Lying in the heart of balmy Southern California likes Buena Park, a bustling community full of attractions for the whole family.
It’s part of Orange County and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, so you can expect tons of urban adventures.
But there are still pockets of nature if you want a quick escape from busy city lives.
With the town’s theme parks, golf courses, themed shows, and religious temples, there’s something for everyone here.
So if you’re an adventure seeker, spiritual individual, entertainment lover, or thrill-seeker, Buena Park has what you’re looking for.
Make it your top choice for your upcoming vacation!
Here are the 20 best things to do in Buena Park, CA:
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Bringing in more than four million visitors every year, Knott’s Berry Farm is the most visited attraction in the city.
This attraction started a humble strawberry field in the 1920s, growing exponentially into the modern theme park that it is today.
In fact, Knott’s Berry Farm ranked the twelfth most-visited facility of its kind in the US back in 2015.
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It’s an expansive destination covering 57 acres, but it has maintained an old-school charm that attracts families and friends.
There are four themed areas you can try: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk, and Camp Snoopy.
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Among these sections, you’d find dizzying rollercoasters, thrilling drop rides, towering Ferris wheels, theaters, and shops offering park memorabilia.
There’s a host of other things to experience, so better make sure that your itinerary is well scheduled!
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If you want to learn more about Buena Park’s history and see remnants of its past, then make a stopover at the Whitaker-Jaynes House Museum.
It was originally built by Andrew Whitaker, the brother of the city’s founder, James A. Whitaker.
With its solemn Victorian architecture, the house has an unassuming quality that most people might miss.
But this historical home is as old as Buena Park, full of artifacts that offer glimpses of simpler times.
It’s under the care of the Buena Park Historical Society, which allows self-guided tours into the interiors and around the estate’s grounds.
While exploring the attraction, you’ll find perfectly preserved furniture, dining implements, decor, and other furnishings that date back to the 19th century.
There’s also the Dreger Clock outside, a masterfully made contraption that tells the time, phase of the moon, and day and date of the week.
This one-of-a-kind clock is remarkable enough that it has its own Wikipedia page, so don’t forget to check it out and learn the unusual mechanism running it.
Another favorite outdoor attraction in Buena Park is William Peak Park, a 15-acre destination for the whole family.
The green space is dominated by expansive grassy grounds, with only a few trees growing here and there.
This feature makes the park a great place for those who like wide areas to run around and play sports in.
In fact, the park has well-equipped tennis and basketball courts.
One of the most prominent sections of this attraction is the skate park.
Here, beginner and professional skaters can shred it up on the stairs, ramps, and rails.
If you want a more relaxing activity that doesn’t demand much physical effort, then visit the horseshoe pit and play a few rounds with friends.
Jainism is an ancient religion that traces its origins to India, but SoCal has its own facility that welcomes members of the faith: the Jain Center of Southern California.
It is, in fact, the leading temple of its kind in the US.
So Jains of various sects come together in this solemn building to perform rituals and traditions of the religion.
And it’s not just members who are allowed—everyone is welcome.
Even though you’re not a believer of the faith, you’d still appreciate the immaculate and intricate architecture of the interiors.
There are alabaster-white stones, complex patterns etched on altars, walls with delicate designs, and sculpted gods sitting on shrines.
It’s a sublime experience witnessing these handmade works of art, so make sure that the center is in your itinerary.
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The Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is one of the largest green spaces in this region of SoCal, covering 105 acres.
It sits on the edge of the West Coyote Hills, and it exhibits the desert landscape typical of the area.
However, there are plenty of verdant sections in the park, thanks to human intervention and good irrigation systems.
One of the most prominent of these is the large pond in the center surrounded by lush grass and trees.
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It’s a good spot for recreational fishing since it’s regularly stocked with catfish and trout.
Then there are the many trails winding across the path, often shaded by tall trees and filled with joggers.
If you’re a history buff or a natural history enthusiast, make sure to visit the interpretive center.
It houses ice age fossil and local geology exhibits, giving you a glimpse of California’s prehistoric features.
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The weather can get uncomfortably warm in SoCal, so if the temperatures rise, make a stop at Knott’s Soak City.
This is a sister attraction to Knott’s Berry Farm, but it requires a separate entrance ticket and is open seasonally.
With a total area of 13 acres, the water park has plenty of space for many attractions and activities.
You’ll find towering slides with up to six lanes, an expansive wave pool, and the Sunset River, a 1,780 feet-long lazy river.
There are also sections that are designed for children’s enjoyment and safety, such as the Gremmie Lagoon and Toyota Beach House.
If you want a space of your own during your visit, the park has cabanas for rent that offer ample shade and seating.
So whenever you need a cooling dip during hot summer days, Knott’s Soak City is the best place to be.
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If Pirates Dinner Adventure takes you to adventures on the high seas, the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament brings you armored knight duels.
This attraction is another one of Buena Park’s dinner shows.
This time, the theme is medieval, so knights, horses, swords, and other elements of the era are the main focus.
The stage is a sandpit surrounded by comfortable seating, allowing diners to eat with uninterrupted views.
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Jousting battles, hand-to-hand combat, and sword fights are just some of the performances you can expect.
And don’t worry—all these incredible stunts and choreographed fights are performed by talented and experienced actors.
You can even choose your favorite knight based on their colors and have picture-taking opportunities with them after their show!
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Pirates Dinner Adventure is unusual as it is rambunctious.
This attraction combines food and entertainment to give visitors a thrilling and memorable experience.
Surrounded by comfortable seating, an 18th-century ship replica sits in the middle of the venue and serves as the stage for a swashbuckling show.
As you dine, talented actors perform various storylines.
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These pirates bring the show to another level with dazzling special effects, aerial stunts, and perfectly choreographed swordplay.
It’s an action-packed adventure show that’s fun for the whole family!
So check out their website and see their upcoming showtimes when planning your itinerary.
Brenner Park is one of the premier outdoor recreation destinations in the city.
This community park covers an area of 4.5 acres, and in this small space, you’ll find plenty of modern attractions and amenities for the whole family.
There are the verdant staple grounds, walking trails, and patches of trees that serve as a refuge from the urbanity surrounding the park.
In addition, there’s a small wading pool with crystal clear waters.
It’s a great place to cool off when the sun is beating down, and the temperatures are uncomfortable.
One of the most sought-after destinations here is the four basketball courts.
These are lit so that people can play even after sundown—a feature usually only available to paid indoor courts.
Sitting next to Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is the scenic Los Coyotes Country Club.
The main attraction here is the 27-hole championship course, which is designed to blend seamlessly with the rolling terrain of the region.
And with its intuitive layout, the course is ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
It’s also got sparkling lakes, an abundance of trees, and lush fairways and greens that elevate the whole experience.
If golfing is not for you, there are still plenty of other facilities to try, such as tennis courts, fitness centers, and a Spanish Mediterranean-style clubhouse.
The latter also serves as a venue for weddings, events, and other special celebrations, mostly because it offers amazing views of the course and the surrounding areas.
Looking for some exhilarating time with the whole family indoors?
Big Air Trampoline & Adventure Park is a great alternative if the outdoor locations are closed or if the weather isn’t cooperating.
This expansive attraction is home to power trampolines, obstacle courses, and many other attractions.
So you can soar into the air, bounce until your legs tire, and play other sports on a soft surface.
The trampolines have been modified for dodgeball and basketball, merging two fun activities into one memorable experience.
Aside from the trampolines, there are climbing walls, ninja obstacle courses, and foam pits.
So whatever your preference, you’ll find something to enjoy in this attraction.
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Knott’s Independence Hall is the perfect place for those who want to lie low from the extreme adventure of Knott’s Berry Farm.
This structure is a replica of Philadelphia’s historic Independence Hall.
When the thrills of waterparks and amusement rides start to wear thin, you might pretend to be hiding the Declaration of Independence.
Knott’s Independence Hall features a Liberty Bell replica, memorabilia from past presidents, and a founding fathers’ interactive tour.
It’s as if you extended your trip with a brief visit to Philadelphia.
Henry Boisseranc Park’s verdant 20 acres make it ideal for a peaceful picnic, a game, or observing a seasonal event.
In addition to handball courts, basketball courts, and tennis courts, the park also offers a variety of other court sports. Moreover, there is a baseball/softball field there.
It’s a pleasant spot for taking it easy and enjoying some tasty fare.
It also hosts Silverado Days, with several carnival rides and activities and various delicious food vendors.
During summer, Henry Boisseranc Park hosts free concerts.
A fantastic 155-foot King track awaits you at Buena Park Raceway, one of the premier venues for slot car enthusiasts.
Play and try to break Beuf Pederson’s current world record lap time of 1.404 seconds.
Aside from the King course, Buena Park Raceway also features a flat circuit and a Kingleman track.
It’s among the finest tracks to perfect your strategy and skills, making it a fascinating and enjoyable way to spend your time.
You’ll likely find everything you need to construct your slot car at the racetrack since they provide a comprehensive selection of slot car items and services.
The Beach Boulevard Club is a fun hangout destination in Buena Park. It has tasty food, fancy drinks, and a dueling piano show.
When you step into this posh cocktail bar, you’ll feel like you’ve returned to the Roaring Twenties.
The club’s skilled pianists will provide a relaxing atmosphere as you interact with friends.
The cash bar of the Beach Boulevard Club serves a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.
Dishes from several meal categories are available at the club.
Anyone above the age of 21 is welcome at the speakeasy.
After your adventures in Buena Park, check out these other places that are just a few minutes away!
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The city of Huntington Beach is just 10 minutes away from Buena Park, so visiting its famous beach will be a quick and easy ride.
Huntington State Beach is a protected area that spans 2 miles and covers 121 acres.
With its golden sands and panoramic seaside views, the destination attracts many beachgoers from all over the region.
But you don’t have to worry about crowds, as the place is wide enough to accommodate a large number of people.
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Sunbathing and swimming are favorite activities here, but surfing is also popular, especially when conditions are right for big swells.
And since the terrain is relatively flat, the area has many beach volleyball courts where you can play a match or two with friends.
Some sections serve as sanctuaries for endangered birds and turtles, so be careful with wildlife whenever you encounter them.
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The scenic Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a sprawling natural attraction covering 124 acres.
It’s less than twenty minutes away from Buena Park, sitting upriver from Carbon Canyon Dam.
With its well-maintained trails, grassy meadows, and large wooded sections, this place is an ideal place to commune with nature and escape from the city’s noise.
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This park also contains the only Redwood grove in Orange County, a protected area where the famously tall trees grow and flourish.
While touring this small portion of the park, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to see the birds, small mammals, and insects that call this place home.
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While a visit to Disneyland usually takes more than a day, you can always visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” if you have time to spare.
This place is the dream of many American children and quite a few adults, too!
With its exhilarating rides, iconic characters, and festive ambiance, Disneyland deserves the crown as the number one theme park in the whole world.
It’s just 10 minutes away from Buena Park, so you can easily drive to the attraction whenever you have the time.
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The combination of history, family entertainment, and natural attractions in Buena Park has made it a charming destination for families and friend groups.
So if you’re looking for a city with exhilarating theme parks, gorgeous outdoor facilities, and thrilling shows, this city has what you need.
Check out this list and add the top spots to your itinerary.
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