In June 2010, I wrote an article for Eastgate Publishing to print in their August 2010 issue of their In-Flight Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine. It was geared toward travelers flying their way to Los Angeles, California, who may perhaps, have less than a solid idea exactly where they should tour in LA.
As I have had extensive experience riding Six Flag’s coasters, taking pictures with Disney Princesses, splashing around at Raging Waters, and touring the back lots of Universal Studios, I was fully able to impart my ”Top LA Theme Parks” know-hows!
You have just landed in beautiful sunny Los Angeles! Your rental car is waiting, you have the entire week available, your wallet is ready, and YOU are ready!!! But what now? With so many choices and endless possibilities of the fun you could have, where exactly should you go? Here are the Top 10 reasons why you should visit LA’s top 10 theme parks:
#1 Disneyland – Because the kids will love you forever and ever and ever and ever!!! 
The mother of all theme parks, this classic is a fairytale kingdom where the kids can take pictures with princesses walking down Main Street, they can eat mouse-shaped pretzels and ice cream, and where the different lands of Toon Town, Fantasyland, Critter Country, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Adventureland all exist in one place! For children, Disneyland truly is the happiest place on earth, and a visit here will create unforgettable childhood memories they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
#2 Disney’s California Adventure – Because of this one ride called “Soarin’ Over California”
Imagine yourself and your family with the ability to fly while comfortably sitting down. Then imagine that you are flying over breathtaking California landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, a California river, and the giant Sequoia trees. You see these sights from a birds-eye view, you feel the wind in your hair, you hear the wild horses galloping on the California plains, and you smell the orange trees that you just flew over. Yes, this ride is that good.
#3 Six Flags Magic Mountain – Because the teenagers need something more thrilling.
Speed through the air at 65 miles an hour all while standing up. Ride completely backwards. Plunge at a near vertical degree from 26 stories high at 85 miles an hour. Feel the true simulation of flight as you are ride completely horizontal. And then there’s the scariest ride of them all with seats that independently rotate a full 360 degrees; you won’t know what position you’ll end up. If you want thrills, look no further. Magic Mountain is undoubtedly the most thrilling of all the theme parks and will have you screaming in no time.
#4 Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Because it’s hot outside and you wish a theme park could turn into a pool party.
It can! Right next door to Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a completely different world. The dress code is swimsuits and flip-flops. You are carrying a salva-vida float tube rather than your purse. And on every single ride, YOU WILL GET WET! It is the ultimate theme park to visit on a hot summer day. 
#5 Raging Waters – Because it has gotten even hotter outside and you want an even bigger pool party.
An even bigger water park in size but just as wet! With tube rides, water slides, and even a man-made beach with real waves!
#6 Aquarium of the Pacific – Because you want to pet a shark
Yes, you read that correctly. One of the largest in the United States, this aquarium has over 150 exhibits open to the public, including one where sharks swim in shallow pools. And you can reach in and pet a shark. You don’t need much more of a reason than that now, do you?
#7 Knott’s Berry Farm – Because they have this thing during Halloween called Knott’s Scary Farm
If your visit happens to be during Halloween, you simply cannot miss this once-a year-event! The entire park is transformed and outfitted for Halloween, and around every corner is a possible spook!
#8 Los Angeles Zoo – Because this is undeniably the best value of all the theme parks.
Thirteen Dollars. That’s all it takes to see lions, elephants, tigers, giraffes, bears, monkeys, reptiles and birds, the list goes on! A price so small for an experience so big makes the Los Angeles Zoo one of the best values for your American dollar.
#9 Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park – Because everyone loves a carnival on the beach
A miniature version of theme parks, Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park is an ocean-front delight with a Ferris-wheel, roller coaster rides, carnival games, and a boardwalk. And just a few feet away are the shores of Santa Monica Beach!
#10 Universal Studios Hollywood – Because some of your favorite movies were shot right here!
Los Angeles is the land of movie-making, home to the ever-glamorous culture of Hollywood! Universal Studios is not only a theme park, but the actual film location to many of your favorite movies. Tours through the park may provoke memories of scenes you’ve watched right on the big screen, such as a shark attack from Jaws and the street where the Delorean sped through on Back to the Future.
Now that you’ve got your “Must Visit” list, go out there and have some fun! And no matter where you decide to go, any of LA’s top ten theme parks is guaranteed to make your trip to Los Angeles a fun and memorable one!