Amazing Theme Parks

A wide beach and splashable waves are always inviting; add a colourful boardwalk with rides, games, and music—well, how can you say no? Not many people do—this popular waterfront boardwalk is a summertime ritual for countless California families, a wonderful way for you to relax and play just like the smiling locals. While there are countless attractions lining the historic boardwalk, the big star is the Giant Dipper, a burly wooden coaster first opened in 1924 and generating screams, squeals and squinched-shut eyes for decades.

These days, it’s not the only thrill ride in town; the boardwalk also features the 125-foot/38-metre-high Double Shot tower for heart-in-throat adrenaline lovers. For tamer rides, especially for little ones, take a spin on the painstakingly restored 1911 Looff carousel (yes, that’s real horse hair in the tail of your painted steed). A noisy but fun indoor arcade offers laser tag, mini-golf, skee-ball and countless video games. Peace out with a ride above it all in the overhead Sky Glider funicular (providing GoPro-worthy views of the beach, rides and Santa Cruz Mountains. On Wednesdays in summer, stick around for free outdoor movies on the beach; and on summer Fridays, for free concerts.

The only way to get closer to swirling sea life is to tug on a wetsuit and dive in. This unparalleled facility, with soaring, glass-walled tanks letting you feel as if you’re truly under the sea, sets the standard for aquariums. It’s also one of the best makeovers on the planet: in the early 1900s, the main building was a bustling canning facility for sardines, all chronicled in fascinating historical exhibits near the entrance. (Excellent behind-the-scenes tours shed more light on the aquarium’s history, as well as its remarkable inner workings.) 

Intriguing history or not, this is one big wow of a place. Mesmerising tanks and exhibits showcase more than 35,000 animals and plants representing over 550 species—a large number of them California natives. Watch a giant Pacific octopus unfurl its tentacles, stand in the centre of a swirling school of sardines, let hammerhead sharks swim inches away from your face, and see how trainers do daily health checks of the aquarium’s cutest inhabitants, California sea otters. A host of special activities, including junior diving programmes, sleepovers and custom romance tours (nothing like a little undersea light to make things dreamy) are also available. Insider tip: Get tickets online in advance to skip long lines. 

There’s no hiding what the big draw is at Six Flags Dicovery Kingdom, located in the North Bay city of Vallejo. Even before you park your car you’ll see the giant loop-the-loops, spirals and white-knuckle descents of the park’s trademark rollercoasters and thrill rides, such as Medusa and Skyscreamer. Your favourite comic book superheroes and super villains are represented as well, with supercharged rides like SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight and THE JOKER. 

Get your fill of these adrenaline pumpers and then retreat to the calming beauty of the park’s unique Butterfly Habitat. Once your blood pressure is back to normal, watch the educational demonstration shows to learn more about Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or Californian sea lions. Get up close with big cats like African lions and Bengal and Siberian tigers and cougars and meet a sloth or feed a giraffe.

For milder entertainment for the little ones let them romp around the Acme Fun Factory, a two-storey playhouse. There’s also a water play area just for smaller children, plus tot-friendly rides and activities, many based on the classic Warner Bros. characters of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety Pie, such as the mini aeroplanes of Yosemite Sam’s Flight School. Keep an eye out for the wandering characters too, for a photo op. For all-ages fun, choose from the Family Rides like the teacup style Monkey Business or the big rafts of the seasonal White Water Safari. For more up close and personal experiences check out the Dolphin Discovery or Wildlife Discovery programmes, where you can go backstage and learn more about the amazing animals.