Summer vacation means road trips, beach lounging and screaming your lungs out on some of America’s tallest, fastest and gut-wrenching roller coasters. The Travel Channel recently released their choices for the nation’s best thrills, and we’ve narrowed it down to five, including only the must-visits from across the land.
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, California © Americanspirit | Dreamstime
Knott’s Berry Farm
Just a stone’s throw from the more well-known parks in Southern California, this oft-missed park should not be overlooked. One of their more popular coasters is Montezuma’s Revenge, a coaster that shoots you out from 0 to 55 mph in just three seconds, sends you through a loop and then completes the cycle backwards. You’ll also want to stand in line for Ghost Rider, one of the world’s tallest (118 feet) and longest wooden coasters.
Nighthawk at Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina © Alena Sivyi | Dreamstime
Carowinds
This gem located just outside of Charlotte, N.C., is home to Fury 325, a coaster with speeds of up to 95 mph. Stand up and strap in on the Vortex, a standing coaster full of loops, twists and turns.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania © Cvandyke | Dreamstime
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels has the luxury of remaining America’s only admission-free amusement park. Guests only pay for rides, thus eliminating the need to race to each attraction and rush through lines. Prices for thrill rides range from $1.50 to $3.00.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California © Billyhoiler3 | Dreamstime
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Comic book fans are in their element in this theme park, just outside Los Angeles. Ride alongside Batman, Superman or the Green Lantern on three exhilarating coasters, or side with the enemy and ride the Lex Luthor or the Riddler.
Disneyland, Anaheim, California © Aleacall4 | Dreamstime
Disneyland
Kids of all ages will relish in the magic and fantasy that fills the air in this Anaheim, Calif., theme park. Buy an autograph book at the gift shop and see how many Disney characters’ signatures you can get!
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