What are the best California State Fair rides? The Bee reviewed this year’s top thrillers
Some fairgoers come to the California State Fair in Sacramento for the corn dogs, others for the concerts and still more to enter into the statewide cannabis, livestock, wine or cooking competitions.
But there’s always at least one member of a family who comes to the fair for one reason and one reason only: that sweet rush of adrenaline and sweeter rush of blood that comes from being suspended upside down, 40 feet above the ground.
Each ride requires between three and 10 coupons for admission, with each coupon being equivalent to $1. Most cost four or five coupons. Fairgoers can either purchase tickets at digital stands near the rides or can buy unlimited ride wristbands for $37 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and for $42 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Some brave Sacramento Bee interns rode a few of the more than 50 rides at Cal Expo for this year’s fair and took notes to fill readers in on the craziest, most gravity-defying rides — as well as some of calmer ones, for those looking for an activity without a side of nausea.
Here are a few of our favorites, ranked in ascending order by “fear factor.”
FERRIS WHEEL
Price: 5 coupons
Let’s be real: We wouldn’t be doing this list justice if we didn’t include the Ferris wheel. We almost all have fond memories of days at the fair that ended with us slowly swinging above the ground and taking in an aerial view of fairgoers far below, whether it be side-by-side with our childhood best friend or at the finale of a first date, while we wondered if our date would kiss us at the top.
Although it likely won’t give you a rush of fear-induced adrenaline, we highly recommend adding this ride to your list of fair must-dos. (Unless, of course, you’re deathly afraid of heights. In that case, this one might not be for you.)
Fear Factor: 2/10
WHITE WATER
Price: 7 coupons
On those 101-degree fair days, nothing is going to sound better than being drenched in water. Although the White Water log ride is short, featuring only two drops into the rushing water, it was undeniably refreshing and the line moved quickly due to the fact that the logs don’t stop moving while riders get on and off. For the length of the ride, the number of coupons required is a steep price, but it might just be worth it for the sake of cooling off.
Tips: There is no place to leave your belongings, so either leave them with a friend who isn’t riding, or take them with you and risk getting them wet. Also, how soaked you get will vary, but the person sitting in front generally takes the most water damage.
Fear Factor: 3/10
SCREAM MACHINE
Price: 7 coupons
It’s the classic, slightly-rickety roller coaster we know and love. Though a short ride – about 45 seconds long – it’s a staple, great for fairgoers seeking a stomach drop but not looking to lose their corn dogs.
Tip: There’s no spot to leave your belongings, so either hold on tight or pass to a friend or family member.
Fear factor: 5/10
MEGA FLIP
Price: 5 coupons
We’ll be honest — the name of this ride strikes us as false advertising. Though Mega Flip gradually swings riders higher and higher, it never gets to the point of flipping over the top, like you probably imagined would happen at the swings as a kid if your parent pushed you too hard.
Rides similar to this one sometimes spin in a circle while they swing, adding a little more excitement and unpredictability to the experience, but without that, this ride fell a little flat. Still, the ride will give you a rush, and is a good value for the number of tickets required.
Fear Factor: 6/10
FIREBALL
Price: 5 coupons
Fireball is a fair classic; the full-circle train ride that hangs at the top for just long enough to make you question if something is broken, until it starts moving along the track again and the screams of fear turn back into screams of fun. For a great value of only five coupons, Fireball seems to obey the laws of physics well enough (centrifugal force, anyone?) that your friends with anxiety (us) might just be convinced to live on the edge with you for a few circles around the track.
Fear Factor: 7
INVERSION
Price: 7 coupons
If you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open, Inversion will get you an upside-down, birds-eye view of the fairgrounds. Riders swing up to higher and higher heights, eventually completing a 360-degree loop about 40 feet in the air. Those afraid of heights – or gravity – should beware.
Fear Factor: 8/10
TURBO
Price: 7 coupons
The interns agree: This is hands-down the scariest ride at the State Fair this year. Even if you’re not afraid of heights, wait for the blood rush as the ride spins you like a sock in a washing machine at skyscraper-heights. We don’t recommend braving Turbo until you’ve fully digested your funnel cake.
Fear Factor: 10/10
If one (or several) of the rides on this list has caught your attention and you’re jumping at the chance to check it out for yourself, don’t worry; you have two more weeks to do so.
The main ride area will be open from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on the weekends until July 30, the final day of the fair.
There is also a “Kidland” area with options more suitable to young kids, which opens at 1 p.m. weekdays except Tuesdays.
Keep in mind that even the non-unlimited tickets are distributed in the form of wristbands, so it may be difficult to share tickets among a group.
Have fun exploring all the thrills these rides have to offer, and try not to drop anything at the top.
