One of the things that makes Los Angeles so popular – its year round great weather – also makes the Los Angeles area the perfect place for amusement parks. After all, amusement parks want to stay open all year round and that’s not possible in many parts of the country.

One of the largest amusement parks in LA is Universal Studios, Hollywood. Universal City, which is where Universal Studios is located, is technically its own city within Los Angeles. Universal City has its own small fire department, its own small police department, and its own post office. It also has its own movie-themed amusement park.

Universal Studios, Hollywood, encapsulates such fabulous attractions as: a tram ride which takes visitors through Universal Studios; a working movie studio, which allows them to see a lot of the behind-the-scenes secrets that make movie-making possible and special themed exhibits which tie-in with big production films. There are rides, presentations and shows that run all day, every day, plus great food, shopping, and fantastic views of the San Fernando Valley.

Adjacent to Universal’s amusement park is the world-famed Universal City Walk. This is a half mile, open-air movie-themed mall, filled with dazzling shops, one of the largest multi-screen theatres in the world, as well as, fabulous restaurants.

Just a few minutes north of Los Angeles, in the community of Valencia, is the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. Six Flags Magic Mountain is world-famous for its many roller coasters, including one of the largest wooden roller coasters in the world, as well as, some of the tallest and fastest thrill rides anywhere. The park also features sections for children, fun and fanciful restaurants and a multitude of gift shops.

Next door to Magic Mountain is the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park. The water park is open seasonally and features huge water slides, stage shows, and gentle water play areas for children.

About 45 minutes south of Los Angeles are two of the most well-know theme parks in the world – Disneyland in Anaheim and Knott’s Berry Farm next door in Buena Park.

Disneyland has gone through some major changes in the past few years and is now larger and filled with even more to do and to see than ever before. Here you can ride one of the world’s longest monorails, travel to the top of the Matterhorn ride, experience the thrill of Space Mountain and enjoy the Pirates of the Caribbean water ride.

Just a few short miles from Disneyland is Knott’s Berry Farm, which began life as a genuine berry farm and, as of today, has grown to be one of the premier theme parks in the world.

If you are looking for thrills and excitement, Los Angeles is the place to be!