Build Your Own Memorial Weekend Itinerary in Southern California

Memorial Weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and Buena Park, located in Southern California, is the perfect hub for your long weekend adventures. Just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the beaches, you’ll have easy access to thrilling rides, beachside fun, delicious dining, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Plus, take advantage of military deals available year-round on restaurants, hotels, and experiences. Use the attractions below to mix and match experiences and create an itinerary that fits your pace and interests.

1 of 4

Thrills & Theme Parks

Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park) - California’s first theme park with coasters, family rides, live shows, and famous boysenberry--fruit invented in Buena Park-- treats.
Knott’s Soak City Water Park (Buena Park) - 15-acre water park with waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, shaded cabanas and dining options.
Disneyland Park (Anaheim, CA | 5 miles away) - Eight themed lands, 60+ attractions, meet characters, and enjoy nightly fireworks.
Disney California Adventure Park (Anaheim, CA | 5 miles away) - Seven lands including Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus with high-energy, California-inspired rides.

1 of 5

Hands-On Fun

Discovery Cube Orange County (Santa Ana, CA | 8 miles away) - A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits focused on space, physics, and innovation.
Santa Ana Zoo (Santa Ana, CA | 9 miles away) - A 20-acre tropical habitat featuring exotic and endangered animals, train rides, a children’s zoo, and hands-on educational experiences.
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park Interpretive Center (Buena Park)
A free interpretive center with prehistoric exhibits and a rare whale fossil.

Beach & Coastal Escapes

Huntington Beach (15 miles away) - Famous for its pier, sandy shores, and lively boardwalk, perfect for sun, surf, and bike rides.
Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals (Huntington Beach | 15 miles away) - Offers electric boats, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards for beginners and families to explore the scenic waters.
Newport Landing Whale Watching (25 miles away) - Offers daily cruises to see blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

1 of 5

Food Stops Worth the Trip

Porto’s Bakery (Buena Park) - A Cuban café serving pastries, sandwiches, specialty drinks, cheese rolls, and their famous potato balls.
Buena Park Koreatown (Buena Park) - A 2.5-mile stretch featuring 90+ restaurants, Korean culture, dining, entertainment, and K-beauty hotspots.
Portillo’s (Buena Park) - Chicago-style hot dogs, crinkle fries with cheese, and the iconic chocolate cake shake.
The Cauldron Spirits & Brews (Buena Park) - A witch-themed restaurant and bar featuring immersive cocktails and french bites.
Buena Park Award-Winning Eateries (Buena Park) - A curated list of restaurants offering everything from desserts and cocktails to full dinner menus.
Anaheim Packing District (Anaheim, CA | 6 miles away) - A vibrant culinary destination with communal dining and a diverse lineup of restaurants.

1 of 4

Dinner & a Show

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Buena Park) - A four-course meal while six knights battle in jousts, sword fights, and daring stunts.
Pirates Dinner Adventure (Buena Park) - Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial stunts, and special effects with a three-course meal aboard a replica 18th-century Spanish ship.
John’s Incredible Pizza (Buena Park) - An endless buffet, amusement rides, and arcade games for guests of all ages.
Beach Boulevard Club (Buena Park) - A 1920s-inspired speakeasy with dueling pianos, elegant cocktails, delicious bites, and live music for guests 21+, open Fridays and Saturdays.

1 of 5

Sweet Treat Stops

Knott’s Berry Farm Bakery (Buena Park) - Serves fresh pies, pastries, including the famous Boysenberry pie, a fruit invented in Buena Park.
Honeymee (Buena Park) - Kosher ice cream is topped with your choice of fruit, chocolate syrup and all-natural honey.
Don Melt (Buena Park) - Serves croffles, dairy-free soft serve, and specialty drinks topped with popping pearls.
DZERT (Buena Park) - A vegan and lactose-free dessert spot serving creative shaved ice, pastries, and milk teas.
Nobibi (Buena Park) - A stylish late-night dessert stop where ice cream and specialty drinks shin.
Joe’s Italian Ice (Anaheim, CA | 5 miles away) - Philadelphia-style water ice made daily with fresh fruit, with an optional soft serve add-on.

1 of 5

Activities

Daniel’s Truth (Buena Park) - Unique perfume shop with luxury fragrances and 90-minute classes to create your own scent.
Olympic Golf Zone (Buena Park) - Digital golf on famous courses, interactive batting cages, and a bar with bites.
EKO Karaoke Lounge (Buena Park) - 16 uniquely designed private rooms, state-of-the-art sound, and delicious dining options.
Life4Cuts (Buena Park) - Brightly lit photo booths with props and mirrors for a memorable photo experience.
Los Angeles Angels Baseball Game at Angel Stadium (Anaheim, CA | 7 miles away) - Catch a game with stadium eats and enjoy fireworks after Saturday games.

1 of 5

Shopping Destinations

The Source OC (Buena Park) - A three-floor lifestyle and entertainment destination featuring eateries and Korean boutiques
Anaheim GardenWalk (Anaheim, CA | 8 miles away) - Dining, entertainment, shopping, and art installations near Disneyland, with vibrant nightlife.
South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA | 19 miles away) - Premier shopping and dining destination featuring over 250 boutiques and acclaimed restaurants.
The Outlets at Orange (Orange, CA | 10 miles away) - Outlet destination, featuring 120+ stores with savings, plus entertainment options and dining.

History & Cultural Breaks

Knott’s Independence Hall (Buena Park) - A free-admission replica of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell.
Buena Park Historic District (Buena Park) - Preserved 1800s buildings, including the Whitaker-Jaynes Museum, Bacon House, and Stage Stop Hotel.

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.