ThreeBestRated.com
BEST RATED SAN JOSE, CA AMUSEMENT PARKS

3 Best Amusement Parks in San Jose, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Amusement Parks in San Jose, California. All of our Theme Parks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Best Amusement Parks in San Jose CA - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

(5.0 Score)
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz,
San Jose, CA 95060 Directions

Since 1907

Specialty:

✓ Cliff Hanger ✓ Crazy Surf ✓ Cyclone ✓ Double Shot ✓ Fireball ✓ Rock-O-Plane ✓ Shockwave ✓ WipeOut ✓ Looff Carousel ✓ Cave Train ✓ Freefall ✓ Ghost Blasters ✓ Haunted Castle ✓ Logger's Revenge ✓ Pirate Ship ✓ Riptide ✓ Typhoon ✓ Undertow ✓ Sea Serpent ✓ Sea Swings ✓ Sky Glider ✓ Space Race ✓ Speed Bumps ✓ Tornado ✓ Tsunami ✓ Beach Swing ✓ Convoy ✓ Jetcopters ✓ Rock and Roll

"Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides great rides, a spectacular beach setting, and a friendly atmosphere. The park is also home to a family bowling center located right across the street. Their vibrant, bustling amusement park is famous for its great rides, remarkable history, spectacular beach setting, and friendly atmosphere. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's indoor arcades offer the largest collection of games in Northern California, including the latest video and redemption games, a vintage game collection, pinball machines, a two-story miniature golf course, and a laser tag arena. Their menu includes corn dogs, family recipes, deep-fried artichokes, chocolate-covered bacon, and fried Twinkies. They offer group discounts for school groups, youth groups, and more. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is situated 32.1 miles from the city of San Jose.

2026 Update: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a family owned and operated business. The park offers a free monthly e-newsletter to keep people informed about everything happening there. They also provide updates about concerts and other entertainment programs, helping people stay connected and plan their visits better."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Price:

Ride Wristbands
Unlimited Ride Wristband Pass
Starts From (Including Tax) $44.95
Up To $79.95
Starts From (Including Tax) $44.95
Season Pass
Season Pass Starts From (Including Tax) $99.95
Myboardwalk Card Options
My Boardwalk Card Value $50
My Boardwalk Card Value $100
Admission
Boardwalk Entry Free

Discount:

20% Off per Person for Ride Wristband Not Valid Same Day$ 2 Off on Print Packages Including Photo Prints, Keychains and Magnets$20 Off on Boardwalk Season PassesSeason Pass Members can Bring-a-Friend-for-Free Days View Coupon

Contact:

(831) 423-5590

Mon-Fri: 12pm - 7pm
Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: 11am - 7pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Best Amusement Parks in San Jose CA - Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL EMAIL

GILROY GARDENS FAMILY THEME PARK

(4.9 Score)
3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy,
San Jose, CA 95020 Directions

Since 2001

Specialty:

✓ Almost Circle Cage ✓ Artichoke Dip ✓ Balloon Flight ✓ Banana Split ✓ Big Red Engine ✓ Bonfante Railroad Train Ride ✓ Claudia's Carousel ✓ Garlic Twirl ✓ Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster ✓ Illions Supreme Carousel ✓ Mushroom Swing ✓ Paddle Boats ✓ Panoramic Wheel ✓ Pit Stop Racers ✓ Tubs-o-fun ✓ Bulgy the Goldfish ✓ Lakeside Splash ✓ Big Red Engine Co ✓ Bonfante Falls ✓ Brave the Bucket ✓ Rainbow Garden Round Boat Ride ✓ Sky Trail Monorail ✓ South County Backroads ✓ Strawberry Sundae ✓ Timber Twister Coaster ✓ Water Oasis Lagoon

"Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a family-friendly park created and built by Michael Bonfante. The park aims to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees. Gilroy Gardens features 21 rides, 27 attractions, six majestic gardens, and the world-famous Circus Trees. The park offers large water play areas in its center for visitors to enjoy and cool off during hot summer days. There are also 12 cabanas on the west and east sides where guests can bring and enjoy their lunches. Relish refreshing Coca-Cola fountain drinks all day with free refills on your first visit. Birthday party times are available. The park's washrooms are located outside on the main pathway. Gilroy Gardens is situated just 41.3 miles from the city of San Jose.

2026 Update: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a fun place for families with more than 40 rides and attractions made especially for children. It also has water play areas, beautiful gardens, and over 10,000 trees, including the famous Circus Trees. The park is a nonprofit educational organization, which means it does not work to make money but to teach people."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review
Golden Ticket by The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Landscaping
IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Food & Beverage Special Event or Festival For “Cherry Jubilee” Event in 2025

Price:

Single-Day Tickets
Single-Day Tickets Starts From $65
Premium Memberships
2026 Premium Memberships $104
Value Memberships
Value Memberships Starts From $70
General Admission (Gate Price)
General Admission $80
Kids Under Three (3) Free

Discount:

25% Off in restaurants and merchandise stores for Premium Members25% Off In-park Premium Members Can Enjoy Free Every Friday by Bringing a FriendSave $10 per Person by Booking a Family Camp Night Now for an Unforgettable Overnight Family Camping Experience View Coupon

Contact:

(408) 840-7100 (408) 840-7204

Sat & Sun: 11am - 5pm
Mon-Fri: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Calibunga Waterpark San Jose - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Calibunga Waterpark San Jose - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Calibunga Waterpark San Jose - San Jose, CA Amusement Parks
Best Amusement Parks in San Jose CA - Calibunga Waterpark San Jose video
CALL EMAIL

CALIBUNGA WATERPARK SAN JOSE

(4.9 Score)
2333 South White Road,
San Jose, CA 95148 Directions

Since 2024

Specialty:

✓ Wacky Water ✓ Slide Creek Falls ✓ Pirate’s Cove ✓ Little Dipper ✓ Endless River ✓ Great White Shark ✓ Wave Pool ✓ Serpentine Slides ✓ Dragon’s Den ✓ Activity Pool ✓ Barracuda Blaster ✓ Shotgun Falls ✓ Blue Thunder and White Lightning ✓ Bombs Away

“2026 Update: Calibunga Waterpark San Jose is the place for the perfect family waterpark adventure: waterslides, rides, kiddie play areas, a well-stocked gift shop, dining options, and more. Beyond the fun, you can enjoy scenic panoramic views of Lake Cunningham and the San Jose Foothills, with over a million gallons of water attractions on 23-acres. Calibunga Waterpark San Jose offers wheelchair-accessible entrance facilities. The park offers many useful amenities for visitors. The baggage storage is where people can safely keep their bags. A bar on-site allows visitors to relax and enjoy drinks. Lockers are available to store personal belongings securely. The park also provides party services for special events and celebrations. Visitors can enjoy delicious food at the restaurant. Clean restrooms are available for everyone’s convenience.”

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Price:

Parking Fees
Weekday Parking Per Car $6
Weekday Bus Parking $18
Weekend & Holiday Parking Per Car $10
Weekend & Holiday Bus Parking $30
Accessible Parking
Accessible Parking Weekday $2
Accessible Parking Weekend & Holiday $10

Discount:

Senior and Military Personnel Discounts are Available

Contact:

(408) 767-7110

Sat & Sun: 11am - 5pm
Mon-Fri: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Video

Write a Review for Calibunga Waterpark San Jose

Our Review Process:

  • All reviews matter:We publish both positive and negative reviews to provide a balanced perspective.
  • No censorship: Businesses cannot pay to remove or modify negative reviews.
  • Verification process: All reviews are checked for authenticity and compliance with our community guidelines before publication.
  • Fair representation: We display reviews of all ratings (1–5 stars) to help users make informed decisions.
  • Independence: We are not affiliated with the businesses we review and receive no compensation for favorable ratings.

Your honest opinion helps others make better choices. Whether your experience was excellent, average, or disappointing, we want to hear from you. For more details, check Community Review Guidelines.

Contact Business

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK REVIEWS

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk on a weekend feels like a mini Disneyland by the ocean! The blend of classic amusement park vibes with stunning ocean views is unbeatable. You’ve got thrilling rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster that keep your heart racing while you take in the beautiful coastline. The ocean-view thrillers are a real standout, giving you an adrenaline rush with a backdrop of the sparkling sea. From fun carnival games to delicious boardwalk treats, it’s a non-stop adventure for all ages. The atmosphere is lively, with a unique mix of nostalgia and excitement that makes it feel like a hidden gem. Whether you’re chasing thrills or just enjoying the view, this spot is perfect for a weekend escape!

Well maintained, family friendly and safe- a great place for fun. A landmark for almost a century this venue offers fun for the whole family. It is operated very well, including maintenance, security, staff training, variety of rides and activities and food offerings. It offers discount evenings, passes and group purchase options which can help reduce the cost of a visit. While not cheap, it offers so much more than a visiting carnival. The location is beautiful and on an iconic beach. I am very impressed by the training that seems to go into staffing, the uniforms and visible security. I highly recommend visiting this coastal gem.

What a super fun place to take the family to spend the day. The boardwalk was very clean and had lots of great attractions and food options. Unfortunately, the last portion of the boardwalk is closed off for the day, did not tell us why.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

To share your experience, click here or send it to reviews@threebestrated.com.

We will display both positive and negative reviews. All submitted reviews are published after verification for authenticity and compliance with our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Community Review Guidelines.

GILROY GARDENS FAMILY THEME PARK REVIEWS

Gilroy garden has become one of our usual favorite places to visit. There is lots of games for the whole family. Some days are busier than others, but when it’s not busy the lines are usually around 10 to less minutes. I tend to go Fridays because my premium card allows me to take in a friend for free. I think the membership is definitely worth it as long as you plan 3 to 4 visits a year and we usually do more. Specifically during the holidays when the park changes themes for Halloween and Christmas.

Worth your money! Go early to get the parking and do the rides more faster. If you go late to see the decorations you will have to wait for long lines. Kids friendly rides. There is a playground where kids like to play a lot. First Aid centers are also available. Book your parking ticket online for 20 dollars elsewhere you will be charged 25 dollars if you buy it at the location. Show the bar code once you have paid online parking ticket. It was really awesome!

We went for my kids spring break on opening day. It's such a great smaller amusement park with plenty of fun rides for everyone. We love the nature aspects of the park, how beautiful it is to walk around and the art building for kids crafts. We bought a membership last Halloween 2024 and so glad we invested in one. We're planning to visit a few more times this year.

CALIBUNGA WATERPARK SAN JOSE REVIEWS

Fantastic summer destination. Northern California’s largest waterpark, newly refreshed with thrilling slides like the Barracuda Blaster and a relaxing “endless river” for the whole family . The upgrades, including shaded cabanas, mobile food ordering, and lively dining options, really elevate the experience.

Best summer experience for a waterpark to have in San Jose! I'd plan to have a trip with friends and family to bring along as we splash in, even though summer is over, it was a wonderful time to have. Good slides, tasty foods, and spectacular thrills!

I loves new water park the CaliBunga in San Jose I live in Santa Cruz califroina cant wait for next year new water park.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 206.3K: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

GILROY GARDENS FAMILY THEME PARK Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Experience: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 7.9K: 10
Website Standard: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

CALIBUNGA WATERPARK SAN JOSE Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Social Media: 9
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 1.4K: 10
Video: 10
Website Standard: 10