A family favorite in Santa Clara since 1976, California's Great America is a combination amusement and water park offering thrills for every age, from record-breaking roller coasters and splash-filled adventures to classic rides and kid-friendly attractions. Seasonal festivals, live entertainment, and family events add to the fun throughout the year.
Whether you're planning your first visit or making a return trip to this park near San Jose, here's everything you need to know before heading to California's Great America.
When Is California's Great America Open?
The park is not open year-round; during the summer season, it’s typically open daily, with longer hours on weekends and holidays.
In the spring and fall, the park generally operates on select weekdays and weekends, with shorter hours during the off-season. It closes for part of the winter. Before your visit, check the website for their current operating calendar, as well as maps of both California's Great America and the adjacent South Bay Shores water park.
Planning ahead? It has been announced that 2027 will be California's Great America's final operating season, with the park expected to close after the 2027 season.
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Where Is California's Great America?
California's Great America is located in Santa Clara, in the heart of Silicon Valley, about 45 miles south of San Francisco and just off U.S. Highway 101. The park is minutes from downtown San Jose, Levi's Stadium, and San Jose Mineta International Airport, making it an easy day trip from San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and other Bay Area communities.
The park is also home to South Bay Shores, a separately gated water park included with season passes and select admission tickets during the summer, making it easy to pair roller coasters with water slides and a lazy river in a single visit.
Rides at California's Great America
The ride just inside the entrance is a nice crowd-pleaser: the double-decker Carousel Columbia—which, at 100 feet high, is the tallest carousel in the world. Older kids and adventure seekers can then head for thrill rides such as Gold Striker, the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in Northern California; Flight Deck, a jet coaster with zero-gravity barrel rolls; and the Rail Blazer, a single-rail-track coaster where the car straddles the rail, creating a unique sensation along the twisting track.
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Little-Kid-Friendly Rides and Family Attractions
For little kids (or anyone who prefers a less-adrenaline experience), the theme park's Planet Snoopy is a big draw, with its tot-friendly rides and attractions. Younger visitors can also climb aboard favorites like Woodstock Express, Charlie Brown's Wind-Up, Joe Cool's Gr8 Sk8, and the Peanuts 500 mini race cars, many of which are designed specifically for first-time riders. Families can cool off at the nearby Great America Carousel or take a leisurely ride on the scenic railroad.
Another relaxing option: Watch one of the daily live shows featuring singing, dancing, and appearances by Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang, who are also available for meet-and-greets throughout the day.
Everything You Need to Know About South Bay Shores
Open during the warmer months, South Bay Shores offers a wet and wild change of pace from the earthbound rides. Included with select admission tickets and season passes, the water park features more than a dozen attractions, including:
- Seven-story water slides, including Pacific Surge and the six-slide Rushin' River
- A 20,000-square-foot wave pool
- The relaxing Lazy Loggerhead lazy river
- Family raft rides and multiperson slide experiences
- Interactive splash areas and kid-friendly play structures, including Tide Pool and Otter Trotter
Events at California’s Great America
Special events and festivals are scattered through the calendar, such as spring’s Easter Egg-stravaganza and the Red, White, & Brews food festival over July 4th. (Ed. Note: In 2026, the park will no longer be hosting its traditional Winterfest and Halloween Haunt events.)
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Best Time to Visit California's Great America
One of the best ways to make the most of your visit is to check California's Great America's operating calendar before purchasing tickets. Weekdays in the spring and late summer typically see lighter crowds and shorter waits for the park's most popular roller coasters, while weekends, holidays, and Halloween events tend to be the busiest.
For visitors hoping to experience both roller coasters and water attractions, plan a summer visit when South Bay Shores is open daily. Arriving when the park opens is another smart strategy, giving you a head start on headline rides like Gold Striker and RailBlazer before lines build later in the day.
What to Eat at California's Great America
A full day of roller coasters and water slides calls for plenty of fuel, and California's Great America offers everything from grab-and-go snacks to hearty sit-down meals.
Popular food and restaurant options around the park include:
- Hand-breaded chicken tenders, burgers, and fries at Maggie Brown's Chicken & BBQ
- Smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and classic barbecue sides at Back Porch BBQ
- Freshly made pizza, pasta, and salads at Pizza Orleans
- Burritos, tacos, nachos, and other Mexican favorites at Plaza del Sol Cantina
- Funnel cakes, churros, Dippin' Dots, ICEEs, and other sweet treats available throughout the park
Visitors planning to spend the entire day often opt for an All-Day Dining plan, which allows guests to enjoy an entrée and side every 90 minutes for one flat price.
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Things to Do Near California's Great America
California's Great America sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, making it easy to pair a day at the park with other Bay Area attractions. Sports fans can catch a San Francisco 49ers game or tour neighboring Levi's Stadium, while technology enthusiasts can explore the nearby Intel Museum or the interactive exhibits at The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose.
Insider Tip: Just 15 minutes away, the charming community of Santana Row offers upscale shopping, outdoor dining, and cafés, while adjacent Valley Fair is one of Northern California's premier shopping destinations. If you're looking to unwind after a day of roller coasters, head to the Municipal Rose Garden or the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose for a quieter change of pace.
