California's Great America Season Pass: Everything You Need to Know
A Season Pass is the most popular pass at California's Great America.
In this guide, we'll explain what California's Great America Season Pass is, the differences between the various season passes, what perks they offer, how you can pay for it, and even the upgrades that you can make.
What is California's Great America Season Pass?
A Great America Season Pass allows a pass holder to visit the park an unlimited number of times throughout the 'season' in a year, on all days that are open to the public.
Some of the benefits that this Season Pass offers include:
- Unlimited Visits to Great America & South Bay Shores (water park)
- Free Parking
- Bring a Friend Discount Tickets
- Discounts on Food & Merchandise
How Long Does a Season Pass Last?
It's important to note that a Season Pass is different from an Annual pass, as typically Season Passes last until December 31st of the year that you purchased the pass.
If you purchased a Season Pass in April of 2024, your Season Pass will be valid through December of the same year, which in this case is 2024.
TYPES OF PASSES & BENEFITS
There are three types of Season Passes at California's Great America including:
- Silver Pass
- Gold Pass
- Platinum Pass
Main Differences of the Season Passes
The main difference is that the Platinum Pass allows you access to ALL Cedar Fair parks for the season (and the water park).
The Gold Pass allows you access to the park, Gilroy Gardens, and special events that occur throughout the year such as WinterFest and Tricks & Treats.
The Silver Pass mainly gives you access to Great America and South Bay Shores.
1. Silver Pass
A Silver Pass is the cheaper of the three options and is about a third of the price of the Platinum Pass.
This pass is perfect for visitors that are mostly interested in having access to the Great America park and South Bay Shores for the majority of the season.
A Silver Pass expires after Labor Day.
Silver Pass benefits include:
- Unlimited Visits to Great America & South Bay Shores through Labor Day
- Free General Parking
- 10% Food & Merchandise Discounts
- Bring-A-Friend Discount Tickets
- Pass Perks Rewards
2. Gold Pass
A Gold Pass offers everything that a Silver Pass offers along with unlimited visits to Gilroy Gardens, and access to special seasonal events without needing to purchase an additional ticket.
A Gold Pass is perfect for visitors who want to be able to have access to everything the park offers in a season.
Gold Pass benefits include:
- Unlimited Visits to Great America & South Bay Shores for the season
- Free General Parking
- 10% Food & Merchandise Discounts
- Bring-A-Friend Discount Tickets
- Pass Perks Rewards
- Unlimited Visits to Gilroy Gardens
- Unlimited Visits to Tricks and Treats & WinterFest
- 2 Pre-K Passes
3. Platinum Pass
A Platinum Pass is designed for visitors who love not just California's Great America, but all Cedar Fair parks.
Platinum Pass benefits include:
- Unlimited Visits to Great America & South Bay Shores for the season
- Free General Parking
- 10% Food & Merchandise Discounts
- Bring-A-Friend Discount Tickets
- Pass Perks Rewards
- Unlimited Visits to Tricks and Treats & WinterFest
- 2 Pre-K Passes
- Unlimited Visits To All Cedar Fair Parks
EASY PAY PLAN
The Easy Pay Plan is a payment plan that you can follow to pay for your season passes.
It allows you to have the flexibility to split up your payment over several months, rather than paying it all at once.
As a Pass holder, you will pay an initial payment (a one-time fee) the day that you purchase the pass, and then pay a fixed fee every month, for 6 consecutive months.
How it Works
- Select which season pass you want to purchase
- Input your billing information
- Upload a picture of yourself for your season pass or opt to take a picture at the park
- Check out
HOW TO GET MY SEASON PASS
You can purchase your Season Pass directly from California's Great America site.
WHEN SHOULD I GET A SEASON PASS?
If you're planning on visiting the park at least 2 times in a season, a Silver Pass may be a great option for you.
A Silver Pass pays for itself in under 2 visits.
WHEN SHOULD I NOT GET A SEASON PASS?
If you're only planning on visiting the park one time for the entire season, a 1-day ticket will be a better fit, instead of a Season pass.
SEASON PASS UPGRADES
During checkout, you will be given the option to upgrade your pass with a variety of options (that will also last for the entire season) including:
- All Season Dining
- Season Drink Bottle
- All Season Sun Pix
- Paper Cup Season Pass Drink Plan
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