Summer Guide to SoCal’s Fun City

The lively city of Buena Park is the ultimate summer playground, promising sun-soaked days and endless fun. SoCal’s Fun City caters to all types of visitors, whether you seek the thrill of a 63-foot high water slide or prefer to unwind poolside with a beverage in hand. Exciting culinary experiences await at every turn, from Instagrammable theme park bites to refreshing Mexican-style mariscos. Get ready for a preview of the exciting summer happenings in Buena Park and don't forget to check out our Deals page to maximize your budget!

Mom and daughters making smores at Knott's Summer Nights in Buena Park, CA

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Knott’s Soak City Water Park reopens for the summer, where you can cool off on 23 water slides, float along a lazy river, or relax in a poolside cabana. The excitement continues at California’s First Theme Park - Knott's Berry Farm, where you can experience thrilling rides and world-class coasters. From June to September, Summer Nights transforms the theme park into a lively after-hours party, featuring food and beverage booths, live music, DJs, and entertaining games. During the day, step back in time at Ghost Town Alive! and immerse yourself in the Wild West with bandits, cowboys, and lively hoedowns that pull you into the storyline of your very own Western adventure. On select nights, enjoy free live concerts and movie screenings at Boisseranc Park's Summer Concert Series and Family Movies Under the Stars events.

Indulge in Diverse Foods
Satisfy your cravings with delectable foods from some of Buena Park's best eateries. Porto's Bakery & Cafe is a standout in Orange County's culinary scene, serving up delicious pastries, savory sandwiches, and their famous potato balls. Ramen & Tsukemen TAO is known for its exceptional ramen offerings, including their tsukemen dipping noodles. Their meticulous preparation process has earned them a prestigious MICHELIN Guide distinction of Bib Gourmand. Gaucho Grill puts a twist on Argentine Steakhouse classics, renowned for their tomahawk steak for the table, variety of empanada options, and expertly crafted cocktails. Buena Park’s Koreatown is the perfect place to spend the day exploring and trying new foods.

Bartender at Rock & Brews in Buena Park, CA

With a diverse range of restaurants offering everything from unique pizzas to traditional Korean BBQ. Start your day with breakfast at Smoking Tiger Coffee and Bread, where you can indulge in their famous cream cheese garlic bread. For lunch, head to Koreatown Pizza Co. to try their over-the-top pizzas featuring Korean-inspired toppings like bulgogi and sweet potato. Treat yourself to a traditional han-jeongsik meal at Kyung Bok Kung, or indulge in some premium cuts of meat at Gangnam Station or Arisu. You can also visit The Source OC, a three-story entertainment and dining center where you'll discover a plethora of Instagram-worthy food like Basilur Tea's iconic soufflé pancakes or cheese pull worthy Korean hot dogs at Myungrang’s.

Sweeten Your Stay
Start with Honeymee's True Milk Sundae, featuring locally-harvested honey and a honeycomb chip, hidden in a truly unique spot. For a refreshing Korean-style shaved ice treat, venture to Okbingsul and indulge in the Watermelon Okbingsul – topped with sweet condensed milk and fresh fruit. Portillo’s takes decadence to a whole new level with their famous chocolate cake shake. And don't miss out on Sweet Box's ice cream macaron sandwich or Knott’s Berry Farm's refreshing boysenberry cookiewich.

Secret dining room at The Cauldron in Buena Park, CA

A Night Out on the Town
EKO Karaoke Lounge has 16 private karaoke rooms, each equipped with top-notch sound and audio equipment, so you'll feel just like a pro. Buena Park's newest gem, Beach Boulevard Club, features a dueling piano show in a classy cocktail lounge that will transport you straight to the prohibition days of the 1920s. You can also travel even further back in time at Medieval Times for a dinner show featuring swordplay, falconry, and horsemanship. The Cauldron, a mesmerizing 17th-century witch-themed bar, welcomes you with its haunting ambiance and a menu featuring modern French fare. Rock your taste buds at Rock & Brews, impressive selection of over 60 craft beers. You can also dine under the stars on the patio or challenge your friends to a lively game of corn hole. At Olympic Golf Zone grab a round of cold drinks and tee off for 18 holes of digital golf on renowned courses from around the world. If golf isn't your game, step into the interactive batting cages and swing for the fences instead.

Stay & Save in Comfort
After a long day of excitement, stay at one of our comfortable and affordable hotels to make the most of your much deserved time off. Enjoy the refreshing pool and outdoor bonfire pit at Courtyard by Marriott. DoubleTree by Hilton boasts the destination’s largest pool and provides a shuttle to local attractions like Knott’s and Disneyland. The newly renovated Knott’s Hotel is just steps away from the theme park and water park, offering both a pool and splash pad for staying cool. Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites both offer pools, spacious suites, and a complimentary breakfast to kick start the day. Hilton Buena Park, opening in May 2024, will offer a rooftop pool with guest rooms that open directly out to this luxurious amenity.

Front desk associate at Knott's Hotel in Buena Park, CA

Family-Friendly Fun
Big Air Buena Park offers a variety of thrilling attractions, from fun-sized versions of popular attractions in Li'l Air™ to the exciting Zero-Gravity Court and Martian Mountain™. John’s Incredible Pizza Company combines the irresistible allure of an all-you-can-eat menu, amusement rides, and video and ticket-dispensing games, to create an experience for both the young and the young at heart. Lovers of the Seven Seas will be astounded by Pirates Dinner Adventure, an interactive dinner show that takes place onboard a replica 18th century Spanish ship surrounded by an indoor lagoon.

Nearby Attractions
While staying in Buena Park, you'll also find yourself surrounded by an array of nearby attractions to explore. Just 5 miles away, Disneyland offers a magical escape for visitors of all ages, with immersive rides, enchanting shows, and meet-and-greets with beloved Disney characters. If you're looking to soak up some sun and surf, Huntington Beach beckons with its pristine coastline and vibrant beach culture only 15 miles away. For a blend of education and entertainment, Discovery Cube provides interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that are both fun and enlightening. Shopaholics will delight in the Outlets of Orange, where designer brands and great deals await. Animal lovers won't want to miss the Aquarium of the Pacific, home to a diverse array of marine life and fascinating exhibits.

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Two bed room at Holiday Inn in Buena Park, CA

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Riders on Hangtime ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Summer Guide to SoCal’s Fun City

Get to Know More About Buena Park, CA!

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