9 Awesome Independent Amusement Parks

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, California)

Of the parks on our list, this one definitely has one of the best views (if not THE best). The seafront location adds to its charm and has been attracting visitors since 1907. It is the oldest surviving amusement park in California and attracts at least 2 million visitors every year.

Everything you love about a classic carnival is here including one of the country’s most famous bumper car rides and the Giant Dipper, a colossal wooden coaster with over 60 million riders to its credit. The food is also incredible and the selection is seemingly endless.