Day Trips
Knott's Berry Farm Day Trip from LA
California's original theme park mixes serious roller coasters with an Old West theme and famous fried chicken, all about 25 miles from downtown LA.
California's original theme park mixes serious roller coasters with an Old West theme and famous fried chicken, all about 25 miles from downtown LA.
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is roughly 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, an easy 35-to-50-minute drive on a normal day via the I-5 or the 91. Billed as America's first theme park, it grew from a roadside berry stand and chicken-dinner restaurant into a full park with a working Old West town, family rides, and a strong lineup of roller coasters. It tends to feel a bit smaller and more relaxed than the giant resorts nearby.
A single day is plenty to cover the highlights, and many visitors find the crowds and prices more manageable here than at the bigger parks. The adjacent Knott's Soak City water park operates as a separate seasonal attraction, and the seasonal events, especially the Halloween haunt, draw big crowds. Hours and ticket options vary by season, so check the official Knott's website and book ahead online.
A massive wooden roller coaster that is one of the longest of its kind in the West. The smoother re-tracked ride is a thrill without being brutal.
The park's original Old West heart, with a vintage train, gold panning, and stagecoach rides. A charming, shaded area great for all ages.
A suspended inverted coaster with six inversions and big air over the midway. A standout for thrill seekers.
A beloved, slow-moving dark ride through a themed mine, full of detail and nostalgia. A perfect break between coasters and good for younger kids.
A dive coaster with a steep beyond-vertical drop right off the boardwalk. Short but intense, with a memorable hanging hold at the top.
A whole area of Peanuts-themed rides built for little ones. The go-to zone if you are visiting with small children.
The famous fried chicken meal that predates the rides, served just outside the park gates. Expect a wait at peak times or aim for an off-hour meal.
Knott's Scary Farm in fall and other seasonal overlays transform the park. Check dates and buy timed tickets ahead, as these sell out.
Want this turned into a day-by-day plan?
Our free AI LA Travel Planner builds a personalized itinerary in seconds.
Knott's Berry Farm is about 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles in Buena Park. The drive usually takes 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, with rush hour adding time.
Yes. Alongside the big coasters, Camp Snoopy and the gentle Ghost Town rides are built for little ones, so it works well for families with mixed ages.
It is best to buy online ahead of time for better pricing and to make sure the park is open that day. Hours and seasonal events change, so check the official Knott's website before you go.
Day TripsThe original Disney park sits about 30 miles southeast of downtown LA, making it one of the easiest big-ticket day trips in Southern California.
Day TripsSelf-styled as the thrill capital of the world, this Valencia park packs in one of the largest roller coaster collections anywhere, about 35 miles north of LA.
FamilyTheme parks, hands-on museums, easy beaches, and free outdoor days the whole crew will actually enjoy.