Ready to Ride? Here’s Your All-American, Cross-Country Theme Park Guide

Whether you’re looking to add an adrenaline rush to your vacation or planning an entire thrill ride-focused trip, theme parks can be the perfect adventure.

With so many theme parks dotting the country — whether you’re planning a family getaway or just channeling your inner child — chances are you’ll find a park that piques your interests.

TAMPA

So, you want the fun of theme parks, but you also want to balance that with the sun-kissed sands of the beach. You can’t blame a person for wanting their cake and eating it too, and the good news is that Tampa has you covered.

Located within driving distance to several theme parks and beaches, Tampa lets you have the best of both worlds.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

A family adventure of thrill rides and exciting animal exhibits await at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. With the Tigris coaster open and another hybrid coaster in the making, Busch Gardens is an ideal destination for thrill seekers.

Animal lovers will also enjoy the array of exhibits and safaris to explore along with the various animal encounters in the on-site zoo.

LEGOLAND® Florida

With a theme park and a water park, LEGOLAND® Florida is the perfect place for younger kids and the colorful builder in all of us to explore. Celebrate the opening of LEGO MOVIE™ WORLD or walk through nature in the park’s on-site botanical gardens, Cypress Gardens.

A menagerie of exciting rides, character meet-and-greets and water slides are waiting you and your family.

SAN DIEGO

The SoCal city of San Diego is home to theme parks that offer the perfect afternoon adventure. From underwater excitement to family-friendly fun, there is a theme park in San Diego that’s perfect for you.

Spend a couple of days in the city and make sure to visit these two smile-inducing theme parks.

LEGOLAND California

Theme park rides, water rides and an aquarium come together at LEGOLAND® California. Fun for the whole family, this SoCal theme park brings out your love for these colorful building blocks.

A series of shows are also featured in the theme park which can offer you a much-needed break between rides.

SeaWorld San Diego

Marine mammals, aquatic animals and theme park rides meet at SeaWorld San Diego. From exclusive animal experiences to the brand-new Tidal Twister coaster, SeaWorld San Diego lets you have the best of both worlds.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA

Home to the house of mouse, Anaheim is a wonderful theme park city to explore. The perfect 2-3-day trip, this city can be the weekend getaway you’re looking for when you’re experiencing that theme park itch.

A favorite for both locals and tourists, Disneyland® will put a smile on your face and bring out your inner child.

Disneyland® Resort

The original Disney® theme park, Disneyland® offers something for the entire family. Split across two parks, Disneyland® and Disney’s California Adventure® evokes nostalgia while lighting up the bright-eyed wonder in its guests.

Whether taking your children to meet their favorite animated character brought to life or exploring the brand-new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge®, you and your party will be delighted to be at the happiest place on earth.

LOS ANGELES

The city of stars isn’t just filled with celebrities and movie sets. Los Angeles is also home to one of the most iconic theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood. The amalgamation of theme park and a working Hollywood studio await you.

Universal Studios Hollywood

From the iconic Backlot tour to Jurassic World The Ride, Universal Studios Hollywood lets you enter the world of your favorite movies.

Slot some time in for magical adventures at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ while at the Universal Studios Hollywood or explore the neon lights of Universal CityWalk™.

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA

Find revolutionary excitement in Williamsburg, Virginia. Add some theme park thrills to your daily activities between hiking, biking and colonial towns.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg adds some adrenaline to your quaint getaway and is the perfect way to mix up your vacation on the east coast.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Regardless of the time of year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg makes for an exciting theme park adventure. The water park and theme park combination provide adrenaline inducing rides and cooling water slides.

Shows and kid-friendly excitement also await at this perfect day trip destination. Enjoy the thrills while in Williamsburg at this theme park built for aficionados.

SAN ANTONIO

A mix of history and metropolitan charm are in excess in San Antonio. After a day at the Alamo or an evening at the San Antonio River Walk, you can find fun waiting for you at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. Spend a day or two in these thrilling theme parks as you scream with joy on coasters or audibly ‘aww’ at aquatic animals.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

True thrill seekers can enjoy that sweet hang time and the adrenaline rush at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Single rail coasters, steel wooden fusion coasters and even go-karts are ready to excite those in the Lone Star State. The park is also home to a series of family-friendly shows and entertainment.

ORLANDO

When you think theme parks, you think Orlando and with good reason. The city is filled with theme parks from the family friendly to the adrenaline inducing. Enjoy an evening firework show or meet your favorite characters at these parks.

Universal Orlando Resort™

The biggest characters in movies, TV and pop culture come out to play at Universal Orlando Resort™. Divided among two theme parks and a water park, Universal Orlando Resort brings the magic of movies to life.

From the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ at the Islands of Adventure to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™ ride at Universal Studios Florida, an endless amount of fun is there for fans, families and anyone looking for some excitement.

Walt Disney World® Resort

This is the big kahuna of Orlando theme parks. In Walt Disney World® sits four major theme parks and two water parks. From the exciting world of Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World® Resort is an ideal vacation for kids and kids at heart.

Be sure to make time for the series of evening shows and fireworks spectaculars.

This article was published through a partnership with Vacations by Marriott. Read the original story: The American Cross-Country Theme Park Guide on the blog.