In 2026, California's Great America (located in Santa Clara) is definitely worth going to if you are a fan of "pure" thrill rides and want a more relaxed alternative to the massive crowds of Disneyland. While it lacks the immersive "theming" of a Disney or Universal park, it boasts some of the best roller coasters on the West Coast, specifically Gold Striker (a top-tier wooden coaster) and RailBlazer (a terrifyingly steep single-rail coaster). In 2026, the park has a "quaint" feel and is especially great for families with younger children thanks to the Planet Snoopy area. However, the clock is ticking; the land was sold to developers a few years ago, and the park is expected to close permanently by the early 2030s. This makes a visit in 2026 a "must-do" for many locals and enthusiasts who want to experience its classic charm and unique rides before they are gone forever. For the price of a ticket—which is often half the cost of a Disney ticket—the "bang for your buck" in terms of ride count is excellent.