An Insider’s Guide for 2024
Within 93 miles of the Sea View Inn in beautiful Manhattan Beach, California, we have 6 of the best amusement parks in Southern California. To give you a geographical perspective, here are the actual miles from the Sea View Inn to the amusement parks:
- Disneyland – 35 miles
- Disney California Adventure – 35 miles
- Universal Studios Hollywood -30 miles
- Knott’s Berry Farm – 54 miles
- Six Flags Magic Mountain – 43 miles
- Legoland – 93 miles
- Disneyland & Disney California Adventure – To fully enjoy your day with Mickey, Goofy, Buzz Lightyear, or experiences at California Adventure requires just a little advanced planning. You now need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for both parks. Ticket prices for one day average $164 per person. Sadly, you will be turned away if you show up with a ticket but without a reservation. Of course, you can easily purchase a “park hopper” ticket to jump from one park to the next.
The best news is that Disneyland has new adventures, including the Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, plus great classics such as It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The magical world of Pixar comes alive with the opening of the highly anticipated Pixar-themed hotel, offering an on-site lodging experience flush with whimsy and beloved characters. Disney California Adventure has rides and unforgettable experiences, including Soarin’ Over California, Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission Breakout, and Goofy’s Sky School.
Before you go, also download the official Disneyland app for IOS or Google Play. The app gives you real-time wait time for rides, the ability to plan your day, mobile food ordering, and yep (here’s Disney’s upsell), the ability to purchase for $20.00 per person the Genie + Lightning Lane, which works similarly to the old “Fast Pass” whereby you can select certain rides and choose a specific time to shorten your wait times. PRO TIP: Purchase your parking pass in advance to avoid the line. It’s $30 per car per day.
- Universal Studios – Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, Super Nintendo World, and characters from Pets, Jaws, and King Kong are ready to greet you once you enter this famed Hollywood studio. Ticket prices vary daily with general admission but average approximately $109 per person for out-of-state residents. PRO TIP: Don’t forget to take the world-famous studio tour included with your ticket price. 😊 The Universal Express ticket hovers at approximately $189 per person but includes one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and seated show.
- Knott’s Berry Farm - Originally started as a farm selling Mrs. Cordelia Knott’s homemade preserves, the farm has since morphed into an amusement park boasting heart-stopping rides, jaw-dropping water adventures, and a bit of nostalgic charm. Tickets per day average $75.00, with $25.00 for parking per car. PRO TIP: Buying a Fast Lane pass allows unlimited access to select rides, and you can ride as many times as you link. Fast Lane costs approximately $109.00 per person.
From mid-May through mid-September, Knott’s sister property, Soak City, is open for all your water-filled adventures. Enjoy thrilling rides or float along its Sunset River—special admission is required.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain – This amusement park initially counterbalanced Disney’s cheer and child-friendly park. In other words, Six Flags is rides, screams, and thrills! Wait until you ride WONDER WOMAN™ Flight of Courage, the tallest and longest single-rail coaster on the planet. Tickets are typically under $100.00. PRO TIP: Buy your ticket online for up to 20% off discounts. Buy parking online for $30 or upgrade to a Flash Pass.
Get ready for a spine-tingling mashup of spring fever and autumn chills as Six Flags Magic Mountain's Scream Break Event fearlessly fuses the thrill of Fright Fest with the chill of Spring Break.
This exclusive after-hours bash allows park-goers to indulge in a hauntingly refreshing experience on eight select nights from March 22nd to April 13th.
Here's a twist for Six Flags connoisseurs—Scream Break isn't covered under your regular day pass. Fear not, as season passholders and members who reserve their spot in advance can enjoy the screams for free. Those visiting for the day can snag a ticket to terror for $40 per night.
- Legoland – There are rides and experiences generally geared for kids aged 2-12. Note that many tweens “age out” of this experience, opting for more action rides and fewer shows and adventures at other amusement parks. Adult tickets are $89.00. PRO TIP: If you have the extra cash, the VIP Experience is the way to go, as it includes admission, priority ride seating, a concierge, all food, valet parking, and a behind-the-scenes tour. And renting a cabana for the day is the way to go during the summer months.
Staying here at the Sea View Inn allows you to leverage the complete Southern California amusement park experience. We encourage you to prepare for your trips by clicking the links, as policies change often. Enjoy!
Image by Melissa from Pixabay
