The best theme parks in and near Los Angeles in 2026 are Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia for roller coasters. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is the easy half-day option, and LEGOLAND California suits young kids.
Only Universal Studios Hollywood and Pacific Park are inside the city. Disneyland and Knott's are in Orange County, about 45 minutes to an hour from central LA without traffic, and Magic Mountain is about 40 minutes north. Buy tickets online ahead of time: prices are usually lower and some days sell out.
Walt Disney's original 1955 park, with Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disneyland Park is the original Disney park, opened by Walt Disney in 1955. Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and classics such as Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion fill a long day.
Fireworks and parades run on many nights.
Good to know: Buy tickets with park reservations online. Arrive before opening.
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Pixar, Marvel and Cars Land across the plaza from Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure sits across the esplanade from Disneyland, with Cars Land, Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier and the Incredicoaster. It has more rides for teens and adults than the original park.
World of Color plays on the lagoon at night.
Good to know: Use a park-hopper ticket to see both parks.
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
A working film studio plus Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
Universal Studios Hollywood combines a theme park with a real film studio. The Studio Tour drives through backlot sets, and the park has the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and Jurassic World.
It is the only major theme park inside the City of Los Angeles.
Good to know: Ride the Studio Tour early, before lines build.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Thrill rides, a Ghost Town and famous boysenberry pie.
Knott's Berry Farm grew from a berry stand into a theme park with roller coasters, the Old West-style Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy for small kids. Knott's Scary Farm takes over in the fall.
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, outside the gate, still serves fried chicken and boysenberry pie.
Good to know: Cheaper and less crowded than Disneyland; good for a one-day visit.
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
The roller coaster capital of the West Coast.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has one of the largest collections of roller coasters in the world, including X2, Twisted Colossus and Tatsu. It is the park for thrill-seekers.
Hurricane Harbor, a water park, is next door.
Good to know: Weekday visits mean shorter waits. Check the operating calendar; it is not open every day.
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
An amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier with an ocean-view Ferris wheel.
Pacific Park is a small amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and family rides, all over the ocean.
Entry to the pier is free; you pay per ride or buy a wristband.
Good to know: Ride the Ferris wheel at sunset.
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A LEGO-themed park for kids aged about 2 to 12.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, north of San Diego, is built for younger children, with gentle rides, LEGO models of US cities and a water park and aquarium next door.
It is about 90 minutes south of LA without traffic.
Good to know: Best for kids under 12; older kids may prefer Knott's or Magic Mountain.
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Marine animals, aquariums and coasters in San Diego.
SeaWorld San Diego mixes animal exhibits and aquariums with roller coasters such as Emperor and Manta. It is about two hours south of LA.
Combine it with a night in San Diego.
Good to know: Pair with a San Diego overnight rather than a single long drive.
500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Universal Studios Hollywood is the main theme park inside LA, with the Studio Tour, Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Disneyland in Anaheim is the most famous park in the region.
Disneyland is in Anaheim, about 25 miles southeast of downtown LA. The drive takes 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has one of the largest roller coaster collections in the world. Knott's Berry Farm is second for thrill rides.
Plan two days to see both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Park-hopper tickets let you move between them on the same day.
Weekdays outside school holidays are least crowded, especially January to early March and September to early November, outside of Halloween events.