Things to Do in Anaheim Buena Park

Knott’s Berry Farm, a 160-acre (65-hectare) amusement park in Buena Park, California, is one of the most-visited theme parks in the United States. The attractions—from dizzying roller coasters to scream-inducing thrill rides—and water park make Knott’s a popular option for family fun in Southern California. 

 

Thrilling roller coasters are Knott’s claim to fame, and each of its six themed areas, representing part of the Southern California experience, is home to at least one. Ghost Towns is a trip into the past with authentic 19th-century buildings and gun-slinging bandits duking it out in the legendary Wild West Stunt Show. Camp Snoopy is home to the Peanuts Gang and offers 20 kid-approved rides and hands-on adventures. At Wild Water Wilderness you’ll find a raging white-water river, cascading waterfalls, soaring geysers, and old-style ranger stations. Head next door to Knott’s Soak City Water Park to beat the heat on body slides, speed slides, and an artificial wave lagoon.

 

Purchasing tickets ahead of time can save time at the gate and guarantee against disappointment in case of a busy sold-out day. Admission is also discounted if you have a Go Los Angeles Card.

 

 

Knott’s Berry Farm is located outside of Los Angeles, just 10 minutes northwest of Disneyland via Interstate 5 and the Artesia Freeway. Parking is available on-site.

 

Due to the mild weather in Southern California, the park is popular year-round. The park’s opening hours change seasonally, so check the website for updated times. To avoid the crowds in summer, plan to visit on a weekday for shorter ride wait times.

 

Knott’s Berry Farm all started with the humble boysenberry (celebrated each spring during the Boysenberry Festival). After adding fried chicken to its repertoire, the rides sprung up to occupy customers waiting in line for these tasty treats—and the rest is history. Some say Knott’s, California’s oldest theme park, was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s empire.

When people think of what life is like for folks who actually live in Southern California, images similar to Huntington Beach typically come to mind. Appropriately nicknamed “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach’s 10 miles of coastline and warm temperatures make outdoor living possible year round.

Popular activities revolve around the wide, sandy beaches, from surfing to volleyball, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. When the sun sets, beach bonfires become the star attraction in the sand. Huntington Beach has more than over 500 fire rings, free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hot dogs and s’mores cook nicely under the stars.

The Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast, stretching 1,850 feet into the waves. It serves as the unofficial center of all of the action and is located on the Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. Visitors can fish, shop, eat or just wander.

The Medieval Times dinner and show are held in a mock 11th-century, fortress-like Spanish palace, complete with red tile roofs, palm trees and blazing southern Californian sun. Guests feast on oven-roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes and pastry, while the experience culminates in an authentic jousting tournament between six brave knights of the realm. The castle also features a bar, gift shop and the Hall of Arms, which displays myriad medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum. From the famous Andalusian Stallions to authentic weapons and historic jousting tournament, this recreation will surely transport visitors back to a colorful period of European history.

Disneyland Resort houses two theme parks: the iconic Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. California Adventure is the newer park and contains attractions such as Hollywoodland and Paradise Pier, while Disneyland Park—Walt Disney’s original 1955 creation—is home to Space Mountain, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and the Haunted Mansion.

 

Disneyland Resort is brimming with activities for the whole family. Young kids can enjoy attractions such as The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland, while adrenaline junkies can defy gravity on a number of roller coasters, Splash Mountain, and many other heart-pumping rides. Disneyland Park is known for its eight sections: Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Mickey's Toontown, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country. In California Adventure Park, travelers can visit seven distinct areas: Buena Vista Street, Pixar Pier (formerly Paradise Pier), Grizzly Peak, Pacific Wharf, Hollywoodland, A Bug’s Land, and Cars Land.

Visitors can buy single-day, multi-day, or park hopper tickets to visit one or both parks, depending on their schedule and interests. Travelers who want to avoid the stress of traffic and parking at Disneyland can opt for an admission package that includes transportation from Los Angeles, while those looking to save time can choose VIP options such as FASTPASS, MaxPass, and Magic Morning tickets, which include early entrance or skip-the-line privileges. Guided tours are also available for travelers who want to explore park highlights with a tour guide instead of navigating on their own. 

 

Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Santa Monica, 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of downtown LA, and 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Long Beach. LA traffic can be very heavy, so give yourself plenty of time if you plan to drive. 

 

Disneyland Resort is open daily, from morning until late evening. It’s most crowded during school holiday periods such as spring break (March and April) and the summer months. Opt for an early morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. 

 

For dining, shopping, and entertainment, head to Downtown Disney, located within walking distance of Disneyland and California Adventure. Open daily, the district’s restaurants include ESPN Zone, La Brea Bakery Cafe, and several other venues serving Mexican, American, Cajun, and Italian fare. Popular shops include Pandora Jewelry, the Lego Store, and Sephora, while a movie theater and jazz club provide entertainment.

Inspired by the beach towns and surf culture of Southern California, Knott's Soak City is a great way to beat the summer heat. From dueling tube slides to a relaxing lazy river and a children's pool area, the whimsical water park is an essential Orange County summer experience for the whole family.

Visitors can choose from six 7-story water slides in the Shore Break area, or catch a wave in the 750,000-gallon wave pool. Sunset River allows for relaxation, while Gremmie Lagoon is an area exclusively for kids under 54 inches tall. Other top rides include the Malibu Run, the Wedge, and Banzai Falls.

Knott's Soak City is adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, a 15-minute drive from Disneyland. It is a 20-minute drive from John Wayne/Orange County Airport and 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. 

The park is open only during the summer season, typically mid-May to September. On clear summer days, when the Southern California heat is high, are usually the most crowded.