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A Southern California Weekend Getaway in Buena Park

Located just 5 miles from Disneyland Park and about 15 miles from the beaches of Huntington Beach, Buena Park has earned its reputation as SoCal’s Fun City—an ultimate playground filled with thrills, entertainment, and unforgettable food.
Knott's Berry Farm
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Attractions
At the center of the excitement is Knott's Berry Farm, California’s first theme park. Thrill seekers can experience corkscrew coasters and the legendary Xcelerator, which launches riders from 0 to over 80 mph in just 2.3 seconds. The park also features live entertainment and themed areas like Ghost Town, where visitors can pan for gold, take vintage photos at Pitchur Gallery, or ride the horse-drawn Butterfield Stagecoach. Younger guests can explore Camp Snoopy and meet Snoopy and his PEANUTS characters friends. No visit is complete without tasting a boysenberry treat. Invented in Buena Park, the berry appears in funnel cakes, pies, ice cream, Dippin’ Dots, and even margaritas throughout the park. During the warmer months, families can also cool off at Knott's Soak City, a seasonal water park featuring 23 waterslides, a relaxing lazy river, and a kid-friendly play area called Gremmie Lagoon. Guests looking to elevate their day can reserve a private cabana and enjoy food and drinks delivered right to them while they relax between rides.
Pirates Dinner Adventure
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Dinner Shows
At Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, guests enjoy a four-course meal eaten by hand, just like in olden times, while knights joust amid falcons and live battles. At Pirate's Dinner Adventure, guests also enjoy a four-course meal aboard an 18th-century pirate ship, where more than 140 participants take part—so be ready to join the action as swashbuckling pirates bring the story to life and kids are sworn in as honorary pirates.

Entertainment & Nightlife
Beyond the shows, Buena Park offers plenty of places to unwind with great food and drinks. Beach Boulevard Club brings nightlife to life with a speakeasy-style dueling piano show where guests request songs and sing along to their favorite hits while sipping cocktails. At The Cauldron Spirits and Brews, a witch-themed restaurant, visitors can enjoy French-inspired bites and creative drinks in a spellbinding setting. Sip on playful options like the Knotty Kid cocktail, where vodka is poured over cotton-candy boysenberry and melts into a magical creation. The experience gets even more enchanting with a hidden room tucked behind a bookcase and a fun tarot card-inspired drink menu for guests who can’t decide what to order. Meanwhile, Rock & Brews offers a lively atmosphere with more than 40 beers on tap, juicy burgers, and a pretzel large enough to share. Guests can relax on the outdoor patio by the fire pits or challenge friends to a game of cornhole.
Porto's Bakery
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Award-Winning Dining
Food lovers will also find several award-winning spots in Buena Park. Porto's Bakery & Cafe is famous for its Cuban pastries, especially the beloved potato balls and cheese rolls that keep visitors lining up daily. Ramen enthusiasts should try Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, a Michelin-rated spot where noodles undergo a meticulous 40-hour preparation process for rich flavor and perfect texture. Another standout is Atoyubu, which earned a spot on Yelp’s list of the Top 100 Restaurants in Orange County. For even more award-winning dining, be sure to check out the full list.

Free & Fun Things To Do
Visitors can also enjoy several fascinating attractions that are completely free. The Buena Park Historic District features preserved buildings from the 1800s that tell the story of the city’s early days. Nearby, Knott's Independence Hall stands as a brick-by-brick replica of Philadelphia’s famous Independence Hall and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nature lovers can explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, a 104-acre park with trails, recreational areas, and a fishing lake. Inside the park’s interpretive center, visitors can see Ice Age fossils and geology exhibits, including a remarkable 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton.
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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