Save or Splurge on a Family Trip to Southern California

Tucked away in the sunny haven that is Southern California sits a destination so chock full of things to do, places to see and food to eat, you won’t believe your eyes, or your taste buds. And no, it’s not Disneyland (although it’s close – about 5 miles away). It’s the city of Buena Park.

Many people may know Buena Park for its famed Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s first theme park, but the city holds even more fun and excitement for folks of all ages. With all there is to do, you may wonder how you can make the most of your time and money when visiting, but don’t sweat it.

Here are the best ways you can enjoy Buena Park whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge.

Adventure

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The aforementioned Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the most popular attractions in Buena Park, and for good reason. The 160-acre theme park boasts world-class rides and attractions dispersed among four themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk and Camp Snoopy. If you’re looking to enjoy a day here with your family, saving on everyone’s entry ticket is easy; VisitBuenaPark.com is the best place to find discounted tickets for Knott’s Berry Farm all year long.

And during the hot summer season from May to September, there’s no better way to cool off than at Soak City. As the biggest water park in Orange County, at an enormous 15 acres, Soak City is the place to be for all kinds of water fun, including a lazy river, wave pool and lots of waterslides. As with Knott’s Berry Farm, you’ll be able to get the best savings if you purchase your discounted tickets through the Visit Buena Park website.

Splurge

Spending a day (or two) at Knott’s Berry Farm is always time well spent, but if you’re looking to upgrade your visit – whether for convenience, timesaving or simply to enhance your experience – there are many ways to do so. Skip to the front of any line with Fast Lane, a ticket add-on that allows priority boarding on select rides and the ability to ride as many times as you want. Other upgrade perks include FunPix, which gives you unlimited downloads of professional photos taken in the park and a selection of food and drink add-ons.

At Soak City, you can enhance your visit with a private cabana. No matter which of the three different cabana options you select, you get a spot big enough for eight people, a patio set, umbrella and lounge chairs.

Dining

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Have you ever eaten dinner while watching a medieval-themed tournament right in front of you? Well, at the Medieval Times Dinner Tournament you can! The famed two-hour immersive experience is the most popular in North America and features everything from horse riding to swordplay. While you enjoy a four-course meal, the action plays out before you solely for your entertainment. Pirates Dinner Adventure offers a similar interactive themed dinner show experience, filled with special effects, aerial artistry, stunts and lots of swashbuckling fun.

For something more casual, grab a bite at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe or slurp down some noodles at Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, granted the Michelin Guide distinction of Bib Gourmand for its great value.

To save on dining and more, be sure to check Visit Buena Park’s discounts and deals when planning your trip.

Splurge

Looking for some top-notch cuisine? Buena Park is packed with some of the best restaurants in the state, including the highly rated Argentine steakhouse Gaucho Grill and Gangnam House, a traditional Korean barbecue restaurant.

Activities

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There are quite a few activities to enjoy in and around Buena Park that capture the imagination and won’t break the bank. At the Buena Park Historical District, you can enjoy free tours of a selection of historical homes like Whitaker-Jaynes House and the Bacon House. There’s also the Clark Interpretive Center inside Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, Knott’s Independence Hall and the Henry Boisseranc Park, all of which are completely free to the public.

Splurge

Adding on an indoor activity to your Buena Park trip, like the Big Air Trampoline Park, is great if the weather turns rainy, but also a perfect way to enjoy some family fun that’s active as well. Leap into the foam pit, play trampoline dodgeball or even test your balance on the ninja warrior courts. Jump passes at Big Air begin at 90 minutes and go all the way up to annual passes that allow for unlimited jumps and other big perks.

Stays

After your fun-filled days in the city of Buena Park, you’ll need a comfortable place to wind down and relax. There are plenty of affordable hotels in the area to choose from, with amenities like free breakfast, free parking and free shuttles to major attractions.

Start planning your Buena Park visit today.