In 2026, California’s theme park industry is in a state of flux.
Southern California’s attractions continue to break records for per-guest spending, while Northern California is bracing for a seismic shift as one of its biggest players approaches the end of its run. Three major SoCal parks are building new rides and, in some cases, entire new lands.
Theme parks in the Golden State logged 48 million visits in 2024, second only to Florida, according to the latest TEA Global Experience data. If you’re planning a visit this year, expect crowds. These parks, especially those in the Los Angeles area, rank among the most popular in the world and draw a mix of tourists and devoted locals.
Here’s a ranking of California’s top theme parks by annual attendance.
9. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 1.8 million
The Vibe: Northern California’s rare mashup of marine life and DC-themed coasters.
Why it’s here: It might sit last on this list, but it remains the North Bay’s theme park anchor. In 2026, it is also a key stop for holders of the new unified Six Flags Cedar Fair pass, giving Bay Area thrill-seekers a reliable “home base” as the corporate landscape reshapes the region.
People ride on The Joker roller coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on April 01, 2021 in Vallejo, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
8. California’s Great America (Santa Clara)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 2.8 million
The Vibe: A bittersweet farewell tour for a Silicon Valley icon.
Why it’s here: Attendance has spiked as fans rush in for final rides on RailBlazer and Gold Striker ahead of the park’s planned closure. With the 2026 season marking its 50th anniversary, Great America is leaning hard into nostalgia, even as the clock ticks toward its 2027/2028 lease expiration.
The Patriot roller coaster takes riders through a 360-degree loop during a preview ride at California’s Great America amusement park in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday, March 31, 2017. (Getty Images)
7. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz)
Annual Attendance: Estimated 3.1 million
The Vibe: Pure vintage Americana by the sea.
Why it’s here: As an open-gate park, it draws big crowds but spreads spending across the beach, boardwalk and arcade. It is still the state’s most budget-friendly alternative to the major gated parks, offering a timeless seaside experience that corporate mergers cannot manufacture. Just don’t expect to see any teenage vampires.
People visit a beach in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Thursday, July 2, 2020. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
6. Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 3.4 million
The Vibe: High-octane, record-breaking adrenaline.
Why it’s here: Known as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” Magic Mountain is the premier destination for coaster enthusiasts, boasting a roster of world-record holders. While you’ll find a handful of kiddie and water rides, they aren’t the main event. Visitors flock to “Wally World” for legends like X2, Twisted Colossus, Full Throttle, Goliath, and Tatsu: attractions designed to push your limits, if not shatter them.
Six Flags Magic Mountain – Twisted Colossus (Photo by: Craig T. Mathew/Mathew Imaging)
5. SeaWorld San Diego (San Diego)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 3.8 million
The Vibe: A mix of education and high-speed, “floorless” thrills.
Why it’s here: After a slight dip in late 2025 due to fewer international visitors, SeaWorld remains a top five staple thanks to its pivot toward coaster-heavy attractions. By 2026, hits like Emperor and Arctic Rescue have helped the park strike a balance between thrills and its traditional animal exhibits. Orcas are slowly being phased out and the current generation will be the park’s last.
A group of onlookers watch through the glass as a killer whale passes by while swimming in a display tank at SeaWorld in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Park, File)
4. Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 4.2 million
The Vibe: Western charm and arguably the best food in any California park.
Why it’s here: Knott’s is the country’s most attended regional park, consistently outperforming national brands by doubling down on seasonal events like the Boysenberry Festival and Knott’s Scary Farm. The new 2026 unified “West Regional” pass has only boosted its value for Southern California locals.
Visitors pose for photos during the Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
3. Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 9.4 million
The Vibe: High-tech immersion and made-for-Instagram worlds.
Why it’s here: Hollywood movie-making magic meets modern thrills. Between the recent addition of Super Nintendo World and the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster opening in 2026, Universal Studios continues to be Disney’s biggest challenger in the region. The classic backlot tour is still very popular, as is the WaterWorld stunt show, but immersive rides have taken over in recent years.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood)
2. Disney California Adventure (Anaheim)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 10 million
The Vibe: A festival-forward, more grown-up spin on the Disney experience.
Why it’s here: DCA has become the locals’ favorite, often edging out the original park thanks to more manageable crowds and the continued success of Avengers Campus. Its robust festival lineup, including Food & Wine and Lunar New Year, keeps visitors coming all year long. Disney is also deep into long-term expansion planning, with its approved DisneylandForward project, which will see a Coco boat ride and an Avatar-themed area open in coming years.
Visitors to Disney California Adventure wait in line at Longevity Noodle Co. during the Lunar New Year celebration in Anaheim, CA, on Friday, January 23, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
1. Disneyland Park (Anaheim)
Annual Attendance: Approx. 17.3 million
The Vibe: The undisputed Happiest Place on Earth.
Why it’s here: Disneyland remains California’s most visited park, and has been almost since the day it opened in 1955. Between icons like Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean, memories here are measured in the hundreds of millions. Walt Disney’s original vision remains the heartbeat of the park, where modern additions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge complement the nostalgia in a way no other destination on earth can match.
Astro Orbitor and the entrance to Tomorrowland inside Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, in 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Bonus: LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
Annual attendance: Approx. 3.1 million
Why it’s a 2026 standout: While it technically rivals the attendance of Northern California’s biggest gates, LEGOLAND operates in its own lane, targeting families with young children. In 2026, the Carlsbad resort is seeing a surge of interest thanks to the opening of LEGO Galaxy, the park’s largest investment in years.
Legoland California in Carlsbad. (Promotional Image)
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