The 7 Coolest Roller Coasters in America

June 9, 2015

Welcome to Summer! While the official start date of summer is still a few weeks away, I usually see anything after Memorial Day as summertime. Every summer needs a checklist so you can enjoy the season before it slips away again.

So what should be on your summertime checklist? How about one of these massively cool coasters:

Sling Shot at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Since I’m not tall enough or brave enough to ride most of the coasters on this list, here is a thrill ride I did in Myrtle Beach. My face is hilarious and you’ll enjoy watching me soar 300 feet into the air!

Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta, Texas

This one seems obvious for the extreme coaster fanatic. This hybrid (wood/steel) coaster hurls you down a staggering drop of 171 feet at a blazing speed of 70 mph. After the two big initial drops you’ll also experience a 360-degree barrel roll. It’s fast, it’s smooth and full of amazing thrills at every turn.

Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Ohio

Considered by most to be the top ride at Cedar Point, Millennium Force is a humongous coaster. It is so big that it created a whole new category: the giga coaster. With an unbelievable 310-foot drop at 93 mph you better be buckled-in tight for the ride of your life!

Goliath at Six Flags Great America, Illinois

Goliath might be the most extreme wooden coaster in the world. You travel up a 165-foot hill and plunge down a 180-foot nearly vertical drop. Moving at speeds of up to 72 mph you shoot around crazy turns, go upside down and experience a 180-degree Zero-G roll into an inverted drop. You might want to pack a spare pair.

Kumba at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

Voted as one of the best in the world, Kumba may quickly become one of your favorites. Named after a lion’s distant roar, Kumba sends you diving down a 135-foot drop, feeling a full 3 seconds of absolute weightlessness. Let me make it easy for you, this coaster has lots and lots of loops. You’ll experience sensory overload!

Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion, Virginia

What would you expect from a ride call the Intimidator? This sensational steel roller coaster is 305 feet tall with over 5,000 feet of track. Speeds hit an unbelievable 90 mph and you’ll feel some pretty extreme g-forces at the bottom of the first drop. This one leaves your brain feeling a bit disconnected.

Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

If you like them tall and fast, there is nothing bigger and faster than Kingda Ka. Reaching a whopping 456 feet into the sky, you’ll go 90 degrees straight up before plunging down a super intense 270-degree spiral. Even seasoned coaster lovers will be at least a little scared on this one. The speed and drops will blow your mind.