If you’re a roller coaster fan, you’re already familiar with the appeal of innovation. Often, someone will build a gravity-defying rollercoaster only to have it one-upped shortly after. With many roller coasters built to draw guests by setting records, it’s hard not to be curious about rides that are built for the explicit purpose of doing something new. This is why when hearing about the latest offering from California’s Great America, it’s difficult to resist planning a visit once it opens.
As the first coaster on the West Coast to feature a single rail track, RailBlazer seeks to provide thrills in ways other roller coasters just can’t. It’s considered a revolutionary concept in the design of rollercoasters. The unique one-track layout allows the cars to feel truly weightless, pushing and pulling on riders in a similar way to a Wild Mouse roller coasters. The coaster also puts passengers in an eight-passenger single file formation, causing the thrills to be more intense and the views to be wider than other models.
Those brave enough to take the journey will be taken up 106 feet in the air before going straight into a 90-degree drop. Riders will hit a top speed of 52 miles per hour across the 1,800-foot track. Though the ride is less than two minutes long, you’ll scream enough to keep the adrenaline going for the rest of the day! There is also a good amount of airtime to be found on this ride, ensuring that even the most avid roller coaster fans are still surprised.
RailBlazer is a true destination rollercoaster, so it makes sense that you would want to plan an entire vacation to the Bay Area just to say that you’ve conquered it. This is why we decided to create a guide to booking your next vacation to go visit California’s Great America!
Where to Stay
If you want to be right near California’s Great America to ensure that you can ride RailBlazer as much as possible, it’s essential that you look into hotels in Santa Clara, CA. Hotels in Santa Clara are also generally affordable when compared to other options in the Bay Area, making them more advisable as well for those who are planning to come with family and friends.
The Hyatt House Santa Clara is one of the best options for those coming in from out of town specifically to ride RailBlazer. It features large, well-appointed rooms that are perfect for vacationing families. There’s also free Wi-Fi to keep everyone happy and connected.
The Biltmore Hotel and Suites Santa Clara Hotel is another good choice for people taking a trip to California’s Great America. The hotel offers a luxury experience at regular prices; its upscale design makes you feel like you’re treating yourself.
How to Get to California’s Great America
California’s Great Adventure is very close to many of the Santa Clara hotels. For example, if you’re staying at either of the aforementioned options, it’s less than 10 minutes away. Though it’s only a short distance, using public transit is significantly longer, taking up to 55 minutes. We recommend that you rent a car or use a ride-sharing application!
The Best Food in the Area
If you want to grab a bite after getting back from a long day of thrilling roller coasters, all you have to do is stop at any of the popular spots very close to the hotel! For example, Chipotle, Mezbaan, and Piatti are all great options in the surrounding area that offer a variety of foods that will please anyone.
