Theme parks · Hub guide
Theme Parks Near Los Angeles: Universal, Disneyland, Knott’s and Six Flags
Four major theme parks sit within driving distance of Los Angeles, and each fits a different kind of day. This guide compares them, covers what is new and explains how to get there and plan around crowds.
Theme parks at a glance
- Closest to central LA Universal Studios Hollywood, in Universal City
- Disneyland Resort Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, Orange County
- Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Orange County; open daily except Christmas
- Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia; open year-round, with Friday to Monday operation in the off-season
- New in 2026 Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal; Looney Tunes Land at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Tickets Buy on each park’s official site; prices change by date
In this guide
Theme parks are a big reason families and first-timers come to Los Angeles. Universal Studios Hollywood is the only one in the city itself, and you can reach it by Metro. Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. Six Flags Magic Mountain is north, in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Ticket prices vary by day and change often, so we do not list them here. Check each park’s official site for current prices and hours. For more ideas, see the family vacation guide and our theme parks category.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood mixes a theme park with a working film studio. The Studio Tour takes trams through backlot sets, and the park has Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and rides based on Universal films. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a new roller coaster, debuted on September 16, 2026.
Getting there is easy without a car. Take the Metro B Line to Universal City/Studio City station, then walk or take the free shuttle up the hill. Universal CityWalk, just outside the gates, has restaurants and shops.
Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim has two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, plus the Downtown Disney District. The resort’s 70th anniversary celebration ended on August 9, 2026. Construction continues on new areas, including an expansion of Avengers Campus expected in 2028 and an attraction based on Coco.
Plan a full day for each park. Driving from central Los Angeles can take a long time in traffic, so many visitors stay in Anaheim for a night or two. Park reservations, Lightning Lane options and hours are listed on the official site.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park started as a berry stand and is now a full theme park with roller coasters, Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy for younger kids. It is open daily except Christmas. Knott’s Merry Farm, the holiday season event, runs November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The park’s chicken dinner restaurant is a local tradition.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is known for roller coasters and is the pick for thrill-seekers. It is open year-round, with Friday to Monday operation during the off-season. Looney Tunes Land, a themed area for younger guests, is new in 2026. A car is the easiest way to get there.
Compare the parks
| Park | Location | Best for | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Studios Hollywood | Universal City | Movie fans, Super Nintendo World | Metro B Line |
| Disneyland Resort | Anaheim | Families, Disney fans | Car or shuttle; plan for traffic |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | Buena Park | Mixed ages, coasters, classic charm | Car |
| Six Flags Magic Mountain | Valencia | Thrill rides | Car |
Holiday and seasonal events
Knott’s Merry Farm
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Halloween events
Several parks run separate-ticket Halloween nights in September and October.
Summer
The longest hours and biggest crowds of the year.
Holiday season
Decorations and seasonal shows at most parks from mid-November.
For festivals and events across the region, see the Los Angeles events calendar.
Tips for a theme park day
Theme park tips
- Buy tickets online first. Some parks require date-based tickets or reservations.
- Arrive before opening. The first hour has the shortest lines.
- Use the park app. Wait times, show schedules and mobile food ordering are all in the official apps.
- Check height requirements. Each park lists ride height limits on its site.
- Plan for heat. Inland parks get hot in summer. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Visit midweek. Weekdays outside school holidays are the least crowded.
Beyond the big four
Legoland California is in Carlsbad, in San Diego County, and suits families with younger kids. Our sister site San Diego Updates covers the San Diego area. In Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park has a small set of rides by the beach.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest theme park to Los Angeles?
Universal Studios Hollywood, in Universal City. It is a short ride from Hollywood on the Metro B Line.
Can I get to Disneyland without a car?
Yes, though it takes longer. Options include regional trains and buses or shuttles. Many visitors drive or use rideshare.
Is Six Flags Magic Mountain open year-round?
Yes. It operates Friday to Monday in the off-season, with daily hours in summer and holiday periods.
Is Knott’s Berry Farm open every day?
Knott’s Berry Farm is open daily except Christmas. Hours vary by season.
What is new at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a roller coaster that debuted on September 16, 2026.
Which theme park is best for thrill rides?
Six Flags Magic Mountain, known for its large collection of roller coasters.
More guides
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- Restaurants and food
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- All Theme Parks posts
Photo credits
Featured image: BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0