A Visitor’s Guide to Must-Do Activities

Located in sunny Buena Park, just minutes from Disneyland Parks and the coast, this Southern California hotspot is packed with experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re chasing thrills, exploring food, or looking for unique activities, Buena Park truly lives up to its reputation as SoCal’s Fun City.

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Thrills & Theme Parks
Start with the icons. Knott's Berry Farm delivers California’s first theme park with corkscrew coasters, live entertainment, and immersive themed lands, while Knott's Soak City offers the perfect way to cool off with 23 waterslides, a lazy river, a massive wave pool, and private cabanas during the summer months. Be sure to buy discounted tickets in advance.

Interactive Dinner Shows & Nightlife
Step into a medieval arena at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, or join the action aboard a pirate ship at Pirate's Dinner Adventure. Afterward, discover hidden nightlife gems like Beach Boulevard Club, a speakeasy-style dueling piano bar, or The Cauldron, a witch-themed restaurant and bar with French-inspired cuisine, known for its creative, magical cocktails and a secret room tucked behind a bookcase. Don’t miss their Knotty Kid cocktail, a playful creation featuring boysenberry—the fruit invented in Buena Park—paired with cotton candy that melts as you pour vodka and lemon juice over it.

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Hands-On & Unique Experiences
Create your own signature scent at The Daniel's Truth in an interactive perfume-making class, or take a baking class at The Bakery School where you can craft your own sweet creations. Sports and activity lovers can swing by Olympic Golf Zone for a virtual golf and batting experience, while families with younger kids will love PlayPie, an indoor playground featuring a virtual aquarium. For something truly unique, Stage X Studio offers K-pop dance and idol-style training experiences.

Culture, History & Outdoors (All Free)
Walk through preserved 1800s buildings at the Buena Park Historic District, or visit the Knott's Independence Hall, a detailed brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia. Nature lovers can explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, home to scenic trails and an interpretive center featuring Ice Age fossils and fascinating exhibits.

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Foodie Finds & Sweet Treats
Food is a major highlight, especially in Buena Park’s vibrant Koreatown and at The Source OC, a three-level hub for Korean dining, shopping, and entertainment. Indulge in award-winning bites at Porto's Bakery & Cafe, famous for its potato balls and cheese rolls, or grab Chicago-style eats at Portillo's, known for its hot dogs, sandwiches, and iconic chocolate cake shake. For Korean BBQ, don’t miss KingChang, an award-winning local favorite. For dessert, try creative scoops at Nobibi, honey-drizzled soft serve at Honeymee, or unique croffles at Don Melt. For even more dining inspiration, explore the list of award-winning eats.

Family Fun & Entertainment
For even more fun, catch a movie at CGV Cinemas, where 4D screenings bring films to life with moving seats, mist, and special effects, or enjoy family-friendly games and all you can eat buffet at John's Incredible Pizza Company.

Explore Beyond Buena Park
And if you’re looking to explore beyond the city, Buena Park is the perfect home base. Ride bikes along the coast in Huntington Beach, catch a game at Angel Stadium, visit Disney California Adventure Park or Universal Studios Hollywood. You can also explore wildlife at the Santa Ana Zoo, or discover local flavors at the Anaheim Packing House. For even more inspiration on what to do in Buena Park and nearby, check out these 250 things to do.

After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.