 "Photo: Courtesy of California's Great America")
 "Photo: Courtesy of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk")
 "Photo: Courtesy of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk")
With amusement park season upon us, the need for thrills is evident, but where are the best places to go?
Two nearby theme parks you might consider are Paramount's Great America in Santa Clara, or the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Both have a lot to offer in very different settings.
Great America is well known for its great roller coaster Flight Deck, which used to be known as Top Gun. Of both parks and most amusement parks I have been to this is by far one of the most thrilling rides I have ever ridden. It literally blows the tears out of your eyes. The drops and spins are smooth unlike some rough roller coasters but the best is the great speed and feeling of flying over water; nothing I have ridden has come close to matching this extreme ride. A great new touch to the ride is now instead of taking your photo during the big drop a camera takes about a 30 second film of you and the person next to you. A short movie of your reactions is much more hysterical than a simple photo.
Great America also now offers a water park inside its regular theme park during the summer months. A great touch when you're wandering around the enormous park and need a quick cool off before heading to the next ride.
During the spring months when the water park is not open, the park tends to get tiresome very quickly. The walking combined with the artificial food and tossing of your body makes you ready to head home only a couple of hours in, making the entrance cost not worth the time spent.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on the other hand is comparatively very inexpensive with different day passes depending on how much time you have to spend and what you want to do. For an all day ride pass at the Boardwalk it costs about $30, the entrance fee to Great America is more than $50 for one day and you are not allowed to bring in any outside food or drink.
You are allowed to come and go as you please and bring in any food you wish at the Boardwalk.
It is easy to spend hours at the Boardwalk with so many really great roller coasters such as the Big Dipper. The Dipper has a history that goes all the way back to the 1920's which gives the park a nice personal feel instead of so commercial.
The beautiful scenery around the Boardwalk makes all the high points of rides that much more breathtaking than anything Great America can offer.
One of the best things about the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is that no matter what time of year it is, it is always perfect to take a stroll on the beach between attractions. It's even better in the summer, making it warm enough to go for a swim and then play volleyball.
The Boardwalk offers so much more in great rides such as a creepy haunted castle, Lodger's Revenge water ride (which is much more thrilling and wet then Loggers Run of Great America), and Double Shot (which is a take off of Drop Tower with a speedy rise added.)
The best bet for your dollar and all-day satisfaction will definitely lie at the Boardwalk. The rides are less harsh on your body, don't tire quickly, and the restraints don't make you feel like your being tied down for torture.
For more information on season passes, tickets, or park times visit these websites: http://beachboardwalk.com http://www.pgathrills.com/index.cfm#actions
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