Bewitching Weekend Getaway in Orange County

When the spirits beckon and the ghouls are haunting your dreams, pack your suitcase full of your creepiest Halloween costumes and head to Buena Park - the Halloween Capital of Southern California. Not only is the Orange County region your beach, amusement park and dining headquarters but it goes all out for Halloween. Just 85 miles north of San Diego and 35 miles south of Los Angeles, Buena Park is easy to access and offers perfect weather this time of year.

Make Buena Park your Orange County weekend home base and you’ll see that the Halloween season literally takes over every corner of the city. Buena Park is home to the original haunt experience, Knott’s Scary Farm, and the spooky factor can be felt in the hotels, restaurants and shops around town.

Day 1

The spirits are calling and they want you to book the Stay and Scare package at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel—if you dare! This package comes with tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm, a commemorative t-shirt and more. With dozens of hotels offering suites, swimming pools, free breakfast and shuttle service, there’s no reason not to pick a Buena Park hotel for your Halloween overnight.

Up your Halloween game with a night out in Buena Park at the Vampirate’s Halloween Dinner Show where everyone is part of the show. From the minute you walk in the door, you’ll travel back to the 1800’s and climb aboard the ship of the Evil Captain Sebastian the Black. This Halloween twist on the popular Pirates Dinner Adventure brings feats of aerial artistry, swordplay, death-defying stunts and dynamic duels as the crew of “Vampire Pirates” attempts to defeat the Vampire Hunter. Wear your best costume on the weekend and you’ll have a chance to win the Vampirate bounty!

Cap off the night with a stop at the witch-themed sanctuary, Cauldron Spirits and Brews for some spooky cocktails. Specialty potions include the Grey Witch—French 75 with Nolet’s gin and a hint of Violette, and the Bourbon and Brimstone—Dickel whiskey, thyme, honey and lemon. The Cauldron is the place to be on Halloween night when everyone vies for top spot in the annual costume contest.

Day 3

After a good night’s sleep head over to Porto’s Bakery & Cafe—named Yelp’s #1 Restaurant in the US—to try one of their seasonal treats like their pumpkin muffin or the to-die-for Dia de los Muertos cookie. Other fall favorites include the Dutch apple pie and the Milk ‘n’ Mango—a festively-colored version of Porto’s signature tres leches cake filled with mango compote and whipped cream.

If your visit has you in Buena Park over the weekend, be sure to check out the Old Tyme Fall Festival in Buena Park’s Historic Downtown District and Silverado Days at Peak Park. These two gatherings bring people of all ages together for fall activities, food and amusement.

Your stay in Buena Park is just the creepy adventure you need to get the Halloween juices flowing this year!