Amusement park icon of Northern California potentially facing permanent closure
California's Great America, a beloved amusement park in Santa Clara, is facing an uncertain future. Owned by Six Flags, the park is expected to close after the 2027 season due to an expiring lease, according to recent reports.
The park, a popular destination for Bay Area families and thrill-seekers for decades, has been underperforming, as Six Flags examines its portfolio. The Gold Striker, Flight Deck, and the classic Demon are some of the signature coasters that have provided adrenaline-pumping experiences for visitors.
If the park does close, thrill-seekers near San Jose have several alternative amusement parks within driving distance. One of the best options is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, located about 35-40 miles northeast of San Jose. This large amusement park features numerous thrill rides and roller coasters suitable for tweens and older kids, along with animal exhibits.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a wide variety of rides and a water play area for less intense fun. Admission is dynamically priced around $30 on weekdays and $50 on weekends, with an annual pass offering access to both this park and Hurricane Harbor water park. The park is open mostly on weekends outside of summer, with daily summer hours.
Another local option for family-friendly outings is Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, located within San Jose itself. While primarily a zoo and children's amusement area, it offers rides and attractions more suitable for younger children rather than extreme thrill-seekers.
Other nearby options beyond the immediate Bay Area include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, around 30 miles south of San Jose, and Raging Waters Sacramento, a water park about 90 miles northeast.
Six Flags CFO Brian Witherow stated that without an extension, the park's last year without extension would be after the '27 season. The company is currently working with city officials and engaging the community to determine the park's future. Prologis, the logistics giant that purchased the park's land for $310 million in 2022, has not yet confirmed its plans for the site after the potential closure.
Comments on social media express nostalgia about the park and sadness about its potential closure. However, fans still have several opportunities to enjoy Great America's hair-raising roller coasters, shows, and nostalgic memories, as the park's seasonal events like Star-Spangled Nights and holiday celebrations will continue until the end of the 2027 season.
For more information about California's Great America, including day passes starting at $42, packages, and discount offers, visit the park's website.
Thrill-seekers near San Jose might consider Six Flags Discovery Kingdom as an alternative form of entertainment after California's Great America, due to the closure expected in 2027. This park, located about 35-40 miles northeast of San Jose, offers a variety of thrill rides, roller coasters, and animal exhibits.
For families with younger children, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo within San Jose presents a family-friendly option that includes rides more suitable for children, although it is primarily a zoo and children's amusement area.
