Get ready for a splashin’ good time as we take a dive into the top water parks in California! Ranked by the expert himself, Rick West, who’s been writing about theme parks for over 20 years, this list is the ultimate guide to the best water park experiences the Golden State has to offer. From heart-pounding slides to lazy rivers and wave pools, these water parks are sure to make a big splash with visitors of all ages. So grab your sunscreen and swimsuit, and get ready to cool off in California’s top 10 water parks!
Wild Water Adventure Park
Best attraction: GhostSlider
Wild Water Adventure Park, located in Clovis, California, is a favorite among Central California and Fresno locals. One of the park’s top attractions is the GhostSlider, a high-energy slide that provides an exhilarating experience for guests. The slide sends riders zipping down a flume into a large “super bowl” before dropping them through the center into a pool below.
Despite its challenging location, Wild Water Adventure Park’s popularity remains high due to its wide range of water attractions. From speed slides to rapids adventures, there is something for everyone at this park.
In addition to its daytime offerings, Wild Water Adventure Park also keeps the fun going into the night with movie screenings and other special events. Guests can enjoy a unique experience of splashing around in the water under the stars.
One exciting addition to the park is the introduction of “Slideboarding” later this summer. This innovative concept combines a water slide with a video game, promising to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. If Slideboarding lives up to its promises, it could potentially move Wild Water Adventure Park even higher on the list of the best water parks in California.
Raging Waters San Jose
Best attraction: Sidewinder
Raging Waters San Jose, located in San Jose, California, may not have as many attractions as its Southern California counterpart, but it still holds its own. One of the park’s top attractions is the Sidewinder, a twisting and racing slide that pits four riders against each other as they careen head-first down a heart-pounding speed course.
Despite being smaller in comparison, Raging Waters San Jose has the Bay Area on lockdown when it comes to water parks. The park offers a variety of high-intensity slides and cool-off zones, making it a welcome escape on hot summer days.
Raging Waters Sacramento
Best attraction: Dragon’s Den
Raging Waters Sacramento, located in Sacramento, California, offers a fantastic reprieve for locals dealing with the brutal summer heat in the state’s capital. The park’s top attraction is the Dragon’s Den, a thrilling ride that sends two riders on a double tube down five stories of twisting turns. The ride then takes them through a “bowl” feature and down another drop, ending with a splash curtain into the run-out zone.
Aside from the Dragon’s Den, Raging Waters Sacramento offers a wide range of attractions to suit every thrill seeker’s preferences. From slides and an 800ft-long lazy river to a heart-arresting four-story half-pipe, there is no shortage of excitement at this water park.
Waterworld California
Best attraction: Break Point Plunge
Waterworld California, located in Concord, California, offers an array of attractions to keep visitors entertained. One of the park’s top attractions is the Break Point Plunge, a trap door thrill slide that sends riders speeding through a 270ft-long looping course.
In addition to thrilling slides, Waterworld California also features wave pools and a wide assortment of creative slide attractions. Despite its name, the park may not provide as many Kevin Costner sightings as one might expect. Nonetheless, visitors can expect a fun-filled day of aquatic adventures.
Boomerang Bay
Best attraction: Didgeridoo Falls
Boomerang Bay, located in Santa Clara, California, operates as a park within a park. Guests wanting to access the water park must buy a ticket to California’s Great America, a seasonal thrill park situated next to San Jose. While the water attractions at Boomerang Bay are a draw in themselves, the park also benefits from its proximity to roller coasters, providing a unique experience for thrill-seeking visitors.
Among the top attractions at Boomerang Bay is Didgeridoo Falls, which allows up to five people to ride on a large raft spinning and sliding rapidly through a series of curves from atop a 54ft-tall launch platform.
Aquatica San Diego
Best attraction: Taumata Racer
Aquatica San Diego, located in Chula Vista, California, boasts the title of “SeaWorld’s Water Park,” but it can be a bit misleading as the park is actually several miles away from SeaWorld. However, that doesn’t diminish the excitement guests can experience at Aquatica.
The park’s best attraction is the Taumata Racer, a 375ft-long racing slide that pits guests against each other down its slope and through a 180-degree banking turn before crossing the finish line. Aquatica San Diego offers an array of killer slides and unique water attractions, making it a must-visit destination for water park enthusiasts.
Knott’s Soak City Buena Park
Best attraction: Pacific Spin
Knott’s Soak City Buena Park, located in Buena Park, California, may have fewer slides compared to some of its Southern California neighbors, but it makes up for it with family-friendly attractions. The park is known for its best attraction, Pacific Spin, a multi-person raft ride that features a 132ft-long tunnel and a thrilling 75ft drop into a six-story funnel.
Visitors to Knott’s Soak City Buena Park will be delighted to find that it is just a few feet away from Knott’s Berry Farm and Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Guests can easily transition from water park fun to roller coaster thrills and enjoy a full day of entertainment.
LEGOLAND California Resort
Top attraction: Legends of CHIMA
LEGOLAND California Resort, located in Carlsbad, California, offers a unique water park concept within its larger theme park. The LEGOLAND Water Park features the top attraction, Legends of CHIMA, which provides a variety of hands-on LEGO-themed attractions. Guests can even build a boat with LEGOs and float it on the water.
While the LEGOLAND Water Park offers a more mellow experience compared to some of the other water parks on this list, it still has its share of thrills. Pirate Reef, a high-octane flume ride, and dueling-racer slides provide enough excitement to keep visitors entertained.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Top attraction: Bonzai Pipelines
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, located in Valencia, California, is known for its thrilling rides and attractions. The park’s top attraction is Bonzai Pipelines, offering an intense thrill experience with a 50ft drop through a trap door into the rest of the 200ft slide course.
Hurricane Harbor is one of LA’s best water parks, providing guests with a variety of thrilling slides, dive-in movies, and raft slides. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s convenient proximity to Magic Mountain, allowing them to seamlessly transition from water park fun to roller coaster excitement.
Raging Waters San Dimas
Top attraction: Aqua Rocket
Rounding out the list is Raging Waters San Dimas, located in San Dimas, California. This water park holds the title of being the most-packed water park in the state. With 12 high-energy slide attractions, including the top attraction Aqua Rocket, visitors are in for a day of non-stop excitement.
In addition to its wide range of slide attractions, Raging Waters San Dimas also offers obstacle courses, wave pools, and other features. The park caters to a diverse audience, ensuring that everyone, from thrill seekers to those looking for a more relaxed day, will find something to enjoy.
With its abundance of water parks, California offers something for everyone seeking aquatic adventures. Whether you’re looking to experience thrilling slides, enjoy unique attractions, or simply cool off in the California sun, these water parks are sure to deliver a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
