Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is the thrill-ride capital of Southern California. With about 20 roller coasters, it has long held the world record for the most coasters in one theme park, and it is the park LA locals pick when they want big drops, launches and loops rather than character meet-and-greets.
The park is about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, off Interstate 5 in Santa Clarita Valley. This guide covers tickets, parking, the best coasters, seasonal events and tips for beating the lines and the heat.
In this guide
See how it compares with Disneyland, Universal and Knott’s in our guide to theme parks near Los Angeles.
Six Flags Magic Mountain at a glance
- Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia
- Distance from downtown LA: about 30 miles, roughly 40 minutes without traffic
- Tickets: from about $55 online; gate prices around $110
- Parking: about $40 general, $45 preferred
- Hours: summer about 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; mostly weekends and holidays off-season
- Coasters: about 20
- Time needed: a full day
Tickets and season passes
Magic Mountain’s prices swing a lot. Buying at the gate costs around $110, while online single-day tickets start near $55, and flash sales sometimes drop prices lower. Season passes start around $75, so if there is any chance you will go twice in a year, a pass is usually the better deal. Passes also include admission to Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park nights.
Ways to save
- Never buy at the gate. Online prices are far lower.
- Watch for sales around holidays and the start of each season.
- Prepay parking with your ticket.
- Flash Pass, the paid line-skip system, is worth it on summer weekends and holidays, when headliner waits can top 90 minutes.
The best roller coasters
Magic Mountain’s coaster lineup is the reason to go. The headliners:
- X2: a “4th dimension” coaster where your seat flips and spins on its own axis as the train moves. Many fans call it the best ride in the park.
- Twisted Colossus: a hybrid wood-and-steel coaster with two tracks that race and nearly collide.
- Goliath: a 255-foot drop into a tunnel at about 85 mph.
- Tatsu: a flying coaster where you ride face-down like a dragon over the hillside.
- Full Throttle: a launch coaster with one of the tallest loops in the world.
- Wonder Woman Flight of Courage: a single-rail coaster with steep drops and inversions.
- Superman: Escape from Krypton: a launch straight up a 415-foot tower and back down.
- Riddler’s Revenge: a stand-up coaster with six inversions.
- Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom: a drop tower on a 400-foot structure.
Height requirements are strict and most headliners need riders to be at least 48 to 54 inches tall. Smaller kids will spend their day in Bugs Bunny World, which has gentle rides and Looney Tunes characters.
Seasonal events
| Event | 2026 dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fright Fest | Select nights Sept 18 to Nov 1, plus Nov 5 to 7 | Haunts and scare zones; extra Haunted Attractions Pass for mazes |
| Holiday in the Park | Select days Nov 26, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 | Lights, shows and holiday food; included with admission |
For other October events around LA, see our Halloween in Los Angeles guide.
Hurricane Harbor water park
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles is next door and is a separate park with its own ticket, open in the warmer months. Combo tickets are sometimes offered. It has slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, and it is a good way to cool off on a hot day.
Getting there from Los Angeles
- By car: take I-5 north to the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. Without traffic it takes about 40 minutes from downtown; Friday afternoons and holiday weekends can be much slower.
- By transit: Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line runs from Union Station to Santa Clarita, and local buses connect to the park. It works but takes much longer than driving.
- Rideshare: possible, but return trips from Valencia can be expensive.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before opening and head straight to the headliner you most want; lines build fast after 11 a.m.
- Use the Six Flags app to check wait times.
- Prepare for heat. Valencia often tops 100°F in July and August, and the park is built on a hillside with little shade. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and wear good shoes for the hills.
- Lockers are required for loose items on many coasters; budget for them.
- Visit on a spring or fall weekday for the shortest lines.
Frequently asked questions
How many roller coasters does Six Flags Magic Mountain have?
About 20, one of the highest totals of any theme park in the world.
How much are Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets?
Online tickets start around $55, and gate tickets are about $110. Season passes start around $75.
How much is parking at Magic Mountain?
About $40 for general parking and $45 for preferred, less if you prepay online.
Is Six Flags Magic Mountain good for kids?
For thrill-seeking older kids and teens, yes. Young children have Bugs Bunny World, but most of the park is aimed at bigger riders.
Is Magic Mountain open all year?
Yes, but outside summer it mainly opens on weekends and holidays. Check the park calendar before you go.
Photo credits
Featured image: Jeremy Thompson from United States of America / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
