In the morning, visit the Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster built-in 1924, located next to the Santa Monica Pier. After lunch, head over to Pacific Park, where you can enjoy a variety of rides and games, including the Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered Ferris wheel. In the evening, visit the Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining.
Start your day at Raging Waters, the largest water park in California. It's time to beat the heat and enjoy the water rides, slides, and wave pools. In the afternoon, head over to Hurricane Harbor, the water park is located in Valencia. You can relax on the sand or surf the waves. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive back to Santa Monica along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Start your day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can enjoy a variety of rides and shows based on your favorite movies and TV shows. After lunch, head over to Six Flags Magic Mountain, one of the world's best theme parks. You can enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, and family-friendly attractions. In the evening, head back to Santa Monica and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along the beach.
If you're looking for more theme park fun, we recommend visiting Knott's Berry Farm or Disneyland, both located in Anaheim, which is about an hour and a half from Santa Monica. Additionally, if you have time, take a day trip to Malibu and visit the Getty Villa or the Malibu Wine Safari for a unique experience. For maximizing your fun, we suggest purchasing express passes to skip the long lines and arrive early at the parks to beat the crowds.