From Disneyland To Universal Studios: The 20 Best Theme Parks To Visit Across The USA
From Disneyland To Universal Studios: The 20 Best Theme Parks To Visit Across The USA
Magic Beyond The Gates
Theme parks call our names like childhood memories that never fade away. These incredible US parks stand ready to welcome families and dreamers alike. Some places honor tradition; others push the boundaries of technology and imagination. Pack your sunscreen and comfortable shoes as we look at the 20 best US theme parks to take your family this summer!
1. Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney World
Stepping through the gates of Magic Kingdom instantly transports you into Walt's dream world. It first opened in 1971. Between Space Mountain's cosmic thrills and the hauntingly fun Haunted Mansion, kids and adults discover why Disney calls this place “The Most Magical on Earth.”
2. Universal's Islands Of Adventure
Thrill-seekers flock to Islands of Adventure for some of the most adrenaline-pumping rides in America. Six themed islands create distinct worlds to explore. These include the wizarding streets of Hogsmeade and Jurassic Park's prehistoric terrain. The Velocicoaster present here reaches heart-stopping speeds of 70 mph.
3. Disneyland Park
Walt Disney's original vision lives on in this California landmark where theme parks as we know them were born. From groundbreaking to opening day in 1955, it took just 365 days to bring the dream to life. The attention to detail remains unmatched, with hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the park.
4. Dollywood
Situated in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains lies a park as authentic as its namesake. Dolly Parton's homegrown amusement garden combines world-class coasters with Appalachian craftsmanship. Lightning Rod, the world's fastest wooden coaster when it debuted, is the park's perfect blend of tradition and innovation, spanning 160 acres.
5. Knoebels Amusement Resort
Here comes America's largest free-admission park. Since 1926, this Pennsylvania treasure has preserved vintage attractions alongside modern thrills in its wooded setting. The Phoenix wooden coaster consistently ranks among enthusiasts' top ten worldwide rides. Knoebels also preserves hand-carved carousel horses and homemade food stands.
6. Hersheypark
Founded by Milton Hershey, this park originally served as a leisure area for chocolate factory workers. It has since grown into a 121-acre wonderland with 15 coasters. The park’s unique height measurement system sorts riders into candy categories, such as Hershey Kisses for the smallest and Jolly Ranchers for the tallest.
7. Six Flags Magic Mountain
With 20 roller coasters, more than any other theme park, Magic Mountain has received its "Coaster Capital of the World" nickname. Full Throttle displays the world's tallest vertical loop at 160 feet, while Twisted Colossus offers a dueling track. Initially, it was a Newhall Land Development Company project.
8. Cedar Point
The "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" rises from Lake Erie's shoreline in Ohio. America’s second-oldest operating amusement park, Cedar Point, shows off 17 world-class coasters spread across its peninsula. Among them, Steel Vengeance stands out, with a record-breaking 27.2 seconds of airtime—the most weightlessness of any coaster.
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9. Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood's history intertwines with this working studio and theme park combo. The famous Studio Tour has showcased moviemaking magic since 1964. Additionally, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield, home to The Simpsons, demonstrate Universal's mastery of bringing beloved franchises to life.
10. Disney California Adventure
Pixar Pier lights up the night with its retro-styled boardwalk, while Cars Land replicates Radiator Springs with geological accuracy. The immersive Avengers Campus represents Disney's newest innovation in interactive storytelling. Spanning 72 acres, it showcases the ever-expanding universe of Disney characters in a truly immersive way.
11. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Originally named Santa Claus Land, this place became a Holiday World with sections celebrating Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July. Their commitment to guest comfort is amazing as you get free unlimited soft drinks. The Voyage, The Raven, and The Legend complement Splashin' Safari's water attractions.
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari on Wikimedia
12. EPCOT: Walt Disney World
Spaceship Earth's geodesic sphere houses a time-travel journey through human communication. Around the World Showcase lagoon, 11 meticulously detailed country pavilions feature actual citizens from represented nations. The park's ambitious mission of promoting international understanding manifests through seasonal festivals.
13. SeaWorld Orlando
Conservation meets entertainment at this marine-focused park that hosts over 200 aquatic species. The revolutionary Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction has a chilly 30-degree habitat where guests observe penguins in naturalistic conditions. Recent additions like the hypercoaster Mako reach high speeds while promoting marine awareness.
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14. Busch Gardens Williamsburg
European-themed villages transport individuals across an Atlantic journey without actually leaving Virginia. Consistently voted "World's Most Beautiful Theme Park," the gardens here display over 500 hanging baskets. Inaugurated in 1975 as "The Old Country," the park also features world-class coasters like Griffon, with its 90-degree, 205-foot drop.
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15. Silver Dollar City
Hidden within Missouri's Ozark Mountains lies a living tribute to 1880s Americana. This place was a massive limestone cavern discovered in the 1500s that still offers tours today. Master craftspeople show forgotten arts like glassblowing, blacksmithing, and candy-making throughout the authentically recreated frontier town.
16. Legoland Florida Resort
Millions of colorful bricks converted a historic botanical garden into an interactive playground celebrating creativity. Built on the former Cypress Gardens property, Legoland preserves the historic banyan tree planted in 1939. In Miniland USA, moving boats, trains, and vehicles animate detailed cityscapes, bringing the miniature world to life.
17. Kings Island
The Beast prowls through about 35 forested acres at this Cincinnati-area park, holding the record for the world's longest wooden coaster since 1979. First created by Taft Broadcasting (producers of Hanna-Barbera cartoons), the place opened in 1972. It showcases a one-third-scale Eiffel Tower replica standing 314 feet tall.
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18. Carowinds
Operating in two states at the same time, this premise straddles the border between North and South Carolina. Inspired by a hornet's furious flight, the Fury 325 climbs 325 feet before plummeting riders at 95 mph down an 81-degree angle. Moreover, recent updates to the entry plaza enhance the overall experience.
19. Six Flags Great Adventure
Here comes the world's tallest roller coaster and fastest drop ride. Kingda Ka propels riders from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds. Adjacent to the theme park, the Wild Safari preserves 350 acres as one of North America's most extensive drive-through wildlife experiences.
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20. Knott's Berry Farm
From humble beginnings, selling berries alongside a highway stand sprouted one of America's oldest themed amusement parks. The Ghost Town section preserves authentic 1800s buildings relocated piece by piece from abandoned mining towns. Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, the famous fried chicken venture, still attracts folks.
