The Gift of Travel: A Buena Park Getaway

Notable Dining Options
Named Best of the Southland by the L.A. Times, Porto's Bakery & Cafe serves up delectable pastries, savory sandwiches, specialty beverages, and their famous potato balls. The family-owned business still uses many of the original recipes that they brought with them from Cuba in 1963. The Cauldron Spirits & Brews conjures up an evening of delicious drinks and pub-style bites at this 17th Century, witch-themed bar in Buena Park. Visitors are transported back in time to a French inspired pub adorned with antique furniture, a spell-binding cauldron and secrets hidden around every corner at. This local watering hole was voted Best Neighborhood Bar by OC Weekly. Chicago-style restaurant, Portillo’s, is famous for their hot dogs and Italian Beef sandwiches, which earned them the accolade of five Silver Platter Awards for Best Restaurant in the Country. Considered the Best Ramen House by the OC Register, Yoshiharu Ramen is an authentic Japanese restaurant that uses only the freshest ingredients and slow simmer broths for their ramen. For something unique, try their signature black garlic broth and macaroon ice cream sandwich. Bring your appetite because Miss Shabu is all-you-can-eat hot pot with premium meats, a wide selection of broths, fresh vegetables, your choice of noodles, and flavorful sauces all cooked right at your table. This local spot made Yelp’s Top 100 list for their incomparable kimchi broth. Try a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand spot that won’t break the bank at Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, where their 40-hour broth has earned them one of the world's most prestigious accolades. Named one of the Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America by Opentable, Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant serves up hearty homestyle meals, including their famous fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and boysenberry pies that have been delighting diners since 1934.

History Comes Alive
Across from Knott’s Berry Farm is Knott's Independence Hall, an exact, brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia. The free exhibit allows visitors to explore a duplicate of the Liberty Bell, view presidential artifacts, and hear the forefathers discuss the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can also travel back in time by touring the Buena Park Historic District at no cost. The district includes several preserved buildings from the 1800’s, such as the Whitaker-Jaynes House, the Bacon House, the Stage Stop Hotel, the Tice House, and the First Congregational Church. Reservations for Buena Park Historic District are required. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ralph B. Clark Regional Park offers scenic trails and picnic areas, along with the Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center, which provides free admission to its fossil exhibit. This exhibit features a 9-million-year-old baleen whale skeleton—reputed to be one of the only complete ice age whale fossils in existence. Visitors can also watch scientists and volunteers excavate and prepare fossil specimens for study and educational exhibits.