Join the celebration of National Roller Coaster Day on one of the top 10 coasters in the U.S.

A thrilling mix of joy and fear, roller coasters deliver an unmatched sensation and an ultimate rush of dopamine. Secured in place, you’re suddenly launched at speeds that can exceed 100 mph.

From climbing steep hills to flipping through inversions, roller coasters evoke intense joy and a thrilling sense of excitement. Modern advancements blend state-of-the-art technology with the classic thrills of airtime, steep drops, and immersive theming.

With National Roller Coaster Day coming up on August 16, I've put together this list of 10 of the finest coasters in the U.S.

Steel Vengeance

Location: Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Steel Vengeance is a world-class roller coaster that consistently ranks at the pinnacle of thrill rides. Known as the "roller coaster capital of the world," Cedar Point's Steel Vengeance is a must-experience attraction.

This impressive coaster boasts remarkable achievements, including being the longest hybrid roller coaster globally at 5,740 feet and offering the most airtime on any coaster, with an astonishing 27.2 seconds. The thrilling two-and-a-half-minute ride kicks off with a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop at 90 degrees, reaching speeds of up to 74 mph. Riders will experience three zero-g rolls, a zero-g stall, and overbanked turns that defy the laws of physics.

The intricately designed track zips through the vast wooden framework, delivering exhilarating near-misses and heart-pounding moments. Concluding with five small airtime hills, this coaster promises a whirlwind of excitement that will leave your head spinning and your heart racing with delight.

Time Traveler

Location: Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City is a groundbreaking creation that defies conventional roller coaster norms. As the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster, it features an astonishing 90-degree drop right from the start and two powerful launches that propel riders through a thrilling labyrinth of track.

The g-forces experienced on this coaster alone make a trip to this delightful theme park in the Ozarks near Branson worthwhile. Featuring unique circular trains, riders can reach speeds of up to 50.3 mph while each car spins freely through three inversions and airtime moments. The most exhilarating experience occurs from the back row, although every ride offers a distinct adventure.

Wildcat's Revenge

Location: Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Making a thrilling debut in June 2023, Wildcat's Revenge at Hersheypark has garnered acclaim and was awarded the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster of 2023. This exciting addition from Rocky Mountain Construction offers a two-minute-and-36-second rush, reaching impressive speeds of 62 mph.

From the moment you plunge into the ride's staggering 82-degree drop, you're set on a path with no trims or brakes—just pure velocity. It relentlessly whips through four inversions and numerous airtime moments. Your journey kicks off with the world’s largest "underflip," an inversion hidden within a 270-degree upward roll that culminates in a steep dive. Only the most daring riders can manage to keep both hands up during this thrilling feat.

The zero-g stall—where the track twists 180 degrees and hangs inverted for a stretch—is a groundbreaking feature on RMC coasters and a personal highlight. You'll be delighted by the sudden twists and turns that pepper the entire ride experience.

Twisted Colossus

Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a vast amusement park featuring 20 roller coasters, making it a dream destination for coaster enthusiasts just an hour north of Los Angeles. Among all the thrilling rides, Twisted Colossus stands out for its innovative layout and exhilarating near-miss elements.

This exceptional hybrid coaster from Rocky Mountain Construction operates as a dueling twin coaster with a remarkable advantage: you can experience both tracks without pausing at the station. The extensive circuit boasts side-by-side tracks, complete with a thrilling high-five element as both trains lean toward each other at 90 degrees. The lengthy course is filled with unexpected drops, sharp turns, and an exhilarating stall over the track below.

With the added excitement of experiencing the ride twice in a single visit, this coaster offers two remarkable ride experiences rolled into one thrilling adventure.

Phoenix

Location: Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania, you'll discover America’s largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels. Family-owned since 1926, this delightful retreat evokes nostalgia with its vintage rides and charming Dutch Country ambiance.

The main attraction here is Phoenix, a wooden roller coaster that has delighted riders since 1985. This coaster has achieved legendary status thanks to its double out-and-back design, reaching speeds of 45 mph (though it feels much faster on this exhilarating track).

The true highlight is the coaster's thrilling third act: a lively sprint featuring five hills brimming with heart-stopping airtime moments. The restraints offer a bit of wiggle room in your seat, enhancing the sensation as you charge back toward the station and solid ground.

Fury 325

Location: Carowinds, Charlotte

No matter how high your expectations are for the tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America, Fury 325 will surpass them all.

This steel marvel offers an outstanding ride experience, reaching jaw-dropping speeds of 95 mph after a stomach-churning 320-foot drop. While this coaster doesn’t feature inversions, the thrill comes from soaring over hills and navigating banked turns at breakneck speeds.

Uniquely, this coaster crosses state lines, stretching between North Carolina and South Carolina. You'll experience the exhilarating speed and g-forces in all 32 seats of the train, but the front row offers the best view of each thrilling element on this towering ride.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Location: Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Orlando

Prepare yourself for one of the smoothest and most exhilarating roller coaster experiences on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. This ride fully immerses you in the Jurassic World atmosphere, featuring an impressive queue that brings you face-to-face with raptors and an exhilarating buildup to a launch that propels you out of a raptor cage.

Starting with a breathtaking launch from 0 to 50 mph in just two seconds, you'll embark on a wild ride filled with 12 airtime moments and a thrilling 100-foot-long zero-g stall. The highlight of the experience occurs midway through the track, where the train undergoes a second launch, accelerating riders from 40 to 70 mph in 2.4 seconds as it ascends a steep climb to a stunning 155-foot top hat element, visible from every angle of the park.

The lengthy track concludes with a stunning barrel roll over the park's lagoon, returning to the station after an exhilarating raptor chase.

Cheetah Hunt

Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa

Now well into its second decade of delivering unexpected thrills, Cheetah Hunt continues to dominate at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This triple launch coaster takes riders on a unique journey that combines heart-pounding excitement with breathtaking scenery.

Your adventure begins with a surge from the station, leading into a second launch that catapults you high among the treetops, reminiscent of a cheetah climbing a tree to survey its surroundings. For a fleeting moment, you’ll bask in the gentle breeze and breathtaking park views before plunging down past animal habitats and lush botanic gardens.

The true excitement of this coaster unfolds in its third act as it skims just above the ground, gliding over babbling brooks and ducking beneath trees, mimicking a cheetah on the prowl. The ride holds a few more surprises, unveiling a final launch that catapults you over several exhilarating airtime hills as you make your way back to the station after your epic adventure.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Location: Epcot, Walt Disney World, Orlando

Combine beloved Disney attractions like Space Mountain and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster with a dash of the spinning teacups from the Mad Tea Party, and you get the exhilarating Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

This unique, family-friendly coaster takes you on an intergalactic adventure, enlisting your help alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy to retrieve the Cosmic Generator from the nefarious Eson. After a charming and well-crafted pre-show, you board a five-car train. Each car spins independently on a controlled axis, guiding your attention to various scenes and thematic elements throughout the three-minute, 20-second ride. The excitement kicks off with a rapid 60 mph backward launch into a top hat element, followed by a series of thrilling tight turns, helixes, and sudden drops.

One of the standout features of this ride is its soundtrack, which is randomly chosen from six pop hits for each experience. You can collect all six unique rides featuring these tracks: "Disco Inferno" by the Trammps, "I Ran (So Far Away)" by A Flock of Seagulls, "Conga" by Miami Sound Machine, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, "One Way or Another" by Blondie, and "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire.

Kingda Ka

Location: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey

A prominent feature of the skyline at Six Flags Great Adventure, Kingda Ka is not only the tallest coaster in the park but also holds the title of the tallest in the world, standing at an impressive 456 feet. Coupled with being the fastest roller coaster in North America, reaching speeds of up to 128 mph, this ride promises an exhilarating experience.

The adventure begins with a powerful hydraulic launch that propels you to maximum speed in just seconds. From there, you'll surge up the massive U-shaped structure, climbing until you reach the summit, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the park and, on clear days, the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

After enjoying the heights, the coaster plunges straight down through a 270-degree spiral, followed by a thrilling 129-foot camel hump, before hitting the brakes and returning to the station. Lasting 50 seconds, this ride may just offer one of the most heart-pounding experiences of your summer.

Bottom line

For many, roller coasters represent the pinnacle of any theme park visit. Even if you’re too young (or too scared) to ride the coasters on this list, most parks offer family-friendly options as well.

For those brave enough to tackle these top coasters, you’ll find it challenging to discover more exhilarating rides in the U.S.