Southern California Family Spring Break Itinerary

Spring break is right around the corner and we have a Southern California itinerary that will please both kids and parents alike. Just five miles from Disneyland®, the City of Buena Park is the perfect home base for your spring break adventures with affordable hotels, award-winning dining, and entertainment to make the most of the days off school. We’ve planned it all so all you need to do is make your way to Buena Park!

Day 1

Get an early start to your day so that you can make the most of your time at Knott’s Berry Farm as spring brings everyone’s favorite Knott’s Boysenberry Festival to the park. Buena Park is the birthplace of this unique berry and made the area the family destination that it is today. Indulge in boysenberry treats from boysenberry cotton candy and boba to the over-the-top boysenberry fun bun—a funnel cake and cinnamon bun combo that is covered in boysenberry icing. It can only be found at Knott’s this time of year and is perfect for sharing. To sweeten the deal, make sure to get your discount tickets to maximize your boysenberry bliss at a pocket-friendly price. Don't forget to also explore the Knott's Foodie Guide, which unveils the best bites throughout the park.

Riders on Hangtime ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Ride that sugar high into the afternoon as you hop aboard the Calico Railroad and the Timber Mountain Log Ride, and then hang with the family on HangTime, the first dive coaster on the West Coast. Families with little ones will love strolling over to Camp Snoopy where you can meet all the famed comic strip characters, fly like a kite on Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer and then bounce down 20 feet on Woodstock's Airmail. Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner is the perfect spot to sit for a bit and enjoy their world-famous comfort food like everyone’s favorite fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.

Make your first night in Buena Park one to remember by checking out one of the live interactive dinner shows. Become part of the action and cheer on your favorite knight at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament or join the swashbuckling shenanigans at Pirates Dinner Adventure. Your photos and memories of this night are guaranteed to be epic!

Water park at Knott's Berry Farm Hotel poo in Buena Park, CA

Stay the Night

With over a dozen hotels to choose from in Buena Park, you’ll undoubtedly find one that fits your family’s needs. With rates that won’t break the bank and amenities like outdoor swimming pools, free breakfast, and more, there’s something for everyone. Most hotels offer convenient free shuttles that will get you to Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland® and all over Buena Park. Bonus: many Buena Park hotels offer family-sized suites so that you can spread out and enjoy your Buena Park time in comfort. Courtyard by Marriott has 1- and 2-bedroom suites with access to an outdoor pool and nearby attractions. At DoubleTree by Hilton, experience a variety of suites, a complimentary shuttle to local attractions, and convenient proximity to The Source OC. Fairfield Inn & Suites caters to various needs with a range of suites, complimentary buffet breakfast, and a prime location near The Source OC. Hampton Inn & Suites provides pet-friendly options, complimentary breakfast, and free parking. Knott’s Hotel, post-multi-million-dollar renovation, offers double queen rooms and connecting options, conveniently located near attractions. Stay at Hilton Buena Park, the newest hotel in town, located at The Source OC. Enjoy unique suites, a rooftop pool, and exquisite dining at its on-site restaurant, The Rosemary Room.

Day 2

Start your morning at Los Angeles Times' Best in the Southland, Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. When you step up to the massive counter, you’ll have a hard time deciding whether to go sweet with a cheese roll or slice of tres leches cake, or sample the savory side with a papa rellena (potato ball stuffed with ground meat). You can’t go wrong with one of their specialty lattes with flavors like dulce de leche, green tea, and horchata.

Catch a free shuttle from your hotel to nearby Disneyland® to take in all that the Magic Kingdom has to offer. Buena Park’s perfect distance from Disneyland gets you to the park in no time but also away from the crowds when you are done for the day.

To wrap up the day, the perfect family option can be found back in Buena Park at Portillo's, known for their Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and infamous chocolate cake shake.

Kids playing on bumper card at John's Incredible Pizza in Buena Park, CA

Day 3

It’s not a true spring break without a day at the beach! 15 miles down Beach Boulevard from Buena Park is Huntington Beach and its famous pier. Pose for pics by the World’s Largest Surfboard, rent bikes to explore the coast, and bond over a bonfire as the sun sets over the Pacific. There’s tons of shopping if you forget the swimsuits at home, and loads of dining options just steps from the white sand beach. For a no-fail food option, Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier offers retro diner fare, massive milkshakes that are perfect for sharing, and a view that can’t be beat.

After the sun sets, head back to your Buena Park home base for more family adventure. A kids versus parents arcade battle at John’s Incredible Pizza is the perfect way to end your day. You’ll find bumper cars, a laser maze, games, and all-you-can-eat pizza all under one massive roof. After enjoying some pizza, unwind at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, where you can explore hiking trails, cast a line in the stocked lake, or visit the Interpretive Center to see a rare 9-million-year-old whale fossil. Or, opt for a more low-key night relaxing by your hotel pool with takeout tacos from Tacos La Calle.

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.

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Guest room at DoubleTree by Hilton in Buena Park, CA