Buena Park

A few miles from Disneyland and 20 miles from Los Angeles, Buena Park first found fame around a small boysenberry farm—and it has grown ever since into a wide-ranging family-friendly destination.

Buena Park and Knott’s Berry Farm history

The Orange County town dates back to the 1850s and a few buildings still remain from those frontier days—including the site of the Stage Stop Hotel. But Buena Park was really put on the map in the 1920s, when a farmer named Walter Knott started having success growing a hybrid berry called a boysenberry (part loganberry, raspberry, and blackberry); his farm stand expanded into a restaurant and later into the Knott’s Berry Farm theme park.

Today, the theme park is still the biggest attraction in town, with its own hotel and a classic selection of rides, live shows, and an updated version of that original tea shop, called Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Families will also want to stop at Knott’s Independence Hall, a brick-by-brick replica of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, down to its copy of the Liberty Bell. During the summer, the offerings include the nearby Knott’s Soak City Water Park.

Other Entertainment in Buena Park

The main artery of town runs along Beach Boulevard, which is home to a slew of hotels, restaurants, and two family-friendly dinner-theater attractions: Pirates Dinner Adventure, a swashbuckler-packed dinner theater set on a Spanish-style galleon in a huge indoor lagoon; and the popular chain Medieval Times, where you’ll dine while watching jousting, falconry, and acts of chivalry. For adults, there’s also the lively Beach Boulevard Club, a swanky, vintage Hollywood-style lounge. Sip a cocktail and sing along as dueling piano players play crowd requests—be it hip-hop, a jazz standard, or a Taylor Swift hit. Several other spots in town—such as Rock & Brews (owned by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS), The Cauldron Spirits and Brews, and EKO Karaoke Lounge—cater exclusively to the 21-and-over crowd in the later evenings; check their sites for details.

Where to Eat and Drink in Buena Park

When hunger strikes, find your way—if you’re not already there—to Beach Boulevard, which is lined with dozens of restaurant options ranging from sushi to ramen to Korean (one favorite of locals is Jin Cook), Mexican, and more. A few of the city’s destination eateries along the boulevard include the must-try Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, the only Orange County outpost of the beloved Cuban bakery from L.A. County. Don’t mind the line that can form outside this institution at any time of day—it moves briskly. Inside, a dazzling array of pastries, Cuban sandwiches, and the famous potato balls (stuffed with beef, or cheese and peppers) await. Also on Beach Avenue are Miss Shabu and Sup Noodle Bar, which are renowned for their hot pot and innovative variations on pho, respectively.

Diners with a taste for the dark arts, meanwhile, may want to pull up a stool at the nearby aforementioned The Cauldron Spirits and Brews, a witches-and-wizards-themed pub and eatery with magically themed cocktails (like the Grey Witch cocktail with gin, Champagne, and crème de violette) and Provençal-style pub fare, such as croque monsieur sliders. For a range of cuisines from all over the world in both sit-down and kiosk-style settings, head to The Source, a multi-level, indoor-outdoor mall that’s also home to shops and boutiques and entertainment such as karaoke, a cinema, and VR gaming, including golf.

Cultural and Educational Activities in Buena Park

History, both prehistoric and the not so distant, are on display in Buena Park. At the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center, visitors can get a glimpse of dinosaur-era Orange County through exhibits, like the nine-million-year-old fossilized baleen whale skeleton on display, or through programs and guided tours (open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). To bring the more recent past into focus, stroll through the Buena Park Historic District. Tour the 1887 Whitaker-Jaynes House, which features exhibits and photos depicting Orange County history, and the circa 1884 Bacon House, which is one of the oldest buildings in Orange County. Tours of both are free and are available Monday through Thursday (see site for details).

Where to Stay in Buena Park

From romantic accommodations for two to spacious suites for your entire crew, the city has more than a dozen hotels, many of which have large outdoor swimming pools to relax in when you’re not out exploring. Several accommodations also offer free shuttles that will get you to Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, and other nearby destinations. For extra-easy access to the former boysenberry farm, stay at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, located next door to the theme park.

Keep driving south on Beach Boulevard and about 15 miles later, you’ll arrive at the famous surf breaks of Huntington Beach. Closer by, in addition to Disneyland, Anaheim is home to the Packing District, an excellent beer scene, and the Anaheim GardenWalk.

Know before you go: The Visit Buena Park site offers a wealth of hotel and attraction deals year round; request one of their travel guides to be sent to you in the mail, or simply download the digital travel guide. During November and December, military veterans can make the most of even more exclusive deals, including discounted rates, free parking, and waived resort fees.