Spring Break on a Budget: Tips for Maximum Fun

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable spring break! Located in Southern California, just 5 miles from Disneyland and only 15 miles from the coast, Buena Park is packed with fun, food, and attractions for every kind of traveler. From discounted tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm to tasty local eats and free activities, here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying a memorable and affordable spring break.

Knott's Berry Farm - Silver Bullet Coaster

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Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park
California’s first theme park, featuring corkscrew coasters, Camp Snoopy for young riders, iconic food, live entertainment, and a rich history rooted in the boysenberry invented in Buena Park.

Discounted Tickets: Purchase your tickets in advance to save money and skip the ticket booth lines
Arrive Early: Make the most of your day and enjoy shorter lines. Knott’s often opens park gates and some ride queues, like GhostRider, up to 30 minutes before the official opening time.
Parking: Staying nearby can save on parking. Knott’s Hotel is within walking distance of the park, while DoubleTree Hotel offers a free shuttle service directly to Knott’s Berry Farm.
All-Day Dining Plan: Redeemable every 90 minutes at participating locations, the plan includes an entrée with a side and is a great value for those planning to eat multiple meals in the park.
Hydration: Stay refreshed with dedicated water bottle refill stations throughout the park, or grab free water at any soda fountain.
Stay Connected: Knott’s Berry Farm offers free Wi-Fi throughout the park, so you can post your favorite moments, check messages, or scroll between coasters.
High-Quality Shows and Performances: Don’t miss any of Knott’s live entertainment—download the Knott’s app to view showtimes and plan your day around performances.

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Budget-Friendly Dining & Happy Hour
These award-winning, budget-friendly dining spots let you enjoy amazing food without overspending, with several locations offering happy hour specials and other great deals.

Porto’s Bakery: This award-winning bakery serves Cuban pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. Don’t miss the famous potato balls, cheese rolls, or tres leches cake. Be sure to try their empanadas—flaky pastry pockets filled with savory options like picadillo or chicken.
The Cauldron: A witch-themed restaurant and bar serving magical cocktails, including the Knotty Kid—a boozy treat with boysenberry cotton candy. Enjoy happy hour all day on Tuesdays and from 4–6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, with discounted drinks to match the spellbinding atmosphere.
Rock & Brews: Enjoy classic American comfort food in a rock & roll–themed setting. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3–6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 3–5 p.m., featuring menu favorites like carnitas taquitos and rocking hot fried chicken sliders, plus over 60 beers on tap. Guests can also enjoy free cornhole on the outdoor patio while soaking up the music-filled atmosphere.
Thirty Acres Kitchen: Located inside Knott’s Hotel, this spot offers boysenberry-inspired dishes and a relaxing happy hour featuring selective beers, house wines, and house liquors. Happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4:00–7:00 p.m., excluding holidays and Knott’s Scary Farm nights.
Portillo’s: Famous for Chicago-style hot dogs and sandwiches, Portillo’s lets you earn perks through their rewards program, including discounts on meals. While you’re there, don’t miss their secret menu for fun, off-the-menu items.
Buena Park Koreatown: Stretching 2.5 miles, this vibrant neighborhood is home to over 90 restaurants, offering everything from traditional Korean cuisine to modern fusion. Be sure to try Korean street food favorites like Myungrang Hot Dog, known for its cheesy, flavorful twist.

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Free and Affordable Attractions
Fun doesn’t have to cost a thing! Check out these free attractions around Buena Park for a day of exploring, learning, and snapping memories.

Knott’s California Marketplace: Located just outside Knott’s Berry Farm, this spot is perfect for exploring. Stroll through shops, visit Peanuts Headquarters, and check out the Knott’s Berry Farm Market for boysenberry goodies—all while enjoying up to one hour of free parking (extendable with a small purchase).
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park: 104 acres of outdoor fun with playgrounds, trails, biking tracks, fishing, tennis, baseball, volleyball, and the free Interpretive Center (Wed–Sat, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) featuring fossils from 80 million years ago.
Knott’s Independence Hall: Free, brick-by-brick replica of the Philadelphia original, including a Liberty Bell replica.
The Source OC: This three-level dining and entertainment destination offers a variety of shops to explore and foodie experiences to enjoy. Don’t miss Photogram OC, a self-portrait photography studio where you can take photobooth-style pictures. While you wait for your session, snap a free mini photo that prints out on small paper to take home as a keepsake.
Historic District Tours: Step back in time with a stroll through preserved 1800s buildings, including the Whitaker-Jaynes House museum, the Bacon House—one of Orange County’s oldest structures—and the historic Stage Stop Hotel. Visits are by appointment only.

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Stay & Save
Discover over a dozen affordable and comfortable hotels near all the action for your spring break adventure.

Knott’s Hotel: Just a short walk to the park, with packages that include breakfast and park tickets. Enjoy the splash pad, pool, sauna, onsite restaurant with happy hour, and a convenient shuttle option to Disneyland.
DoubleTree Hotel: Offers free shuttle service to Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland, a large pool, onsite dining, and a warm cookie at check-in to start your stay sweetly.
Hilton Buena Park: Connected to The Source OC, this hotel features a rooftop pool and onsite restaurant, putting dining, shopping, and entertainment just steps from your room.
Courtyard by Marriott: Perfectly located across from popular dinner shows and Porto’s Bakery, with an outdoor firepit and EV charging stations for added convenience.
Hampton Inn & Suites: Offers spacious suites, free hot breakfast, EV charging stations, an outdoor pool, and a cozy fire pit for relaxing evenings.
Fairfield Inn & Suites: Comfortable, budget-friendly stay with spacious suites and free hot breakfast, ideal for starting your day ready for adventure.