California theme parks are preparing for a busy summer season, introducing new attractions, entertainment, and special deals for visitors.
SeaWorld San Diego has launched the Jewels of the Sea: Jellyfish Experience, an exhibit featuring jellyfish in three galleries with interactive elements such as an 18-foot-tall jelly cylinder and a touchable globe. The park’s Journey to Atlantis log ride is set to reopen this summer with updated scenery and storyline. Additional events include character appearances by Baby Shark and Pinkfong on weekends through June 22, and the Summer Spectacular Concert Series at the Bayside Amphitheater every Saturday night from June 21 to August 23.
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista is opening its water park section on May 10. The park will host themed weekends throughout the season, including Elmo’s dog Tango’s Gotcha Day (July 11–13), Best Friends Weekend (August 1–3), and B Is for Bubbles weekend (August 8–10). These events continue through September 1.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is celebrating its 70th anniversary starting May 16. Festivities include special decorations, limited-edition merchandise, themed food offerings, and a new song performed by the Jonas Brothers titled “Celebrate Happy.” Several classic attractions have been updated, and shows like Paint the Night Parade are returning. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts as a reimagined log ride. On July 17, Disneyland will introduce Walt Disney—A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House. Ticket deals are available, with some admissions priced as low as $100 per day during much of spring and summer.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will offer a drone show over the beach on May 17 followed by free movies every Friday from June 13 to August 8. Other events include Boardwalk Summer Luaus (July 11 and July 25) and live entertainment during Evenings on the Colonnade (June 16–August 7). Admission remains free; discounts are available for rides after 5 p.m. during Summer Discount Nights or for arcade games in the mornings.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad begins its summer season on May 3 with its first LEGO Festival featuring play zones and activities led by Master Builders through June 8. The LEGOLAND Driving School reopens May 21 with an updated track design. The LEGO World Parade starts June 21 on select dates, while Red, White & Boom! festivities occur over July Fourth. A Summer Play Pass offers unlimited admission through September 19 for $129—the price of one regular ticket—and hotel deals include new DUPLO-themed rooms for young children.
California’s Great America in Santa Clara features fireworks on holiday weekends, a car show over Labor Day Weekend, Peanuts gang entertainment throughout summer, and access to South Bay Shores water park included with admission starting May 24. One-day tickets start at $42 online; season passes begin at $85. Military members can receive free admission for themselves and discounted tickets for family over Memorial Day weekend when purchased at the ticket booth.
San Diego’s Belmont Park celebrates its centennial this year with refreshed decor on its historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and special merchandise including sweatshirts and lifetime pass giveaways.
Gilroy Gardens marks its own milestone with a live show reflecting on its history as it turns twenty-five years old this year. The Cherry Jubilee event runs from June 6 to July 6 offering themed entertainment focused on cherries; water-park areas open May 10.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park returns with Knott’s Summer Nights festival and Ghost Town Alive! from June 13 to September 1. Visitors can explore Camp Snoopy or book packages at the renovated Knott’s Hotel; Independence Hall replica tours coincide with America’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations.
Universal Studios Hollywood hosts Universal Fan Fest Nights through May 18 highlighting sci-fi attractions such as Star Trek and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD alongside themed food options. Universal Mega Movie Summer starts June 13 honoring Jaws’ fiftieth anniversary and Back to the Future’s fortieth with related experiences running until August 10. Deals include Buy a Day, Get a Second Day Free if tickets are purchased by August 13.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita expands DC Heroes & Villains Fest Fridays and Saturdays through July 26 alongside Star-Spangled Nights fireworks (July 4–5) and Out on the Mountain Pride event (August 22). Hurricane Harbor water park next door reopens May 24 after renovations adding tropical themes, improved dining options, more cabanas, shade structures, misting volcano effects.
Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier holds Pier 360 Beach Festival June 28–29 featuring music performances alongside ocean sports competitions; July Fourth brings patriotic lighting displays to Pacific Wheel.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo introduces Star-Spangled Nights (July 4–5) replacing fireworks with a drone show due to animal welfare concerns; interactive animal tours highlight that all resident animals are rescues unable to return to their natural habitats. Military members get free admission plus discounted family tickets Memorial Day weekend when purchased onsite.
