Home > PLAN > Buena Park Blog > Trip Planning Blog > The Hidden Side of Buena Park You Didn’t Know Existed

The Hidden Side of Buena Park You Didn’t Know Existed

Buena Park is known for theme parks and dinner shows, but beyond the major attractions are experiences many visitors completely miss — from Michelin-recognized ramen and hidden historic sites to spooky seasonal events and the birthplace of the boysenberry. Located just 5 miles from Disneyland, Buena Park offers an unexpected side of SoCal worth exploring.

1 of 4

The Birthplace of the Boysenberry
Buena Park is the birthplace of the boysenberry, and the iconic berry can be found throughout the city in food, drinks, desserts, and even exclusive hotel fragrances.

Beyond the Rides
Knott’s Berry Farm is more than roller coasters. In Ghost Town, guests can pan for gold, take old-time western photos, and spot boysenberry plants growing beneath the Silver Bullet coaster. Visitors can also upgrade their experience with Fast Lane passes and exclusive lounge areas in Ghost Town. Seasonal events like the Boysenberry Festival, Knott’s Summer Nights, and Knott’s Merry Farm transform the park throughout the year. Across the street, Knott’s Soak City features 23 water slides, a lazy river, and private cabanas.

1 of 3

Hidden History & Local Gems
Buena Park is home to several free hidden gems, including the Historic District with preserved buildings from the 1800s, Knott’s Independence Hall — a brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia — and the Interpretive Center, where visitors can view dinosaur fossils and learn about the area’s history. Check out more free activities.

SoCal’s Spooky City
During Halloween season, Buena Park transforms into SoCal’s spooky city with Knott’s Scary Farm, the immersive 17th Door haunted attraction that requires a signed waiver, and “Vampirates” — the spooky seasonal takeover of Pirates Dinner Adventure.

Buena Park’s Hidden Food Scene
Buena Park Koreatown spans 2.5 miles and features more than 90 restaurants, Korean spas, cafés, and shops. We are also home to Michelin-recognized Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, where the noodles take more than 40 hours to prepare.

1 of 3

Unexpected Things to Do
From crafting custom fragrances at Daniel’s Truth to discovering secret menu items around the city, Buena Park offers plenty to explore beyond the typical tourist itinerary. View our full list of unique experiences.

Stay Close to the Action
Buena Park offers more than a dozen affordable and comfortable hotels with amenities including resort-style pools, splash pads, complimentary hot breakfast, family suites, on-site dining, pet-friendly rooms, valet parking, sauna and steam rooms, and shuttle service to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide. For a more personalized experience, meet Berry—your Buena Park AI planner. Berry tailors your trip with the best attractions, dining, and deals, so you can start your custom trip with ease.