Road Trip: Tucson to Knott's Berry Farm

Planning a trip from Tucson to Knott's Berry Farm? So much fun awaits you at this family-friendly theme park in Southern California - featuring 36 rides, 37 dining venues, character meet-ands-greets, live entertainment, and an on-site hotel!

Read on for information about tickets, parking, rides, shows, and the best place to stay.

DRIVING FROM TUCSON TO KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

ROUTE 1: I-10

According to Google Maps, the trip from Tucson, Arizona to Knott's Berry Farm is 472 miles and will take approximately 7 hours and 4 minutes. The shortest route is along I-10, taking you through Phoenix, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles to Buena Park.

If you're looking for quick food and coffee stops, we recommend either Cabazon or Thousand Palms.

Cabazon is home to Desert Hills Premium Outlets, which is close to I-10 and has a Five Guys and a Starbucks.

Alternatively, you can stop at In-N-Out along I-10 at 72265 Varner Rd in Thousand Palms, CA. It's Exit 130.

ROUTE 2: I-8

The second route is along Interstate-8 and is about 25 miles longer, taking you through Yuma and north San Diego on your way to Buena Park. Some people select this way to bypass Phoenix traffic or because they are planning a stop in the San Diego/Carlsbad area.

If you have small children with you, you may want to stretch your legs and eat lunch at West Wetlands Park in Yuma. Also known as "the castle park," this city park features an impressive castle-themed playground with swings, a dragon slide, a tot area, and climbing apparatuses. You'll also find a lake, covered ramadas, 9-hole disc golf trail (bring a frisbee!), and a second playground at this expansive 110-acre park. Note that it's not far from the freeway and there is a Sprouts grocery store nearby if you want to pick up a few lunch items for a picnic! (This is probably not a great place to stop in the middle of the summer since Yuma temps can easily reach 110+ during the hottest parts of the year).

WHAT TO EXPECT: KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

Knott's Berry Farm, an amusement park which is owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, encompasses 160 acres and has 36 rides and a number of character experiences, shows, and dining options. The thematic park - which is open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day) - has engaging music, tons of attractions, fun shows, clean restrooms, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

One of the most endearing things about Knott's Berry Farm is its delightful wholesomeness. When you walk through the gates and wander through the park, you are beckoned to a bygone era, which makes you want to smile at strangers and link arms for the common good.

ATTRACTIONS AT KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

There are currently thirty-six rides at Knott's Berry Farm (beating Disneyland Park, which has 34!).

See below for an alphabetical listing of all rides along with the minimum height requirement for each.

• Balloon Race (36")
• Beagle Express Railroad (46")
• Butterfield Stage Coach (46")
• Calico Mine Ride (46")
• Calico Railroad (46")
• Calico River Rapids (46")
• Camp Snoopy's Off-Road Rally (36")
• Carrusel del California (46")
• Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer (36")
• Coast Rider (44")
• Dragon Swing (42")
• Flying Ace (32")
• GhostRider (48")
• HangTime (48")
• Hat Dance (36")
• Jaguar (48")
• Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair (46")
• La Revolucion (48")
• Linus Launcher (36")
• Los Voladores (48")
• Montezuma's Revenge (48")
• Pacific Scrambler (36")
• Pig-Pen's Mud Buggies (36")
• Pony Express (48")
• Rapid River Run (42")
• Sierra Sidewinder (42")
• Silver Bullet (54")
• Sky Cabin (46")
• Snoopy's Tenderpaw Twister Coaster (36")
• Sol Spin (54")
• Supreme Scream (52")
• Surfside Gliders (36")
• Timber Mountain Log Ride (36")
• Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars (42")
• Wipeout (48")
• Xcelerator The Ride (52")

Our favorite rides were Timber Mountain Log Ride (thematic, not too wet, super fun at night), Calico River Rapids (fun, 6-seat ride where you will get soaked), and GhostRiders (classic wooden roller coaster with exhilarating, stomach dropping descents).

CHARACTER EXPERIENCES

The below characters make appearances throughout the day for photos and meet & greets:

• Boysen Bear-y
• Crafty Coyote
• Moxie and Brawny (Crafty's Coyote's mischievious pups)
• Snoopy & Peanuts Gang (Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus)
• Whittles (a jolly prospector)

Be sure to check the Knott's Berry Farm App for the full schedule to make note of times and locations for character meet-and-greets.

SHOWS AT KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

Be sure to check the Knott's Berry Farm App for a full schedule of current shows and concerts.

DINING/RESTAURANTS AT KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

Dining options are plentiful inside the park at Knott's Berry Farm and there are 37 restaurant choices.

• Baja Taqueria
• Boardwalk BBQ
• Cable Car Kitchen
• Calico Saloon
• Calico Tater Bites
• Cantina Del Sur
• Casa California Restaurante <-- This restaurant has generous servings. A burrito can be split between two kids (see photo above).
• Cave Inn Snacks
• Charleston Circle Coffee (Starbucks)
• Chicken-To-Go
• Coaster's Diner
• Dippin' Dots
• Farm Bakery
• Fireman's BBQ
• Ghost Town Bakery
• Ghost Town Grill
• Ghost Town Grub
• Gourmet Churro Factory
• Grizzly Creek Lodge
• Johnny Rockets
• Log Ride Funnel Cake
• Log Ride ICEE Mix-It-Up
• Longboard's Grill
• Miner's Mac & Spuds
• Mix-It-Up Ice Cream Shop
• Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
• Panda Express
• Papas Mexicanas
• Pemmican Pickle
• Portside Pizza
• Pro Shop Pizzeria
• Starbucks
• Strictly-On-A-Stick
• Sutter's Funnel Cake
• Sutter's Grill
• TGI Friday's
• Wilderness Dogs and Drinks

UNIQUE ASPECTS OF KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

Knott's Berry Farm is highly thematic and has much to see and do beyond the rides themselves.

• The National Anthem plays daily at park opening, which unifies attendees and creates a respectful environment.
• Be sure to stop at the Jail where you can ask questions and have a lively conversation with the imprisoned man inside.
• Knott’s Independence Hall is an exact, brick-by-brick replica of the original in Philadelphia, complete with cracked, 2,075-pound Liberty Bell. Independence Hall is open from 10:00am-4:00pm and is located outside Knott's Soak City (not inside Knott's Berry Farm). FREE admission.
• The Old Schoolhouse opened in 1879 in Mitchell County, Kansas and served many generations of children until it closed in the 1940’s. Walter Knott brought this authentic one-room schoolhouse to Knott’s Berry Farm in 1952.

BUY KNOTT'S BERRY FARM TICKETS IN TUCSON

If you want to purchase Knott's Berry Farm tickets BEFORE you get to California, you can go on to the Knott's Berry Farm website and make your purchase. Tickets can also be purchased from a Tucson travel agent.

Tickets typically range in price from $60-$120/day, depending on the season and day of the week. Discounted Junior tickets are available for children (ages 3-11). Children 2 and under are free.

General parking at Knott's Berry Farm for 2025 is $30 per day.

DISCOUNTS ON KNOTT'S BERRY FARM TICKETS

A 2025 ticket to Knott's Berry Farm can be purchased for $110 at the gate. Guests can save up to $50 off the gate price by purchasing online at knotts.com.

Costco has offered discounted Knott's Berry Farm tickets and packages in the past so be sure to check there before booking if you are a member.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

We highly recommend Knott's Hotel, which is thematic, sparkling clean, and perfectly walkable to the park.

KNOTT'S HOTEL

Located just minutes from the park entrance, Knott's Hotel is a highly-rated, family-friendly hotel that is our tip pick for visits to the theme park. When you walk in the entrance, you'll be greeted with a welcoming boyseberry-themed scent that will stay in your dreams after your trip. The gorgeous, light-filled lobby is infused with modern light fixtures, a wonderful winding staircase, and warm wood accents. A brand new restaurant is immediately off the lobby and offers an elegant, farmhouse-inspired space to enjoy breakfast before heading in to the park.

Although you will probably be occupied at the theme park, Knott's Hotel offers great on-site amenities, including a swimming pool with splash pad, jacuzzi, small exercise room, gift shop, Starbucks, and an inviting bar in the lobby.

Best of all, Knott's Hotel is a 3 to 7 minute walk to the park entrance. No need to get in your car to re-park or wait in long automobile lines!

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Address: Knott's Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
• Check-In: 4:00pm
• Check-Out: 12:00pm
• Parking: Convenient self-parking is $20/night per vehicle. Parking is included with Hotel Packages or when booking directly with the Season Pass rate.
• Resort Fee: None
• Average Nightly Rate: $195
• Peak Season: Summer
• Social Media: Follow Knott's Berry Farm on Facebook and Instagram.
• BOOK A ROOM | call 714-995-1111

GOOD TO KNOW

• The rooms at Knott's Hotel are thoughtfully designed to offer amenities that families will appreciate. Each room has a mini fridge, Keurig machine, flat screen tv, adjustable-light touchscreen mirrors, convenient charging areas (nightstand), a safe, an iron, a laundry bag, a hair dryer, soap, makeup removers, and lotion.
• The two-queen rooms also have a mini sofa, which would make an ideal bed for a toddler or preschooler.
• Connecting rooms are available for larger families or groups traveling together.
• The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are boysenberry and vanilla scented! Such a fun thematic touch!
• The breakfast buffet at Thirty Acres Kitchen includes potatoes, sausage, pastries, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, waffles, scrambled eggs, Denver scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits & gravy.
• Knott's Hotel is in a nice area in Buena Park. You're just a short drive away (1-2 miles) from Chick-fil-A, Five Below, In-N-Out, Kohl's, Olive Garden, Panda Express, and Walmart. Walgreen's is right at the corner if you find yourself in need of sunscreen, ibuprofen, or water bottles.
• Care for a quick walk through the hotel's history? Knott's originally opened the Buena Park Hotel in the mid-1970s. When Cedar Fair acquired Knott's Berry Farm in 1998. they renovated the hotel and reopened it as Radisson Resort Knott’s Berry Farm in 2000. Finally, the hotel was completely renovated in April 2024 and renamed to honor the park's founders, Walter and Cordelia Knott.
• Knott's Hotel offers Stay and Play packages that bundle hotel accommodations with park tickets! Discounted Knott’s Berry Farm tickets are available for hotel guests: $52/person.

THIRTY ACRES KITCHEN AT KNOTT'S HOTEL

Thirty Acres Kitchen is a brand new, farmhouse-themed New American restaurant inside Knott's Hotel. The restaurant is open 6:00am-10:00pm daily and serves breakfast buffet, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

PACK FOR A KNOTT'S BERRY FARM TRIP

Here is a basic packing list to get you started:

• One outfit for each day (including socks and underwear)
• One pair of pajamas for each night
• At least one sweatshirt or jacket for the chilly Southern California evenings
• Swimsuit, sandals, and cover-up
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, contacts/glasses, cosmetics, shampoo, hair brush
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Stroller and/or Baby Carrier (if you have a baby or toddler with you)
• A bag or backpack to carry into the park (Baggallini's Take Two RFID Bryant Crossbody is perfect for Knott's Berry Farm!)
• Snacks
• Water bottles
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera, laptop, and/or phone (and related chargers)

HISTORY OF KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

The history of Knott's Berry Farm is fascinating. Here is a very condensed timeline with information about the founding family as well as the current ownership. Note that there are two connections to Arizona! See the full timeline here.

• 1920 The Knott family arrives in the sleepy community of Buena Park and begins farming 20 acres of land on Highway 39 (now Beach Blvd).
• 1928 The first permanent building is erected to house Cordelia Knott’s tea room and berry market. The farm is christened Knott’s Berry Place.
• 1932 Walter Knott begins propagating the new boysenberry plant, a curious cross between the red raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry.
• 1934 To make ends meet during the Great Depression, Cordelia serves her first chicken dinners on her wedding china for 65 cents each.
• 1940 Walter relocates the Gold Trail Hotel to the Farm from Prescott, Arizona.
• 1947 Knott’s Berry Place is officially renamed Knott’s Berry Farm.
• 1954 The Bird Cage Theatre (a replica of the Bird Cage in Tombstone, Arizona) opens in Ghost Town as the home of the Country's only daily acting melodrama troupe.
• 1955 Walter and Cordelia attend the July 18 opening ceremonies of Disneyland, and return to find the Farm parking lot filled to capacity. Despite rumors to the contrary, Knott's Berry Farm continues to thrive, enjoying its best year ever.
• 1968 A general admission fee is charged for the first time ($1.00).
• 1974 Cordelia Knott dies on April 23 at the age of 84.
• 1981 Walter Knott dies on Dec. 3 – one week before his 92nd birthday. Amusement park veteran Terry E. Van Gorder takes the helm as Knott's first non-family president and CEO.
• 1997 Cedar Fair Entertainment Company of Sandusky, Ohio acquires Knott’s Berry Farm. The acquisition puts Knott’s on the New York Stock Exchange for the first time.
• 2000 Russell Knott, the second eldest child of Walter and Cordelia Knott, dies at the age of 86.
• 2003 Rachel (Toni) Knott Oliphant, the third child of Walter and Cordelia Knott, dies at the age of 86. Virginia Knott-Bender, the oldest child of Walter and Cordelia Knott, dies at the age of 90.
• 2014 Marion Knott, youngest child of Walter and Cordelia Knott, dies at the age of 92.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What your top tips for visiting Knott's Berry Farm?

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early. GhostRider may be open prior to the published opening time and other parts of the park may open early as well. The earlier that you go, the more likely that you'll be able to ride attractions without lines.
• Wear easy-dry clothes (shorts, leggings, athletic materials, lightweight fabrics) and shoes if you plan to ride Calico River Rapids. Speaking of the rafting ride, be sure to stow any bags, wallets, phones, or sweatshirts in the center consule to protect them from the water. If you're hoping to get less drenched, sit on the side of the raft that has less weight.
• Slather on sunscreen to avoid getting burned by the Southern California sun.
• Bring snacks and water bottles in a backpack. 
• Leave sweatshirts and bulky items in your room at Knott's Hotel and go back for them, if needed. The hotel is so close!
• Fast Lane is an add-on purchase that offers priority boarding on select rides. If you can swing the price, your experience in the park will be even better! Skip the line to experience more rides at a faster pace.
• Consider the Meal Deal, which may actually save you money in the park. Speaking of meals, it's always advised to eat before everyone gets super hungry.
• If your child is 48" or higher, he or she will br able to ride 33 of the 37 rides at Knott's Berry Farm. The other four are Silver Bullet (54"), Sol Spin (54"), Supreme Scream (52"), and Xcelerator (52").
• One day in the park is perfect, but you would also easily be able to fill two days inside the park without getting bored.
• If you can visit during the holiday season, DO. The theme park and hotel are both beautifully decorated for Knott's Merry Farm, a festive celebration. You can also catch heartwarming live shows. This past year, the park put on Home for the Holidays, which had an intricate outdoor set, excellent dancing, fun costumes, and falling snow. It is refreshing and inspiring to see a full nativity set and to hear familiar carols playing around the park.

When did Cedar Fair and Six Flags merge? Is Knott's Berry Farm now owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation?

Cedar Fair and Six Flags completed their merger on July 1, 2024. Knott's Berry Farm and all legacy Cedar Fair parks are under the parent company of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

Which rides are most likely to give you motion sickness at Knott's Berry Farm?

In our opinion, the rides most likely to give you motion sickness are: Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer, Dragon Swing, Flying Ace, Hat Dance, Linus Launcher, Los Voladores, Pacific Scrambler, Sally's Swing Along, Sierra Sidewinder, (!) Sol Spin (!), or Wipeout.

If you are prone to claustrophobia or have a fear of heights, Sky Cabin may not be the ride for you.

What amenities are offered for families with babies and toddlers?

In 2024, Knott's Berry Farm renovated its Camp Snoopy themed area. With this renovation, the family restrooms were updated to include brand new changing tables and a nursing room. Family restrooms can also be found throughout the park.

• All park restrooms have diaper-changing stations.
• Single and double strollers are available for rent.
• If your children are too small or unwilling to go on a particular ride, take advantage of the Rider Swap program. Each ride and attraction has the option to have one member of your party wait with the little ones while the rest of your party rides. Once they are finished, switch places so whoever rode can stay with the kids and the adult(s) who sat out can enjoy the ride. Visit Guest Services by GhostRider to learn more.

Are boysenberries still grown in Southern California? What is Knott's Berry Farm's source of boysenberries?

The boysenberry crop is West Coast centric. Fun Fact: You can still find some Boysenberry plants growing under Silver Bullet! During Knott's Boysenberry Festival, you can buy boysenberry plants sourced from a local grower.

What is new at Knott's Berry Farm in 2025?

There will be a full lineup of Seasons of Fun events in 2025, which includes new merchandise and entertainment as well as food and beverage offerings. In 2025-2026, Six Flags plans to invest more than $1 billion over the next two years amongst its 42 parks. Included in the 2026 investments is a plan for Knott’s Soak City to receive a water park refresh and aesthetic enhancements.

Which rides/shows do you hope Knott's Berry Farm will create next?

Thanks for asking! If the staff at TucsonTopia were in charge, we'd consider the following changes:

• Remove Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair. This 3D ride (similar to Toy Story Midway Mania at Disneyland) doesn't work well and lacks storytelling. Replace it with a storytelling ride about the history of the park and the founders' story.
• Add a berry factory tour that outlines how boysenberries were created, where they currently grow, and how they are used in today's products. Include a boysenberry sample at the end.
• Brainstorm and then introduce more signature menu items. For example: piping hot belgium waffles with boysenberry syrup and homemade whipped cream.
• Partner with Friendly Family Productions (FFP) to create Little House on the Prairie® rides, shows, character appearances, and merchandise.
• Add more theatrical stage productions (similar to "Home for the Holidays") - especially plays sets in the late 1800's or early 1900's. A play about the founders and their family would be a fun consideration!
• Continue to focus on cleanliness, customer service, and storytelling. These three components go along way in making theme parks thrive.
• Improve the Knott's app - making it faster and easier to navigate.
• Add a longer, more "treacherous" drop to Calico River Rapids.

Are the rumors true that Knott's Berry Farm will be closing in 2026? (Say it ain't so!)

No!

KNOTT'S MERRY FARM

If you can visit during the Christmas season, DO! The park is beautifully decorated, festive music plays throughout, and "snow" drifts down from the skies. We highly recommend!

HAVE FUN!

One of the big perks of living in Tucson is that you are in easy drive (approximately 7.5 hours) from Knott's Berry Farm!

Not a fan of long drives behind the wheel? No problem! You can fly direct from the Tucson International Airport (TUS) to John Wayne Airport (SNA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), or Long Beach Airport (LGB) in less than two hours! All three of those airports are a 20-40 minute drive from Knott's.