Disneyland
The 50-year-old theme park is still the world's most famous and new attractions are always appearing in the ‘Magic Kingdom'. The park is divided into themed ‘lands' (Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Toontown) each with a variety of rides and entertainment. Favourite attractions include the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Star Tours and Indiana Jones Adventure. The fabulous Electrical Parade and night-time laser light show alone are worth the trip.

Located next to Disneyland, Disneyland California Adventure has four theme areas that represent California: pass under the Golden Gate Bridge at Sunshine Plaza, then visit Paradise Pier hyping the glories of seaside piers, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, A bug's land - life from a bug's point of view, and Golden State which celebrates the history and beauty of California. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, plunges riders down a 43-m (141-ft) elevator shaft.

1313 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim
Tel: (714) 781 4565.
Website: www.disney.go.com
Opening hours: Hours vary, check before visiting.
Admission charge.

Knott's Berry Farm
America's oldest theme park began as a tea room in 1928. Later Walter Knott built the ‘Ghost Town' to entertain customers queuing for his wife's boysenberry pies and chicken dinners. Today, shows and attractions are part of its several themed areas, which include an Old West Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy. The real draw is the hair-raising thrill rides - the Silver Bullet, Supreme Scream and Ghost Rider, one of the tallest and longest wooden roller coasters in the West, and the 50s-themed XCELERATOR, with cars that look like '57 Chevys.

8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
Tel: (714) 220 5200.
Website: www.knotts.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-2200, Sun 1000-1900; extended summer and holiday hours. Hours vary with the season, so check before visiting.
Admission charge.