SoCal’s hidden gem Buena Park has everything you need for the perfect couple’s retreat.
From adrenaline-filled rides and rooftop sunsets to candlelit cocktails and MICHELIN-rated dining, Buena Park offers big experiences with a budget-friendly vibe.
Feel the Rush, Together
Start a couples getaway with adrenaline fun at Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s first theme park. Ride HangTime, California’s first and only dive coaster, or drop 252 feet together on Supreme Scream. For a splash of summer fun, head to Knott’s Soak City (open May–September) where 23 water slides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, and a lazy river set the stage for laid-back lounging or adventurous fun. For the ultimate upgrade, kick back in a private cabana complete with shade, lounge chairs, and food service.
Savor the Flavors
Couples craving great food will love Porto’s Bakery, named Best of the Southland by the LA Times, where affordable Cuban sandwiches and potato balls pair perfectly with a specialty coffee. Foodie duos can savor award-winning ramen at Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, honored in the California MICHELIN Guide. Prefer pho? Head to SUP Noodle Bar, voted OC’s Best Pho, and don’t skip the loaded shaken fries. For a taste of Chicago, Portillo’s Hot Dogs delivers with Italian beef, char-grilled burgers, and a must-share chocolate cake shake. Don’t miss Buena Park’s Koreatown, a foodie lover’s hub spanning over 2.5 miles along Beach Boulevard. Couples can snack, shop, and snap pics together at The Source OC, then top off the evening with a shareable sundae from Dzert, a dessert bar known for its Instagram-worthy sweets.
Cheers to the Night
When the sun sets, Buena Park comes alive. Kick off the evening at The Cauldron Spirits & Brews, a witch-themed cocktail bar full of magical surprises. Then, hop over to Rock & Brews for craft beer and comfort food or share a sizzling Argentine steak at Gaucho Grill. Night owls should head to Beach Boulevard Club, a hidden speakeasy with a live dueling piano show.
Rest & Romance
After a day of adventure, unwind at one of Buena Park’s hotels. Cozy up around the fire pit at Courtyard Marriott Buena Park, or enjoy a complimentary breakfast at Fairfield Inn or Hampton Inn. At DoubleTree Buena Park, couples can sip Starbucks at Marbles Lounge before catching the hotel’s free shuttle to Knott’s or Disneyland. Hilton Buena Park, located at The Source OC, offers a rooftop pool with panoramic views—perfect for sunset lounging. For the ultimate convenience, book the newly renovated Knott’s Hotel, just steps from the park and home to the sleek new Thirty Acres Kitchen.
