Things To Do
in Buena Park
Buena Park sits in northern Orange County, just inland from the Los Angeles basin, and is known for family-friendly attractions. The centerpiece is Knott’s Berry Farm, but the city also offers parks, museums, and a growing dining scene along Beach Boulevard. With easy access to Anaheim, Fullerton, and the coast, it’s a convenient base for day trips in OC.
The climate is mild year-round, with warm summers and cool winters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Buena Park downtown area, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café. After breakfast, take a stroll around the historic sites, admiring the charming architecture and vibrant murals that reflect the city's heritage. Don’t miss the Buena Park Historical Society Museum, where you can learn about the town's rich past.
After lunch at a nearby diner, head to the Buena Park Mall for some shopping and entertainment. Browse through a variety of stores, or catch a movie at the theater located within the mall. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps grab a snack at one of the many food stalls.
As the sun sets, dine at one of Buena Park's famous restaurants, such as the Pirate's Dinner Adventure, where you can enjoy a unique dining experience with a live show. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll through the nearby Knott's Berry Farm, where you can enjoy the illuminated rides and attractions. Finish the night with a delicious dessert from a local ice cream shop.
Start your day at Knott's Berry Farm, one of the most popular amusement parks in the area. Arrive early to beat the crowds and grab breakfast at the park's café, fueling up for a day full of excitement. Once you've eaten, head straight to the thrilling roller coasters and rides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Continue your adventure at Knott's Berry Farm by exploring the various themed areas and attractions. Take a break for lunch at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, where you can savor their famous fried chicken. Afterward, enjoy some live entertainment or catch a show while you rest your feet.
As the park begins to light up, make your way to the Ghost Town area for some nighttime fun. Enjoy the ambiance and explore the shops before finding a spot to watch the evening fireworks display. End your day with a late-night snack or dessert from one of the park's many eateries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or latte | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel nightly | $100-180 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $4-6 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong family-friendly attractions and entertainment
- Excellent location with easy access to OC and LA
- Diverse dining options along Beach Boulevard
- Proximity to Knott’s Berry Farm and other major sights
- Traffic and parking can be challenging near popular venues
- Nightlife is limited within Buena Park itself
- Ticket prices for theme parks can be high
- Less nightlife density compared to neighboring cities
Places to Visit in Buena Park
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant colors and iconic signage create a lively backdrop during early evening golden hour.
Clean lines and local signage provide tidy, urban photography opportunities in the downtown area.
Dramatic lighting and maritime aesthetic offer strong silhouette and color shots after dusk.
Historic-inspired frontages and banners make for dynamic, themed photos at dusk.
Food in Buena Park
Buena Park Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Signature dessert tied to Knott’s Berry Farm; widely available in Knott’s venues and nearby shops.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled at Korean BBQ spots along Beach Boulevard and in nearby Koreatown-adjacent areas of Anaheim.
Popular dish at Mexican-American eateries along the Beach Boulevard corridor; enjoy with cilantro, onions, and lime.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and local crafts; typically held on weekends near the core shopping areas.
Casual street-food style bites (tteokbokki, kimchi pancakes) available at many Korean eateries along Beach Boulevard.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite language, say please and thank you, queue in lines, and respect staff and locals. Keep noise reasonable in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Buena Park
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States, leave 15-20% at restaurants if service is good; tip housekeeping in hotels; tip tour guides and wait staff accordingly.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still handy for smaller shops. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are commonly accepted in most venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and sunny with blooming landscapes. Great for outdoor walks and shorter lines at theme parks.
Warm to hot days; stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Expect longer hours and larger crowds at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Ideal for outdoor dining and photography around lit signages and parks.
Cool but generally mild; occasional rain. Suitable for indoor shows and museum visits, with briefer outdoor time.
Buena Park at Night
Hiking in Buena Park
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate, shaded trails through oak woodland with educational signs and wildlife viewing.
Large park with expansive routes for longer hikes and sweeping OC views; a longer drive from Buena Park but rewarding.
Accessible, easy trails through botanical displays near campus; a convenient option for a quick nature walk.
Airports
How to reach Buena Park by plane.
Approximately 12-15 miles away; convenient for domestic flights and short trips within California.
About 25-30 miles away; provides the widest range of international and domestic connections.
Around 20-25 miles away; a smaller, easier-to-navigate option for many travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Buena Park is a family-friendly community with a mix of residential neighborhoods and theme-park attractions.
A significant portion of residents reflects a diverse cultural mix common to OC, with Spanish-language services available in many spots.
Growing presence of Asian residents and businesses, particularly along Beach Boulevard and nearby areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular both recreationally and in local leagues in and around Orange County.
Nearby college and high school games, plus professional events in the greater LA area.
Numerous public and resort courses in OC; easy day trips for golf enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Buena Park.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests with plant-based dishes or sides; ask for vegetables, tofu, or veggie bowls, and request sauces on the side where possible.