Family Friendly Guide to Summer

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If you’re looking for the perfect summer destination, look no further than Buena Park —Southern California’s Ultimate FUN City and the Birthplace of the Boysenberry! Spend your days exploring action-packed theme parks, cooling off at water attractions, and enjoying award-winning dining and unique shopping. Plus, you’re just 5 miles from Disneyland and 15 miles from the beach. Here’s your perfect 5-day itinerary.

Day 1 - Check in to Your Home Away From Home
At Courtyard by Marriott, guests can stop by the on-site Bistro for a drink and unwind by the outdoor fire pits. At Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites, you’ll enjoy spacious accommodations paired with complimentary hot breakfast to start your day right. Guests of DoubleTree by Hilton can relax at Marbles Lounge with a cup of Starbucks coffee before taking advantage of the hotel’s free shuttle to Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City, or Disneyland. At Hilton Buena Park, visitors can unwind at the rooftop pool and order food and drinks from the downstairs restaurant and bar. For the closest stay to the action, Knott’s Hotel puts you just steps from Knott’s Berry Farm, with access to a splash pad, sauna and steam room, Starbucks coffee, and a free shuttle to Disneyland. Be sure to explore all of Buena Park’s comfortable and affordable accommodations for your stay!

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Start your family fun with lunch at John's Incredible Pizza, featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet, amusement rides, and ticket-winning games—don’t miss their famous peanut butter pizza. Then head over to The Source OC, a three-story dining and entertainment hub. Inside, capture fun memories at Life4Cuts, an all-in-one photo booth experience. Families with toddlers may enjoy spending the afternoon at PlayPie, an interactive play space with a digital aquarium and sand art tables. Movie lovers can visit CGV Cinemas, offering state-of-the-art 4DX and luxury theater experiences. For something more active, Olympic Golf Zone delivers a virtual golf experience along with batting cages for the whole family to enjoy.

When the sun goes down, set sail with the Pirates of Buena Park at Pirates Dinner Adventure for an interactive dinner show featuring swashbuckling swordplay, special effects, aerial stunts, and a three-course meal served as the action unfolds around you. Another option is Speakeasy Murder Dinner Show, a Roaring ’20s-inspired experience blending immersive theater, live music, comedy, and audience participation. Recommended for ages 12 and up. If award-winning dining is your style, explore Buena Park’s Koreatown, featuring over 90 diverse restaurants—from trendy KBBQ to traditional gimbap—spanning a vibrant 2.5-mile foodie destination. Read on for the top Korean BBQ spot.

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Day 2 - Crazy Donuts and Corkscrew Coasters
Wake up and choose from several delicious breakfast options! If you're craving a delicious and unique donut experience in Buena Park, Old Ferry Donuts and Modoo Donuts. Or for a heartier option visit Broken Yolk or Black Bear Diner.

Next, head to California’s first theme park—Knott’s Berry Farm! The park is known for its corkscrew coasters, live shows, and seasonal treats. Explore Ghost Town, a Wild West setting with saloons, live entertainment, and the legendary GhostRider—the West Coast’s longest, tallest, and fastest wooden coaster. In Fiesta Village, vibrant Latin-inspired culture comes alive with colorful rides, festive eats like birria tacos, and traditional desserts. Camp Snoopy is perfect for younger guests, featuring kid-friendly rides and beloved Peanuts characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. For thrill-seekers, the Boardwalk delivers a classic seaside vibe with arcade games and major coasters like HangTime and Xcelerator, which launches riders from 0 to over 80 mph in under 3 seconds. Don’t forget Knott’s California Marketplace for shopping and signature boysenberry treats—the iconic fruit invented right here.

For lunch, right outside the theme park is Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, one of America’s most beloved family dining spots. Serving guests since 1934, it’s known for Cordelia Knott’s famous fried chicken, homemade biscuits, mashed potatoes, and signature boysenberry pie. Inside Knott’s Berry Farm, don’t miss Ghost Town Alive!—an interactive Wild West experience where guests become part of the story with live characters, fun missions, and immersive storytelling throughout Calico. As evening sets in, enjoy Knott's Summer Nights, featuring live music, family-friendly games, and creative summer eats like build-your-own s’mores. No additional ticket is required for either experience. Grab your discounted tickets for Knott’s Berry Farm.

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Day 3 - Waterslide Wedgies and Knights in Tights
Unwind after a day at Knott’s Berry Farm with a visit to Knott's Soak City, a 15-acre water park featuring 23 slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Kids will love Gremmie Lagoon, a dedicated kid-friendly splash area. Rent a cabana where you can relax and even order food straight to your cabana. Read the Ultimate Guide to Knott’s Soak City to prepare for your visit. Then end the day at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, where guests enjoy a royal feast while cheering on knights in an action-packed live jousting show.

Day 4 - Disney Magic & Pastries
No SoCal trip is complete without a stop at Porto's Bakery, a local favorite known for Cuban pastries like guava strudel, cheese rolls, fruit tarts, potato balls, and strong, rich coffee. Then take a quick 5-mile drive to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” featuring Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, featuring meet-and-greets, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, famous churros, and a nightly fireworks show.

Day 5 - Coastal Chill & Surfing Vibes
When you and your family are ready to slow things down after all the non-stop Buena Park fun, take a relaxing 20-mile drive to the coast and visit Surf City—Huntington Beach. Stroll the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest recreational piers in the world, or rent a bike to cruise along the shoreline while enjoying the ocean breeze and laid-back beach vibes.

For your final evening, enjoy an upscale experience at Gaucho Grill, featuring Argentine favorites like steak, empanadas, burgers, and wagyu ribeye. For a more casual night out, Rock & Brews serves American comfort food, signature wings, and wood-fired BBQ with patio seating, fire pits, and cornhole. Don’t miss Portillo's for iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and the famous Chocolate Cake Shake. For an exclusive local twist, check out Buena Park’s secret menu items, and read our Kid-Approved Eats guide to make dining smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.

To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide . For a more personalized experience, meet Berry—your Buena Park AI planner. Berry tailors your trip with the best attractions, dining, and deals, so you can start your custom trip with ease.

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Family at Knott's Summer Nights at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Family-Friendly Guide to A Summer of Fun in Buena Park

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