California theme parks are preparing for a busy summer season with new attractions, updated rides, and special events across the state.
SeaWorld San Diego has launched the Jewels of the Sea: Jellyfish Experience, an exhibit featuring three galleries with jellyfish displays such as an 18-foot-tall cylinder and a touchable globe. The park’s Journey to Atlantis log ride is scheduled to reopen this summer with refreshed scenery and a new storyline. Additional summer programming includes character appearances from Baby Shark and Pinkfong on weekends through June 22, and the Summer Spectacular Concert Series running every Saturday night from June 21 to August 23.
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista opens its water park section on May 10. The park will host themed weekends 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 run through September 1.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim marks its 70th anniversary this year. The celebration begins May 16 with special decorations, limited-edition merchandise, themed food offerings, and a new song performed by the Jonas Brothers titled “Celebrate Happy.” Classic attractions like It’s a Small World are receiving updates, while shows such as Paint the Night Parade return. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts as a reimagined log ride. On July 17, Disneyland will premiere Walt Disney—A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House. Special ticket and hotel deals are available throughout spring and summer.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is continuing festivities after last year’s centennial celebration with a drone show on May 17 and free Friday beach movies from June 13 to August 8. Additional boardwalk events include two Summer Luaus (July 11 and July 25) and live entertainment during Evenings on the Colonnade (June 16–August 7). Admission remains free; discounts are offered for rides after 5 p.m. during Summer Discount Nights or half-price arcade games during Mornings at the Arcade.
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad launches its first LEGO Festival starting May 3, which features play zones, shows, music, dancing, and large LEGO builds led by Master Builders until June 8. The LEGOLAND Driving School reopens May 21 with a redesigned track in Fun Town. Seasonal entertainment includes the LEGO World Parade starting June 21 and Red, White & Boom! over July Fourth weekend. A Summer Play Pass offers unlimited admission through September 19 for $129—the price of one regular-admission ticket—and ongoing hotel deals include new DUPLO-themed rooms for young guests.
California’s Great America in Santa Clara will hold fireworks displays on holiday weekends, a Labor Day car show, Peanuts gang performances throughout summer, and opens South Bay Shores water park on May 24. Entry to South Bay Shores is included with theme park admission. Online tickets start at $42; season passes begin at $85; military members can receive free or discounted tickets over Memorial Day weekend.
San Diego’s Belmont Park celebrates its centennial this year with special merchandise such as sweatshirts commemorating the Giant Dipper roller coaster—the fifth-oldest coaster in the U.S.—and opportunities to win lifetime passes.
Gilroy Gardens marks its own milestone—its twenty-fifth anniversary—with live shows reflecting on its history through May along with mascot meet-and-greets. A Cherry Jubilee event runs June 6–July 6 featuring themed entertainment focused on cherries. Water-park areas open May 10; Camp Nights allow guests to camp overnight after enjoying evening activities.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park brings back Knott’s Summer Nights dance parties and Ghost Town Alive! interactive show from June to September. Guests can explore an updated Camp Snoopy area or stay at Knott’s Hotel following recent renovations; packages combine hotel stays with park admission for added value.
Universal Studios Hollywood introduces Universal Fan Fest Nights through May featuring sci-fi and gaming attractions like Star Trek and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD alongside themed food experiences. Universal Mega Movie Summer starts June 13 celebrating anniversaries of Jaws (1975) and Back to the Future (1985), offering themed merchandise plus enhanced effects on Jurassic World–The Ride linked to Jurassic World Rebirth until August 10. A Buy a Day, Get a Second Day Free deal runs through December for tickets purchased by August 13.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita expands DC Heroes & Villains Fest Fridays and Saturdays through July 26 along with Star-Spangled Nights fireworks July 4–5 and Out on the Mountain Pride event August 22. Neighboring Hurricane Harbor water park reopens May 24 after renovations that include tropical theming upgrades.
Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier hosts Pier 360 Beach Festival June 28–29 featuring music, food vendors, paddleboard races, volleyball tournaments, ocean swims, tandem surf contests—and patriotic lighting of Pacific Wheel over July Fourth weekend.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo debuts Star-Spangled Nights July 4–5 featuring live entertainment plus drone shows instead of fireworks due to wildlife concerns; all animals housed there are rescues not able to survive in nature according to staff experts.
Military personnel receive free or discounted admission over Memorial Day weekend at Six Flags parks including Discovery Kingdom as well as Knott’s Berry Farm.
“Every animal at Discovery Kingdom is a rescue that experts have determined cannot thrive in the wild.”
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