Palm Springs Resident Explores Buena Park California
- Kathy Condon
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
Known for Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, in Southern California, has so many hidden delights when you take a closer look. This city, with a population of 85,000, has long been considered a family-oriented community. When I set out alone, I wondered what it would be like to explore the area as a woman on her own.
Visit Buena Park hosted me.
Since I live in Palm Springs, California, I drove and discovered it is only 98 miles away, which takes about 2 hours. I noted the closest airport, John Wayne Airport, is 18 miles away, and Long Beach Airport is 36 miles away. Both are great alternatives to avoid the extremely busy Los Angeles International Airport.
Arrival in Buena Park California
When I saw the Welcome Buena Park sign, I also noticed there were many signs in both English and Korean. Later, I would learn that after the Los Angeles riots, Koreans migrated to the city's suburbs.
Porto’s Bakery Café
The hunger bug raised its head by the time I arrived. Thus, I was pleased that the first item on my agenda was a stop at Porto’s Bakery Café. Located in the heart of Buena Park, I was both fascinated and overwhelmed with this visit.
Parking is plentiful at the back of the building. I smiled as I got out of my car and headed to the entrance—upbeat music, which I later discovered was Cuban, wafted across the parking lot.
At the entrance, a lovely lady was standing and welcomed me. After I greeted her, I stood there. This is where overwhelm grabbed my attention.
The cavernous space spread out before me. Off to the left was an obvious bakery, to the right a coffee shop. Then, in the far distance, another bakery stretched out before me.
I walked forward to the distant bakery where the menu was posted above the counter. I ordered their famous potato balls, one plain and the other with cheese: a hot, tender, and fun, tasty delight.
Update: Porto's Bakery Cafe has been named #10 on Yelp's "Best of Orange County 2025."
Made My Own Perfume
How often had we learned that a movie star launched their own perfume? After my experience at Daniel’s Truth, I now have a new appreciation for what they went through to create their signature perfume. I now have my own perfume. Let me explain the process.
After opening and smelling 30 different scents, you narrow it down to three you really like. Using those three scents, with the help of the coordinator, you can create perfume. Once you have the three scents, use an eyedropper to add them to your bottle, which you will take home. Not quite right, the coordinator will guide you on which of the three scents to add.
I began with 30 scents, only to discover that movie stars, when creating their own scent, have access to 6,000 different options. Frankly, I found this a wonderful experience and look forward to Daniel’s Truth franchise coming to my hometown.
At Daniel’s Truth, they offer classes that provide a fun experience for friends to get together, have a great time, and leave with their own perfume. The process takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Knott’s Berry Farm: Something for Everyone
Beginning your exploration of Knott's Berry Farm. There are two parking options: a large lot with a daily fee and a metered lot. I chose the daily fee, for I had no idea what to expect. Be prepared to walk for you on the journey to the entrance, as you literally go under a busy street. Coming out of the tunnel, you find yourself in a town-like setting---little shops selling everything from Snoopy items to a place where you can grab-and-go with Knott’s Berry Farm's famous fried chicken.
To avoid a wait at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner, make your reservation online. Although the restaurant can accommodate 800 people, walk-ins may still experience a wait.
Yes, I had Mrs. Knott’s famous chicken dinner. It certainly did not disappoint, and oh my, the gravy on the mashed potatoes is addictive—so good.
Walking through the Ticketed Entrance to the Park
Walking through the gate, I stood there, smiled, and asked myself which way to go, for it was clear that the paths led to different areas. You can scan a barcode to reveal the map. (No paper maps are available.) I went left and immediately noticed that the architecture was unique to every kiosk or large building.
At one point, I sat on a bench, watching the crowds, and marveled at the array of groups enjoying the sun-filled day. Hopping on the train was a great idea, as it took me all the way through the park, giving me a good lay of the land. Rides, grouped, shopping, and dining, much of it outside, were grouped in different sections.
A Life-Size Replica of Independence Hall
Walking up to the building, I had a déjà vu, for I had been to Independence Hall in Philadelphia; I was now walking into an identical replica on the West Coast. In 1966, Mr. Knott completed construction of this building, which is similar to the original in every way.
Once inside, I went through the left-hand door into the room where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Playing was a 20-minute audio tape — so effective because the portrayal of Sam Adams and Ben Franklin's voices, for example, literally sounded like they were coming from different sides of the room.
This, honestly, was one of the highlights of my solo trip to Buena Park. I've found that hardly anyone knows about this admission-free attraction—a must-see stop for visitors to the area.
Medieval Times Entertainment for All
Arriving an hour early, I had the opportunity to relax with a drink and watch as people of all ages, large families, bachelor and bachelorette parties arrived and received their crowns for the evening. Each crown represented a different section of the large dirt arena and, thus, the knight who would fight for the Queen’s recognition and devotion.
Once inside the Medieval Times arena, dinner was served, and the story of the medieval reenactment unfolded before me. The beautiful stallions, with their knights, competed in various competitions. Alas, my knight, while one of the last two, failed to win the Queen’s admiration.
Bamboo Wells and a Must-Need Massage in Buena Park
Located in a strip mall, I entered Bamboo Wells expecting a bare space, but I was surprised. Once I checked in, I was ushered into a beautiful room with flowing drapery, surrounded by bamboo walls, and a wonderful scent wafting through the space. So much thought had gone into making a client feel special.
Even though I was supposed to have a Swedish massage, the fantastic masseuse knew I needed a deep-tissue massage. She went for it, trying hard to get the knot out of my shoulder.
Staying at the Hilton Buena Park Proved to be a Great Move
I checked into the newly remodeled Hilton Buena Park Hotel and marveled at the spaciousness as soon as I walked through the entrance door. Off to the left was registration, straight ahead the obvious popular bar, next to the open Rosemary Restaurant. Then, to my left, a large lounge area served as an attractive waiting area if you were being picked up or wanted to find a quiet place away from your traveling companions.
With the key in hand, I headed to my room, the perfect space from which to explore the area in the heart of my activities in Buena Park. I had a car, but I only drove six miles or less to explore over the course of three days.
Source OC in Buena Park, a Three-Story Mall
While having a cocktail at the bar, I discovered the hotel is actually a part of The Source OC. Walking past the bar at the Hilton Buena Park, out in The Source OC, proved to be an adventure in exploring Korean shopping, entertainment, and dining. This open-air tri-level adventure was not only fun, but also so informative about Korean culture.
I smiled as once again, signs were in both Korean and English. Frankly, I didn’t know any of the brands advertised on the storefronts. I wandered into clothing stores, marveling at the beautiful fabrics transformed into sleek contemporary styles.
Wandering into the Food Court, I noticed a sign above each vendor displaying photos of food I had not seen or experienced. Tables were scattered along the glass wall, allowing sunlight to create a bright, happy environment for people having lunch.
One aspect, located prominently in the center of the food court, caught my attention. Imagine vending machines with claw-like technology, where you try to grab your favorite prize from within the glass box. Here, there wasn’t just one or two of those machines; there were approximately 12 of them in the alcove – all with stuffed animals and famous animation characters of all sizes.
Fortunately, the manager happened to be there, so I had a chance to interview him. It turns out this setup is typical in Korea. This is one of the first such set-ups in the United States. There were even miniature ones so small children could play.
Dining at The Source OC
Since I was staying at the Hilton connected to The Source OC, I had the opportunity to try various restaurants, and I had one of the most unique coffee/restaurant experiences I have ever had anywhere.
The Seed Water Coffee Roastery's cavernous, industrial-style room centerpiece was their coffee roasting machine. Around the walls, you could order coffee, the next wall housed a bakery, and the rest of the space was filled with a lovely lounge area. It’s a delightful concept that I trust will catch on.
II Flora Superb Italian at The Source
It was recommended that I go to the II Flora at the Source. Since the mall is so large, I asked a guard where it was located. Much to my delight, he pointed to the top of the mall, and an outdoor patio with the restaurant's name prominently above it.
Taking the elevator to the third level, I walked around the 3-story open courtyard, found my way to the restaurant, and was seated on the patio—a great people-watching space.
I was handed an iPad with a stand and instructed to peruse the menu, place my order, and select my drink. I ordered savory spaghetti and meatballs, which were delivered to me by a waiter. Then, when I was ready, I paid for my meal on the iPad. It was a lovely experience, and I would definitely go back to try more items from their extensive menu.
Time to Head Home
My solo trip to Buena Park was not only interesting and easy, but I felt so safe, and found myself marveling at how much I learned within such a small area. It has been an entertaining experience, surrounded by lovely people who are happy to answer your questions and guide you to their hidden delights in their community.
Kathy Condon is a Travel Writer and Award-winning Author. Her niche is luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities living in the shadows of large cities. www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com 760-902-3094 kathy@kathycondon.net
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