First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Buena Park in Southern California is packed with theme parks, immersive attractions, and an ever-growing food scene. Located just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the beaches, it’s an ideal home base for first-time visitors. Use these tips to plan smarter, save time, and make the most of your trip.

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1. Theme Parks

KNOTT'S BERRY FARM
Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s first theme park and the birthplace of the boysenberry fruit, offers corkscrew coasters for adrenaline seekers and Camp Snoopy, a kid-friendly area perfect for little ones. To make the most of your visit, buy tickets online, consider the All-Day Dining Pass for unlimited meals, and use Fast Lane Passes to skip regular lines. Download the Knott’s App for showtimes and meet-and-greet schedules. The Prestige Pass provides access to a lounge with free snacks, a rest area, and device charging. Check out our Ultimate Knott’s Berry Farm Game Plan to be best prepared, including our insider’s guide to navigating Camp Snoopy.

KNOTT'S SOAK CITY (SEASONAL WATERPARK)
One of Orange County’s largest outdoor water parks, Knott’s Soak City features 23 waterslides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, and one of the world’s longest lazy rivers. Also has Gremmie Lagoon that is an area for younger kids to enjoy. Visitors can buy tickets online to save money, rent a cabana (with food delivery available), and remember to bring their own towels, as they are not provided.

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2. Must-See Attractions

HISTORIC DISTRICT & KNOTT'S INDEPENDENCE HALL
Make your reservation and travel back in time by touring the Buena Park Historic District, featuring several preserved buildings from the 1800s. Right across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Independence Hall is a full-scale replica of the original building in Philadelphia. The building is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission to both is free.

DINNER SHOWS
Pirates Dinner Adventure features swashbuckling pirates, acrobatics, and a four-course meal, with guests sometimes called to participate. Arrive at least an hour early to browse the gift shop and take photos. Medieval Times offers jousting knights, sword fights, and a medieval feast. Arriving one hour early is recommended to explore the gift shop and purchase your cocktail. For a more adult-oriented experience, Beach Boulevard Club is a 21+ speakeasy open Friday - Sunday, with ticketed entry, dueling pianists, and classy cocktails in an intimate setting.

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THE SOURCE OC
The Source OC is a multi-level shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Buena Park’s Koreatown, offering free parking. For an insider’s guide to the best eats, check out our Foodie Guide to The Source OC.

RALPH B. CLARK REGIONAL PARK
Spans 104 acres and offers a wide variety of recreational activities, from fishing to basketball and tennis. The park also features a free Interpretive Center highlighting prehistoric Orange County, including a 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton.

Daniel's Truth
A one-of-a-kind fragrance shop offering luxury oil-based fragrances and candles. Guests can participate in 90-minute sessions, where they can customize their own fragrance bottle to take home. Reservations are required to attend the class.

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3. Don’t Skip Buena Park’s Food Scene

The city is home to Buena Park’s Koreatown, featuring more than 90 restaurants, making it an easy place to enjoy everything from crispy Korean fried chicken to classic dishes like gimbap. Be sure to check out some must-try Korean BBQ spots while you’re in the area. Beyond Korean cuisine, Buena Park also offers plenty of kid-approved restaurants, along with hidden “secret menu” items for those in the know. To make the most of your visit, discover and plan your meals around the top spots recognized in our Taste of Buena Park 2026 Award Winners.

4. Build in Downtime and Relax at Your Hotel

After a day of exploring Buena Park, it’s important to take time to unwind. The city offers over a dozen affordable and comfortable hotels with amenities designed for relaxation and convenience. Guests can enjoy splash pads, rooftop pools, saunas and steam rooms, outdoor firepits, on-site restaurants, and free hot breakfasts. Many hotels also offer free shuttle service to Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland and EV charging stations for added convenience. Read about the Best Hotels Near Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland.

5. Planning Tips

Before you visit, check out our ticket deals and browse the 2026 calendar of events to see what’s happening during your stay. Order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide for even more tips and insights, or explore our SoCal 7-day itinerary if you’re not sure where to begin.

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Two bed room at Holiday Inn in Buena Park, CA

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

First-Time Visitor’s Guide

1. Theme Parks

2. Must-See Attractions

3. Don’t Skip Buena Park’s Food Scene

4. Build in Downtime and Relax at Your Hotel

5. Planning Tips

Get to Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Explore Hotels

Ticket Deals