250 Years of America - 250 Reasons to Celebrate in SoCAL

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, consider this your official invitation to explore SoCAL’s FUN City of Buena Park. From iconic attractions and cultural landmarks to beaches, dining, and hidden gems, these 250 reasons showcase the very best spots. And at the center of it all, Buena Park serves as the perfect basecamp—the birthplace of the boysenberry and home to California’s first theme park—where a rich sense of history meets classic Americana and exploring Orange County feels both effortless and unforgettable. So pack up your swimsuit, sunglasses and sense of adventure and order your FREE Travel Guide at VisitBuenaPark.com to start planning your epic SoCAL getaway.

Theme Parks (Orange County and Los Angeles)
1. Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park) - Coasters, shows, and Camp Snoopy
2. Knott’s Soak City (Buena Park) - Wave pools, water slides, lazy river and gremmie lagoon
3. Disneyland Resort - Magical attractions and timeless Disney storytelling
4. Disney’s California Adventure Park - Pixar fun, Marvel heroes, and thrills
5. Universal Studios - Movie magic, behind-the-scenes peaks, and blockbuster attractions
6. Six Flag Magic Mountain - World-class roller coasters and nonstop adrenaline

Buena Park Interactive Dinner Shows
7. Medieval Times (Buena Park) - Epic jousting, royal feasts, and daring knights
8. Pirates Dinner Adventure (Buena Park) - Swashbuckling stunts and interactive pirate fun
9. Beach Boulevard Club (Buena Park) - Dueling piano speakeasy with a 1920’s charm

Orange County Attractions
10. Olympic Golf Zone (Buena Park) - Golf simulators, batting cage and bites
11. Stage X Studio (Buena Park) - Premier dance and K-pop idol studio with classes
12. CVG Cinemas (Buena Park) - High-energy cinema with motion seats and sensory effects
13. Daniel’s Truth - (Buena Park) - Custom perfume making 90-minute class
14. Life4Cuts (Buena Park) - Photo booth studio with props and more
15. Photogram OC (Buena Park) - Self-portrait studio
16. Cooking classes @ The Bakery (Buena Park) - Hands-on baking classes
17. PlayPie (Buena Park) - Imaginative indoor play and toddler-friendly adventures
18. Old World Village - Bavarian-style event space filled with shops, food, and cultural events
19. Aquarium of the Pacific - Fascinating marine life and hands-on ocean exhibits
20. Christ Cathedral - A Catholic glass cathedral celebrating faith, light, serenity
21. Dave & Busters - A lively spot for ticket-dispensing games and entertainment
22. K1 Speed - Race away with high-speed indoor kart racing

23. Adventure City - Small park with kid-friendly rides
24. Camelot Golfland - Mini golf, arcade games, and classic family fun
25. Flightdeck Rogue racing - Immersive flight simulators and virtual races
26. Maverick Helicopter - Tours with breathtaking aerial views
27. Splitsville -Stylish bowling, dining, and social entertainment
28. FunParx - Ninja-inspired arena with obstacle courses, challenges, and more
29. Vans Off The Wall Skatepark - 35,000+ sq ft of rails, bowls, and more for skateboarding

Nearby LA Attractions
30. Hollywood Sign - Iconic California landmark with sweeping Los Angeles views
31. Griffith Observatory - City panoramas, space exhibits, and scenic trails
32. Hollywood Walk of Fame - Star-studded sidewalks (literally) and entertainment history
33. Warner Brothers Studio Tour - Behind-the-scenes access and Hollywood storytelling
34. Santa Monica Pier - Beachfront rides, dining, and ocean views

35. Ripley’s Believe or Not - Strange exhibits and fascinating curiosities
36. Hollywood Wax Museum - Lifelike wax celebrities and interactive photo opportunities
37. The Huntington Library - A cultural landmark featuring art, literature, and gardens

Relaxation and Spas
38. Elevation Spa (Buena Park) - Modern spa with deluxe head spa and facial packages
39. K Spa (Buena Park) - A Korean spa offering therapeutic pools, body scrubs, and saunas
40. Bamboo Wellness Spa (Buena Park) - A wellness spa known for its signature massages
41. Burke Williams - A luxurious day spa with immersive amenities and treatments.
42. Spa Del Rio - Relaxing spa offering rejuvenating facials and massage treatments
43. Spa Gregories - Upscale spa offering specialty treatments
44. Montanya Spa - Boutique day spa offering services in a tranquil setting
45. Blue Moon Head Spa - A relaxing head spa experience focused on scalp care

Orange County Outdoors/Nature
46. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park (Buena Park) - Park with trails, playgrounds and fishing
47. Rick Gomez Park (Buena Park) - Family-friendly park with baseball-inspired play areas
48. Santa Ana Zoo - A charming zoo featuring wildlife and family-friendly exhibits
49. Back Bay Loop Trail - A scenic loop for biking, walking, and wildlife viewing
50. Black Star Canyon - A canyon hike with dramatic natural scenery
51. Top of the World - Panoramic ocean views of Laguna Beach and rewarding hilltop hikes
52. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary - Peaceful wetlands with abundant birdlife
53. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve - Coastal trails through protected wetlands and wildlife
54. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve - A tranquil estuary for hiking and kayaking
55. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park - Shaded trails through rolling hills
56. Peters Canyon Regional Park - Easy trails surrounding a scenic reservoir
57. Irvine Regional Park - Open green spaces with picnics and outdoor recreation
58. Centennial Farm - Hands-on agricultural exhibits and seasonal experiences

59. Oak Canyon Nature Center - Interpretive trails and native wildlife education
60. Fullerton Panorama Trail - Elevated paths with sweeping city and mountain views
61. Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Oak woodlands with challenging and scenic trails
62. Yorba Regional Park - Lakeside paths ideal for biking and relaxing
63. Fullerton Arboretum - Peaceful botanical gardens with diverse plant collections
64. Great Park Orange Balloon Ride - A soaring balloon ride with panoramic views

Orange County Coastal Experiences/Beaches
65. Bike along the coast (Multiple trails in different OC cities)
66. Kayak in Huntington or Newport Harbor
67. Snorkeling in Fisherman’s Cove
68. Stand-up paddleboarding in the scenic Back Bay
69. Surf iconic waves in Huntington Beach, Surf City USA

70. Whale watching with Davey’s Locker or Newport Landing
71. Tide-pooling at Thousand Steps Beach
72. Explore historic coastal cottages at Crystal Cove State Park
73. Take the ferry across the harbor to Balboa Island
74. Make s’mores on bonfires at Bolsa Chica State Beach
75. Cruise Newport Harbor aboard a private Duffy boat
76. Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway along the coast
77. Play beach volleyball on Orange County beaches
78. Jet skiing through Newport Beach Harbor waters
79. Watch massive swells at The Wedge in Newport Beach
80. Let dogs roam free at Huntington Dog Beach
81. Stroll oceanfront trails at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
82. Discover Pirate’s Tower at Victoria Beach
83. Take Catalina Express to Catalina Island for the day

84. Enjoy brunch and dinner cruises in Newport Harbor
85. Book a sunset live music or romantic cruise in Newport Beach
86. Bodyboard classic breaks in San Clemente
87. Shop the charming coastal town of Seal Beach
88. Watch the sunset at Strands Beach in Dana Point
89. Explore Corona Del Mar beaches at night to spot grunions (April - June)
90. Listen for the happy hour horn at The Beachcomber Café

Theater/Entertainment/Concerts (Orange County and Los Angeles)
91. GEM Theater - Historic theater hosting live performances and classic charm
92. Garden Amphitheater (AMP) - Improv comedy theater producing comedy legends
93. Grove of Anaheim - Indoor live music, comedy, and event venue
94. Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Performances and Broadway-caliber productions
95. South Coast Repertory - Acclaimed regional theater with contemporary plays

96. The Pacific Amphitheater - Summer concerts under the stars in a scenic setting
97. House of Blues - Live music venue and Southern-inspired restaurant dining
98. Chance Theater - Intimate performances and an ensemble-driven theater company
99. The Observatory - Popular venue for concerts and emerging artists
100. Honda Center - Major concerts, professional sports, and live events
101. Dodger Stadium - Venue for iconic baseball games, concerts and events
102. Sofi Stadium - Cutting-edge venue for sports, concerts, and events
103. Angel Stadium - Home of Angels baseball and family fun events
104. Wiltern - Historic Art Deco venue hosting live music performances
105. Greek Theatre - Hillside amphitheater with legendary concerts and shows
106. The Hollywood Bowl - Iconic outdoor music venue with breathtaking views
107. The Groundlings - Famous improv comedy theater producing comedy legends

Orange County Shopping
108. The Source OC (Buena Park) - Three-story dining, shopping, and entertainment hub
109. South Coast Plaza - Indoor world renowned luxury shopping mall
110. Fashion Island - Coastal shopping with ocean views and upscale boutiques
111. The LAB Anti-mall in - Trendy shops, creative vibes, and indie style
112. Irvine Spectrum Center - Outdoor shopping and entertainment for all ages
113. Outlets of Orange - Discount shopping with popular designer brands
114. Lido Marina Village - Waterfront boutiques and scenic marina views
115. Old Towne Orange/The Orange Circle - Historic charm with antique shops
116. Downtown Disney District - Shopping, dining, and entertainment with a Disney touch
117. Anaheim GardenWalk - Dining, nightlife, and entertainment in an outdoor setting

Orange County Dining
118. Yelp Favorites: Top 100 places to eat in OC according to Yelp Elites: LINK
119. Buena Park’s Boysenberry Guide: LINK
120. Top Food Halls in Orange County: LINK
121. Must-Try Orange County Food Trucks: LINK
122. Try over 90+ at Buena Park’s popular Koreatown
123. The Cauldron (Buena Park) - Spooky bar with French cuisine and wicked cocktails
124. Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner (Buena Park)- Famous fried chicken, biscuits and pies
125. Ramen & Tsukemen TAO (Buena Park) - Michelin Bib Gourmand Japanese spot
126. John’s Incredible Pizza (Buena Park) - All-you-can-eat pizza, rides, games, family fun
127. Porto’s Bakery (Buena Park) -Famous Cuban pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats
128. Jin Cook (Buena Park) - Korean comfort food, sizzling homestyle dishes
129. Atoyubu (Buena Park) - Serves Japanese-Korean fusion yubu
130. Portillo’s (Buena Park) -Chicago hot dogs, beef dips, famous chocolate cake shake

131. Nobibi (Buena Park) - Creamy soft serve, playful flavors, picture-perfect swirls
132. Izakaya Ichie (Buena Park) -Japanese small plates, skewers, sushi, cozy vibe
133. Rock & Brews (Buena Park) -Rock-themed eatery, burgers, and craft beers
134. Thirty Acres Kitchen (Buena Park) - American fare with boysenberry specialty items
135. Dzert -Over-the-top milkshakes, desserts, sweet indulgent creations
136. Gangnam Station -Lively Korean BBQ spot with street food vibes
137. Gaucho Grill - Argentinian steaks, chimichurri, grilled meats, bold flavors
138. Il Fiora (Buena Park) - Italian cuisine with a twist
139. KingChang (Buena Park) - Top spot for authentic Korean BBQ
140. M Korean BBQ (Buena Park) -premium meats and tabletop grilling
141. Misoolkwan OC (Buena Park) -Korean pub fare, soju, late-night drinking bites
142. Miss Shabu (Buena Park) -Interactive hot pot, fresh veggies, endless dipping
143. SUP Noodle Bar (Buena Park) - Flavorful broths, noodles, Asian comfort bowls
144. Coffee Code (Buena Park) - Specialty coffee, pastries, cozy modern café vibes

145. Yoshiharu Ramen (Buena Park) - Rich broths, ramen, and authentic Japanese flavors
146. In-N-Out (Buena Park) - Classic burgers, fresh ingredients, and iconic secret menu
147. Santa Ana Michelada Guide: Local spots serving bold, spicy beer cocktails
148. SteelCraft - Outdoor shipping-container eateries
149. Little Saigon - Vibrant Vietnamese dining, pho, banh mi, desserts
150. Little Arabia - Middle Eastern markets, halal eats, rich cultural flavors
151. The Blind Rabbit - Hidden speakeasy, craft cocktails, intimate vintage vibe
152. Anaheim Packing District - Historic food hall, diverse vendors, lively atmosphere
153. Lola Gaspar - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving Spanish tapas and bold flavors, cozy
154. CHAAK Kitchen - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving refined Yucatán cuisine,
155. Pho 79 - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving legendary pho
156. Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving Indian cuisine
157. Knife Pleat - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving modern French cuisine

158. Amor y Tacos - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving regional Mexican dishes
159. Fable & Spirit - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving seasonal dishes
160. Eat Joy Food - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving Taiwanese dishes
161. Rebel Omakase - One Michelin Star serving Japanese creations
162. Heritage - One Michelin Star serves fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients

Historical/Museums/Art (Orange County and Los Angeles)
163. Clark Interpretive Center (Buena Park) - Dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits
164. Buena Park Historic District (Buena Park) - Architectural gems and historic buildings
165. Knott’s Independence Hall (Buena Park) - Historic replica of Independence Hall
166. Hilbert Museum of California Art - Showcasing California artists
167. The Broad Museum - Contemporary art and striking architecture in downtown LA
168. The Museum of make believe - Imaginative exhibits and immersive storytelling

169. Wonderground Gallery - Disney-inspired art and collectible creations for all ages
170. Center Gallery - Rotating art exhibits featuring local and contemporary talent
171. Museum of Contemporary Art - Contemporary works and installations
172. La Brea Tar Pits - Ice Age fossils and active excavation sites
173. The Getty - World-class art, historic architecture, and hilltop gardens
174. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art - Opening Sept 2026- Cinematic immersive art
175. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures - Film history and iconic Hollywood exhibits
176. MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center - Local history, interactive exhibits, and displays
177. Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village - Preserved ranch life and history
178. Orange County Museum of Art - Contemporary California art in a coastal setting
179. Laguna Art Museum - California-focused art with oceanfront inspiration
180. Heritage Museum of Orange County - Historic homes and preserved local heritage
181. International Surf Museum - Surf culture, history, and coastal lifestyle
182. Bowers Museum - Global art and cultural exhibits

183. Discovery Cube - Hands-on science, interactive exhibits, and family fun
184. Richard Nixon Library - Presidential history and interactive exhibits
185. The Queen Mary - Historic ocean liner with tours and dining experiences
186. Mission San Juan Capistrano - Historic mission, gardens, and California heritage

Sporting Teams & Events (Orange County and Los Angeles)
187. Anaheim Ducks - NHL team (fall - late spring)
188. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - MLB team (spring - fall)
189. Los Angeles FC - MLS team (spring - fall)
190. Angel City FC - National Women’s Soccer League Team (spring - fall)
191. Orange County SC - United Soccer League Team (spring - fall)
192. Los Angeles Chargers - NFL team (fall - winter)
193. Los Angeles Lakers - NBA Team (fall - winter)
194. Los Angeles Clippers - NBA Team (fall - winter)

195. Los Angeles Rams - NFL team (fall - winter)
196. Los Angeles Sparks - Women’s NBA (Summer)
197. LA Galaxy - MLS team (spring - fall)
198. LA Kings - NHL Team (fall - late spring)
199. Surf City Marathon - Annual marathon along the Pacific Coast Highway in February
200. Pacific Airshow - Summertime airshow held annually in Huntington Beach
201. US Open of Surfing - Annual surfing competition held in July in Huntington Beach

Orange County Events & Festivals
202. Knott’s Scary Farm (Buena Park) - Spooky mazes, thrilling scares, and monsters
203. Knott’s Merry Farm (Buena Park) - Holiday lights, nightly snowfall and festive shows
204. 17th Door Haunted Experience (Buena Park) - Most intense haunted house
205. Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration (Buena Park) - Activities with beloved characters
206. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (Buena Park) - Boysenberry treats, food and beverages
207. Ghost Town Alive! (Buena Park) - Interactive Wild West fun for the whole family

208. Knott’s Summer Nights (Buena Park) - Entertainment, fireworks and festivities
209. Knott’s Spooky Farm (Buena Park) - Halloween-themed fun for kids and families
210. Pirates Take Christmas (Buena Park) - Pirate holiday show with interactive fun
211. Vampirates (Buena Park) - Halloween show with pirates and vampire thrills
212. Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney - Halloween-themed Disney fun
213. OC Fair - Rides, live entertainment, and fairground favorites
214. Winter Fest OC - Ice skating, festive lights, and winter activities
215. Newport Christmas Boat Parade - Iconic annual event with festively decorated boats
216. 626 Night Market - Street food, shopping, and vibrant night festivities
217. Surf City Nights - Evening beachside market with local food and art
218. Sawdust Art Festival - Handmade art, live music, and coastal charm
219. Holidays at the Disneyland resort - Magical lights, seasonal shows, and Disney cheer
220. Strawberry Festival - Fresh strawberries, live music, and family fun

221. Pageant of the Masters - Living art performances in a coastal setting
222. OC Restaurant Week - Culinary delights and special tasting menus across the county
223. Wondercon - Pop culture, comics, and fan convention for all ages
224. Gardenwalk Taste of Japan - Japanese cuisine, culture, and festive entertainment
225. Blizzcon - All things Blizzard gaming and more
226. OC Pride Festival - LGBTQ+ celebration with performances and community events
227. Vidcon - Creator meetups, panels, and digital entertainment experiences
228. Doheny Festival - Music, beachside fun, and family-friendly activities
229. Newport Beach Jazz Festival - Live jazz, coastal views, and vibrant music scenes
230. Pasadena Rose Parade - Iconic parade with flower-covered floats and performances

Orange County Golf Course
231. Monarch Beach Golf Links - 18 holes with ocean views and challenging terrain
232. San Clemente Golf Club - 18 hole course with scenic cliffs and ocean views
233. Pelican Hill Golf Club - 36 holes across two courses with 270-degree ocean views

234. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club- 18 holes nestled in rolling hills with mountain views
235. The Ranch @ Laguna Beach Golf Course - 9 holes featuring laid-back fairways
236. Strawberry Farms Golf Club - 18 holes surrounded by lush hills and a charming feel
237. Oak Creek Golf Club - 18 holes tucked away with lakes and tapered fairways
238. Coyote Hills Golf Course - 18 holes with scenic views of both LA and The OC
239. Talega Golf Club - 18 holes with Spanish colonial architecture
240. Tijeras Creek Golf Club - 18 holes framed by lakes and dramatic hilltop vistas
241. Black Gold Golf Club - 18 holes featuring wide fairways and stunning landscaping
242. San Juan HillsGolf Club - 18 holes with rolling terrain and stunning hillside views
243. Shorecliffs Golf Club - 18 holes along ocean cliffs with breathtaking coastal views

Affordable Buena Park Hotels
244. Knott’s Hotel - Steps from Knott’s Berry Farm theme park, this farmhouse chic hotel offers a pool with kids splash pad, free shuttle to Disneyland, gym with a sauna and steam room, a restaurant and bar, gift shop with boysenberry merchandise and new guestrooms.

245. Hilton Buena Park – Midcentury modern 4-star hotel with rooftop pool, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, valet parking and attached to The Source OC.
246. DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park – Large outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and bar, free shuttle to Disneyland and parking, gift shop, gym and welcome chocolate chip cookies.
247. Fairfield Inn & Suites – Reliable comfort with complimentary hot breakfast, large suites, pool, fitness center and across the street from The Source OC.
248. Courtyard Marriott Buena Park – Contemporary hotel featuring stylish guestrooms, outdoor firepit and pool, Bistro cafe with Starbucks coffee, gym and EV charging.
249. Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park – Spacious rooms, free hot breakfast and parking, EV charging stations, outdoor pool and firepit.
250. For more Buena Park Hotels CLICK HERE

Get to Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Two bed room at Holiday Inn in Buena Park, CA

Explore Hotels

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

250 Years of America - 250 Reasons to Celebrate in SoCAL

Get to Know More About Buena Park, CA!

Explore Hotels

Ticket Deals