Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets: My True Experience

Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets: My  First Experience at Knott’s

They say you never forget your first time—and that definitely holds true for my first trip to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Back in the 60s, I was just a wide-eyed kid from Los Angeles climbing onto a yellow school bus, not realizing I was about to enter a whole new world. Imagine a place without roller coasters, like the famous Xcelerator, or gravity-defying steel beasts twisting through the sky. Nope. The only thrills back then were the clanking of horseshoes on old wooden planks, the creak of a ghost town windmill, and the mystery of who might be locked up in the town jail. (Spoiler alert: it was always your buddy. Every. Time.)

Back then, Knott’s wasn’t yet a theme park with rides. It was a living, breathing Western-style ghost town, a slice of the old West brought to life. Picture dusty storefronts, an authentic one-room schoolhouse, and the irresistible aroma of fried chicken and boysenberries hanging in the air like a promise of a perfect Sunday afternoon.

But before we even got there—oh ugh, the drive! There was no 91 Freeway yet. We took the long route, the scenic one. And I vividly remember passing actual orange groves. Row after row of citrus trees glowing like little suns in the heat of Southern California. I never had to ask why it was called Orange County—it was right there in front of me.

Years later, in high school, we revisited Knott’s Berry Farm. By then, it had blossomed into a full-fledged amusement park, complete with heart-pounding thrill rides. That same day, we had our school dance at a nearby hotel, now known as the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. It had a different name back then, which I don’t remember, but the memories of the fun we had are still vivid, even if the details are a bit hazy. I had a great time with my date, whose name I also can’t remember. After after all, it’s been about 50 years. I may be getting old, but the memories are still fresh.

Fast forward to today—I’ve lived in Orange County for over 20 years now, and let me tell you: I haven’t seen a single orange grove in all that time. Not one. It’s like moving to Apple Valley and never seeing any apples. But Knott’s? Knott’s has held on.

Yes, Knott’s Berry Farm has grown up—just like we all have. These days, it’s a full-blown amusement park packed with heart-pounding thrill rides, kid-friendly attractions, and enough funnel cake to make your Fitbit wave the white flag. The rides? Top-notch. The vibe? Still classic Old West.

The little ghost town? Still there.

The schoolhouse? It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of education in the Old West, still standing and ready to teach you a thing or two about history.

The blacksmith, saloon, and that signature charm? They’re not lost in time, but rather, they’re nestled right in between the modern thrill rides and family-friendly attractions, creating a unique and exciting blend of the past and the present.

So whether you’re hunting for the best Knott’s Berry Farm rides, planning a family day with the kids, or just looking for tasty Knott’s Berry Farm food (hello, boysenberry everything!), there’s something here for you. And if you’re after the best Knott’s Berry Farm tickets deal, well, keep reading.

🎟️ Buy One Vacation, Get One Free — While It Lasts!

If you’re considering a visit, now is the perfect time. We’ve teamed up with Viator to offer you a special day trip package to Knott’s Berry Farm, including transportation from Anaheim Resort Area hotels (Anaheim, Garden Grove, Buena Park). And for a limited time, when you book this trip, you’ll receive a bonus vacation certificate for a future trip or cruise. No timeshare presentations, no catch—just a bonus getaway.

👉 Check ticket availability and claim your bonus vacation

📜 The Real Story Behind Knott’s Berry Farm

After reminiscing about my many visits over the years, I decided to dig into Knott’s history—and let me tell you, it’s just as rich as their boysenberry pie.

🍓 A Berry Stand on a Dusty Road

In 1920, Walter and Cordelia Knott arrived in Buena Park with a dream and a 20-acre plot of land. Walter started selling berries and preserves from a modest roadside stand, and by 1923, the business was in full swing. That stand was the seed that grew into today’s theme park.

The Birth of the Boysenberry

In 1932, Walter rescued a struggling hybrid berry from a man named Rudolph Boysen—a cross between blackberry, raspberry, and loganberry—and gave it new life. Thus, the boysenberry was born. Today, the Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival celebrates this juicy icon with themed treats and park-wide events.

🍗 From Fried Chicken to Family Fun

In 1934, Cordelia Knott began serving fried chicken dinners to make ends meet during the Depression. They were a hit. So much so that people waited for hours to be served. To keep them entertained, Walter built a replica ghost town in 1940, which eventually became the foundation of Knott’s Berry Farm rides and attractions we know today.

Beyond the Park — Hotels & History

Many visitors turn their day trip into a weekend escape. The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel offers family-friendly lodging just steps away from the park, making it a convenient hub for thrill-seekers, foodies, and ghost-town enthusiasts alike.

🏷️ Jams, Jellies & the California Marketplace

If you only stop in for one thing, let it be the jam. The Berry Market, located just outside the park gates, still sells the beloved Knott’s Berry Farm jelly and preserves, continuing the legacy of homemade goodness that started it all.

🏁 Final Thoughts from a Lifelong Fan

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or making new ones, Knott’s Berry Farm offers a one-of-a-kind blend of nostalgia and adventure. And with convenient Knott’s Berry Farm hours, family-friendly attractions, and deals on tickets, there’s no better time to visit.

✈️ *Until next time, may all your travels be flavorful, memorable, and Very Cheap.*

— Traveler