Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm started as a farm selling the homemade preserves of one Mrs. Cordelia Knott. Although Ma Knott and her family are long gone, her jams are still on sale. But on the whole, the folks at Knott's Berry Farm have realized that it can't get by on nostalgia alone: there seems to have been a concerted effort of late among the park managers to haul this formerly old-fashioned enterprise into the 21st century.

Parts of Knott's Berry Farm aim to portray an idealized, kinder America than you might find at, for example, Universal Studios. Some charming remnants of the park's early years remain: most notably in the Ghost Town section, which contains a number of buildings that have been transplanted from old mining towns. The continued presence of Snoopy as the park's mascot is another gentle nod to tradition. Ultimately, though, the thrill-seekers win out over the sentimentalists thanks to a number of water rides, the stomach-churning Xcelerator and Montezooma's Revenge attractions, and two new rollercoasters: the Sierra Sidewinder and the Pony Express.

Next door to the Berry Farm sits Soak City, a mammoth water park that's open only during the summer months. Combination tickets are available for the two attractions; check online for details.