squirts and splashes giggling kids and their companions.
Where to Stay Near Knott's Soak City
Within walking distance to Soak City is Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, reasonably priced with many great amenities. Anaheim and other Orange County locations are within a short drive.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Knott's Soak City
The park is open from mid-May to mid-September. Avoid holidays and weekends to see shorter lines.
Discounts at Knott's Soak City
Active members of the United States military and their guests receive park discounts, as do AAA members. Some local companies belong to the Joe Cool Club, which provides discounts to each company's employees.
Food at Knott's Soak City
Swimmers can certainly work up an appetite, and the park offers some great (very) casual dining options. Take advantage of the all-day dining plan, for about the cost of two meals at Longboard's Grill. Other tasty options include pizza, salads and funnel cakes at Portside Pizza, or snack at Surf Daddy's. Plan about $15/person/meal. You cannot bring food into the park.
Parking at Knott's Soak City
Guests can park on site at 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620. Fees apply, and extra charges apply to busses and RVs.
Transportation Alternatives at Knott's Soak City
Travelers can reach the park with public transportation. Orange County bus routes and schedules can help you plan your trip.
Author's bio: Connie Jankowski is an award-winning writer and a seasoned traveler. She has lived in Orange County, California for about 30 years.
Raging Waters is a large water park located in San Dimas, CA. With over 50 acres of fun, this water park is the largest one in Southern California with numerous rides, slides and other attractions for people of all ages.
Three Must-See Attractions at Raging Waters
Visitors who are looking for a more relaxed attraction will want to check out the Amazon Adventure, a quarter-mile long tropical river where you can float along on a raft in the sun. Thrill seekers should check out Drop Out, a seven-story drop/slide that hurls riders down in just 4 seconds. Kids can hang out in Kid's Kingdom or Splash Island Adventure, which features slides, tunnels and other water activities.
Where to Stay Near Raging Waters
There are a variety of different lodging options near Raging Waters. The Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona, Extended Stay San Dimas and Red Roof Inn are just a few of the hotel options located relatively close to the water park.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Raging Waters
Raging Waters water park is open June-October. Weekends tend to be the busiest at Raging Waters, so it's recommended to visit during the week if possible. In June, July and August the park is open until 7:30 p.m. on select days for those looking to visit later in the day.
Discounts at Raging Waters
Visitors looking to save some money can purchase a season pass or VIP pass, which includes a free ticket for a friend and access to Raging Waters San Jose and Sacramento. VIP ticket holders can also get 20% off food and beverage at the park. Raging Waters also offers a weekday season pass at a discounted rate. Costco and AAA also offer discounted tickets to the park.
Food at Raging Waters
Raging Waters has a few dining and snack areas including Volcano Beach Café, Jamba Juice, Pink's and Carl's Jr. The water park also has a variety of concession stands serving ice cream, pretzels and pizza. Guests with dietary restrictions and allergies can bring their own food and beverage into the park.
Parking at Raging Waters
Visitors can purchase a season parking pass that can be used with any visit, otherwise parking is $15 a day. Premium parking is $20 and includes a spot closer to the entrance of the park.
Transportation Alternatives at Raging Waters
There is a bus stop about a mile away from the water park for those looking to take public transit to Raging Waters.
Author's bio: Allie Fisher is an Orange County native who loves writing about food + travel. Follow her food adventures on twitter and instagram @socaliallie and on her blog, www.sweetpotatobites.com.
