Knott’s Berry Farm: California’s Oldest Theme Park with Thrilling Rides, Peanuts Fun, and Legendary Fried Chicken
What began as a modest berry farm has transformed into a 160-acre theme park packed with exhilarating rides, live shows, and beloved Peanuts characters. As California’s oldest operating theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm is celebrated for its attractions and iconic fried chicken dinners—a sensation since the 1930s. Indulge in creative boysenberry dishes park-wide. Come for the coasters, stay for the flavors.
History of Knott’s Berry Farm
Walter and Cordelia Knott relocated to Buena Park, California, in 1920 to cultivate berries. In 1934, Cordelia launched a fried chicken restaurant as a side venture, drawing crowds with lines up to three hours long. To entertain waiting guests, Walter introduced attractions, laying the foundation for a theme park.
By 1947, the Ghost Town was complete, and Knott’s Berry Farm became official. Saloons, railroads, log rides, roller coasters, and more followed. In the 1980s, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang arrived, enhancing family appeal. The 1990s added extreme thrills, and the Knott family sold to Cedar Fair, which operates the park today.
Tickets and Practical Information
Tickets
Buy daily admission or season passes online at knotts.com/daily-tickets or at the gate. Military discounts apply for active duty, retirees, and immediate family.
Upgrades
Fast Lane wristbands offer priority access to select rides. FunPix provides unlimited digital photos from rides and meet-and-greets. Dining options include all-day drink refills, meal deals, all-day dining (entrée + side every 90 minutes), and all-season plans.
Park Hours
Open daily except Christmas, with hours varying by day and season (from 5 p.m. closes to 1 a.m. during Knott’s Scary Farm). Check the park calendar for your visit.
Location
Located in Buena Park, Orange County—20 minutes from John Wayne Airport, 30 minutes from LAX.
Parking
Paid daily and season parking available. Complimentary one-hour parking at the Shopping and Dining Lot for California Marketplace visitors.
Park Layout
Four themed areas: Old West Ghost Town, Camp Snoopy, Fiesta Village, and the Boardwalk. View the map at knotts.com/directions.
Top Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm
Iconic Timber Mountain Log Ride (opened 1969) climbs 85 feet. Xcelerator accelerates 0-82 mph in 2.3 seconds. For families, Linus Launcher lets kids soar like the Peanuts character.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy can-can and comedy at Calico Saloon, Wild West Stunt Show, and classic puppetry from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (est. 1963) at Birdcage Theatre.
Dining Highlights
All-day and all-season dining plans fuel your day with gourmet berry salads (Boardwalk BBQ), tamales (Cantina), chili-cheese tater tots (Calico Tater Bites), and more. Visit Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant in the California Marketplace for the original 1934 recipe. Don’t miss the exclusive boysenberry Frappuccino at Starbucks.
Best Times to Visit
Year-round access thanks to mild SoCal weather. Opt for midweek or school days to avoid crowds. Seasonal events: Knott’s Peanuts Celebration (Jan-Mar weekends), Boysenberry Festival (spring), summer concerts, Knott’s Scary Farm (fall, separate ticket), Spooky Farm, and Merry Farm (holidays with decor, Snoopy ice show, crafts).
Nearby Hotels
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel is steps away, with Snoopy wing, pool, dining, packages, and Disneyland shuttle (7 miles). Other options: Radisson Suites Anaheim-Buena Park, Holiday Inn Buena Park, Courtyard Anaheim Buena Park—all under a mile with pools.
Did You Know?
Walter Knott pioneered the world’s first commercial boysenberries (raspberry-blackberry-loganberry hybrid), now featured in dishes from pork shawarma to kimchi quesadillas.
