13 Best Things to Do in Buena Park, California

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Buena Park is a popular vacation spot that attracts millions of visitors each year. With its family friendly environment, warm weather, and premier entertainment attractions, everyone in the family will find tons of things to see and do while they are there. The city is home to several theme and water parks such as the 160-acre Knott’s Berry Farm where you can go on thrilling rides, enjoy a spooky haunt in their Old West Ghost Town, or cool off in Knott’s Soak City U.S.A. Their extensive choice of interactive dinner shows such as Medieval Times, Pirates Dinner Adventure, and Teatro Martini offer fun dining options which are sure to be unique and memorable. If you can’t decide on what you want to see or do, just start your trip with a visit to the California Welcome Center, where the experienced professionals are more than happy to point you in the right direction.

California Welcome Center - Orange County

No matter where in the state of California you’re planning on exploring, it is best to start your trip with a visit to the California Welcome Center. The Center, which is located in the historic Stage Stop Hotel, has all the details on all things to see and do in the state, including stocking an array of complimentary attraction brochures, city maps, and travel guides. The concierge-style service can provide you with answers to all your questions, whether it be driving directions, local landmark suggestions, or recommendations to the area’s best restaurants. The Welcome Center also houses a Southern California Ticket & Tours kiosk, guaranteeing some of the best deals from discounted theme park tickets to resort vacation packages.

6601 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621, Phone: 800-541-3953 Photo: California Welcome Center - Orange County

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With castles all across the United States, Medieval Times Buena Park guarantees that you’ll have a memorable time as you experience epic battles of steel and steed. The thrilling time starts with meeting the knights and other members of the court as you tour the castle to your heart’s content. Once you’re seated be prepared to have your breath taken away by jousting, weaponry, the royal falcon, and the beauty and grace of court’s horses. You can dine with Queen Maria Isabella as she commands her royal chefs to prepare a feast that is fit for royalty. The entire experience is enjoyable for visitors of all ages so be sure to head to Medieval Times while in Buena Park.

7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-523-1100

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Knott’s Berry Farm is one of California’s best theme and amusement parks and is sure to entertain the entire family no matter their age. The 160-acre world-famous destination which has attracted visitors for over a hundred years started out as a small family farm. Many of their rides, such as the Xcelerator and the Silver Bullet, have won awards throughout the years for being thrilling and full of excitement. Meet up with the PEANUTS gang in Camp Snoopy, take a stroll on the Boardwalk, and explore the abandoned streets of the Old West Ghost Town. With dozens of rides, attractions, and shows in four uniquely themed areas, there’s something for everyone at Knott’s.

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

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Pirates Dinner Adventure is one of the most epic and most entertaining interactive dinner shows you’ll come across. You’ll laugh, cheer, and sing as you set sail for adventure on an 18th century Spanish galleon. There will be intense battles, thrilling adventures, and mysterious monsters - all as you enjoy a mouthwatering four-course meal. You can upgrade your adventure to sit with the captain and get a souvenir pirate bandana and beaded necklace from the Captain’s stolen treasures. Shows that you can choose from include Legend of the Lochness Monster, Vampirates, and Pirates Take Christmas which is seasonal during the month of December.

7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-690-1497

Knott's Soak City U.S.A.

A part of the Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City U.S.A. is one of California’s most thrilling water parks. As Orange County’s largest water park, you’ll be able to spend the day speeding down winding body slides, tube through hair-raising tunnels, and do so much more. Visitors of all ages love lounging as they’re swept through the lazy river or jumping around in the giant wave pool. Little ones and their guardians love the designated interactive kids’ area as everything there is fun, safe, and age-appropriate. Upgrade to a VIP experience at Knott’s Soak City by reserving one of their amenity-filled cabanas.

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 Photo: Knott's Soak City U.S.A.

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Teatro Martini is the perfect combination of fun, enticing, and just a little naughty. Make no mistake, the adults-only entertainment is filled with lively music, mind-blowing magic, aerial ballet, all of which combine to provide one of the most outstanding live entertainment venues in Buena Park. You’ll love the playful innuendo, risqué jokes, and rowdy antics in one of the area’s best burlesque and cabaret performances of its kind. Specialty acts change weekly so you’re always in for a different treat every time you go there, and don’t forget the delicious four-course dinner you can enjoy throughout it all.

7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 844-249-7865

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Big Air Trampoline Park

Fitted with more than just your run-of-the-mill backyard trampoline, the Big Air Trampoline Park is filled with all sorts of signature attractions that will ensure your visit is fun, memorable, and definitely one-of-a-kind. Smaller guests can head to Lil’ Air, the designated space which features fun-size versions of all the major attractions. Take dodgeball to the next level in Airstrike Arena or put your bull-riding skills to the test in The Bullpen. Challenge a friend on an epic one-on-one jousting battle over a pit of foam or launch yourself through the air into a massive foam pit - the number of things you can do at Big Air is endless!

Buena Park Place: 8320 On the Mall, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 844-550-5867 Photo: Big Air Trampoline Park

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Howie’s Game Shack offers a social gaming experience unlike anything you’ve ever done before. A visit there will put you in virtual reality heaven as it is one of the largest online interactive gaming centers in the U.S. You will come across row after row of dedicated gaming PCs, Xbox Ones connected to high-def LCD displays and outrageous gaming chairs, and HTC Vive Virtual Reality gaming headsets which are incomparable. The outstanding venue even offers hot foods and cold drinks made to order and served directly at your seat so don’t need to miss out on any of the action.

Buena Park Place: 8308 On the Mall, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-676-7325

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Jain Centre of Southern California

The non-profit Jain Centre of Southern California is a peaceful place that practices, promotes, and preserves the Jain religion. The center was established in 1979 and offers several classes, workshops, and activities for visitors to get acquainted with Jainism, whether it be to introduce the Jain way of life to children though Pathshala, or the Swadhyay classes to motivate adults via spiritual knowledge and understanding. The state-of-the-art cultural complex facilities includes rooms, the auditorium, a dining hall, a commercial-grade kitchen, and a museum. You’ll get to see some stunning sites as you explore the center, from its gorgeous architectural aspects to the 108-year-old replica of the Palitana Temple which is one display in the main lobby.

8072 Commonwealth Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621, Phone: 714-670-9173 Photo: Jain Centre of Southern California

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Buena Park Raceway

One of the leading establishments in the slot car world, Buena Park Raceway is home to a quality 155-feet King track which is fun for everyone. Place your cars on it and aim to beat the world record which is held there by Beuf Pederson with a lap timing of 1.404. It’s an interesting and fun way to spend the time as you’re sure to have hours of enjoyment on the tracks; in addition to the King track, Buena Park Raceway is also home to a flat track and a Kingleman track which is one of the best tracks to hone your skills on. They raceway offers a wide range of slot car products and services and is sure to have everything you’re looking for when it comes to building your own car.

6161 Lincoln Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-827-9979 Photo: Buena Park Raceway

Amber Waves

Amber Waves is a full-service restaurant and bar which you can visit to indulge in mouth-watering all-American family fare. Their exemplary dining service is open to customers throughout the day, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast buffet, a light lunch, or an exquisite dinner. Some of the delicious entrees include made-to-order burgers, New York Steak, and handmade pizza and pasta. A popular favorite with Amber Waves’ regular patrons is the Boysenberry Chicken Pizza which is topped with their famed Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce. Be sure to keep some space for some of their homemade desserts, especially the Warm Apple Bomb.

7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-995-1111 Photo: Amber Waves

Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant

Experience a family tradition that has continued for over eighty years at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. The restaurant first opened in 1934 when Mrs. Knotts herself, along with the help of her children, served the first customers in their tea room. Though it has expanded extensively over the years, the charm, customer service, and the classic fried chicken dinner all remain the same. You’ll be able to bite into crunchy fried chicken that was made using Mrs. Knott’s original recipe; each chicken dinner also includes handmade biscuits, mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, a side salad, and your choice of dessert.

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-220-5055 Photo: Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant

Portillo's

Portillo’s was founded by Dick Portillo who opened a hot dog stand called ‘the Dog House’ in 1963. After becoming immensely successful, the stand was moved to a new building, given a new name, and even introduced one of Downers Grove’s first drive-thrus. From its humble origins in Illinois, you can now find hundreds of Portillo’s across the United States. Their Buena Park branch is filled with all sorts of delicious treats that will satisfy even the most particular palate, young or old. Kids love pairing their hot dog, sandwich, or burger with a delicious shake or a chocolate eclair cake from their dessert menu. Other patron favorites include the Tuscan chicken and bacon salad, the grilled portobello sandwich, and their award-winning baby back ribs which are marinated in their special rib sauce.

8390 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620, Phone: 714-220-6400 Photo: Portillo's