Buena Park
Buena Park: Center of the Southland
Buena Park: The Center of the Southland
Experience thrilling theme parks, historical sites, and diverse dining in Buena Park, the "Center of the Southland," near Los Angeles.
Buena Park, California, is a vibrant city in northern Orange County, known as the "Center of the Southland" due to its central location in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Home to world-class entertainment, including Knott's Berry Farm, it offers a mix of thrilling attractions, cultural experiences, and delicious dining.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Buena Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Buena Park, California, US
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Anaheim, you can reach Buena Park via the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus Route 123, which stops near major attractions like Disneyland. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around $3. Alternatively, take the Metrolink train from Anaheim ARTIC Station to Buena Park Station for about $4; the journey is approximately 15 minutes. From Los Angeles, you can take the Metrolink train from L.A. Union Station to the Buena Park Station. The train ride is approximately 33 minutes and costs $6-$8.
Walking
The main tourism corridor in Buena Park is along Beach Boulevard. Knott's Berry Farm, Pirate's Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, and many hotels are within walking distance of each other. Check the distances between specific locations to ensure a comfortable walk.
Ride Share
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Buena Park. A ride from Anaheim to Buena Park typically costs around $17 and takes about 14 minutes. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Buena Park, expect to pay between $50-$70, depending on traffic and surge pricing.
Driving
Buena Park is accessible via I-5 (Santa Ana Freeway) and CA-91 (Riverside Freeway). Take the Knott Avenue or Beach Boulevard exits. Parking is available throughout the city, with metered parking costing approximately $0.01 for every 8-12 minutes, depending on the zone. Free parking is available for Metrolink passengers at the Buena Park Station. Additional parking can be found at the Fullerton Park and Ride, connected to the Buena Park Station via OCTA Route 25. Monthly parking options are also available, with prices ranging from $77 to $85.
Local tips
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Visit Knott's Berry Farm during seasonal festivals like Knott's Scary Farm or Knott's Merry Farm for unique entertainment.
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Explore the Buena Park Historic District for a glimpse into the city's past and early architecture.
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Enjoy a family-friendly dinner show at Medieval Times or Pirate's Dinner Adventure.
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Cool off during the summer months at Knott's Soak City water park.
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Take advantage of Buena Park's central location to explore other Southern California attractions, such as Disneyland and Los Angeles.
Discover more about Buena Park
Buena Park offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Originally founded as a dairy center in 1887, it has transformed into a residential suburb and commercial hub.
Knott's Berry Farm, California's first theme park, remains the city's biggest draw, featuring roller coasters, live shows, and Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. For those seeking thrills, GhostRider, one of the longest wooden roller coasters on the West Coast, and HangTime, California's first dive coaster, provide adrenaline-pumping experiences. Families with younger children can enjoy Camp Snoopy, a Peanuts-themed area with kid-friendly rides and character meet-and-greets.
In addition to Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park boasts other entertainment options such as Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament and Pirate's Dinner Adventure, offering immersive dining experiences. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park provides outdoor recreation with hiking trails, sports facilities, and a prehistoric fossil collection at the Interpretive Center. The Buena Park Historic District offers a glimpse into the city's past, with buildings dating back to the 1800s.
Food enthusiasts will find a variety of cuisines in Buena Park, including notable noodle and ramen spots. The city's central location also provides easy access to nearby attractions like Disneyland and Knott's Soak City.
A brief summary to Buena Park
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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