Your Ultimate Knott’s Berry Farm Game Plan

Located in the heart of sunny Buena Park, California, Knott’s Berry Farm is a must-visit destination for thrill seekers, food lovers, and Wild West adventurers. It’s not just a theme park—it’s the birthplace of the boysenberry, the legendary fruit that helped put this place on the map. Whether you're chasing high-speed coasters or craving one-of-a-kind boysenberry treats, we’ve rounded up the top tips to make your day at Knott’s unforgettable and turn you into a Knott’s Berry Farm pro.

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1. Score Your Discounted Tickets Online:
Save yourself the line drama and grab your discounted tickets online. For those planning to come back for more thrills, a season pass is the ultimate move. Ride legendary coasters like GhostRider—the longest, tallest, and fastest wooden coaster on the West Coast. Or hit top speeds over 80 miles an hour on the Xcelerator. Enjoy all the heart-pounding action, delicious eats, and boysenberry fun—all while paying less.
2. Ride, Rest, Repeat
Bundle your stay and save! Knott’s Hotel offers exclusive ticket discounts as part of their family vacation packages—giving you the best value on your visit to Knott’s Berry Farm. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy special pricing on park admission, and additional discounts are available for military personnel and Season Passholders.

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3. Cashless Park:
Knott’s Berry Farm is now a fully cashless park, so be prepared! All purchases must be made using credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Be sure to plan ahead so you can enjoy a smooth and convenient day of fun.

4. One Pass, Endless Bites:
Buy an All-Day Dining Pass and enjoy nonstop bites and big savings! With the pass, you can grab an entrée and a side every 90 minutes at any of the 16 participating locations throughout Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s the perfect way to stay fueled for all the fun that lasts all day long! When it’s time to chill out and refuel, step inside one of Knott’s air-conditioned eateries. Coasters Diner serves up classic American favorites—burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, crispy fries, and extra-thick milkshakes—all with a lively 1950s vibe. Or head to Boardwalk BBQ for smoky, savory delights like pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and more.

5. Download the App and Unlock the Fun:
Maximize every visit with the free official Knott’s Berry Farm App. Plan your day from your phone—store your passes and tickets, load your card for quick purchases, and keep track of showtimes and ride wait times. Get directions and mark your parking spot for easy recall. Plus, unlock exclusive offers and surprises just for app users.

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6. Ride Like a VIP, Relax Like Royalty:
Get the VIP treatment at Knott’s with the Knott’s VIP Tour, which includes park admission, general parking, and a private guide for up to 6 hours. During your tour, you’ll enjoy priority access to select rides and reserved seating at shows, along with other exclusive perks. For a place to unwind, add on the VIP Lounge and enjoy all-day access to a private retreat complete with complimentary snacks, comfortable seating, and more—perfect for relaxing between all the fun.

7. Early Birds Catch the Coasters:
Arrive early and beat the crowds! Be sure to check the park’s opening and closing times, as they can vary by day and season. Arriving early gives you plenty of time to park and grab a great spot. On weekends and busy days, Knott’s often opens the gates 30 minutes before the posted opening time, allowing guests to line up inside the park. Once the gates officially open, head straight for your favorite coaster—you’ll rack up rides before the lines even start!

8. Back of the Park = Front of the Line:
Start at the back of the park and work your way forward. Most people tend to start at the entrance, giving you the perfect chance to skip ahead. While everyone else is stuck in line for Sierra Sidewinder, you'll be screaming your lungs out on Timber Mountain Log Ride

Group of friends taking a picture with snoopy

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9. Bring Your Own Water Bottle:
Knott's Berry Farm has convenient refill stations where you can top off your reusable water bottles. You’ll find them scattered throughout the park, including in Fiesta Village near La Revolución, as well as in Memory Lane near the bumper cars. Plus, any location with a soda fountain will refill your water bottle for free.

10. Stay Charged for Epic Photos:
A portable charger is a must-have for your day at the park. It’ll keep your phone powered up for all those photos, videos, and memories you want to capture. Plus, you’ll be able to keep using the Knott’s Berry Farm App as your personal tour guide, helping you navigate the park, check ride wait times, and make the most of your visit.

11. Photo Ops:
For a breathtaking view, hop on the Sky Cabin, which slowly rises over 180 feet to reveal stunning 360-degree views of Orange County and Los Angeles—ideal for capturing the entire park from above. In Camp Snoopy, snap a fun photo with Snoopy himself, then head to the Boardwalk Pier for beachy vibes or strike a pose at Johnny Rockets, a retro diner bursting with vintage charm. Want even more picture-perfect spots beyond the park? Don’t miss our list of the Top 12 Photo-Worthy Spots in Buena Park!

12. Picture Perfect Fun:
Capture all the memories with the Single Day FunPix! Enjoy unlimited digital photos from select rides, front gate shots, and the Peanuts Meet & Greet—all from your day of fun. Plus, get exclusive discounts on prints throughout the park.

Friends on the HangTime rollercoaster screaming

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13. Go VIP with a Fast Pass:
Skip the lines, not the fun! A Fast Pass lets you bypass the regular queues and jump straight onto top rides like Calico River Rapids, HangTime, and more—without the wait. Ride as many times as you want all day long! Be sure to check the Fast Lane availability calendar to see if it’s offered on your visit day. With a Fast Lane wristband, you'll have more time to explore the park and indulge in special boysenberry treats like boysenberry kettle corn, Dippin’ Dots, and the fan-favorite boysenberry pie at the Ghost Town Bakery.

14. Meet the Wild West Residents:
Yes, Knott's has over 40 attractions, but don’t overlook the hidden gems—literally! Try your luck panning for gold on Gold Mine Road. Then, head to Ghost Town to say “hey” to Sad-Eye Joe in the Calico Jail, and watch the blacksmith craft horseshoes right before your eyes. Step into the past at the Pitchur Gallery, a Western-themed photo studio where you can dress up as a saloon girl, cowboy, or outlaw for an old-timey portrait. With so much entertainment around every corner, you’re bound to discover something new!

15. Access for All:
Knott’s Berry Farm is committed to being accessible and inclusive for all guests. Rental options are available for manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, single strollers, and double strollers. Guests with hearing impairments can request an ASL interpreter for live shows by submitting a request form at least one week in advance. Service animals are also welcome throughout the park. Click here to learn more about accessibility at Knott’s Berry Farm.

water ride Calico Rivers with guest enjoying the ride

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16. Cool Down:
When the afternoon heat sets in, take a break and catch a live show. Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies bring music and comedy for a nonstop good time. At the Indian Trail Stage, experience Native American dancers sharing incredible movement, mesmerizing stories, and rich cultural history. Plus, seasonal performers add extra flair to the stage throughout the year. For a full list of shows and showtimes, be sure to check the Knott’s app! If you want to beat the heat with a splash, Knott's Berry Farm features thrilling water rides like Calico River Rapids and Timber Mountain Log Ride—perfect for cooling down while keeping the fun going. When it’s time to chill out and refuel, step inside one of Knott’s air-conditioned eateries. Coasters Diner serves up classic American favorites—burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, crispy fries, and extra-thick milkshakes—all with a lively 1950s vibe. Or head to Boardwalk BBQ for smoky, savory delights like pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and more.

17. Stay Connected at Knott’s:
Stay connected while you play! Knott’s Berry Farm offers free Wi-Fi throughout the park, so you can post your favorite moments, check messages, or scroll between coasters—all without missing a beat of the fun.

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18. Eat Like a Boysenberry Boss:
You can’t visit Knott’s Berry Farm without tasting the berry that started it all. As the birthplace of the boysenberry, this park takes its signature fruit seriously—and deliciously. From sips to sweets, there’s a boysenberry twist around every corner. Grab a boysenberry latte from Charleston Circle Coffee, try a slice of boysenberry pizza at Wagon Wheel Pizza, or cool off with a boysenberry cookiewich from Mix-It-Up Ice Cream Shop. It’s a berry delicious way to experience the park’s sweetest legacy! Check out our Knott’s Foodie Guide for even more tasty finds

19. Tiny Travelers, Big Adventures:
If you’re traveling with little ones, make the day easier by renting a single or double stroller to keep your kiddo cruising in comfort. Take advantage of Rider Swap—perfect for parents who want to enjoy the big thrills without waiting in line twice. And don’t miss the reimagined Camp Snoopy! It’s full of kid-friendly rides and charming character meet-and-greets with Linus, Pigpen, and everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy

20. Park Smart, Save More:
Save on parking by purchasing online in advance! If you’re a Knott’s Berry Farm Season Passholder, be sure to grab the All-Season Parking Pass for even more value and convenience all year long.

When your day at the park is over, the Knott’s Hotel is just across the parking lot, making it the perfect place to unwind for the night. Plus, they have Thirty Acres Kitchen , a restaurant that offers delicious boysenberry-themed items if you’re craving more of that signature flavor. For other nearby options, the DoubleTree Buena Park offers a complimentary shuttle to area attractions, while the Hilton Buena Park provides on-site breakfast and connecting rooms, ideal for families. Click here to explore our affordable and comfortable hotel options!

After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.

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Riders on Hangtime ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Your Ultimate Knott’s Berry Farm Game Plan

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