Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain LA

UPDATED JULY 2024By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Aerial view of the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park in California.

Thinking of visiting an LA theme park but just can’t decide which to choose? Fair enough: the City of Angels has more fab amusement parks than even the most dedicated thrill seeker could hope to experience in a single visit. There’s Universal Studios Hollywood for starters. Also Disneyland and its sibling, the Disney California Adventure Park so, y’know, we’re talking some pretty big beasts of the amusement park scene here. Holding their own among these titans are Knott’s Berry Farm (aka America’s first theme park) and Six Flags Magic Mountain (current holder of the record for most rollercoasters in an amusement park). Read on to discover the relative merits of these two fine LA parks...

Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: A Short History

Opened in 1971, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a mere baby to Knott’s Berry Farm’s century-old theme park. But blimey, it’s one heck of a great big bouncing baby, weighing in at 209 acres and 35 rides, of which a record-smashing 20 (yes, twenty) are rollercoasters. Located in Valencia, 35 miles north of downtown LA, this is a park that has always pushed the boundaries in terms of number of loops, heights and angles of drops and, well, just sheer terror levels as your (thankfully strapped in) body hurtles towards terra firma at frankly unnatural speeds. In other words, Six Flags Magic Mountain will appeal primarily to adrenalin junkies, as well as fans of the DC universe: the park has rides themed around Superman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor and the Justice League. Quirky fact: Michael Jackson visited the park in 1985, riding attractions including Colossus (now the New Colossus) and the Roaring Rapids. Whether Bubbles accompanied him on the rides or not is, we're sorry to say, lost to history.

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park,

Sure, at a relatively diminutive 57 acres, Knott’s Berry Farm isn’t on quite the same scale as Magic Mountain. But what this Buena Park stalwart does have is great boysenberry pie, pedigree in spades and a smart use of space that equates to nearly 50 rides across its five zones. It’s no slouch when it comes to thrill rides either. From humble beginnings as a berry farm and roadside stand a century ago, Knott’s has been through many iterations, launching a ghost town in the 1940s and adding a log ride in the 70s. But it was the sale of the park to Cedar Fair in the 1990s that really upped the thrill factor with the addition of several high-octane rides. However, at the Knott’s family’s wishes, the park has retained much of the personality of its founders Walter and Cordelia Knott, meaning that, among other things, the (huge) fried chicken dinners and sweet berry pies that many consider synonymous with the park can still be sampled in its cafes and restaurants. Quirky fact: all boysenberries today are genetically traceable to Knott’s Berry Farm, where Walter first cultivated the raspberry-blackberry-loganberry-dewberry hybrid in the 1920s.

Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: Thrill Rides

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Roller Coaster,

Thrill rides is really where both of these parks excel, and hopeless adrenalin fiends should definitely make a beeline for both when spending time in LA. But, by sheer dint of numbers, Magic Mountain has the edge here. And, with a world-beating 20 rollercoasters, how could it not? Start queuing early for Superman: Escape from Krypton, one of the park’s most popular rides. Once the tallest coaster in the world, this thrill-a-second adventure reaches 100mph in just seven seconds before flipping its victims riders through backward and forward-facing drops at lightning speeds. DC fans will also thrill to the 4D effects and immersive battle scenes on the Justice League; Battle for Metropolis ride. Full Throttle does exactly what it says on the tin, rattling around the tallest vertical loop in North America at terrifying speeds, while Goliath and Scream’s names are also helpfully descriptive in terms of what to expect. In short, if it’s thrills, spills and squeals you’re after, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the LA theme park for you.

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Roller Coaster,

This is an impossible category for any theme park to win when pitted against Magic Mountain, but Knott’s Berry Farm holds its own admirably, with a fine selection of rip-roaring hair-raisers. Rides like the Xcelerator, which catapults passengers sky high, reaching 82mph in a (literally) breathtaking 2.3 seconds. HangTime is definitely one to try before you’ve eaten lunch, given that its hook is the stomach-dropping sensation that you’re floating (hence the name) as you take the utterly terrifying 96-degree drop. Ghost Rider is the longest, tallest and fastest wooden rollercoaster in the West, ideal if you like your thrill rides to create the illusion of being rickety and unsafe (which it isn’t, of course), while Silver Bullet is a foot-dangling inverted coaster with a whopping six loops.

Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: Family Rides

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Play Area, Car, Vehicle, Outdoors,

There’s no denying that there are better theme park options for kids around LA – *cough* Disneyland *cough* – but Knott’s and Magic Mountain do also offer a few gentler rides for the kiddiwinks to enjoy. Each puts their own spin (geddit?) on the traditional teacup ride, with a Mad Hatter theme at Knott’s and cute Pepe Le Pew cups at Magic Mountain. Meanwhile, Magic Mountain’s Bugs Bunny World – chock full of Looney Tunes themed rides – is the answer to Knott’s Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy, where you’ll find the Peanuts gang in residence. Expect carousels, bumper cars, miniature trains and character meet and greets at both locations, as well as a strong selection of rides for the whole family to enjoy together, from log flumes to swinging pirate ships and mine rides.

Knott's Berry Farm Vs Six Flags Magic Mountain: Water Rides

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person,

Getting a drenching is an essential ingredient of any successful amusement park excursion so you'll be delighted to hear that both parks really deliver on this front. The Calico River Rapids in Knott’s Ghost Town zone takes riders splashing and spinning downriver in big round family-friendly dinghies. But if you really want to guarantee that soaking, hit up the Timber Mountain Log Ride (pictured) for an early bath at the end of its 42-foot free fall finale.

Over at Magic Mountain, the Jet Stream log flume is a family favorite that has the drop’n’drench maneuver down to a fine art. The 11-seater Roaring Rapids ride is a little more lively than its Knott’s rival, tossing hapless riders through unpredictable currents, white water waves and treacherous whirlpools, meaning that coveted drenching is all but guaranteed.

NB: Both Knott’s and Magic Mountain also have separately ticketed water parks that are open from May to September.

Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park, Person,

Tickets

Go City’s All-Inclusive attraction pass includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain. You can also book tickets direct via the Knott’s Berry Farm website.

Opening Hours

The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary by season. Check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date information.

Getting There

Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here.

Fast facts: Six Flags Magic Mountain

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park, Bridge,

Tickets

An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including La Brea Tar Pits and Knott’s Berry Farm. You can also book tickets direct via the Six Flags Magic Mountain website.

Opening Hours

Hours vary throughout the year but Magic Mountain usually opens between at 10:30AM and stays open until anywhere between 6PM and 10PM depending on the season. View the calendar here.

Getting There

Six Flags Magic Mountain is at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355, just north of Los Angeles, at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit off Interstate 5. Some public transport is seasonal and you’ll find the best and most up-to-date options here.

Save on attractions in Los Angeles

Save on admission to Los Angeles attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Continue reading

Woman walking along the beach to Santa Monica Pier
Blog

Things to do in Los Angeles in the Morning

Grab a flask of morning joe and tick off LA bucket-listers like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Beach and the Venice Canals before most La La Landers are even out of bed. Our guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles in the morning includes all of these, plus many more tips on beating the sightseeing crowds!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
Blog

Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles

If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. From whale watching to yoga on a sandy beach, we've got you covered. Check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in the city, and prepare for some much-needed R&R! Including: Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach Natural History Museum Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour Yoga on Huntington Beach and more! Guided Pier Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, why not choose a spot of fishing? If you're new to the area, or even new to fishing, you needn't worry. Join this guided fishing adventure, choose between Santa Monica or Venice Beach, and then go throw some hooks - or something. Your guide is more of an instructor, and an experienced one at that. They'll bring all your gear and show you how to use it. If you're a seasoned fishing pro, show them how it's done. But don't be too adverse to picking up some new tricks. Look out for fish, rays, and even sharks as you try to reel in a big catch. Natural History Museum You can even travel back through time in a relaxing fashion. How, you may ask? Well, take a trip to Los Angeles' Natural History Museum and explore millions of years of history! If you're a history buff and looking for things to do in the city, it doesn't get much better than this. Step inside the museum's doors, and you'll find one of the biggest collections of ancient artifacts on the planet. Dinosaur fans will be well-served thanks to the appropriately-named 'Dinosaur Hall', which exhibits 300 real dinosaur fossils, as well as 20 complete dinos of varying shapes and sizes for you to gaze at. That's just one of the many amazing exhibits at LA's Natural History Museum, so why not take a relaxing stroll around the premises and see what else you'll find? Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour If natural history isn't your thing, how about some very-much-alive nature? Yes, even in LA, you can go whale and dolphin watching. And, on this tour, you'll do just that. So, if you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, this should be top of your list. You'll hop on board a 65-foot double-decker ship, replete with sundeck, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a snack bar if you get hungry. Then, you'll take the waves to spot some freaking whales and dolphins! Get lucky, and you may spot any number of humpback whales, orcas, and even a blue whale if you're super lucky. You're also likely to see some dolphins, which is obviously awesome. Seals, too - this tour is the gift that keeps on giving! If you're a fan of ocean life, book this tour right now. Aquarium of the Pacific If you'd rather see underwater wonders up close and personal, take a relaxing trip to Los Angeles' Aquarium of the Pacific. There's so much to see and do here; we'd recommend blocking out an afternoon in your vacation calendar to see it all. With over 100 exhibits to explore and 19 major habitats to walk through, you'll need all the time you can get! Meet finned friends at Shark Lagoon, hang out with some penguins, and check out the Pacific Visions immersive cinema experience to see the ocean like never before. All that and much, much more await you at Aquarium of the Pacific. Yoga on Huntington Beach Is there anything more relaxing than finding inner peace? How about doing it on a sunny Los Angeles beach? Align your chakras today at a yoga session on Huntington Beach! Pick a morning or evening session and join an experienced yoga instructor as you downward dog your way to Nirvana. And what better setting than Huntington Beach? It's one of Orange County's finest. Whether you're a seasoned stretcher or a complete newbie, all are welcome to this calm, mindful environment. Then, when you're done, you'll be in top shape to enjoy many of LA's more exhilarating attractions! Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour Just because you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles doesn't mean you should ignore your belly! Take a day off your diet and explore LA's vibrant food culture on this tour of downtown! You'll pass City Hall, The Music Centre, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall, plus hidden gems like The Last Bookstore. Make sure your phone has plenty of picture space! Then, try delicious morsels at the Spring Arcade Building food market and Grand Central Market. Just make sure you bring some dollars so you can sample as much as possible! If you're looking for a great way to immerse yourself in LA's food culture, book a tour and get immersed! Rent a Beach Cruiser or Roller-Skates And finally, how does a relaxing beach bike ride sound? Good? Why not rent a bike and take your time cycling around LA's serene sands? Or, if two wheels don't cut it, rent some roller skates instead! The area is brimming with things to do and see. You can visit the historic Santa Monica pier and pass the homes of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Travel through Venice Beach and see all the weird and wonderful denizens of Los Angeles going about their day. Soak it all up, and then return your bike to Perry's Cafe and grab a coffee. And hey, maybe a cake too. After all, you just burned off a ton of calories - why not treat yourself? And those are our picks of the best relaxing things to do in Los Angeles! Of course, vacations aren't always about relaxing. So, if you want to hit up some of LA's more heart-thumping experiences in between your relaxation time, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles
Blog

Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles this year? Then you ought to check out the city's market scene. With a market for pretty much every need, you'll be well served! Today, we're talking about the best markets in LA's downtown district, so if you plan to stay in or around the area, this one's for you! From flower markets to farm-to-table grocers, we've got you covered. Including: Grand Central Market Downtown LA Farmer's Market Smorgasburg LA Wholesale Produce Market The Santee Alley ...and more! Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Grand Central Market Hold on to your taste buds, because we're diving straight into a gastronomic wonderland. If you want nothing but the freshest fruit and veg, or some of the tastiest street food in the city, look no further than Grand Central Market. Taking up an enviable 30,000 square feet, it's one of the larger markets on this list. It's unsurprising, then, that it attracts plenty of food establishments from across the city to set up shop. Popular joints like Eggslut and Press Brothers have stalls where you can sample their culinary delights, but that just scratches the surface. Every cuisine under the sun is represented here under the sun, so go and see what other secrets await you at Grand Central Market. For foodies, it's one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Downtown LA Farmers Market Even if you've never been to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market before, you may have seen it. A certain angry Brit is often there buying stuff on his cooking shows, so if you hear someone shouting expletives and spot a spikey mop of blonde hair, you'll know you're in the right place. But it's not just modern celebrities like Gordon Ramsey who have frequented the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market. The Beatles, Marylin Monroe, and Frank Sinatra are just some of the many famous faces that have graced its stalls and halls. So, what brings all these recognizable people to the Downtown Los Angeles Farmer's Market? Well, it's likely the produce. Tons of family-run businesses set up shop here, offering top-quality, fresh produce to all who visit. If you live locally, or plan to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hotel, you won't find a better place to pick up ingredients. There are also recognizable brands like Starbucks there, if you need some creature comforts. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Smorgasburg If you're happy to hit up a market that only opens its doors once a week, then Smorgasburg is one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles. Just be prepared for crowds - after all, plenty of people likely have the exact same idea as you. If you do brave it, you'll find a market offering tons of food, drink, and a variety of specialty items collectors will die for. LA powerhouses like Baohaus, Daddy's Chicken Shack, and Big Mozz all have pop-up stalls at Smorgasburg, so your tastebuds are in for a treat. However, what's unique about Smorgasburg, and what makes it one of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles, is that on every third Sunday of the month, the Record Fair and Vintage Market turns up. You'll find thousands of rare vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and merch for underground bands and artists. If you love discovering new talent, or just want to show off when they eventually blow up, then you owe it to yourself to go check it out. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: LA Wholesale Produce Market Need a load of fresh produce in a pinch? Why go to a supermarket when you can get it fresh from the farm at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market? Offering arguably the widest selection of locally-sourced produce in Downtown, it's a great place to buy early. If you arrive before today's produce is trucked in, you can get great deals on yesterday's produce they'll just throw out. So be savvy, set your alarm, and rise and shine for some sweet, sweet deals. Just be prepared to buy big - after all, it's a wholesale market. You'll need to buy in bulk - by the box. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: The Santee Alley Calling all bargain hunters! Welcome to Santee Alley, where haggling is a sport, and finding a hidden gem is the ultimate victory. This bustling street market is like a maze of fashion chaos, and the perfect place to unleash your inner fashionista without maxing your credit cards. You'll find both recognizable labels and unique boutique items on offer, as well as handmade oddities from homebound seamsters. Fashion lovers will be in heaven, but really, you need to be prepared to barter. Every item has a hidden price, but you'll need to negotiate to get the best deal. If you don't have wheeling and dealing up your sleeve, prepare to pay a premium. Best Markets in Downtown Los Angeles: Original LA Flower Market And finally, if you're after flowers, then the Original Los Angeles Flower Market is a must-visit! Local florists, event planners, and flower enthusiasts flock to discover a wide array of flora. You'll find bunches of pretty much every flower imaginable here, from roses to chrysanthemums, and everything in between. Want to make a big impression on a first date? You know where to go. There's not much more to say, really. It's flowers. If you want or need flowers, this is your best bet. Just bear in mind that the Original Los Angeles Flower Market can get a little hectic on weekends. If you want to beat the rush of frothy-mouthed flower enthusiasts, best head there during the week. And those were our picks of the best markets in Downtown Los Angeles! If you're a local who wants some entertainment ideas, or on vacation and need some inspiration, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon