California's Great America Santa Clara: Great America Pkwy., between Hwys. 101 & 237; (408) 988-1776 www.cagreatamerica.com
Northern California’s largest family entertainment attraction, California’s Great America offers more than 50 thrill rides, family rides and attractions. Choices include Delirium, a pendulum that sends you whirling through the air; Drop Tower, a gravity-defying four second, 22-story descent; Flight Deck, a floorless jet coaster that takes you soaring through gigantic loops and a zero gravity roll; and the FireFall, which takes you to a height of 60 feet, then hurls you head over heels, twisting and turning through fire and water effects. Young ones can enjoy their own epicenter of excitement at Planet Snoopy, while Boomerang Bang water park offers 11 acres of thrills, including a swimming lagoon and waterslides. Open daily in summer; weekends in spring and fall.
Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy: 3050 Hecker Pass (Hwy. 152); (408) 840-7100 www.gilroygardens.org
Set among 600 acres, this family park is a one-of-a-kind experience combining four unique gardens and amusement rides with the mid-20th century history and agricultural roots of Santa Clara Valley. Attractions include the Mushroom Swing, Garlic Twirl, Artichoke Dip, Quicksilver Express and The Dehydrator. Also at the park is a 1927 Illions Carousel, a 36-hole miniature golf course, and a greenhouse with an assortment of trees, flowers, and plants that can be experienced—like much of the park—by monorail or train, or on foot. The most unusual sights at the park are its Circus Trees: 29 coiled, twisted and spiral-shaped sycamores, box elders, and Spanish cork trees created in the 1920s using special grafting techniques. In July, open daily: Mon-Fri, 11-5; Sat-Sun, 10-6. Open through December.
Raging Waters San Jose: 2333 S. White Rd.; (408) 238-9900 www.rwsplash.com
For an exciting cool-off on a hot summer day, dive into Raging Waters, the area’s premier water theme park. Attractions include thrilling speed slides, relaxing intertube rides downriver, activity pools and play areas for kids, and a 350,000-gallon wave pool. Open mid-May through Labor Day.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz: 400 Beach St.; (831) 423-5590 www.beachboardwalk.com This ocean-side amusement park features 34 full-size and children’s rides, including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a merry-go-round, a haunted house, and the Hurricane. Additional entertainment at the Neptune’s Kingdom. Rides open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends only during spring and fall.
