The 5 Best Southern California Theme Parks

Southern California has so many theme parks that it's hard to choose which 5 are the best. However, for value and fun I pick the following:

1. Disneyland/California Adventure. Technically these are two separate parks, but with park hopper passes, you can accommodate both parks in one trip. The rides at both parks are not only fun, but theme based. Space and Splash Mountains in Disneyland and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at California Adventure are my personal favorites. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is legendary and has rides for all age levels. To save money families can bring their own lunch and store it in lockers rather than have to carry it around all day. In addition to rides, there are theatrical shows, indoor and outdoor places to sit and rest. If you go, don't miss Fantasmic! at Disneyland once the sun goes down. Amazing fun for the whole family.

2. Raging Waters. If getting wet is more your style, don't miss Raging Waters in San Dimas. From Drop Out, to Dark Hole, to slow tube floating on Amazon Adventure, to baby pools for the little ones, Raging Waters is a great theme park for the hottest of Southern California days. Kids and parents will love the water and fun.

3. Legoland. South of Los Angeles in Carlsbad, is my boys' absolute favorite Southern California theme park, Legoland. Adults will be amazed by the National and international landmarks they have replicated out of Legos. The kids will love the Lego cars that they are able to drive at the Volvo Junior Driving School. They even get driver's licenses and get to drive on Lego streets, stop signs and all.

4. San Diego Wild Animal Park. Want to go on Safari? Further south in Escondido (between Los Angeles and San Diego) you'll find Wild Animal Park. Seeing live wild animals out in the open on the Journey into Africa and the photo safari tours is so much better than seeing them locked in cages. Wildlife photographers, kids and others will enjoy the numerous species that they will see here.

5. Sea World. Finally, for more animal sightings, as well as animal performances, you won't want to miss Sea World in San Diego. Everyone should see Shamu's performance at least once in their life and of course the seal and dolphin shows, as well. Don't sit too close unless you want to get splashed! Watch seals, sharks, penguins, and eels swim from above and below the water. If you're in the mood, there are rides, too. Be sure to check out Shipwreck Rapids!

All of these theme parks in Southern California provide great dining opportunities, fun for the whole family and unique, interesting, and memorable experiences. Be on the look out for nearby hotel specials that will provide discounts at the parks, and for discount opportunities at the parks themselves. For cheaper tickets at these Southern California the theme parks during the off season, after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.