When people think of quintessential summer activities they likely think of going to the beach, a baseball game, or shooting off fireworks. Another must-do summer activity is hitting up the very best amusement parks in the US. While you might instantly be thinking of the big ones like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, there are a few others around the country worth visiting as well.
Many of the best amusement parks feature roller coasters with heart-pounding drops and loops, a fried feast of food options and a small army of employees working to ensure you have a great day. Amusement parks can be found along the East Coast, in the heart of the country, and over on the West Coast, so no matter where you live there’s likely one nearby.
When you’re ready for a day of thrills over a relaxing day at the beach be sure to hit the amusement parks. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, you’ll definitely need it just like you do at the beach.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
Known for its massive roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the place to go for thrill-seekers. The park is getting ready to open its 20th coaster in the summer of 2022, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, which will be the longest single-rail coaster in the world. DC Comics fans will also want to make a point to stop and have lunch at Big Belly Burger, which is the fictional burger chain from the beloved superhero world.
- Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure is the second gate at the Disneyland Resort, and where you’ll find the exciting new Avengers Campus. Here you can dine like a superhero inside an Ant-Man-themed restaurant or sling webs with Spider-Man on the Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure attraction. A casual stroll around Pixar Pier will bring you to some of the most iconic attractions at the park, like the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round. For a delicious bite to eat, stop at the Cozy Cone to get a bread cone filled with gooey macaroni and cheese as you explore Carsland.
- Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park is easily the most recognizable of the theme parks in the United States with its cute pink castle at the end of charming Main Street USA, there’s no denying this is the place to be in Anaheim. The park is home to California’s version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which boasts the same attractions as its sister site in Orlando. Real Disney fans will want to book a tour to see Walt Disney’s apartment, which sits over the fire department on Main Street USA. The night here ends with a bang as fireworks and a projection light up the sky and leave visitors in awe.
- Universal Studios Hollywood
The park features a decent-sized Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. One thing that we absolutely love about this park is the studio tour, which takes you behind the scenes at a real working lot to see how movies and shows are made. The tour is led by the hilarious Jimmy Fallon, who is on a screen of each ride vehicle sharing stories and fun facts about each location. Universal Studios Hollywood will keep you coming back time and time again.
