Each of the Southern California theme parks has its own personality: Disney is quality and theming, Universal Studios is movies, Knott’s Berry Farm is Western charm and thrills, and Six Flags Magic Mountain is coasters. That’s right—Six Flags Magic Mountain is the place for roller coasters—there are 19 coasters in this one park at last count. Its arsenal of coasters is about the only thing going for it—we do not feel it is a very family-friendly park. But if you’re a coaster enthusiast, we suspect you’ll be in heaven at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

AMBIENCE

Six Flags Magic Mountain feels and looks like your basic amusement park with a paper-thin veneer of theming. Built in the 1970s by the folks who created Sea World, originally Magic Mountain had just one roller coaster and 29 other attractions ranging from a simple monorail to a bumper boats ride. Ah, such innocence! Many roller coasters were added over the years, as many as one a year. While attractions geared toward families have been added, the park is very popular with local teens, who tend to roam around in groups and affect the park experience negatively for others. It’s also not the cleanest place, thanks in large part to the teens. But if you’re here for the coasters, who’s worried about that stuff? Do note that all guests must pass through metal detectors as they enter the park.

PARK LAYOUT AND HIGHLIGHTS

This 260-acre park is nestled in the mountains (hence the name) and its terrain is quite hilly. The park is divided into nine sections, in counter-clockwise order:

Six Flags Plaza—The entrance plaza with services, eateries, and shops.
Headline Attraction: Grand Carousel

High Sierra Territory—California’s High Sierras are loosely evoked in this wooded land with a good eatery—Mooseburger Lodge. Also includes the children’s ride area with the world’s largest man-made tree.
Headline Attractions: Canyon Blaster, Sylvester’s Pounce & Bounce, Whistlestop Park

Steampunk District—It’s huge! It’s giant! It’s colossal! Well, at least its coasters are big and hugely popular.
Headline Attractions: Twisted Colossus, Goliath, Scream!, LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom

DC Universe—Enter a large, gritty city—this is the realm of Batman! Gray never looked so good.
Headline Attractions: BATMAN The Ride

The Movie District—More Batman in a show and coaster, plus family rides.
Headline Attractions: The Riddler’s Revenge, Gold Rusher

Cyclone Bay—No hills to climb here other than the coaster hills.
Headline Attractions:  Cyclone 500, Apocalypse, Dive Devil, Jet Stream

Samurai Summit—Japanese-mythology themed area.
Headline Attractions: Tatsu, Ninja, Superman: Escape From Krypton

Rapids Camp Crossing—Hike up the hill lined with tall trees to a small area with just one ride, Katy’s Kettle eatery, and arcade games.
Headline Attraction: Roaring Rapids

Baja Ridge—Mexican-Baja California with the infamous X coaster.
Headline Attractions: X2, The New Revolution, Viper