06 Feb 2026
Tags: 250 years, americas birthday, America's 250th birthday, 250 reasons to explore, socal, SouthernCalifornia
Buena Park, CA (February 2026) – In honor of America's 250th birthday, consider this your official invitation to roam, explore, and make some memories in SoCAL's FUN City of Buena Park. After all, the best stories are made when we travel together. From iconic attractions and cultural landmarks to beaches, dining, and hidden gems, these 250 reasons showcase the very best spots in Southern California. And at the center of it all, Buena Park serves as the perfect basecamp—the birthplace of the boysenberry and home to California's first theme park—where a rich sense of history meets modern energy, classic Americana comes to life, and exploring Orange County feels both effortless and unforgettable as you celebrate a milestone that honors the past and inspires the journey ahead. So pack up your swimsuit, sunglasses and sense of adventure and order your FREE Travel Guide at VisitBuenaPark.com to start planning your epic SoCAL getaway.
Theme Parks (Orange County and Los Angeles)
- Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park)-Coasters, shows, Camp Snoopy, and boysenberry items
- Knott's Soak City (Buena Park)-Wave pools, water slides, lazy river & gremmie lagoon
- Disneyland Resort - Magical attractions and timeless Disney storytelling
- Disney's California Adventure Park - Pixar fun, Marvel heroes, and thrills
- Universal Studios - Movie magic, behind-the-scenes peaks, and blockbuster attractions
- Six Flag Magic Mountain - World-class roller coasters and nonstop adrenaline
Dinner Shows
- Medieval Times (Buena Park) - Epic jousting, royal feasts, and daring knights
- Pirates Dinner Adventure (Buena Park) - Swashbuckling stunts and interactive pirate fun
- Beach Boulevard Club (Buena Park) - Dueling piano speakeasy with a 1920's charm
Orange County Attractions
- Olympic Golf Zone (Buena Park) - Golf simulators, batting cage and bites
- Stage X Studio (Buena Park) - Premier dance and K-pop idol studio with classes
- CVG Cinemas (Buena Park) - High-energy cinema with motion seats and sensory effects
- Daniel's Truth- (Buena Park) - Custom perfume making 90-minute class
- Life4Cuts (Buena Park) - Photo booth studio with props and more
- Photogram OC (Buena Park) - Self-portrait studio
- Cooking classes @ The Bakery (Buena Park) - Hands-on baking classes
- PlayPie (Buena Park) - Imaginative indoor play and toddler-friendly adventures
- Old World Village- Bavarian-style event space filled with shops, food, and cultural events
- Aquarium of the Pacific - Fascinating marine life and hands-on ocean exhibits
- Christ Cathedral - A Catholic glass cathedral celebrating faith, light, serenity
- Dave & Busters - A lively spot for ticket-dispensing games and entertainment
- K1 Speed - Race away with high-speed indoor kart racing
- Adventure City - Small park with kid-friendly rides
- Camelot Golfland - Mini golf, arcade games, and classic family fun
- Flightdeck Rogue racing - Immersive flight simulators and virtual races
- Maverick Helicopter - Tours with breathtaking aerial views
- Splitsville -Stylish bowling, dining, and social entertainment
- FunParx - Ninja-inspired arena with obstacle courses, challenges, and more
- Vans Off The Wall Skatepark - 35,000+ sq ft of rails, bowls, and more for skateboarding
Nearby LA Attractions
- Hollywood Sign - Iconic California landmark with sweeping Los Angeles views
- Griffith Observatory - City panoramas, space exhibits, and scenic trails
- Hollywood Walk of Fame - Star-studded sidewalks (literally) and entertainment history
- Warner Brothers Studio Tour - Behind-the-scenes access and Hollywood storytelling
- Santa Monica Pier - Beachfront rides, dining, and ocean views
- Ripley's Believe or Not - Strange exhibits and fascinating curiosities
- Hollywood Wax Museum - Lifelike wax celebrities and interactive photo opportunities
- The Huntington Library - A cultural landmark featuring art, literature, and gardens
Relaxation and Spas
- Elevation Spa (Buena Park) - Modern spa with deluxe head spa and facial packages
- K Spa (Buena Park) - A Korean spa offering therapeutic pools, body scrubs, and saunas
- Bamboo Wellness Spa(Buena Park) - A wellness spa known for its signature massages
- Burke Williams - A luxurious day spa with immersive amenities and treatments.
- Spa Del Rio - Relaxing spa offering rejuvenating facials and massage treatments
- Spa Gregories - Upscale spa offering specialty treatments
- Montanya Spa - Boutique day spa offering services in a tranquil setting
- Blue Moon Head Spa - A relaxing head spa experience focused on scalp care
Orange County Outdoors/Nature
- Ralph B. Clark Regional Park (Buena Park) - Park with trails, playgrounds and fishing
- Rick Gomez Park (Buena Park) - Family-friendly park with baseball-inspired play areas
- Santa Ana Zoo - A charming zoo featuring wildlife and family-friendly exhibits
- Back Bay Loop Trail - A scenic loop for biking, walking, and wildlife viewing
- Black Star Canyon - A canyon hike with dramatic natural scener
- Top of the World - Panoramic ocean views of Laguna Beach and rewarding hilltop hikes
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary - Peaceful wetlands with abundant birdlife
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve - Coastal trails through protected wetlands and wildlife
- Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve - A tranquil estuary for hiking and kayaking
- Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park - Shaded trails through rolling hills
- Peters Canyon Regional Park - Easy trails surrounding a scenic reservoir
- Irvine Regional Park - Open green spaces with picnics and outdoor recreation
- Centennial Farm - Hands-on agricultural exhibits and seasonal experiences
- Oak Canyon Nature Center - Interpretive trails and native wildlife education
- Fullerton Panorama Trail - Elevated paths with sweeping city and mountain views
- Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Oak woodlands with challenging and scenic trails
- Yorba Regional Park - Lakeside paths ideal for biking and relaxing
- Fullerton Arboretum - Peaceful botanical gardens with diverse plant collections
- Great Park Orange Balloon Ride - A soaring balloon ride with panoramic views
Orange County Coastal Experiences/Beaches
- Bike along the coast (Multiple trails in different OC cities)
- Kayak in Huntington or Newport Harbor
- Snorkeling in Fisherman's Cove
- Stand-up paddleboarding in the scenic Back Bay
- Surf iconic waves in Huntington Beach, Surf City USA
- Whale watching with Davey's Locker or Newport Landing
- Tide-pooling at Thousand Steps Beach
- Explore historic coastal cottages at Crystal Cove State Park
- Take the ferry across the harbor to Balboa Island
- Make s'mores on bonfires at Bolsa Chica State Beach
- Cruise Newport Harbor aboard a private Duffy boat
- Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway along the coast
- Play beach volleyball on Orange County beaches
- Jet skiing through Newport Beach Harbor waters
- Watch massive swells at The Wedge in Newport Beach
- Let dogs roam free at Huntington Dog Beach
- Stroll oceanfront trails at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
- Discover Pirate's Tower at Victoria Beach
- Take Catalina Express to Catalina Island for the day
- Enjoy brunch and dinner cruises in Newport Harbor
- Book a sunset live music or romantic cruise in Newport Beach
- Bodyboard classic breaks in San Clemente
- Shop the charming coastal town of Seal Beach
- Watch the sunset at Strands Beach in Dana Point
- Explore Corona Del Mar beaches at night to spot grunions (April - June)
- Listen for the happy hour horn at The Beachcomber Café
Theater/Entertainment/Concerts (Orange County and Los Angeles)
- GEM Theater - Historic theater hosting live performances and classic charm
- Garden Amphitheater (AMP) - Improv comedy theater producing comedy legends
- Grove of Anaheim - Indoor live music, comedy, and event venue
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Performances and Broadway-caliber productions
- South Coast Repertory - Acclaimed regional theater with contemporary plays
- The Pacific Amphitheater - Summer concerts under the stars in a scenic setting
- House of Blues - Live music venue and Southern-inspired restaurant dining
- Chance Theater - Intimate performances and an ensemble-driven theater company
- The Observatory - Popular venue for concerts and emerging artists
- Honda Center - Major concerts, professional sports, and live events
- Dodger Stadium - Venue for iconic baseball games, concerts and events
- Sofi Stadium - Cutting-edge venue for sports, concerts, and events
- Angel Stadium - Home of Angels baseball and family fun events
- Wiltern - Historic Art Deco venue hosting live music performances
- Greek Theatre - Hillside amphitheater with legendary concerts and shows
- The Hollywood Bowl - Iconic outdoor music venue with breathtaking views
- The Groundlings - Famous improv comedy theater producing comedy legends
Orange County Shopping
- The Source OC (Buena Park) - Three-story dining, shopping, and entertainment hub
- South Coast Plaza - Indoor world renowned luxury shopping mall
- Fashion Island - Coastal shopping with ocean views and upscale boutiques
- The LAB Anti-mall in - Trendy shops, creative vibes, and indie style
- Irvine Spectrum Center - Outdoor shopping and entertainment for all ages
- Outlets of Orange - Discount shopping with popular designer brands
- Lido Marina Village - Waterfront boutiques and scenic marina views
- Old Towne Orange/The Orange Circle - Historic charm with antique shops
- Downtown Disney District - Shopping, dining, and entertainment with a Disney touch
- Anaheim GardenWalk - Dining, nightlife, and entertainment in an outdoor setting
Orange County Dining
- Yelp Favorites: Top 100 places to eat in OC according to Yelp Elites: LINK
- Buena Park's Boysenberry Guide: LINK
- Top Food Halls in Orange County: LINK
- Must-Try Orange County Food Trucks: LINK
- Try over 90+ at Buena Park's popular Koreatown
- The Cauldron(Buena Park) - Spooky bar with French cuisine and wicked cocktails
- Knott's Chicken Dinner(Buena Park)- Famous fried chicken, biscuits and pies
- Ramen & Tsukemen TAO (Buena Park) - Michelin Bib Gourmand Japanese spot
- John's Incredible Pizza (Buena Park) - All-you-can-eat pizza, rides, games, family fun
- Porto's Bakery(Buena Park) -Famous Cuban pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats
- Jin Cook (Buena Park) - Korean comfort food, sizzling homestyle dishes
- Atoyubu (Buena Park) - Serves Japanese-Korean fusion yubu
- Portillo's (Buena Park) -Chicago hot dogs, beef dips, famous chocolate cake shake
- Nobibi (Buena Park) - Creamy soft serve, playful flavors, picture-perfect swirls
- Izakaya Ichie (Buena Park) -Japanese small plates, skewers, sushi, cozy vibe
- Rock & Brews (Buena Park) -Rock-themed eatery, burgers, and craft beers
- Thirty Acres Kitchen (Buena Park) - American fare with boysenberry specialty items
- Dzert - Over-the-top milkshakes, desserts, sweet indulgent creations
- Gangnam Station -Lively Korean BBQ spot with street food vibes
- Gaucho Grill - Argentinian steaks, chimichurri, grilled meats, bold flavors
- Il Fiora (Buena Park) - Italian cuisine with a twist
- KingChang (Buena Park) - Top spot for authentic Korean BBQ
- M Korean BBQ(Buena Park) -premium meats and tabletop grilling
- Misoolkwan OC(Buena Park) -Korean pub fare, soju, late-night drinking bites
- Miss Shabu(Buena Park) -Interactive hot pot, fresh veggies, endless dipping
- SUP Noodle Bar (Buena Park) - Flavorful broths, noodles, Asian comfort bowls
- Coffee Code(Buena Park) - Specialty coffee, pastries, cozy modern café vibes
- Yoshiharu Ramen (Buena Park) - Rich broths, ramen, and authentic Japanese flavors
- In-N-Out(Buena Park) - Classic burgers, fresh ingredients, and iconic secret menu
- Santa Ana Michelada Guide: Local spots serving bold, spicy beer cocktails
- SteelCraft - Outdoor shipping-container eateries
- Little Saigon - Vibrant Vietnamese dining, pho, banh mi, desserts
- Little Arabia - Middle Eastern markets, halal eats, rich cultural flavors
- The Blind Rabbit - Hidden speakeasy, craft cocktails, intimate vintage vibe
- Anaheim Packing District - Historic food hall, diverse vendors, lively atmosphere
- Lola Gaspar - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving Spanish tapas and bold flavors, cozy
- CHAAK Kitchen - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving refined Yucatán cuisine,
- Pho 79 - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving legendary pho
- Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving Indian cuisine
- Knife Pleat - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving modern French cuisine
- Amor y Tacos - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving regional Mexican dishes
- Fable & Spirit - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving seasonal dishes
- Eat Joy Food - Michelin Bib Gourmand serving Taiwanese dishes
- Rebel Omakase - One Michelin Star serving Japanese creations
- Heritage - One Michelin Star serves fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients
Historical/Museums/Art (Orange County and Los Angeles)
- Clark Interpretive Center (Buena Park) - Dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits
- Buena Park Historic District(Buena Park) - Architectural gems and historic buildings
- Knott's Independence Hall (Buena Park) - Historic replica of Independence Hall
- Hilbert Museum of California Art - Showcasing California artists
- The Broad Museum - Contemporary art and striking architecture in downtown LA
- The Museum of make believe - Imaginative exhibits and immersive storytelling
- Wonderground Gallery - Disney-inspired art and collectible creations for all ages
- Center Gallery - Rotating art exhibits featuring local and contemporary talent
- Museum of Contemporary Art - Contemporary works and installations
- La Brea Tar Pits - Ice Age fossils and active excavation sites
- The Getty - World-class art, historic architecture, and hilltop gardens
- Lucas Museum of Narrative Art - Opening Sept 2026- Cinematic immersive art
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures - Film history and iconic Hollywood exhibits
- MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center - Local history, interactive exhibits, and displays
- Stanley Ranch Museum and Historical Village - Preserved ranch life and history
- Orange County Museum of Art - Contemporary California art in a coastal setting
- Laguna Art Museum - California-focused art with oceanfront inspiration
- Heritage Museum of Orange County - Historic homes and preserved local heritage
- International Surf Museum - Surf culture, history, and coastal lifestyle
- Bowers Museum - Global art and cultural exhibits
- Discovery Cube - Hands-on science, interactive exhibits, and family fun
- Richard Nixon Library - Presidential history and interactive exhibits
- The Queen Mary - Historic ocean liner with tours and dining experiences
- Mission San Juan Capistrano - Historic mission, gardens, and California heritage
Sporting Teams & Events (Orange County and Los Angeles)
- Anaheim Ducks - NHL team (fall - late spring)
- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - MLB team (spring - fall)
- Los Angeles FC - MLS team (spring - fall)
- Angel City FC - National Women's Soccer League Team (spring - fall)
- Orange County SC - United Soccer League Team (spring - fall)
- Los Angeles Chargers - NFL team (fall - winter)
- Los Angeles Lakers - NBA Team (fall - winter)
- Los Angeles Clippers - NBA Team (fall - winter)
- Los Angeles Rams - NFL team (fall - winter)
- Los Angeles Sparks - Women's NBA (Summer)
- LA Galaxy - MLS team (spring - fall)
- LA Kings - NHL Team (fall - late spring)
- Surf City Marathon - Annual marathon along the Pacific Coast Highway in February
- Pacific Airshow - Summertime airshow held annually in Huntington Beach
- US Open of Surfing - Annual surfing competition held in July in Huntington Beach
Orange County Events & Festivals
- Knott's Scary Farm(Buena Park) - Spooky mazes, thrilling scares, and monsters
- Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park) - Holiday lights, nightly snowfall and festive shows
- 17th Door Haunted Experience (Buena Park) - Most intense haunted house
- Knott's PEANUTS Celebration (Buena Park) - Activities with beloved characters
- Knott's Boysenberry Festival(Buena Park) - Boysenberry treats, food and beverages
- Ghost Town Alive!(Buena Park) - Interactive Wild West fun for the whole family
- Knott's Summer Nights (Buena Park) - Entertainment, fireworks and festivities
- Knott's Spooky Farm (Buena Park) - Halloween-themed fun for kids and families
- Pirates Take Christmas(Buena Park) - Pirate holiday show with interactive fun
- Vampirates (Buena Park) - Halloween show with pirates and vampire thrills
- Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney - Halloween-themed Disney fun
- OC Fair - Rides, live entertainment, and fairground favorites
- Winter Fest OC - Ice skating, festive lights, and winter activities
- Newport Christmas Boat Parade - Iconic annual event with festively decorated boats
- 626 Night Market - Street food, shopping, and vibrant night festivities
- Surf City Nights - Evening beachside market with local food and art
- Sawdust Art Festival - Handmade art, live music, and coastal charm
- Holidays at the Disneyland resort - Magical lights, seasonal shows, and Disney cheer
- Strawberry Festival - Fresh strawberries, live music, and family fun
- Pageant of the Masters - Living art performances in a coastal setting
- OC Restaurant Week - Culinary delights and special tasting menus across the county
- Wondercon - Pop culture, comics, and fan convention for all ages
- Gardenwalk Taste of Japan - Japanese cuisine, culture, and festive entertainment
- Blizzcon - All things Blizzard gaming and more
- OC Pride Festival - LGBTQ+ celebration with performances and community events
- Vidcon - Creator meetups, panels, and digital entertainment experiences
- Doheny Festival - Music, beachside fun, and family-friendly activities
- Newport Beach Jazz Festival - Live jazz, coastal views, and vibrant music scenes
- Pasadena Rose Parade - Iconic parade with flower-covered floats and performances
Orange County Golf Courses
- Monarch Beach Golf Links - 18 holes with ocean views and challenging terrain
- San Clemente Golf Club - 18 hole course with scenic cliffs and ocean views
- Pelican Hill Golf Club - 36 holes across two courses with 270-degree ocean views
- Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club- 18 holes nestled in rolling hills with mountain views
- The Ranch @ Laguna Beach Golf Course - 9 holes featuring laid-back fairways
- Strawberry Farms Golf Club - 18 holes surrounded by lush hills and a charming feel
- Oak Creek Golf Club - 18 holes tucked away with lakes and tapered fairways
- Coyote Hills Golf Course - 18 holes with scenic views of both LA and The OC
- Talega Golf Club - 18 holes with Spanish colonial architecture
- Tijeras Creek Golf Club - 18 holes framed by lakes and dramatic hilltop vistas
- Black Gold Golf Club - 18 holes featuring wide fairways and stunning landscaping
- San Juan HillsGolf Club - 18 holes with rolling terrain and stunning hillside views
- Shorecliffs Golf Club - 18 holes along ocean cliffs with breathtaking coastal views
Affordable Buena Park Hotels
- Knott's Hotel – Steps from Knott's Berry Farm theme park, this farmhouse chic hotel offers a pool with kids splash pad, free shuttle to Disneyland, gym with a sauna and steam room, a restaurant and bar, gift shop with boysenberry merchandise and new guestrooms.
- Hilton Buena Park – Midcentury modern 4-star hotel with rooftop pool, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, valet parking and attached to The Source OC.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park – Large outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and bar, free shuttle to Disneyland and parking, gift shop, gym and welcome chocolate chip cookies.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites– Reliable comfort with complimentary hot breakfast, large suites, pool, fitness center and across the street from The Source OC.
- Courtyard Marriott Buena Park– Contemporary hotel featuring stylish guestrooms, outdoor firepit and pool, Bistro cafe with Starbucks coffee, gym and EV charging.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park – Spacious rooms, free hot breakfast and parking, EV charging stations, outdoor pool and firepit.
- For more Buena Park Hotels CLICK HERE
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ABOUT VISIT BUENA PARK
Buena Park, California is a fun, affordable destination conveniently located just 5 miles from Disneyland®, award-winning beaches and Los Angeles landmarks. Named one of the 'Most Fun' Small Towns in America, Buena Park welcomes millions of visitors each year. Boasting five of Orange County's seven major attractions including California's first theme park, Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City Waterpark and three of the world's most interactive dinner shows - Pirates Dinner Adventure, Beach Boulevard Club, and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Buena Park, Visit Buena Park's mission is to become a recognized travel destination and increase visitors and overnight hotel stays to economically impact the city. For more information contact Visit Buena Park at 714-562-3561 or www.visitbuenapark.com.