Bewitching Weekend Getaway in Orange County

When the spirits start whispering and ghouls creep into your dreams, it’s time to grab your costumes and head to Buena Park—the Halloween Capital of Southern California. Just 113 miles north of San Diego and 20 miles south of Los Angeles, this Orange County gem is SoCal’s Spooky City with perfect weather and nonstop thrills. Buena Park goes all out with haunted happenings, eerie events, and family-friendly fun. From the original Knott’s Scary Farm to haunted dinners and creepy cocktails, Buena Park isn’t just celebrating Halloween—it’s summoning it. Keep the spooky vibes going all weekend long with a stay in one of Buena Park’s frightfully fun hotels.

1 of 3

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, spooky dining experiences, and more. With dozens of hotels offering suites, swimming pools, free breakfast and shuttle service that drops you off right at the theme park gates. With spooky savings and frightfully good amenities, there’s no reason not to make Buena Park your Halloween home base. Kick off your first night in Boo-uena Park with the Vampirates at Pirates Dinner Adventure—an evening full of swashbuckling thrills and spine-tingling fun. But beware—Evil Captain Sebastian the Black lurks in the shadows, hunting for unsuspecting guests to become his next meal alongside his crew of vampire pirates. Use code VAMP2025 to sink your teeth into 25% off tickets. Cap off the night at The Cauldron Spirits and Brews, a 17th Century witch-themed bar where a haunting French-inspired ambiance, antique furniture, and a bubbling cauldron create a mesmerizing escape. Explore hidden corners, including a secret dining area, and indulge in their magical Boysenberry Cotton Candy Cocktail, “The Knotty Kid,” a whimsical year-round favorite. For even more berry-inspired delights, check out the Year-Round Boysenberry Guide to satisfy your cravings. On Halloween night, the bar transforms into a lively witchy lair, hosting an annual costume contest that draws out the town’s best witches, warlocks, and ghouls for a night full of magic and mischief.

1 of 2

Day 2

Knott’s Berry Farm goes all out during Halloween, offering a full day of spooky fun by day and scary thrills by night! At Knott’s Spooky Farm the park transforms into a Halloween wonderland perfect for the youngest visitors. Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes to join the festive costume contest, enjoy Halloween-themed shows and entertainers throughout the park, and go trick-or-treating along the way. Plus, they’ll have the chance to meet and take photos with their favorite Peanuts gang characters—also dressed up in their Halloween best! Get your discounted tickets here. 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 comes alive with uniquely haunted mazes, sinister shows, and over 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding around every corner. Even the roller coasters and thrill rides turn up the scare factor for this annual fright fest. Consider yourself warned! Grab your tickets before they vanish into the night!

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

1 of 2

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. Don’t miss fan favorites like the famous potato ball, a mashed potato sphere filled with savory picadillo, and the sweet and flaky guava and cheese pastry beloved by Porto’s regulars. If you’re visiting over the weekend, be sure to stop by Silverado Days, happening October 17–19 at Peak Park. This free beloved Buena Park tradition brings the community together with delicious food from local vendors, live entertainment, and a lineup of exciting competitions. Join the fun or cheer on participants in the Amateur Horseshoe Contest, Pie-Eating Contest, Dog Show, Chili Cook-Off, and so much more! For those seeking a true adrenaline rush, The 17th Door invites only the boldest souls to brave the most intense haunted house in Southern California. You’ll need to sign a waiver just to enter—and don’t forget the safe word in case the terror becomes too real. Whether you're here for eerie thrills, hauntingly good treats, or ghostly fun, fall in SoCal’s Spookiest City—Buena Park—conjures up unforgettable memories for all who dare to visit.

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.

Get to Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Guest room at DoubleTree by Hilton in Buena Park, CA

Explore Hotels