Fun fact–California and Texas are the only states that have more than one Six Flags park. I actually talked about this awhile ago on my Instagram Stories. Our family has been to both California parks and one of the Texas parks. I’ve always enjoyed exploring theme parks in different locations (Disney parks, Universal Studios…) because I like seeing how they’re similar and how they differ. Today I’m sharing all about the two California Six Flags parks. Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California are both great theme parks but in my opinion offer very different experiences.

which California Six Flags park is better?

pick Magic Mountain if your family members are thrill seekers

the history of Magic Mountain

Although Magic Mountain opened on May 30, 1971 Six Flags didn’t buy the park until 1979. Due to its proximity to LA and Hollywood Six Flags Magic Mountain has been in several tv shows, movies, and music videos. Being a southern California native I can well remember a time when the future of the park was in question. But in 2007 the Six Flags group decided that the park was too important and other locations were put on the chopping block instead. Six Flags Magic Mountain currently holds the record for the most roller coasters at any theme park in the world at 19 in its 262 acres.

Weather tip: Valencia gets hot and I’ve witnessed someone pass out in line before. Water fountains are unreliable so stay hydrated with your own bottled water.

attractions not to miss

• Ninja, 42″: a family favorite this ride was the first suspended swing roller coaster on the west coast. This ride has basically only been cosmetically updated since it first opened but it is still a ton of fun.
• X2, 48″: this ride is definitely a must-ride for Mike and I when we go. It is the world’s first 4th Dimension roller coaster and is one of the few rides that I think is worth the wait in line!
• Twisted Colossus, 48″: Colossus has gone through several revisions over the years. I actually haven’t had the chance to ride it since it became a steel hybrid but I’m sure it’s awesome!
• Goliath, 48″: with an opening drop of 255 feet this ride lives up to its name. We have a love/hate relationship because it’s SO fun but there’s a twist near the end that makes me light headed every time!
• Tatsu, 54″: for the bravest among you (I rode this once in the rain!) Tatsu is a flying roller coaster. When it first opened in 2006 it held many records including being the world’s highest pretzel loop and the world’s longest flying coaster

For all my Dole Whip lovers don’t miss out on picking up a Dole Whip inside Food Etc. The best part? If you’re a dining pass holder the Dole Whip counts as a snack!

other must-dos nearby

Obviously southern California is a theme park lovers dream. Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, and Sea World are all within a few hours. Santa Monica Pier and Malibu are a short (depending on traffic) ride south on the 405 freeway. Or Ventura and Santa Barbara are due west along the 126. Continue south on I-5 and you’ll come across the LA Zoo, Griffith Park, and Dodger Stadium. The Queen Mary and Long Beach Cruise Terminal are down 710. And Surf City, USA, my hometown of Huntington Beach, is not much further past that.

pick Discovery Kingdom if you have lots of little ones with you

the history of Discovery Kingdom

Compared with its southern California counterpart, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is roughly half the size at 135 acres. Technically this park opened as Marine World in 1968 in Redwood City, California. It moved to its present location in 1985 after it had merged with another park called Africa, USA. The new park was known as Marine World Africa USA… say that five times fast. It wasn’t bought by Six Flags until 1999. In 2007 it officially changed its name to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

Weather tip: It can get hot in Vallejo and the animals are usually most active during the earlier part of the day. The animal portion also closes earlier than the rest of the park so if you want to see them go early! It can also get chilly and be quite windy due to its location so dressing in layers are often your best choice!

attractions not to miss

• Animal shows: Obviously the thing that really sets Six Flags Discovery Kingdom apart from Magic Mountain is the animal shows. There are a few different ones so try to catch at least one! The dolphin show is fun but the wild animal show is a much smaller scale and pretty interesting.
• The Joker, 48″: this ride is a steel wooden hybrid coaster and it is FUN! Unfortunately it’s tucked into a corner of the park that’s not super convenient and it often isn’t open first thing.
• Superman: Ultimate Flight, 52″: This right is cut back in the same area as the joker coaster. It’s a short and unique ride, and often the line is not that long.
• Cobra, 42″: billed as a “family coaster” this ride allows some of the littlest to experience a fun roller coaster. My three oldest ones can ride and enjoy it. Keep in mind that unless your child is 48″ they will have to ride with an adult.
• White Water Safari, 36″: in the summer this ride is the best! The line can get long and it moves slowly so if you see a short line take advantage and go! Adults will have to ride with the kids unless they’re older.

The kid areas here are KING with not one, not two, but three separate areas for your little ones to enjoy! We love that we can let our older ones “loose” in one area while we stay situated at a central bench.

other must-dos nearby

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is less than 20 miles south of beautiful Napa, California. It is also a short drive to San Francisco. There are also many scenic area of California close by such as Point Reyes National Seashore, Muir Woods, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

other insider tips for your California Six Flags parks:

• Both parks feature a water park that’s a separate admission ticket. At Magic Mountain this park can be found right next door to the main park. However, Discovery Kingdom’s water park is found in Concord.
• Food lines are LONG and even when they’re not they take FOREVER. I’m not sure why Six Flags hasn’t been able to figure out how to efficiently get food to people. Usually either Mike or myself will wait in line for all the food while the other one goes with the kids to a play area.
• Both parks offer fun seasonal events at Halloween and Christmas. These festivities are included in your park admission ticket although some entertainment costs extra (like the haunted houses at Halloween).
• The parking situation at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a little strange–the parking lot is so far away! If the remote parking lot is open (the fairgrounds) that’s actually a much faster walk. That being said, it is still almost always quicker to take the hike back to the car than wait for the shuttle bus.

Have you been to either of the California Six Flags parks? Which one do you prefer? Do you have another favorite Six Flags park?