The 17 Best Theme Parks in the U.S. for an Awesome Vacation

America is home to a number of iconic and exceptional theme parks, each with their own character and exciting attractions. From the original Disneyland in California to immersive safaris in New Jersey, there's truly a theme park for every taste and occasion.

Of course, finding the best theme park for your vacation can often be a challenge. While many are centered in California and Florida, there are parks scattered throughout the U.S. to ensure you find one near other exciting attractions as well.

To help you create the perfect trip, this guide will go over the best theme parks in the U.S. today. We’ll look at what the park excels at, what type of rides and attractions it features, plus any special or seasonal events offered. You’ll also find tips to get the most out of the experience no matter where you go.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that some locations require separate tickets for different parks. For example, Disney World in Florida has multiple parks, including the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Each park within Disney World requires a separate ticket, although park-hopper passes are available as well. For deals on tickets to various theme parks, with offers rotating regularly, AAA Tickets can help you get started planning your trip.

Below, we detail the 17 best theme parks in the U.S. to better help you plan your upcoming theme park vacation.

Arguably the theme park capital of the world, Florida is home to some of the most highly-visited theme parks on the planet. It's a vacation destination for more than just those looking to take in the sun and the waves, thrill-seekers and theme park enthusiasts are spoiled for options with the offerings in the state of Florida.

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

As the centerpiece of Walt Disney World Resort, Magic Kingdom is Florida's much larger expanded version of Disneyland. While many of the rides and areas are quite similar, such as their centerpiece castles, some big differences at the Magic Kingdom make the park stand on its own.

Some unique rides that can’t be found at Disneyland include:

However, there are also many similar rides, including the Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain, many of which include updated effects and increased ride lengths.

If you're unsure of whether to visit Magic Kingdom or Disneyland, keep in mind that Magic Kingdom is situated within the 39 square miles of Walt Disney World property, featuring four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, as well as a shopping/dining entertainment complex. This can make for a longer and more varied vacation as you enjoy all of the parks in the area. However, Disneyland is slightly easier to navigate and may feel more immersive due to its smaller area. Those looking to visit either Walt Disney World or Disneyland can save with AAA discounted tickets to both parks, to help make their magical trip a bit easier.

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

EPCOT or the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, was originally envisioned as a full-fledged city by Walt Disney. Although these plans didn’t fully materialize, the EPCOT theme park still feels as though it's a truly lived-in city of the future.

Combining cultural events from around the world, along with space and future tech exhibits, you can enjoy a mind-blowing collection of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Of course, you’ll also find rides based around your favorite Disney films as well, including Moana, Guardians of the Galaxy and more.

Check out the iconic Spaceship Earth dome upon entering, which features an animatronic show and amazing LED lights at night.

As with all Disney parks, there are multiple sections to explore, including:

With endless pavilions, rides and a great selection of food, EPCOT is a theme park that’s great for kids and possibly even better for adults as well.

Make sure to also check your calendar when planning your visit, as the park offers four different highly themed festivals throughout the year full of different food, drink and entertainment offerings. Visit at the start of the new year to experience the Festival of the Arts, the Flower and Garden Festival in spring, the Food and Wine Festival in fall and the Festival of the Holidays in the winter.

Alexf / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has transformed over the years from a behind-the-scenes look at movies into a park filled with immersive lands and thrilling attractions. The focus now is on transporting guests directly into the worlds of beloved stories through highly themed areas and exciting rides.

While it may not have as many attractions as some of the larger Disney parks this shift has allowed for bigger experiences and detailed environments.

Highlights include the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for thrill-seekers as well as Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which bring popular films to life in spectacular fashion.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a great option for those with older kids or teenagers as the rides and attractions on offer are typically less child focussed, with more of an underlying theme of action and adventure.

Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

Known as a zoological theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a stunning theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort collection. As with each park within Disney World, it requires its own ticket or as part of a bundle. With multiple sections combining fictional locations alongside realistic geography, you can explore options ranging from traditional animal exhibits, to petting zoos to river rapid rides, an Everest roller coaster and even a wildlife safari.

The Pandora section of the park is a must-visit for fans of the Avatar series as well. The large-scale area will transport you directly into the films and there are multiple rides and excursions that range from relaxing to adrenaline-pumping. At night, don't miss out on the illuminating neon lights and bioluminescent plants that must be seen to be believed.

As a fully integrated theme park and zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the top theme parks in the U.S. that you can visit today.

Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Although Universal Studios Hollywood is the original, Universal Studios Orlando has grown into a massive destination with some of the most popular rides and attractions in Florida. The park is known for bringing blockbuster movies and TV shows to life through immersive lands and cutting-edge experiences.

While it can be busier and more fast-paced than smaller parks this makes it an ideal choice for visitors who want big thrills and cinematic adventures.

From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to rides based on Minions, The Simpsons and classics like E.T., Universal Studios Orlando offers something exciting for both families and thrill-seekers alike.

Universal Studios is also well known for its annual Halloween Horror Nights event, arguably the largest theme park Halloween event in the business. It's home to elaborate themed scare houses, stage shows, as well as themed food and drink items. Residents of Canada and the U.S. can find discounted one-park-per-day tickets through AAA.

Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Located right next door to Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure is arguably the more thrill-oriented park of the two. It's home to world-renowned coasters such as the Incredible Hulk coaster, Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Other thrilling rides include The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Jurassic Park River Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The park does feature areas and attractions for those not looking for such thrills, like in Seuss Landing, themed to the works of Dr. Suess, or Toon Lagoon (an area themed entirely to classic characters from comic strips). Islands of Adventure park is full of highly themed and entertaining attractions fit for a whole vacation worth of fun, making the park a true must-see destination.

Gfgbeach / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

As Universal Orlando Resort's newest park, Epic Universe works to raise the bar for what it means to be a theme park. Home to five highly-themed "worlds" including the central Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe (themed to classic Universal monsters like Frankenstein), How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizarding World's Ministry of Magic, this is a park that has spared no expense. Expect scenic and stunning views, impressive animatronics and thrilling attractions around every corner.

Wikimedia Commons / LEGOLAND® Florida / CC BY 2.0

Legoland has a few theme parks in the U.S. and while each one is deserving of a spot on this list, the Legoland Florida Resort is one of the best options for Lego fans of all ages.

While California has the first and New York has the newest one, the Legoland in Florida is often ranked as the best combination of the bunch. It has more modern rides and amenities than the older parks and is also much more spacious, making it a great choice for families seeking endless entertainment.

Enjoy over 50 rides, ranging from towering roller coasters to more gentle rides suitable for kids and adults. Along with classic rides, Legoland excels by offering a unique world that feels like it's built entirely from Lego bricks. Enjoy special attractions featuring complex brick sculptures, Lego-themed architecture, plus approachable mascots and more.

As another premier destination for theme parks in the U.S., California has an abundance of offerings for those seeking rides and thrills.

Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

Opening in 1955, Disneyland was the first of Disney’s worldwide parks and attractions and it remains an iconic staple of U.S. theme parks today. While many of the classic rides still exist, like the popular Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight and the Mad Tea Party, there are also more modern attractions, like the ones found in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Along with Indiana Jones and Pixar characters, there’s truly something here for all ages and types. Kids will especially love the famed mascots who walk around the park for photos and meet-and-greets, along with special presentations throughout the park at certain times.

Enjoy fast-paced and themed coasters or enjoy more relaxing yet still thrilling rides through Snow White’s kingdom. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline or the more subdued attractions, you’ll find something to love in this expansive and multi-themed park.

Other essential rides include:

You could also plan your visit during the holidays to experience extra attractions, including The Nightmare Before Christmas takeover of the Haunted Mansion, along with incredible fireworks for most major holidays. Disneyland always goes all-out when it comes to decorations, so make sure to check the schedule beforehand if you’re going near a holiday.

For first-time visitors or those with limited time, make sure to check out the various themed sections of the park to ensure you maximize your time. Areas such as Fantasyland, Frontierland, Toon Town and more all have wildly different designs and attractions, so it’s worth planning ahead to get the exact experience you want.

Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

Located right next to Disneyland, California Adventure is a separate park that’s worth visiting for its great selection of unique rides and entertainment.

While not as expansive as Disneyland, it does feature some incredible rides, including the Guardians of the Galaxy drop tower, the towering Incredicoaster, as well as themed rides and attractions from Marvel, Pixar and more.

Where Disneyland feels as though you’re stepping into a classic Disney fairy tale, California Adventure offers a more modern experience that focuses on a wide variety of movie characters as well as local heritage and lore. However, despite the more modern aesthetic, it’s still a great park for young kids as they can enjoy live performances and roaming Disney mascots.

CrispyCream27 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Created around numerous historical film lots from the namesake production company, Universal Studios Hollywood is an exciting Los Angeles theme park that will thrill movie lovers of all ages.

Film buffs will love The Studio Tour attraction, which takes guests on a guided tram ride through the real sets of Back to the Future and Psycho, as well as riding through scenes from Jaws, King Kong and more. There's also an intense Jurassic Park water ride with robotic dinosaurs that feel like they came right out of the film.

Beyond the films, kids and adults will love Super Nintendo World, an interactive section of the park complete with rides and unique games. Harry Potter fans can also explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which features a towering Hogwarts castle, numerous stores and interactive wand experiences.

Dance with minions from Despicable Me, ride a Mummy-themed roller coaster and enjoy a variety of multimedia attractions in this expansive and uniquely “Hollywood” themed park. Those looking to experience Universal's parks in either Hollywood or Orlando can find discounted AAA tickets on their website.

Courtesy of Visit Anaheim

Knott’s Berry Farm began as a tiny berry farm in the 1920’s, although the owner soon struck gold when he decided to add entertainment into the mix. To increase sales, he added tours of nearby abandoned Wild West buildings and over the years, the park began to slowly grow into the massive theme park it is today.

Now, Knott’s Berry Farm features four distinct park zones centered around unique aspects of California's history and culture. Plus, each area has its own collection of roller coasters, rides and attractions suitable for all ages.

The areas include:

Plus, Knott’s Scary Farm is one of the region’s most popular Halloween events each fall, which features a great collection of haunted houses, themed attractions and a great spooky vibe for kids and adults.

Along with an on-site water park that’s open in the warmer months, Knott’s Berry Farm is a great old-school theme park for visitors of all ages.

Legoland Discovery Center Michigan

Although New York and Florida both have larger and more modern Legoland theme parks, the Legoland California Resort still offers a great time for all ages with its endless attractions and unique world built entirely from large Lego bricks.

As the first Legoland in the U.S., the park does feature fewer rides and a smaller space than the others. However, this can be a great thing for families who want a more relaxed atmosphere than other mega-parks.

With over 60 rides, including roller coasters, train rides and interactive events, plus an aquarium and water park, Legoland California is an exciting place for Lego fans of all ages to explore.

Most other theme parks throughout the U.S. aren't usually in such tourism-dependent areas and are more scattered throughout the country. That's not to discount these parks, as there are plenty of other theme parks in the U.S. that make for amazing destinations.

erniedecker / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Silver Dollar City is a sprawling park in Missouri designed after America’s gold rush era, with that theme being applied throughout all aspects of the park. From minecart coasters to historically styled architecture among the shops and restaurants, this is an immersive park that features attractions for all types of visitors.

Enjoy daring wooden coasters that tower over the park or take a more subdued train ride suitable for families with kids.

The adjacent water park is also open during warmer months, where you can enjoy wild rapids, lazy rivers, plus splash zones and playgrounds for kids, among many other rides.

In autumn, enjoy pumpkin farms and seasonal decorations or wait for the renowned Christmas festivities featuring incredible lights and decorations.

For a uniquely American theme park, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Silver Dollar City.

Roc0ast3r / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN, Dollywood is an old-school theme park owned and centered around country music star Dolly Parton. While fans of the singer will certainly love this park, you don’t have to know her to have a great time at this exciting local staple.

With a nice collection of classic roller coasters along with smaller and calmer rides for all ages, you can enjoy a great day in the sun with endless entertainment.

However, what makes this park unique is its Southern charm, from whistling concerts to locally sourced foods and recipes, plus exciting shopping and historically-styled architecture throughout. Enjoy a unique bubble show or watch artisans create unique glass sculptures onsite. Plus, the handmade cinnamon bread is raved by locals as the best in the state.

There’s also a collection of Dolly Parton memorabilia for fans of the singer, along with other musical attractions that both kids and adults will love.

Hmich176 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Hersheypark is a large theme park centered around the homegrown and iconic chocolate company Hershey. The rides themselves are fairly standard, from towering coasters to Ferris wheels, drop towers and even a water park, but it's the candy-themed attractions that make everything that much sweeter.

Plus, you can access Hershey’s Chocolate World to find chocolates and desserts you never even knew existed.

With a classic Americana feel, plus a great collection of rides for all types of visitors, Hersheypark is a fun and old-school park that’s great for both chocolate lovers and theme park goers of all ages.

Roller Coaster Philosophy, Jeremy Thompson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari is an incredible theme park in New Jersey that offers high-octane rides along with family attractions and a full-scale safari adventure right next door.

Visitors can enjoy heart-pounding attractions like the Batman and Superman roller coasters, along with calmer rides like carousels and Ferris wheels. You can even face your fears on the Jersey Devil Coaster, which is one of the fastest single-rail roller coasters in the world.

Most exciting, however, is the neighboring 350-acre outdoor drive-thru safari. Get up close to lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and many other exciting animals in this expansive and unforgettable adventure. With a professional guide on board, you’ll be transported to various parts of the world as you see a truly stunning collection of free-roaming international animals.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to the best U.S. theme parks today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.