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California’s Great America in Santa Clara makes my list of the best California amusement parks for its over 40 rides and attractions that appeal to all levels of thrillseekers. There are reliable ways to buy discount California’s Great America tickets through authorized sellers to save money and avoid paying gate prices.

Our team researches where to find deals and helps guide people toward the best admission option for their trips, be it individual tickets, sightseeing passes, or group discounts. We also have a great deal on Two-Day tickets.

Gate Prices for California’s Great America Tickets

California’s Great America admission tickets are offered in multiple types: Daily Tickets, Two-Day Tickets, Season Passes, After 3 p.m. Tickets and Group Tickets. From here, you can add various optional add-ons, like Fast Lane, All-Day Dining, and holiday tickets such as WinterFest.

California’s Great America uses dynamic pricing online. This means that the price rises and falls depending on expected occupancy. Gate prices are higher than what you’ll see online, but you need to know what they are to understand potential savings. Current gate pricing breaks down like this:

  • Daily Tickets: $70/ages 3+
  • Two Day Tickets: $140/ages 3+
  • Ages 0-2 are always free

WinterFest: Every year, from November to January, the park transforms into a winter wonderland holiday festival. Activities include live shows, crafted hot chocolate, sending letters to the North Pole, and ice skating in front of the Carousel Columbia.

1. The Best Discount on 1-Day and 2-Day Great America Tickets

If you plan to visit the park twice between March 23 and September 2, 2024, you’ll save the most by purchasing California’s Great America tickets using our discount.

We sell these tickets through San Diego-based aRes Travel, an authorized Cedar Fair seller, and an authorized ticket seller for other major parks like Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and many others.

Tickets are mobile-friendly and no reservations are required.

Save $30

One Day Ticket Discount

The One-Day Ticket is valid for one (1) visit from March 23 to October 26, 2024, and includes a full park experience..

SAVE NOW

Save $77

Two Day Ticket Discount

The Two-day Ticket is valid for any two (2) visits March 23 – October 26, 2024 for a full park experience..

SAVE NOW

Here’s the super easy process.

  • Purchase using the links above.
  • Tickets are immediately emailed to you.
  • Print the ticket or pull it up on your phone at the gate.
  • The gate attendant will scan the QR code on your printed or mobile ticket.

It’s really that easy. You do not need to redeem a voucher at the ticket booth, and you can skip the ticket line completely.

Call my dedicated aRes Travel line or email me with customer service issues or questions.

2. California’s Great America Online for All Other Tickets

If you need a meal bundle or any other special tickets, buy online at California’s Great America where you’ll find prices such as:

  • Daily Tickets for Tricks and Treats: From $44.99
  • Gold Pass: $95
  • Tricks and Treats Bring-A-Friend Tickets: From $29.99

3. Go City San Francisco Pass

You can save up to 50% off of admission to top San Francisco attractions, including California’s Great America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, San Francisco Zoo, by using the Go San Francisco sightseeing pass. Here’s how it works:

  • Choose the pass option that best suits you (All-Inclusive or Explorer) and buy your pass in advance.
  • Access your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
  • Show the pass at any eligible attraction, and you’re in for free.

The All-Inclusive passes are available in 1, 2, 3, and 5-day options, each at different prices. You can visit all the attractions included once over the course of your pass duration. You can use the Explorer Pass to visit any 2, 3, 4, or 5 included attractions within a 60-day timeframe. Make sure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy.

SAVE WITH GO CITY SAN FRANCISCO

See also: 10 Go San Francisco Pass Benefits For Sightseeing

4. California’s Great America Vacation Packages

Combine your hotel reservation with discounted tickets to California’s Great America for even greater savings. Plus, enjoy complimentary breakfast and parking at many of these accommodations.

With a selection of 14 Santa Clara and other nearby hotels available, there’s something to suit every preference. Packages include a Two-Day ticket.

BOOK A VACATION PACKAGE

5. Season Passes

California’s Great America also offers two different Season Passes. Season Passes provide unlimited admission through the end of the calendar year or term of purchase. These may be the best option for those who intend to visit the park more than once during these time frames.

Choose between Silver and Gold Passes. Both passes include free general parking. One of the main differences is that the Gold Pass includes everything on the Silver Pass plus two free Pre-K passes, unlimited admission to Fall and Winter Fest, and unlimited admission to Gilroy Gardens.

If you have the Gold pass, you can pay $95 as an upgrade called All Park Passport, which includes admission to ALL Cedar Fair parks.

6. Free Pre-K Passes

If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5, register them by August 1, 2025 for a free Pre-K Pass. With this pass, eligible kids will receive unlimited visits for the 2025 season, including access to Bay Shores Waterpark, The Great Pumpkin Fest, and WinterFest.

You will need to first purchase a Gold Pass first in order to activate a Pre-K pass.

A little girl stands with Snoopy at California's Great America.

7. Military Discounts

Active and retired military personnel and veterans can receive a discount on front gate pricing on single-day admission. Take advantage of these savings online. Currently, they are not available due to the park closing for the winter, but oftentimes, single-day military tickets start at $39.99.

8. Group Discounts

A group discount is available for purchases of 15 – 99 tickets when purchased in advance online. Group discounts apply for regular admission and Winterfest tickets. Details are available on the park’s website.

9. Bring-A-Friend Tickets

If you hold a California’s Great America Season Pass, you can bring a friend starting at $29.99. Season Pass holders can purchase up to 6 bring-a-friend tickets.

What About Costco?

By all means, check Costco’s gift card and ticket section in your local store to see if they are selling cheap tickets for California’s Great America. You will likely not find them, as they’ve gotten out of the business of selling theme park tickets. They only sell vacation packages to major theme parks like Disney World.

Important California’s Great America Tips

Here’s what to know before you go.

Check California’s Great America Hours

When planning a visit to California’s Great America, be sure to check their calendar for opening dates and hours. They suggest checking hours on the morning of your visit as they may shift a little on opening days.

Read the Terms and Conditions

Before purchasing California’s Great America tickets, be sure to read all terms and conditions which should outline expiration dates, refund policies, and transfer policies. Some tickets will not be usable on days with special events like Halloween Haunt or Winterfest.

Consider Upgrading With Fast Lane

You can upgrade your ticket before you go or at the park to include a Fast Lane wristband, which allows you to bypass the regular lines on 18 rides, including the RailBlazer roller coaster and Gold Striker. It starts at $59/day.

California’s Great America Directions and Parking

California’s Great America is in San Francisco’s South Bay area in Santa Clara, California. (The new football stadium home to the San Francisco 49ers, Levi’s Stadium, was subsequently built adjacent to it.)

California’s Great America Address
4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Of course, you can drive to Santa Clara, but you can also take multiple forms of public transportation to California’s Great America.

Parking at California’s Great America currently costs $30 per car per day and $40 per RV when purchased in advance on the website.

It’s Not Just Roller Coasters

While the park is famous for thrill rides, young kids will enjoy meeting the Peanuts gang at Planet Snoopy, live entertainment, the carousel, and more. Even the new South Bay Shores water park (formerly known as Boomerang Bay water park), will feature water slides for small children and mellow experiences like a lazy river.

The Gold Striker roller coaster flies down the wooden track.

See also how to buy:

How do you buy discount California’s Great America tickets?

Katie Dillon

Katie Dillon
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom and a travel advisor. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel), local connections, and content. Readers have access to her exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both). Katie graduated from UC San Diego and is also a Disney Travel Agent.
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