Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm, located in Buena Park, California, is one of America’s oldest and most influential theme parks. What started as a roadside berry stand in the 1920s grew into a full-scale amusement destination known for its unique blend of classic Old West theming, family attractions, and world-class roller coasters. Today, Knott’s remains one of the most affordable major parks in Southern California, offering a compelling alternative to nearby Disneyland.
History & Background
Knott’s Berry Farm began in the 1920s as Walter and Cordelia Knott’s berry farm and roadside stand, best known for the invention of the boysenberry. The growing crowds led to the opening of Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant in 1934, which became so popular that the family added shops and small attractions to entertain visitors. In 1940, Walter Knott built Ghost Town—recognized as the first fully themed amusement park land in the United States—laying the foundation for the modern theme park experience.
Over the following decades, Knott’s expanded steadily with dark rides, coasters, and seasonal events, blending handcrafted Old West theming with new thrill attractions. After the Knott family sold the park to Cedar Fair in 1997, investment shifted toward major coaster additions like Silver Bullet, Xcelerato,r and HangTime, alongside large refurbishments of classics such as the Calico Mine Ride and Timber Mountain Log Ride. In 2024, Cedar Fair merged with Six Flags, bringing Knott’s into a new era under a combined company while preserving its historic identity.
Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is known for its unique combination of authentic American heritage, award-winning seasonal festivals like the Boysenberry Festival and Knott’s Scary Farm, and a ride lineup that continues to grow with each new generation of visitors.
Ticket Prices & Packages (2026)
One-day tickets typically range from $59 to $89, depending on date and demand.
Available packages include:
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Single-day tickets
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Season Passes (Regular, Gold, Platinum)
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Fast Lane skip-the-line passes
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Knott’s Hotel packages with discounted tickets
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All-Day Dining Plans
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Parking add-ons
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Knott’s is open year-round with extended hours during summer and seasonal events.
Typical hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, though they can vary from 8-hour operating days to 12+ hour festival days.
Best times to visit:
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Late January – early March (lowest crowds)
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Weekdays in May
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Mid-September after Labor Day
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First two weeks of December (before Merry Farm peaks)
Avoid weekends during the Halloween season — Knott’s Scary Farm draws some of the biggest crowds in California.
Top Rides & Attractions
Knott’s Berry Farm has one of the most diverse ride selections in the Western United States, from intense thrill coasters to iconic themed attractions.
Thrill Coasters
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GhostRider – One of the longest and best wooden coasters in the U.S.
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HangTime – California’s first dive coaster with a beyond-vertical drop
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Xcelerator – Launch coaster known for its intense 0–82 mph acceleration
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Silver Bullet – Smooth, fast B&M inverted coaster
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Coast Rider – Family-friendly wild mouse
Classic Attractions
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Calico Mine Ride – Historic dark ride through mining caverns
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Timber Mountain Log Ride – Legendary log flume with detailed sets
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Calico Railroad – Scenic steam train with seasonal entertainment
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Butterfield Stagecoach – Real horse-drawn stagecoach ride
Family Areas
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Camp Snoopy – One of the best children’s areas in California theme parks
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Kid-friendly coasters, spinning rides, playgrounds, and Peanuts character meet-and-greets
Dining Options
Knott’s is known for its food — especially boysenberry items and its iconic Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
Popular dining locations include:
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Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (famous fried chicken)
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Fireman’s Brigade BBQ
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Boardwalk BBQ
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Grizzly Creek Lodge
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Ghost Town Grill
Seasonal food stands appear during festivals such as:
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Boysenberry Festival (signature sauces, desserts, and drinks)
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Taste of Merry Farm
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Halloween Haunt food booths
Dining Plans and All-Day Drinking Passes are available.
Hotels & Accommodation
Knott’s operates its own freshly renovated on-site hotel:
Knott’s Hotel
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Modern rooms
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Steps away from the park entrance
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Package deals with tickets
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Outdoor pool and restaurant
Nearby options within walking distance:
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Courtyard by Marriott
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Holiday Inn Buena Park
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Radisson Suites
Staying near the park is more affordable than Disneyland hotels and ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Parking Fees:
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General parking: $30
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Preferred parking: $50
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Hotel guests: discounted
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EV charging stations are available
Knott’s is easily accessible from:
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I-5
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CA-91
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Beach Blvd (CA-39)
It is located about 10 minutes from Disneyland and 30 minutes from LAX.
Tips for Visiting
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Head to GhostRider or HangTime early to avoid long queues
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Camp Snoopy is best visited before noon or after 5 PM
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Use the Knott’s mobile app for real-time wait times and event listings
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The Boysenberry Festival is a must-visit for food lovers
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For Halloween fans, Knott’s Scary Farm is legendary — but extremely crowded
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Consider a Fast Lane pass on peak days
Soak City Water Park
Knott’s Soak City, located next to the main theme park, is one of Southern California’s largest water parks and a popular summer add-on for families. The 15-acre park features more than 20 water attractions, including high-speed body slides, multi-lane racing slides, a giant wave pool, and the long, relaxing Sunset River. Younger guests can enjoy splash areas and shallow play zones designed specifically for kids.
Soak City operates seasonally from spring to early fall and requires a separate admission ticket; however, combo passes and season pass upgrades are available. It’s an excellent way to cool off during peak California heat and adds a full-day aquatic experience to any Knott’s visit.