Disneyland, or the Magic Kingdom, as some people it, opened in 1955, and by doing so the first major theme park attraction in Southern . Its success spawned many other parks in the and throughout the country. Walt Disney World opened years later in Orlando, Florida, as part of much larger complex that includes the Epcot Center, Disney Animal Kingdom, and the Disney Hollywood Studios, for many years, it was just Disneyland in California. Then came Knott's Berry Farm in Buena , California, just a stone's throw away from Disneyland.

's touts itself as "America's 1st Theme Park," and it is, but its beginnings are not like . Knott's was originally a place where local residents buy berries and preserves. It did not become major theme park attraction until well after Disneyland built. Nevertheless, it is today one of the attractions for both young and old visitors to region. The park features world-class roller coaster rides, shows. It also has an annual Halloween themed called "Fright Night," which has become a very attraction in the past 20 years.

Another famous park in the L.A. area is Magic Mountain, is located in Valencia, California, just a few north of the Los Angeles basin. It also world-class rides and attractions, and has been featured several Hollywood films, including the original Vacation movie Chevy Chase. These three parks form the core Southern California-based theme parks, but there are more parks in the region including Legoland, Sea World, Studios, and the California Adventure next to Disneyland. are just some of the major attractions Americans visit to have a good time in Southern .