Your Ultimate Guide to the Halloween Capital of Southern California
As a massive fan of theme parks and Halloween, I have always wanted to visit Knott’s Berry Farm during spooky season. Every Fall, the park undergoes a full transformation to become Knott’s Scary Farm as it puts on one of the absolute best events in the country with world-class haunted houses, spectacular live entertainment, and of course specialty eats.
Known as America’s first theme park, Knott’s is located in Buena Park California; an entertainment-rich city nestled between Anaheim and Los Angeles. Buena Park offers so much variety in food (especially boysenberries!), entertainment, and best of all, affordable convenience. I visited and cannot wait to share all that this place has to offer!
Home Base: Where to call home
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Anaheim North/ Buena Park
It’s rare to say this, but honestly you don’t need a car when visiting or getting around Buena Park. Everything is just so super accessible and close by that as long as you’re staying in the city you can get anywhere either with a quick rideshare hop or even a short walk down their stunning palm tree-lined boulevards. Buena Park’s entertainment district is the place to be and the Fairfield by Marriott Inn is a truly great choice. Not only will the rooms surely check all the boxes with great AC, Microwave, and a focus on cleanliness, but you’ll feel right at home with the free parking, breakfast, fitness center, and location that’s minutes away from the top attractions Buena Park has to offer.
Caffeine fix: where to start your day
Porto’s bakery & cafe
The legacy of the Porto’s is alive and thriving when you step through the doors of this famous Cuban bakery & cafe. You are immersed in the sounds of Cuban music and smells of freshly baked bread and pastries mixed with fresh-brewed coffee and tea before you even order! While the menu offers something for absolutely anyone, here’s what I recommend:
This signature Porto’s dish takes their original picadillo (ground beef with onions, peppers, and Spanish seasonings) and gives it a one of a kind crispy panko crust.
Looking for a heartier meal? This sandwich combines slow-roasted pork, Cuban garlic sauce, and pickled red onion on a fresh Cuban roll and it was truly increadible.
Refugiado (Guava and Cheese Strudel)
Need something to pair with your fresh coffee? The Refugiado is IT! This signature pastry takes Porto’s famous cream cheese filling and mixes it with flavorful guava jam to create the perfect start to your day.
The place is always packed so plan some extra time to make sure you have the best experience. You can order online, but plan some time to stay and take in the relaxed vibes and California sunshine with your meal. It’s a great place to get up early and watch the rides at Knott’s testing before heading down to the park.
Coffee Code Buena Park
This place is all about coffee, community, and quality. Custom signature custom blends and fresh-baked waffles. Make a quick stop or spend some time here to relax and enjoy before heading out to explore the city.
Daytime Thirlls
Knott’s Berry Farm
Spooky season visits to Knott’s Berry Farm during the day are a completely unique experience it’s the calm before the chaos. The park is transformed with festive fall décor, pumpkins line Ghost Town’s wooden walkways, hay bales and orange lights bring a cozy autumn glow, and even the coasters seem to hum with anticipation for the night ahead. Families can enjoy the lighter side of Halloween with the kid-friendly Knott’s Spooky Farm, where trick-or-treating trails and Peanuts-themed shows take over by day. You can still catch all the rides from GhostRider to Silver Bullet but there’s a special energy in the air knowing that after sunset, the entire park morphs into the haunting world of Knott’s Scary Farm. It’s the best of both worlds: thrills by daylight, chills by night.
Tip: Knott’s is famous for its boysenberry treats, be sure to pick one (or three) up. From boysenberry drinks, to funnel cakes, to bbq sauces, the park goes all out to honor its sweet heritage.
The In-Between: Before the Frights Come to Life
If you are spending a full day at the park, it is important to know that the park fully closes in preparation for Scary Farm leaving you with a few hours to get fully into the Halloween sprit.
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant: Part of the iconic California Marketplace, this timeless spot is still serving up the same homestyle comfort that put Buena Park on the map. I have to recommend the golden-fried chicken, fluffy biscuits with boysenberry jam, and mashed potatoes covered in rich country gravy.
Tip: wait times for Mrs. Knott’s can get high so be sure to make a reservation, if none are available be sure to check out all that California Marketplace has to offer with great shops, snack stands, and even a full bakery featuring boysenberry everything so be sure to check them out!
Rock & Brews: Just a few blocks from the park, this music themed restaurant hits all the right notes for anyone looking to unwind after a day of thrills. You’ll be surrounded by the sounds of classic rock and album art as far as the eye can see. Be sure to check out their custom beers and freshly tossed wings!
Olympic Golf Zone: the perfect mix of friendly competition and laid back fun. It’s part sports bar, part virtual golf lounge, where massive simulator screens let you tee off on your choice of world famous courses or just work on your skills in the driving range. Even if you’ve never held a golf club, the experience is welcoming and surprisingly addictive especially when paired with a cold drink and their shareable bar bites.
Myungrang Hot Dog: This Korean street food spot takes the classic corn dog and turns it into a work of art golden, crunchy, and customizable from top to bottom. You can choose from options like mozzarella, squid ink, or the fan favorite potato-crusted hot dog, which adds an extra layer of crispy perfection. A light dusting of sugar and a drizzle of sauces like honey mustard or spicy mayo take every bite over the top.
The Cauldron Spirits & Brews: Within walking distance of Knott’s, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a storybook written just for Halloween lovers. This witch-themed bar blends Gothic charm with cozy magic with flickering candles, vintage potion bottles, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts eerie and enchanting. The menu is full of creative locally-inspired cocktails and a lineup of comforting bites.
The Main Event: Scary Farm
This is the real deal for Halloween fans and thrill seekers alike. When the sun sets, the park undergoes a total transformation into a sprawling playground of fear and fun. Fog pours through the streets, eerie lights glow from every corner, and the sound of screams fill the air. From cinematic and elaborate haunted mazes and chaotic scare zones to thrilling night rides, every inch of the park feels alive with Halloween energy. Whether you come for the monsters, the storytelling, or the adrenaline rush, Knott’s Scary Farm is the ultimate seasonal event for fans of everything spooky.
Scares not for you?
Every fall, Pirates Dinner Adventure takes its family-friendly swashbuckling spectacle to a slightly darker and more thrilling level with Vampirates: a Halloween-themed version of the classic show that blends high-energy stunts, comedy, and a supernatural twist. The theater contains a full candlelit ship surrounded by water, where the story unfolds through sword fights, aerial acrobatics, and music. You’ll enjoy a full-course dinner while watching pirates battle vampires in a spectacle that’s equal parts spooky and fun. The performances are surprisingly immersive, with plenty of audience interaction and a touch of Halloween humor to keep things light.
There is truly so much to do when visiting Buena Park and you’ll want to plan a few days to see it all! The city is such a great slice of California vibes without the traffic, high prices, or stress. If you’re planning a trip to the west coast, be sure to book a few days to stay at the coaster capital of Orange County! Let me know if you visit, if you need some more info be sure to check out Visit Buena Park or the map below!
