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 discount package at the Knott’s Hotel—if you dare! Various packages offered include a hotel stay, complimentary parking, Knott's Scary Farm admission, special dining experiences, 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.

On your first night in Boo-uena Park, visit the Vampirates at Pirates Dinner Adventure for an evening like no other. However, heed this warning: be wary. For the Evil Captain Sebastian the Black is lurking in the shadows, awaiting unsuspecting guests who would become prey to him and his horde of vampire pirates.

Cap off the night with a stop at the witch-themed sanctuary, The 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.

Man holding lantern at Knott's Scary Farm in Buena Park, CA

Day 2

Knott’s Berry Farm goes all out this time of year and you’ll want to spend the whole day there taking in the spooky fun by day and scary fun by night! Knott’s Spooky Farm transforms the park into a Halloween wonderland for the youngest visitors. Kids can wear their costumes for the costume contest and enjoy Halloween-themed shows and entertainers throughout the park.

After dark, only the brave will survive the largest and most haunting Halloween experience in Southern California at Knott’s Scary Farm. The fully-transformed theme park features uniquely-haunted mazes and attractions, sinister shows and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park. Even the rollercoasters and thrill rides increase their scare factor for the annual event. Consider yourself warned!

Cup of coffee and pies at Portos in Buena Park, CA

Day 3

After a good night’s sleep head over to Porto’s Bakery & Cafe—named Best of the Southland by the LA Times—to try one of their seasonal treats like their pumpkin muffin or personal size pumpkin pies for you to enjoy all on your own.

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

For those who are not of the faint of heart, The 17th Door calls in only the bravest to endure the most intense haunted house in Orange County. You'll have to sign a waiver to participate and be sure to remember the safe word in case you want to escape the haunts that lie within.

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

Buena Park, California transforms into a fall time extravaganza, offering several Halloween events, including Knott’s Spooky Farm. After a long day of family-friendly Halloween activities, take your candy haul to one of our comfortable hotels for the night. Check out our full guide of Halloween Happenings in SoCal’s Halloween Spooky Town.

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Guest room at DoubleTree by Hilton in Buena Park, CA

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