Beyond Knott’s: Adventure, Eats, and Fun Near Buena Park

Finished with the thrill rides? Keep the fun rolling with these top picks near Knott’s.

Published: May 22, 2026
Rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm

Let’s be honest: Knott’s Berry Farm packs enough roller coaster action, Wild West shows, and boysenberry snacks to keep anyone entertained for days. But if you’re venturing out to Buena Park or planning a Los Angeles adventure, don’t just stop at the gates. The neighborhood and surrounding Orange County serve up everything from beach-bound bike rides to world-class aquariums to epic eats—without the theme park crowds. Whether you’re traveling with kids, thrill seekers, or foodies, we’ve rounded up the best things to do near Knott’s Berry Farm to help you make the most of every moment. 

Our picks for the best things to do near Knott’s Berry Farm include: 

  • Knott’s Soak City Water Park 
  • Aquarium of the Pacific 
  • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 
  • Richard Nixon Library 
  • Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking 
  • The Source OC 
  • Porto’s Bakery & Cafe 
  • Buena Park Historical Society 

Knott’s Soak City Water Park 

When you need a break from theme park thrills but still crave splashes and slides, Knott’s Soak City Water Park promises a wet and wild day out. Right next door to Knott’s Berry Farm, this colorful water wonderland is perfect for cooling off during Southern California’s sunniest months. From high-octane slides like Banzai Falls to the winding lazy river, there’s something to suit every pace and age. 

We always love relaxing on the beachy wave pool, where families can drift or body surf under the lifeguards’ watchful eyes. Little ones have their own mini water playground (with plenty of fountains and shade), while thrill seekers will want to test their courage on the Pacific Spin—a four-story funnel slide that’s total bragging rights material. With private cabanas and snack stands, Soak City makes it easy to turn a regular summer day into a pool party. 

Aquarium of the Pacific 

Head down the 605 to Long Beach, and you’ll hit one of our absolute favorite day trips: Aquarium of the Pacific. This world-class aquarium offers the chance to get up close with over 12,000 creatures—from skittish sea otters to rainbow-bright reef fish—across immersive galleries dedicated to the Pacific Ocean. 

Walk through the lush, open-air Lorikeet Forest, explore touch pools with moon jellies and epaulette sharks, and stare up in awe as awe-inspiring sharks and rays glide overhead in massive tanks. We especially love the playful sea lions and the educational, hands-on exhibits about California’s coastline. The setting itself—a glass-and-steel wonder just steps from Rainbow Harbor—makes you feel like you’re visiting a mini oceanside paradise, even on a drizzly day. 

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales

Whale Tail with Tour Boat in the Background

Craving a real-life adventure on the Pacific? Newport Beach’s Whale Watch & Dolphin Tours set sail daily and promise unforgettable sightings. Depending on the season, you could see gray whales, blue whales, finbacks, or giant dolphin pods leaping alongside the boat. Knowledgeable guides make sure you don’t miss a thing, delivering fun facts and pointing out celebrities—of the finned variety. 

The vibe is relaxed but exciting, perfect for families or friends who want to swap city traffic for sea breezes. For us, nothing compares to spotting a breaching whale just off the bow or soaking in ocean views with the Orange County coastline as a backdrop. Bring a camera and bundle up: even in the sunshine, that ocean wind is part of the magic. 

Richard Nixon Library 

History buffs can make a quick journey east to Yorba Linda for the Richard Nixon Library, where presidential artifacts and stories come to life. The library sits on the picturesque grounds of Nixon’s childhood home and features interactive exhibits covering everything from the Apollo moon landing to the president’s famous China trip. 

You’ll get to tour the meticulously restored farmhouse where Nixon was born, plus step inside Marine One—the presidential helicopter—for a true “White House on wheels” experience. What sets this spot apart? It’s both a monument to American history and a serene garden oasis, with reflective pools and fragrant roses. After soaking up the exhibits, unwind on a bench among the citrus groves and retrace one of America’s most turbulent eras. 

Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking 

For those itching to swap roller coasters for Pacific breezes, the Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour is a SoCal classic. Pedal along the famous Santa Monica Pier, under swaying palms, and down the buzzy Oceanfront Walk, with plenty of time for photo stops and people-watching. 

Guided by local experts—and fueled by the ever-present sound of surf and skateboards—this ride blends outdoor exercise with the sheer fun of Venice’s murals, Muscle Beach vibes, and endless beachside scenery. We especially recommend parking your wheels at a street performer’s circle or a hidden taco stand for that perfect tour break. It’s the best way to see LA’s lively coastlines while dodging the city’s notorious traffic jams. 

The Source OC

Couple in a Shopping Mall

Foodies and shopaholics, this one’s for you: The Source OC in Buena Park is a vibrantly modern lifestyle complex minutes from Knott’s. Spread across several stories, you’ll find everything from unique dessert cafes to K-beauty shops to dramatic rooftop dining—making it the perfect spot for downtime, even when you’re not on a shopping spree. 

We love the energy here: sample on-trend Korean street food, sip matcha lattes, snag a bubble waffle, or catch a live performance in the airy event atrium (yes, K-pop dances happen). Whether you need souvenirs, a caffeine recharge, or that after-dinner churro, The Source is a fantastic place to refuel, hang out, and sample Orange County’s ever-evolving foodie scene. 

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe 

No trip to Buena Park is complete without visiting Porto’s Bakery & Cafe—a legendary Cuban bakery that’s become an LA essential. Even if there’s a line, locals know it moves fast thanks to the super-efficient, always-smiling staff. Inside, glass cases overflow with guava-and-cheese-filled pastries, potato balls, flaky meat pies, and mile-high cakes for every celebration. 

The energy buzzes whether you’re there for breakfast sandwiches, savory empanadas, or an afternoon box of cheese rolls to go. Grab an iced dulce de leche latte, settle in by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and watch as families and road-trippers alike snap “unboxing” pics of Porto’s famed specialties. Warm, welcoming, and always delicious, Porto’s hits the perfect sweet (and savory) spot for any itinerary. 

Buena Park Historical Society 

Step into Buena Park’s fascinating past with a stop at the Buena Park Historical Society’s Whitaker-Jaynes House, just a few blocks from Knott’s Berry Farm. This beautifully restored Victorian home sits surrounded by peaceful gardens and houses a treasure trove of local artifacts, memorabilia, and vintage photographs that tell the story of Buena Park’s early ranchers, groves, and railroad days. 

Take a guided tour to peek at rooms decorated in period furnishings (keep an eye out for the dazzling vintage hats and antique radios!) and discover how the community was shaped by everything from orange farming to the famous chicken dinner. We think the friendly volunteers truly make this spot special—they love sharing the city’s fun, quirky secrets and answering kids’ burning questions about the past. With rotating displays and regular events, it’s a great place to take a leisurely break from thrill rides, snap some history-laden selfies, and connect with this unique slice of Southern California heritage. 

 

Around Knott’s Berry Farm, adventure doesn’t have to end when the roller coasters roll to a stop. With beach bike rides, ocean encounters, time-travel dinners, and flavors to please every palate, the attractions nearby serve up just as much excitement and local color. Whether you’re planning a low-key afternoon or looking to fill a whole extra day, these picks ensure your Buena Park trip goes way beyond the park gates. Grab your sense of adventure and discover more of what makes this corner of LA an all-ages crowd-pleaser! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes  

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