Honor Your Veteran in Buena Park: A Weekend Itinerary

The City of Buena Park honors the brave veterans who served in our nation’s military with exclusive deals for Veteran’s Day. Discounted rates, free parking, no resort fees, and ease of access to local attractions are just some of the perks to staying in SoCal’s Fun City. We put together an itinerary filled with top attractions, restaurants, and hotels for a 3-day trip on Veteran’s Day weekend. To check out a full list of veteran deals, visit: https://www.visitbuenapark.com/usmilitarydeals

Box of pastries at Porto's Bakery in Buena Park, CA

Day 1 – Veteran’s Day

Once you’ve arrived, drop your bags off at one of Buena Park’s many comfortable hotels. Courtyard Marriott, DoubleTree by Hilton , and Fairfield Inn offer “suite” deals for U.S. Military. Hampton Inn & Suites, Surestay Hotel, Days Inn , Howard Johnson, and Motel 6 offer a specified discount off the daily rate, dependent on the date. Use code “MILITARY” to access the exclusive military rate at the Knott’s Hotel. Visit our hotels page to see full details on Buena Park accommodations.

After settling in, kick off your visit to Buena Park with a jolt of Cuban coffee and a sweet pastry at Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. A staple of the local foodie scene and named Best of the Southland by the L.A. Times, Porto’s is beloved for its drool-worthy cakes, pastries, and cuban sandwiches. While the display cases tempt at every turn, it’s the famous papa rellena—a golden, deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed with seasoned ground beef—that keeps the crowds lining up. As a heartfelt tradition on Veteran’s Day, Porto’s also offers complimentary boxes of pastries to U.S. military veterans as a way of honoring their service.

Calico Mine Train at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Once you’ve had your morning sugar kick, gather the gang and head to California’s first theme park—Knott’s Berry Farm. Veterans enjoy steep discounts on select days throughout November and December, including Veterans Day, making it the perfect time to visit. Start with the Xcelerator, which rockets from 0 to 82 mph in just 2.3 seconds before soaring 205 feet into the air, then slow things down with a stroll through Ghost Town. This 1880s Old West town brings history to life with cowboys, stagecoaches, steam trains, and even real gold panning. And of course, no visit is complete without a boysenberry treat—whether it’s Dippin’ Dots or a classic funnel cake topped with the park’s signature berry.

Once your theme park day comes to an end, it definitely does not mean that the day’s fun has to be over. Travel down Beach Boulevard for dinner at Rock & Brews for a rockin’ good time with over 60 different craft beers and classic American comfort foods. Veterans eat for free off a specially curated menu on Veteran’s Day. If you’re looking for more of a dinner and a show, visit the immersive Pirates Dinner Adventure. Special effects, death-defying stunts, and setting sail on the open seas with scallywag pirates are adventures sure to impress. Military discounts are offered year-round, with an extra-special deal available in November with proof of military ID.

Variety of dishes at SUP Noodle Bar in Buena Park, CA

DAY 2

Jump out of bed and get your grub on at Paul's Place. This classic American diner is the perfect place to carb up for the day before you head out to check off more items on your itinerary. U.S. Military will receive a 10% discount off their bill.

After breakfast, venture out of Buena Park for a few hours for some local cultural enrichment by visiting the Richard Nixon Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, which displays the rich history and controversy of President Richard Nixon. Visitors can explore the impressive collection of presidential memorabilia, a recreation of the oval office, comprehensive exhibits on world events, the presidential helicopter and Nixon’s childhood home. Another great option is the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, which is perfect for aerospace enthusiasts and features military aircrafts and vehicles, rare automobiles, and World War II memorabilia. Both museums offer special rates for veterans. Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa is a free museum that celebrates veterans in the area through curated exhibits, performances, and educational programs

After your educational tour of Orange County, come on back to your home base of Buena Park for some dinner. Sup Noodle Bar, voted OC’s Best Pho by OC Weekly, specializes in Vietnamese comfort foods like pho, lomo saltado, garlic noodles, and fried rice. U.S. Military will receive a discount off their bill.

Knott's Independence Hall at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

DAY 3

Before heading home from your Veteran’s Day getaway in Buena Park, be sure to visit Knott’s Independence Hall, a brick-by-brick replica of the landmark in Philadelphia. This museum offers free admission year-round and includes a replica Liberty Bell, presidential artifacts, and audio renderings of the Declaration of Independence.

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

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