The smell of popcorn, beloved characters, shops filled with collectibles and souvenirs, and an adrenaline rush that every ride promises. Amusement parks are perfect for adventures for both adults and kids, and they are a key part of California’s culture. So much so that four of them are considered among the best in America.
According to the latest TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards, four of the top twenty amusement parks are right here, just a short drive from Los Angeles.
The leading online travel research and review platform created the listing based on a large number of exceptional reviews and opinions gathered over the past year. Out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% earn the prestigious “of the best” distinction, according to the website.
The California parks that made the list are Legoland California in Carlsbad, Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita.
Topping the prestigious ranking is Dollywood, created by singer Dolly Parton, who was raised in Tennessee’s nearby Smoky Mountains.
Check out the complete list below:
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- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Magic Kingdom Park, Bay Lake, Florida
- Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake, Florida
- Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
- Fun Spot America, Kissimmee, Florida
- Legoland California, Carlsbad, California
- Universal Studios Florida, Orlando
- Silver Dollar Studios, Branson, Missouri
- Whale’s Tale Waterpark, Lincoln, New Hampshire
- Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California
- Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida
- Noah’s Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
- Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, Erie, Pennsylvania
- Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
- Legoland New York Resort, Goshen, New York
- Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita, California