Knott's Berry Farm Vs Universal Studios

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
The Sol Spin ride at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.

Want to get under the skin of some of LA’s oldest and greatest institutions? Sharing over 200 years of history between them, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm have become bucket-list attractions for visitors drawn in by their irresistible back stories and seriously scary 21st-century thrill rides. We took a peep behind the scenes at both attractions to find out what makes them so special and why their popularity continues to endure after all these years.

Knott’s Berry Farm Vs Universal Studios: the Lowdown

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Universal requires no introduction. One of the biggest, oldest and most successful film studios on the planet, its Hollywood HQ is responsible for such big-screen classics as Psycho, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, Die Hard 2 and King Kong (sets from some of which are included in the current studio tour). The lot opened in the San Fernando Valley way back in 1915, adding a modest theme park in the 1960s which formed the basis for the entertainment behemoth that guests can visit today. And, with attractions and rides themed around household favorites like Harry Potter, Minions and Transformers, it’s little wonder that Universal Studios Hollywood has become known as ‘the entertainment capital of LA’.

Knott’s Berry Farm is no slouch in the entertainment stakes either. Sure, it may lack an international movie-making pedigree, but it does have one heck of a cute origin story. It starts back in 1923, when entrepreneurial Buena Park farmer Walter Knott developed, cultivated and introduced the boysenberry to the world by way of a modest roadside stall selling preserves and pies. As the stall’s reputation and popularity grew Walter, along with wife Cordelia, opened a fried chicken restaurant to help keep up with with demand. The addition of a ghost town and summer fairs in the 40s and 50s paved the way for the theme park that was to follow in the 1970s and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is a fully fledged amusement park, with around 50 attractions including thrill rides, log flumes, children’s activities and more. Best of all, you can still tuck into a traditional fried chicken dinner followed by a hefty slice of sweet boysenberry pie. Yum.

What to See and Do at Universal Studios

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Studio Tour

The studio tour is really what sets Universal apart from other theme parks in the area. Expect live stunt demonstrations and other staged events as you weave your way through familiar scenes and sets from future classics like Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror epic Nope to the instantly recognizable Courthouse Square from 80s fave Back to the Future. A tram ride narrated by Jimmy Fallon brings the whole experience to life as you come face to face with movie monsters including King Kong and the great white shark from Jaws. Hold onto your hat for the Fast & Furious finale which brings the tour to a high-octane close.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

This immersive ride sees brave humans (that’s you) fight alongside the mighty Optimus Prime in a bid to defeat the Decepticons – they’re only about four stories tall and have names like Bonecrusher, Starscream and Devastator, so no pressure. It’s not a ride for the faint-hearted, with fast-paced action, loud explosions and smoke effects at nearly every turn. Oh, you may also get a little wet. Afterwards, survivors are ejected into the relative safety of the Supply Vault shop, where the only danger is how much damage your bank account will sustain when the kids start begging for Transformers merch, including figures, apparel and green-screen photo shoots.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There’s plenty for aspiring Gryffindors to enjoy in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Wizards young and old will be wowed by Hogwarts Castle and can even invest in their own wands, capes and souvenir train tickets for services departing Platform 93⁄4. There are some top rides to potter around too. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on a magical journey through the halls and corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Meanwhile Hagrid, the most affable giant in fiction since the BFG, ushers riders on board the Flight of the Hippogriff. It’s wizard!

Best of the Rest

There are plenty more movie-themed rides and zones to explore at Universal Studios, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a fun 3D motion ride that replicates your favorite locations from the classic video game, a rollercoaster ride through Springfield with America’s favorite cartoon family (that’s The Simpsons, not the Kardashians), the immersive frightfest that is Jurassic World and a much gentler (and hilarious!) Minions ride that ends, as you’d expect, with a cute interactive dance party.

What to See and Do at Knott’s Berry Farm

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Thrill Rides

Adrenalin junkies can get a satisfying fix at Knott’s, which has really ramped up the thrill factor since its sale to Cedar Fair in the late 90s. We’re talking rides like HangTime, which promises an eerie floating sensation as it crests its highest point ahead of a gut-churning 96-degree drop. Then there’s the Xcelerator, which catapults passengers sky high, reaching 82mph in a body-shocking 2.3 seconds. Silver Bullet is an inverted coaster that hurtles you around 3,125 feet of snaking track, taking in cobra rolls, corkscrews and a terrifying 105 feet vertical loop. And try not to get spooked on the Ghost Rider, only the longest and tallest wooden rollercoaster in the West.

Family Rides

In terms of kid-friendly attractions, it does feel a little unfair to pit Knott’s against the Universal juggernaut with its army of Minions, Harry Potters, Marios and Transformers. But there’s a certain sweet charm to the kiddie rides at Knott’s, with miniature trains, carousels, bumper cars, mini rollercoasters and a Mad Hatter-themed spinning teacups ride. The Camp Snoopy zone also features live shows with the titular beagle and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Snoopy on ice, anyone? The park also has a few rides with no height restrictions, including the Calico Mine Ride, Dragon Wing pirate ship and Knott’s Bear-y Tales, all great family fun.

Water Rides

No theme park visit would be complete without that essential souvenir shot of your log flume hitting the water, everyone’s face a picture of delight, surprise or, in the case of the person who takes the biggest drenching, total and utter horror. Here’s where Knott’s Berry Farm really gets one up on Universal with not one but two water rides to enjoy. The first, Calico River Rapids, is a spinny splashy adventure that sees passengers race through white water rapids aboard circular six-seater dinghies. But the Timber Mountain Log Ride is the main event here, culminating as it does in a 42-foot freefall that all but guarantees that coveted theme park soaking. Knott’s also boasts a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September.

Fast facts: Universal Studios

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Tickets

Buy tickets and VIP experiences direct from the official website, or get one-day access with an attraction pass from Go City and save when visiting multiple attractions, including Universal Studios, the Hollywood sign tour and more.

Opening Hours

Park hours vary, but it generally opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening. You’ll find up-to-date opening hours here.

Getting There

Universal Studios is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. There are multiple ways to get there, including by bus and metro, and a range of parking options are also available. You’ll find all the latest information here.

Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm

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Tickets

An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and LA Zoo. You can also book tickets direct at the Knott’s Berry Farm website.

Opening Hours

The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary so check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the latest information.

Getting There

Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here.

Save on attractions in Los Angeles

Save on admission to Los Angeles attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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LA in May: Spring Adventures & Sunshine Await

Welcome to LA, where May means endless blue skies, Tangelo sunsets, and enough action-packed adventures for even the most ambitious of travelers. Whether you're fresh from your Oscar selfie on Hollywood Boulevard or plotting beach days along the coast, the city treats you to a unique blend of outdoor festivals, museum wanderings, exhilarating tours, and local food haunts. We’re here to help you catch the best of spring, whether you're after blockbuster attractions, live events, or a leisurely day sampling tacos beneath the palms. Ready to discover how to squeeze every last drop of fun out of May in Los Angeles? Keep reading for our handpicked recommendations.  Our top LA things to do in May include:  Universal Studios Hollywood  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales  Griffith Observatory Tour  Getty Center Guided Tour  Knott’s Soak City water park  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Autry Museum of the American West  Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (special spring event)  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: A Springtime Ocean Adventure  May is peak season for catching Pacific wildlife in action off the Southern California coast. Join the Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour with Newport Whales for a half-day journey that promises ocean breezes, unforgettable sightings, and some of the best sea views near Los Angeles. The boat sets off from Newport Beach, about an hour south of downtown LA, and within minutes you’ll feel a world away from city traffic.  Spring means gray whales on their northbound migration, and you’re likely to spot leaping dolphins, sea lions basking on buoys, and (if luck is with you) perhaps even orcas or blue whales. The crew’s passion for marine life is contagious—expect expert guides to point out each fin, clarify species, and share captivating facts that turn sightseeing into a mini biology lesson.  There’s room inside and out—catch sun on the open deck or stay cozy at the panoramic windows. The vibe is laid back, with travelers snapping photos, kids leaning over the railings, and everyone cheering when a whale flukes or a pod of dolphins races alongside the boat. Add in cool, salty breezes and the glint of sunlight on Pacific waves, and you have the recipe for a spring day you won’t forget. After your tour, try the local seafood at Bear Flag Fish Co. or stroll Newport Pier to round out the perfect day by the sea.  Griffith Observatory Tour: The Best View in Town (Day and Night)  Everybody knows Griffith Park is home to LA’s most legendary hike, but you don’t need hiking boots to enjoy Griffith Observatory’s wow-worthy views. May’s gentle evenings and crystal-clear air make this spot a must for daytime vistas or an evening stargazing session. Perched high above the city, the Observatory delivers sweeping panoramas from downtown’s skyscrapers to the far Pacific—plus, you can snap the most envy-inducing shot of the Hollywood Sign.  During the day, museum exhibits walk you through everything from planets to space exploration (don’t skip the Foucault pendulum—it’s mesmerizing). Stay through sunset and the romance ramps up: the Observatory’s telescopes open to the public for night-sky exploration, with astronomers offering pointers and stories. The park around the Observatory blossoms in May, with wildflowers popping up along trails and the sun lasting well into the evening.  If you’re feeling energetic, hike up from Fern Dell or the Greek Theatre for a real taste of LA outdoors before your visit. Or, after admiring the stars, head to Los Feliz village for dinner—Little Dom’s offers comfort classics (try the meatball pizza) with a buzzy, retro vibe.  Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens, and Killer Views  If you only visit one museum in LA this May, let it be the Getty Center. More than just a collection of world-renowned art, the Getty is a full-on spectacle: white travertine walls gleaming in the sun, lush terraces, and gardens spilling over with color. Guided tours offer the inside scoop on everything from Renaissance masterpieces to playful modern photography.  The architecture impresses at every turn—angles and sunlight interact differently throughout the day, so bring your camera. The Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, transforms into a spring dreamscape in May: roses, poppies, and waterfalls weaving through paths that invite you to linger a little longer. There's a picnic-perfect lawn and panoramic views that stretch all the way to the ocean on clear days.  Indoors, the galleries feature everything from Van Gogh’s “Irises” to European decorative arts—and guides make the collection approachable, with stories and details that stick with you long after you leave. There’s a buzz of excitement from families and art lovers alike, but the atmosphere never rushes; take your time, soak up the scene, and cap your visit with coffee on the terrace café, ideally timed for sunset.  Knott’s Soak City Water Park: Beat the Spring Heat  May in LA means daytime temperatures are climbing, and there’s no better way to cool off than with a dose of splashy fun at Knott’s Soak City Water Park in Buena Park. Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, this vibrant park welcomes families, thrill-seekers, and sun-worshippers with a dozen-plus water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash zones for every age.  Whether you’re braving the steep drop of Old Man Falls or relaxing on a bobbing tube in the Sunset River, the tropical décor—palm trees, surfboards, and cheerful beach tunes—sets a vacation tone. Kids gravitate toward Gremmie Lagoon, while adrenaline junkies race each other down six-story slides. There’s plenty of shaded seating for those who want to relax with a cold drink or snacks in between rides.  The crowd in May is lively but not overwhelming; you’ll find shorter lines before the summer peak. Parents rave about the attentive lifeguards and clean changing areas, and folks of all ages agree: very few pleasures compare with drifting under blue skies on a warm LA afternoon. Just don’t leave without sampling Mrs. Knott’s fried chicken across the way—a crispy, peppery close to your sun-soaked day.  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes: Snap LA’s Signature Shot  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign? Total LA pilgrimage. But a guided walking tour adds stories, shortcuts, and selfie expertise you won’t want to miss. May is one of the best months for the trek—think cooler mornings, flower-dappled hillsides, and that perfect California light.  Guides share insider dirt on legendary Hollywoodland scandal, architecture, and trail lore as the group winds upward through backroads and rugged trails in Griffith Park. The payoff: uninterrupted close-ups of the sign, dazzling city panoramas, and a feeling of accomplishment that you'll carry for the rest of your trip. There’s plenty of time to catch your breath, snap pics, and learn which stars once called the hillside home.  After the hike, stick around for a post-walk refuel in nearby Franklin Village (try Beachwood Cafe’s herby avocado toast). The walk isn’t just about the view—it’s an all-senses plunge into the city’s history, brought to life with humor, fresh air, and camaraderie.  California Science Center IMAX Movie: Science and Big-Screen Immersion  When you need a break from the sun (or have a science lover in tow), the California Science Center shines. But don’t skip the IMAX theater—a state-of-the-art experience where science turns cinematic. In May, you’ll typically catch nature documentaries or stunning 3D journeys through space and undersea realms, projected on a huge screen with sound you can feel in your bones.  The Science Center itself is an interactive wonderland—space shuttles, earthquake simulators, touch tanks, and rotating exhibits that engage everyone from toddlers to teens to curious grownups. Seeing a science-themed movie here somehow makes the world feel bigger, more wondrous, and definitely more connected.  The setting—lush Exposition Park, surrounded by gardens and neighboring museums—makes it easy to turn a quick visit into an afternoon adventure. Round it off with food trucks outside, or duck into Mercado La Paloma nearby for Yucateco cochinita pibil tacos and cold Mexican sodas in a bustling, down-to-earth food hall.  Autry Museum of the American West: Step Into California’s Story  For a truly LA twist on American history, look to the Autry Museum of the American West, right inside Griffith Park. Forget dusty dioramas—the Autry celebrates the culture, art, and legends of the West with eye-popping exhibitions, cowboy memorabilia, and interactive spaces where you can try your hand at gold panning or frontier games.  Special exhibitions deep-dive into Indigenous cultures, the Hollywood Western, and even 20th-century LA’s connection with Route 66. Younger visitors love the hands-on discovery area, while film fans can geek out over vintage posters and costumes that once graced the silver screen. In May, themed workshops and outdoor events often give the park a festival atmosphere—think music on the lawn or food inspired by the multicultural West.  The museum’s campus is green and tranquil, perfect for a picnic beneath the oaks once your culture fix is complete. On Sundays, don’t miss the nearby Griffith Park Pony Rides for a little extra nostalgia.  Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival: Open-Air Music Under the Stars  May marks the start of summer concert season at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Bowl’s Jazz Festival is a highlight for music lovers. There’s nothing quite like hearing world-class jazz, soul, and R&B in a historic amphitheater nestled into the Hollywood Hills.  Festival days pack the hillside with picnicking Angelenos, music fans, and everyone in between. Expect tantalizing scents wafting from food stalls, rainbow-lit trees, and a truly special energy as dusk falls and the bowl lights up. The crowd is welcoming; blankets, low chairs, and picnic baskets abound. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or casual listener, there’s a magic in sharing live music under open skies.  Check the schedule for artist lineups—previous years have starred Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, and dozens of LA favorites. Can’t snag a festival ticket? The Bowl’s summer season opens in May, so there's a strong chance you’ll catch live acts from across the spectrum all month long. Pro tip: bring a bottle of California wine and arrive early for the full local experience.  May is Magic in LA  Whatever your adventure style—theme park thrills, wildlife encounters, star-studded views, or epic eats—May in Los Angeles offers something unforgettable. The jacaranda blossoms are in bloom, open-air festivals fill the calendar, and outdoor patios hum with local flavors. Add in world-class museums, family-friendly fun, and just enough offbeat events to keep everyone smiling, and you have the recipe for a perfect LA vacation.  So pack your sunglasses, tap into that spring energy, and let LA in May surprise you at every turn!    Enjoyed this? Check out our favorite ways to spend an L.A. morning, and peruse our pick of the best downtown markets.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!  
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