Buena Park Summer Bucket List

Buena Park is your ultimate Southern California summer hub—just 5 miles from Disneyland, 15 miles from Huntington Beach, and about 20 miles from Los Angeles. From thrill rides and water slides to foodie finds and unforgettable entertainment, everything you need for the perfect summer is right here.

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Must-Do Theme Park Experiences

1. Spend the day at Knott's Berry Farm, California’s first theme park—don’t miss Knott’s Summer Nights and Ghost Town Alive! both included with admission
2. Cool off at Knott's Soak City Waterpark with 23 waterslides, kid-friendly area, and lazy river

Eat Your Way Through Summer

3. Grab Chicago-style sandwiches and hot dogs at Portillo's
4. Explore Buena Park Koreatown, a 2.5-mile stretch of Korean BBQ, noodles, and more
5. Visit The Source OC, a 3-level dining and entertainment hotspot
6. Step into magic at The Cauldron Spirits and Brews, a witch-themed restaurant and bar—don’t miss the Knotty Kid cocktail with boysenberry cotton candy
7. Indulge in over-the-top ice cream creations at Nobibi
8. Check out Buena Park’s award-winning and unique culinary offerings

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Entertainment & Family Fun

9. Enjoy a four-course meal while watching knights joust at Medieval Times
10. Join the swashbuckling fun at Pirates Dinner Adventure, where guests can become part of the story while enjoying a four-course feast.
11. Head to John’s Incredible Pizza for an all-you-can-eat buffet, plus arcade games and ticket-to-win prizes.
12. Capture memories at Photogram OC, a photobooth and full-service photo studio
13. Practice your swing at Olympic Golf Zone, featuring virtual golf and batting cages
14. Catch an immersive experience at CGV Cinema, where 4D movies come to life
15. Create your own signature scent at Daniel’s Truth, a perfume shop offering a 90-minute fragrance-making class.
16. Step back in history at Knott’s Independence Hall, a free, brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia
17. Visit the Interpretive Center for a free exhibit featuring fossils and educational displays
18. Explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, with trails, picnic areas, and recreational activities
19. Stroll through the free Buena Park Historic District to see preserved 1800s buildings
20. Check the 2026 calendar of events to see what is happening during your visit.
21. Get more summer inspiration here.

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Pick Your Comfortable and Affordable Hotel

Hilton Buena Park – Rooftop pool, fitness center, restaurant and bar, valet parking, and attached to The Source OC.
Knott's Hotel – Steps from Knott's Berry Farm, with a pool and splash pad, gym with steam room and sauna, restaurant, bar, gift shop, Starbucks Coffee, and a free shuttle to Disneyland.
DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park – Welcome chocolate chip cookies, large pool, gym, free WiFi and parking, restaurant, bar, Starbucks Coffee, gift shop, and free shuttles to Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland.
Hampton Inn & Suites – Large suites, free hot breakfast and parking, outdoor pool and firepit, plus EV charging stations.
Fairfield Inn & Suites – Spacious suites, free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, and across from The Source OC.
Courtyard Marriott – Spacious guestrooms, Starbucks coffee, on-site restaurant, gym, outdoor pool, firepit, and EV charging stations. Premier location across from Porto’s Bakery and three iconic dinner shows

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.