ZooCalifornia, US

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and captivating animal encounters in Vallejo, California.

Official website Open in Maps

About

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a unique blend of thrilling rides and captivating animal encounters in Vallejo, California. This extraordinary park is America's only destination combining wildlife, marine life, and roller coasters, providing an unparalleled entertainment experience for all ages. From heart-pounding coasters to educational animal presentations, it truly lives up to its slogan as the "Thrill Capital of Northern California".

Visitors can come face-to-face with majestic creatures and dive into interactive exhibits across the park's distinct "Land," "Sea," and "Sky" themed areas. Explore the underwater world with sharks in a walk-through tunnel, marvel at the grace of bottlenose dolphins, or observe powerful big cats like tigers and lions. Beyond the animal kingdom, adrenaline seekers can brave a lineup of world-class roller coasters, including Medusa, The Joker, and Superman: Ultimate Flight.

Whether you're soaring on a thrilling ride, enjoying an engaging animal show, or exploring immersive exhibits, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom delivers a memorable day out. Its diverse attractions ensure that every visit is filled with excitement, discovery, and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. It's a perfect destination for those seeking both wild adventures and exhilarating entertainment. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom originated in 1968 as Marine World, a small zoo located in Redwood City, California. In the mid-1970s, it merged with Africa USA, a failing land-animal park, becoming Marine World Africa USA. The park eventually relocated to its current 135-acre site in Vallejo, California, opening there in 1986. In the late 1990s, Premier Parks (now Six Flags Entertainment Corporation) was hired to manage the property, introducing amusement rides to enhance attendance. The park was rebranded several times, including "The New Marine World Theme Park" in 1998 and "Six Flags Marine World" in 1999, which saw the addition of major roller coasters like Kong and Boomerang: Coast to Coaster. In 2007, to better reflect its unique blend of animal attractions and thrill rides, the park was officially renamed Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, dividing the park into distinct "Land," "Sea," and "Sky" sections.

What to do here

Engage in animal encounters, watch live animal shows, and ride the park's collection of roller coasters and family attractions. You can meet wildlife experts at the Backstage Safari, get up close with big cats, or feed a giraffe through various animal experiences. Explore themed areas like Looney Tunes Seaport for younger guests.

Seasonal info

The park operates year-round, with specialty seasonal events such as **Fright Fest** in the fall and **WinterFest** (formerly Holiday in the Park) during the winter holidays. These events often feature themed decorations, entertainment, and special food and beverage offerings. Summer months (June, July, August) tend to be busier, especially on weekends.

Accessibility

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is committed to accommodating guests with disabilities. The park provides an Attraction Accessibility Program, and many shopping, dining, and ride queues are wheelchair accessible. Guests can apply for an IBCCES Accessibility Card for accommodations. Service animals are permitted.

Don't miss

Don't miss the Rainforest Trail featuring over 500 free-flying butterflies and a sloth, or the enhanced Shark Experience with a walk-through underwater tunnel. Animal shows like Drench! with bottlenose dolphins are also popular. For thrill-seekers, iconic roller coasters include Medusa, The Joker, **Superman

Ultimate Flight**, and **BATMAN™ The Ride**.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Seven Spotted Lady Beetle

California Poppy

Western Fence Lizard

Red Tailed Hawk

Chicory

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Buy tickets online in advance

Purchasing tickets online can save you a significant amount compared to gate prices.

Arrive early

Many locals with season passes tend to arrive later in the day. Arriving shortly after opening can help you enjoy shorter lines for popular attractions.

Consider a Flash Pass

If visiting on a busy day, a Flash Pass allows you to reserve ride times and bypass long lines, maximizing your ride experience.

Download the park app

The Six Flags app provides a detailed map, showtimes, and allows for mobile food ordering, helping you navigate the park efficiently.

Plan for distant parking

The parking lot is a considerable distance from the entrance, so plan extra time for walking or using the shuttle service.

Stay hydrated and sun-protected

Northern California weather can be warm, especially during summer. Bring water bottles, wear sunscreen, and seek shade when possible.

Frequently asked questions

: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is home to a diverse collection of animals, including marine mammals like bottlenose dolphins and seals, large land animals such as tigers, lions, giraffes, and cheetahs, as well as stingrays, sharks, and various bird species. You can explore exhibits like Temple of the Tiger, Lion's Lair, and Penguin Passage.
: Yes, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a wide variety of rides suitable for all age groups, from gentle attractions for small children in areas like Looney Tunes Seaport and Seaside Junction, to thrilling roller coasters and rides for older kids and adults. Notable thrill rides include Medusa, The Joker, Superman: Ultimate Flight, and BATMAN™ The Ride, while family-friendly options and water rides are also available.
: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom hosts several exciting seasonal events annually, including Fright Fest during the fall, which transforms the park with haunted houses and scare zones, and WinterFest during the holiday season, featuring millions of lights, festive entertainment, and holiday-themed activities. The park also has other themed events throughout the year, offering unique experiences beyond the regular attractions.