Vacation Like a Local in Buena Park

Nestled in sunny Southern California, Buena Park, CA offers so much more than its top attractions. Taste the city’s culinary history, starting with the boysenberry, a beloved fruit invented right here and celebrated in iconic treats throughout town. Explore historic sites, browse charming shops, and savor international flavors that make every meal an adventure. Make the most of your visit and experience an authentic Southern California adventure. Eat, play, and wander like a local in the heart of SoCal’s Fun City!

People enjoying the Jaguar Coaster at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

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Thrills, Shows, and Ticketed Adventures

Start your local Buena Park adventure at Knott’s Berry Farm and the seasonal Knott’s Soak City, where weekday visits are less crowded and discounted tickets make it easy to enjoy thrilling rides, coasters, water slides, and lazy rivers without breaking the bank. For extra value, consider an All-Day Dining Plan to keep the whole family fueled while exploring. For an unforgettable dinner experience, step into the immersive world of Medieval Times and enjoy a hands-on four-course feast. Before the show, guests can participate in a Knighting Ceremony led by a cast member, available for purchase with tickets. After the final performance, the Knights return to the Hall of Arms for meet-and-greet opportunities. At Pirates Dinner Adventure, guests may be selected to join the swashbuckling action, adding an extra thrill to the four-course meal. Arrive early to capture plenty of photo-worthy moments and fully enjoy this interactive, high-seas adventure.

Foods from Porto's Bakery in Buena Park, CA

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Culinary Adventures and Local Eats

In Buena Park, the best way to explore like a local is with a fork in hand. From bold Korean flavors to indulgent desserts, every bite tells a story. Begin in Koreatown, a 2.5-mile stretch along Beach Boulevard that ends at The Source OC, a four-story hub of dining, shops, and entertainment. Download the Koreatown Map here. Koreatown favorites include KingChang for authentic Korean BBQ, BB.Q Chicken for crispy Korean-style wings, and Flippoly for fluffy egg sandwiches. For fun street bites, don’t miss Myungrang Hot Dog, known for squid-ink and Hot Cheetos corn dogs. Michelin-rated Ramen & Tsukemen TAO is a must-try for noodle lovers, while Porto’s Bakery delights with pastries and savory favorites like cheese rolls, potato balls, and Cuban sandwiches. Over at Don Melt, dig into croffles with endless toppings, tall soft serve, and dalgona cookies inspired by Netflix’s Squid Game. For Mediterranean flavors with a side of entertainment, Golden Rose spices things up with live music, belly dancing, salsa nights, and game nights on select evenings. Dessert lovers will adore Nobibi, where over-the-top soft serves, teas, and their signature Dream Cloud Cotton Candy (a cloud of cotton candy wrapped around soft serve and toppings, complete with a toasted marshmallow) steal the show. For cocktails, head to The Cauldron, known for its spooky vibe and whimsical drinks like the Knotty Kid, a vodka-lemon creation poured over boysenberry cotton candy that melts before your eyes. Don’t forget to explore the secret bookcase room and spot the playful cat shadow at the bar. And of course, no visit is complete without Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, serving legendary fried chicken and boysenberry pie. Chicken-To-Go offers the same famous meal packed for a picnic, with Knott’s passholders enjoying 10% off.

Family taking a hike in Ralph B. Clark Regional Park in Buena Park, CA

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Parks, Recreation, and Outdoor Fun

Speaking of picnics, Buena Park’s parks provide plenty of green spaces for families and locals to relax and recharge. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park features a serene fishing lake, basketball and baseball courts, scenic trails, playgrounds, and an interpretive center showcasing marine fossils dating back up to 80 million years (open on select days). Rick Gomez Park spans 0.46 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring a baseball-themed design with playful elements and a stadium-inspired feel. The park also offers fitness equipment, shaded picnic tables, and BBQ grills for a perfect day outdoors.

Photo strips taken at Life4Cuts in Buena Park, CA

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Shopping, Entertainment, and Local Experiences

The Source OC is a hub for trendy shopping, eateries, and entertainment. Fun photo opportunities await at Life4Cuts and Photogram OC, while EKO Karaoke Lounge lets guests sing their favorite hits in private rooms. For sports enthusiasts, Olympic Golf Zone offers high-tech golf and batting simulators, golf lessons, and a bar with drinks and bites. Movie lovers can catch the latest releases at CGV Cinemas, a 4DX theater featuring cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, motion seats, and special effects like rain, scents, and smoke. Films are shown in English or Korean with easy-to-read subtitles, and guests can enjoy a selection of beers, wine, and three popcorn flavors during the show. For relaxation, Bamboo Wellness and KSPA provide spa treatments and massages, perfect for mid-day recharge. Just outside Knott’s Berry Farm, explore the Peanuts Headquarters and Knott’s Independence Hall for a taste of local history. Don’t miss the Buena Park Historic District, where charming architecture and local landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s past. For a creative outing, visit Daniel’s Truth, where guests can craft their own signature perfume as a unique keepsake.

After a full day of exploring like a local, relax at one of the many comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Take advantage of ‘suite’ deals and ticket deals to make the most of your stay. Start planning an authentic Southern California getaway by ordering your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.