Why Teens Are Obsessed with Buena Park, CA

Finding a destination that truly excites teens can be a challenge, but Buena Park, CA has it all. Located in sunny Southern California, just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the sandy shores of Huntington Beach, Buena Park is the ultimate playground for teens. This lively city is bursting with adrenaline-pumping theme parks, trendy dining spots, and interactive attractions that are guaranteed to make their social feeds pop.

Silver Bullet rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

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Adrenaline-Packed Fun at Knott’s
Start with heart-pounding thrills at Knott’s Berry Farm, where rides like Xcelerator launch you from zero to 82 miles per hour in just 2.3 seconds and Supreme Scream drops riders from 312 feet in the air. Be sure to grab the Fast Lane Pass so teens do not get impatient waiting in line. Add in Instagram-worthy treats like boysenberry cotton candy and exclusive Dippin’ Dots boysenberry flavor and it is easy to see why Knott’s is a teen favorite. For snacks, the Ghost Town Grub offers funnel cakes piled high with all the fixings. When the weather heats up, the fun moves to Knott’s Soak City, a 15-acre water park with thrilling slides, a giant wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river. It is perfect for cooling off and chilling out with friends. Must-try slides include Banzai Falls, a six-lane 41-foot-tall waterslide, and the gravity-defying Pipeline, Point Break, and Riptide speed slides atop the 63-foot-high Old Man Falls. For the ultimate experience, teens can rent a private cabana complete with comfy seating, shade, and food service to keep the vibes going all day.

Dining with a Side of Adventure
Buena Park also delivers dining experiences that double as entertainment. At Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, teens can enjoy a four-course feast while cheering on knights in nearly two hours of jousting, sword fights, horsemanship, and falconry set in an immersive Medieval Spanish storyline. For a swashbuckling twist, head to Pirates Dinner Adventure, a high-energy show featuring daring stunts, music, and audience participation, all paired with a delicious four-course meal.

Array of foods from Porto's Bakery and Café in Buena Park, CA

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Teen-Friendly Eats
When it comes to food, Buena Park offers plenty of teen-approved spots perfect for sharing on social media. Teens love to capture every moment, so be sure to explore the Instagrammable Food and Drinks in Buena Park. Porto’s Bakery is a must-visit for savory meat pies, fresh fruit tarts, and trendy drinks like the iced ube matcha latte. At Portillo’s, teens enjoy Chicago-style sandwiches, cheesy crinkle-cut fries, hot dogs, and the iconic Chocolate Cake Shake—blended with a full slice of rich chocolate cake. Myungrang Hot Dog serves famous Korean-style hot dogs, with favorites like the potato and mozzarella hot dog and the potato flamin’ hot Cheetos corn dog. For a playful and whimsical vibe, the Gudetama Café offers themed drinks, sandwiches, and desserts inspired by everyone’s favorite lazy egg. From the centerpieces to the ceiling and even the French toast, the lazy egg theme is everywhere. Another favorite is Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, where teens love the crispy fried chicken and the famous boysenberry pie for dessert.

Instagram-Worthy Desserts
Buena Park is a true photo-worthy paradise for teens. Indulge in viral creations like the Dream Cloud at Nobibi, where ice cream comes wrapped in fluffy cotton candy, or try trendy Dubai Chocolate for a taste of luxury. Dzert serves up soy-based shaved snow in refreshing flavors like Thai tea and passion fruit, while Old Ferry Donut is a favorite for cream-filled Korean donuts in decadent flavors like coconut and pistachio. The Bakery adds to the fun with viral cream-filled Korean donuts available in matcha and strawberry flavors. Honeymee offers irresistible treats such as Matcha Darling, Strawberry Affogato, and Cookies n’ Cream Milkshakes. If your teen loves matcha, check out our Top 13 Matcha Must-Trys in Buena Park for the ultimate green tea experience. And for even more sweet adventures, don’t miss our guide to the Best Ice Cream Shops in Buena Park because one dessert is never enough.

The Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

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Entertainment Beyond the Rides
If your teen is a K-pop fan, The Source OC is a must-visit. This trendy 3-level destination is packed with Korean shops, stylish boutiques, and a variety of eateries, creating a unique dining and entertainment experience. Beyond shopping, teens looking for fun activities have plenty of options. EKO Karaoke Lounge boasts 16 private rooms with state-of-the-art sound systems for singing their favorite hits late into the night. For a little friendly competition, Olympic Golf Zone offers high-tech golf simulators and batting cages, while Rock & Brews serves up casual eats in a rock-and-roll setting with an outdoor patio perfect for playing cornhole. John’s Incredible Pizza is another teen favorite, combining rides, arcade games, and prize-winning fun under one roof. And for the ultimate photo op, Life4Cuts provides trendy K-photo booths so teens can capture memories in style.

Adventures Just Around the Corner
Buena Park is your ultimate headquarters for teen-friendly fun. Just 5 miles away, Disneyland invites thrill-seekers to hop on their favorite rides and snap that must-have photo in front of the iconic castle. Huntington Beach, just 15 miles from Buena Park, is the perfect spot for teens to catch waves and cool off in the ocean. About 20 miles away in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a star-studded adventure, transporting teens straight into their favorite shows and movies like Harry Potter.

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Hotels with Perks Teens Will Love
All hotels in Buena Park feature large pool areas, perfect for unwinding after a day packed with thrills and Insta-worthy eats. Teens love that Knott’s Hotel is just steps away from Knott’s Berry Farm, making it easy to go from rides to relaxation. The hotel also has a fun splash pad for extra water play, shuttle service, and onsite dining at Thirty Acres Kitchen. For those who want easy Starbucks runs, the Courtyard Marriott Hotel is a favorite with its Bistro dining and prime location right across from Porto’s Bakery. DoubleTree adds a sweet touch with its famous warm cookie at check-in, plus an onsite Starbucks and Ventanas Grill for casual dining. If free breakfast and extra space are a must, Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn have you covered with their large suites. Hampton Inn is also pet-friendly, so furry friends can join the trip. For a stylish stay with a rooftop pool and upscale dining at The Rosemary Room, the Hilton Buena Park is the ultimate pick. It’s also connected to The Source OC, giving teens easy access to trendy shops, K-pop boutiques, and dessert spots without ever needing to hop in a car.

Why Buena Park Tops the Teen Travel List
With its mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, crave-worthy eats, and endless entertainment, Buena Park is the ultimate destination for teens. From conquering towering coasters to snapping pics of viral desserts and belting out hits in private karaoke rooms, every moment is designed for fun. Start planning your teen-approved Southern California getaway today and order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.