California’s Great America’s Boomerang Bay to Become South Bay Shores in 2020

It’s been rumored for some time that California’s Great America would be making a bit of a “big splash” in their Boomerang Water Park next season. Slide pieces were spotted on-site, and now we know that not only will the in-park water park will be expanded, it will receive a complete facelift as it becomes “South Bay Shores.”

According to the park, guests will be immersed in a completely transformed water park experience featuring seven completely new water attractions, new and upgraded food and merchandise locations, premium cabanas and a sandy beach play area – all richly themed to reflect the excitement and fun of the Northern California coast and South Bay regions.

The top-to-bottom conversion from Boomerang Bay into South Bay Shores will also bring a brand new entrance to California’s Great America, new family changing areas, more lounge chairs, additional shade and lush landscaping with native plants. The water park’s existing slides and attractions will receive makeovers as well, receiving new names highlighting the coastal theming of South Bay Shores.

As part of the expansion and re-branding, South Bay Shores will be home to three brand new water slide experiences, emanating from a single tower.

  • Shark Reef Plunge 
    Dare to challenge a nearly vertical freefall where the floor suddenly drops out from under your feet! This high-speed plunge into a series of flat loops and s-curves will provide the ultimate aquatic thrill.
  • Feeding Frenzy
    Ride solo or with a friend on a wild slide through an enclosed tube with dark spirals. A whirlpool finale will send you spinning around and around—and going wild!
  • Barracuda
    Just as intimidating as its namesake predator, Barracuda delivers fearsome speed, thrilling turns and a scream-worthy dive down a steep plunge.

At South Bay Shores, there will also be several new family friendly experiences!

  • Tide Pool Lagoon
    A new family lagoon with eight kid-sized water slides that line the perimeter of a zero-depth-entry pool will give children their own pint-sized water thrills.
  • Barefoot Beach
    This sand play and beach area will offer a new place for guests to relax and enjoy the sun.

And what would a newly re-branded water park be without some fresh, new food and beverage options?

  • Pier 76 Cafe
    Cooking up delicious fare, like fried shrimp and fish tacos, chicken tenders, sliders, and waffle fries, this new dining location will boast both shaded outdoor seating and air-conditioned indoor seating.
  • Sand Bar
    The sounds of waves crashing and friendly conversation will fill the atmosphere with a chill summertime vibe. Sip on a cool drink and relax at this new bar.

The existing water park cabanas near the Breakers Bay wave pool and new Tide Pool Lagoon will also receive a face lift and be the perfect place for families and groups to relax. Upgraded amenities include free Wi-Fi, charging stations, ceiling fans, TVs and dedicated food and beverage service.

“South Bay Shores represents the newest phase of a multi-year revitalization of California’s Great America, building on our nearly 50 year heritage of giving Bay Area residents even more reasons to call the park their favorite destination for fun,” said Manny Gonzalez, vice president and general manager of California’s Great America. “Along with the waterpark, recent investments such as the innovative RailBlazer roller coaster, new dining venues, and general park improvements are showing guests and the community that the park’s transformation is fully underway here in the South Bay.”

Check out the “fly over” of the South Bay Shores rendering.


California’s Great America is already well underway on construction for the new water park. For more information, visit California’s Great America’s website, and follow the park on social media: Facebook | Twitter  | Instagram. And check out all of the “New For 2020” Announcements that have been made so far!

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