She couldn’t have chosen a greater thrill ride than the Silver Bullet. She had spent weeks leading up to our Buena Park vacation watching YouTube videos of all the rides, preparing for her big debut.

After a two-minute intense ride of 55 mph, loops, cobra rolls, and corkscrews, I walked off saying, “I can’t believe that was your first coaster. That was intense. If you can do that, you can do anything!”

It’s memory-making opportunities like this that keep us traveling as a family. Theme parks are a great way to discover more about your children – their level of risk-taking, what brings them joy, and how they handle lines and crowds.

We found Knott’s Berry Farm a great memory-making experience – and we want you to have the same experience. In this guide, we share everything you need to know about visiting Knotts Berry Farm, including the best rides and our top tips for making it memorable.

A brief history of Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm began as a small roadside stand in the 1920s, when Walter and Cordelia Knott started selling berries, preserves, and pies to passing motorists.

In the 1930s, Walter Knott developed the boysenberry by crossbreeding raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries. They became so popular that they opened a tearoom where Cordelia served fresh berry pie, hot biscuits, and berry jam. She also soon became legendary for her chicken dinners, which helped this entrepreneurial family expand even more.

They added attractions to the farm, including a ghost town, a narrow-gauge train ride, and a mining company simulation. In 1940, the Knotts opened their first amusement ride, the Timber Mountain Log Ride, which became a model for future water rides.

Over the next few decades, Knott’s Berry Farm continued to expand and add new rides and attractions, including the Calico Mine Ride, the first interactive dark ride, and the Corkscrew, the first modern looping roller coaster.

In 1983, Knott’s Berry Farm was purchased by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, which has continued to invest in new rides and attractions.

Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States, with over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. It’s also known to have the lovable Peanuts gang and Snoopy characters roaming the grounds, who have been waving at families since the 1980s.

It is also home to Knott’s Scary Farm, one of the largest Halloween events in the world, and the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, which celebrates the park’s history and culinary traditions. There is only one Knott’s Berry Farm location, and that’s in Buena Park in California.

Is Knott’s Berry Farm worth visiting?

There are many great reasons to visit Knott’s Berry Farm; let’s start with the 40 rides, including roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, dark rides, and water rides.

So if you like variety and thrill rides more than spinning tea cups and selfies with Disney characters, you may like Knott’s Berry Farm as an alternative to Disneyland. It’s also more affordable. It doesn’t have to be either, or. Many visit Knott’s Berry Farm in addition to Disneyland, as they are only 15 minutes apart. 

Knott’s Berry Farm does have characters from the Snoopy and Charlie Brown World, and the 57-acre park is spread across four themed areas, which pay homage to the history and culture of this region: the 1800s Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk, and Camp Snoopy.

All of this fun can easily be had in one day. If visiting in the summer, you can split the day or tack on an extra day to enjoy Knott’s across the road. And the beauty of its Buena Park location is that you can add in more fun things to your itinerary, like day trips to the beach!

How much is Knott’s Berry Farm?

Ticket prices fluctuate depending on popularity and seasonal events. They start at $65.00 per daily admission ticket, but the price can go up on weekends depending on what festivals are happening. It’s also cheaper to book online, as gate prices are more expensive.

You can also buy “Good Any Day” tickets in case you are not sure which day you plan on visiting for $85.00, and you can also buy a ticket and “all day dining” bundle tickets, which allows you to select one entrée with a side every 90 minutes at participating dining locations.

You can also pay extra for the fast lane wristbands, which are additional to your Knott’s Berry Farm entrance ticket. This is $149.00, including your ticket, and allows you to skip the queue for a selection of rides.

Is Fast Lane Pass worth it at Knott’s Berry Farm?

If you’re only visiting for one day and you’re someone who gets tired of waiting in lines, the fast lane pass is worth it. It’s especially worth it if you’re visiting on a weekend when the park is busy. The fast pass not only allows you to skip the queues, but you can also ride multiple times, whereas on the standard ticket, you have to queue up again.

We hear that it’s less crowded on Tuesdays to Thursdays, so you might find you don’t need a fast pass on those days. If you’re visiting in the summer, it won’t matter what day of the week you visit; it will always be packed!

Different Lands at Knott’s Berry Farm

Knotts Berry Farm is divided up into four lands, making the park easy to navigate. Each of the lands at Knott’s Berry are about paying tribute to the history of California and its cultural roots. You may spend more time with others depending on the age of your kids, thrill ride levels, and interests. 

Old West Ghost Town

The Old West Ghost Town is the oldest section of the theme park. Wandering around will be cowboys, townspeople, blacksmiths, and all kinds of characters from the 1880s Old West Boom Town. They’re always up for a chat and tell you a little of the history of Calico.

The Ghost Town is the heart and soul of the park, and our favorite place to be. It was classy, more than kitschy, with plenty of cool things to look at and do with their recreated wooden buildings on the street, shacks showcasing blacksmith skills, old schoolhouses, and graveyards randomly in the narrow streets. 

You’ll find the Wild West Stunt Show and the Calico Saloon serving up boysenberry beer. It’s also where you’ll find the park’s most famous and favorite rides: GhostRider, Calico Mine Ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride, and the Silver Bullet.

The Boardwalk

I love this land at Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s bright and so much fun with a Southern California beach lifestyle vibe. All the rides are beach and surfer theme: HangTime, Surfside Gliders, and Coast Rider, and there are a few! There are live stage shows in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theater. 

Camp Snoopy

The kids never have to miss out on Knott’s Berry. The six-acre kids’ area is designed to reflect a summer camp in the California High Sierras.

It has over 15 kid-friendly attractions, including Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyers, Pig-Pen’s Mud Buggies, and Sierra Sidewinder for the older kids. You’ll also find plenty of interactive entertainment at the Camp Snoopy Theater and with characters wandering around.

Fiesta Village

Paying tribute to California’s Hispanic roots is Fiesta Village. You’ll find Mexican-style architecture, food, and works of art. This was closed for renovations on our visit, but it reopened in 2023. Here is where you’ll find MonteZOOMa’s Revenge, La Revolucion, and Jaguar!

Top Thrill Rides in Knott’s Berry Farm

We didn’t get to experience all the rides on our day at Knott’s Berry Farm, but we did most of the thrill ones. Check the website before you visit Knott’s Berry Farm to see what rides are closed for maintenance. 

GhostRider

I thought this ride was going to be just another wooden roller coaster. What a surprise we got as it went flying through the course up and down steep drops and zipping around corners. 

GhostRider is the longest, tallest, fastest Wooden coaster on the West Coast and a firm favorite of visitors. We lined up for nearly an hour. It was worth it! 

HangTime

There is something about a slow vertical climb up a thrill ride that scares you know what out of me. I think I cussed several times during the 15 seconds until we hung for a few seconds over the lip, before plugging 150 feet down a beyond vertical drop. Then the speed took over and led us through a course of five inversions and mid-air suspensions. 

Only the bravest will say yes to this coaster. It’s the first and only dive coaster in California and is now in my top 10 coasters across the country. 

Silver Bullet

The Silver Bullet was Savannah’s first upside-down roller coaster and thrill ride. Wow! What an introduction:  two minutes of intense speed, inversions, corkscrews, cobra rolls, loops, and a 109-foot drop!

Sierra Sidewinder 

I’m not much for spinning rides, so I passed this over to Kalyra and Savannah. It’s a roller coaster that spins as it dips, banks, and nose dives. In hindsight, it didn’t look as bad as I imagined, and I could have done it without the dizzies. 

Pony Express

While incredibly short, this ride will launch you 38mph in less than 3 seconds. My tip is to do this ride first upon opening hours. It’s a slow turnaround ride, so wait times can be long. 

Supreme Scream

You can’t have a theme park without a giant drop ride. The Supreme Scream gives you spectacular views over Buena Park from 312 ft high, and guaranteed stomach drops as you suddenly drop from those heights. 

Other thrill rides

We did not get to ride on the following either due to time constraints or closures. 

• The Jaguar! is a family roller coaster that sends its passengers on an exciting tour around Fiesta Village® and through the loop of Montezooma’s Revenge.
• La Revolución swings riders an astounding 64 feet in the air (over 6 stories high!) to 120 degrees in both directions, while the passenger vehicle spins continuously at up to 9 RPMs. (This was simply a “I do not do spinning rides” choice.)
• The classic Montezooma’s Revenge is reopening in Summer 2023 in a new, imagined way. Previously, it was an exciting ride that catapulted passengers out of the station at 55 miles per hour, up through a 76-foot, 360° loop, and then to the top of a 148-foot tower. Lmk in the comments if you experience the new version and what it’s like. 
• Xcelerator The Ride launches 0-82 mph in 2.3 seconds, 205 feet into the air before immediately hurtling 90 degrees straight down.

Classic rides at Knott’s Berry Farm not to miss

At Knott’s Berry Farm, you’ll find your typical theme park rides like (Calico) river rapids, mouse traps (Coast Rider), swinging chairs and spinning rides, ferris wheels, bumper cars, and kid-size versions of them all. There are a couple of classic Knott’s Berry Farm Rides you don’t want to miss:

• Entertaining theme park goers since 1969, the Timber Mountain Log Ride goes through an 85-foot-high by 330-foot-long mountain range themed to a nineteenth-century lumber camp. Of course, there are a couple of water drops to keep you refreshed and feeling alive. 
• Sky Cabin is a gentle ride for 360-degree panoramic views of the OC and LA. The cabin moves slowly as it ascends 180 ft.
• Step back in time on the Butterfield Stagecoach, dating back to the 1800s. The trail travels around Fiesta Village and Camp Snoopy.
• Opened in 1960, The Calico Mine Ride was Knott’s first major ride. The winding journey takes you to underground lakes, waterfalls, caverns and chambers replicating life in the gold mines. 
• The Calico Railroad has been in operation at Knott’s since January 12, 1952, and is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train used in the early 1900s. Be on alert for Ghost Town bandits who may hold you up! 

What shows are at Knott’s Berry Farm?

It wouldn’t be a theme park without shows, and Knott’s Berry Farm has plenty of them to entertain you as you take a break from thrill rides and clocking up your ten thousand steps.

All ages are catered to with shows that range from live bands, musicals, comedy, and stunt shows. Many of them will feature the stars of Knott’s Berry – and those younger kids will want to see – Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy.

We didn’t get to see a lot of shows at Knott’s Berry Farm. As our girls are a little older now, they tend to want to do the rides more than watch shows, which I totally understand.

But we saw snippets as we walked around, stopping to watch Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and a few other characters dance and sing on stage with the band. Snoopy came out dressed as Bob Marley for a special performance of Three Little Birds (my favorite Marley song), which I thought was cute.

We listened to some bluegrass music as we ate dinner at Friedman’s BBQ. And we also saw a jazz band playing as we lined up for the Sky Cabin, which closed before we got on it due to windy conditions. 

And we loved watching the Native American hoop dance at the Indian Trails Stage. It was a captivating performance as the Native American Dancer wearing traditional dress spun with the hoops, adding rings around him in a complex interwoven pattern before unwinding again. There are native drums and lights, and a voiceover explaining the tradition of the hoop dance from the Potawatomi Nation

There are character meet and greets and various other performances around the park in smaller venues such as the Can Can and singing in the Calico Saloon, melodramas in the Bird Cage Theater, a Wild West stunt show, and the recently renovated Walter Knott Theater has popular seasonal shows like Snoopy ice skating and the Peanuts Celebration.

Check the app for an updated list of daily shows for when you visit! 

Unmissable things to do in Knott’s Berry Farm

It’s not just all rides and shows! There are plenty of things to do in Knott’s Berry Farm to keep you entertained for the day. As it’s a pretty park with lovely gardens and bright California vibe, just walking around is fun. But here are a few other iconic things to do.

Have a slice of Boysenberry Pie

As it’s the place where the boysenberry was created, you’d be remiss if you did not have a slice of boysenberry pie! (We’re remiss. We make the mistakes to help you avoid them!!)

Head to the Ghost Town Bakery, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (outside the park gates), or the Ghost Town Grill to try a slice of history with a pie made from the berry original to Knott’s Berry.

You’ll also find all manner of boysenberry treats in the park, from cookies to ice cream, coffee, and funnel cakes.

Visit for a Seasonal Event

There is something fun happening year-round at Knott’s Berry to tie in with seasonal events.

• SPRING: About to start is the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (every Spring). That’s right! You guessed it. It’s dedicated to celebrating the berry that started it all. Throughout the park will be a line up for savory foods with a boysenberry twist, specialty desserts, and drinks, including a variety of wine and craft beers only available at Knotts for this special festival.
• SUMMER: Ghost Town Alive has immersive and interactive experiences with characters throughout Ghost Town. They also have summer nights with live music, food, and games AND later opening hours.
• FALL is the popular Knott’s Spooky Farm, focused on Halloween cheer rather than fear throughout the day. But at night, 13+ can enjoy Knott’s Scary Farm where monsters prowl the park!
• WINTER: Knott’s Merry Farm is open every Holiday Season with festive décor, an ice show, crafts village, and nightly snow!

Shop Local at Knott’s California Marketplace 

Outside the front gates of this California theme park is Knott’s California Marketplace. It’s a collection of stores and restaurants that offer those visiting a chance to purchase some Snoopy-themed souvenirs, local jams, and jellies.

You can eat at the place that started it all – Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. It’s been serving up Cordelia Knott’s original fried chicken recipe since 1934, as well as famous boysenberry pies!

Be sure to stop in at Virginia’s Gift Shop to see the large mural on the walls sharing the history of Knott’s Berry Farm and the Knott Family story. I purchased a beautiful red summer dress here.

The Marketplace emporium is another place for clothes shopping – heavy on the country theme – as well as a year-round Christmas store, and a mini-Candy Parlor!

The largest store in the marketplace, PEANUTS Headquarters, has exclusive Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the Gang clothing, plush toys, books, and even dog ears to wear into the park. And what Aussies could not resist picking up a few Billabong items from Knott’s California Shop?

The most popular souvenirs for visitors to purchase at the California Marketplace are the berry market preserves, especially the boysenberry, homemade fudge, and berry market syrup! And you can devour some boysenberry funnel cakes from Cable Car Kitchen. 

You do not need a theme park ticket to visit Knott’s California Marketplace; it’s free and open to the public, making it one of the best free things to do in Buena Park. There are also plenty of stores for shopping inside the theme park.

Splash around at Knott’s Soak City Water Park (Seasonal)

As we visited Buena Park in the winter, Knott’s Soak City Water Park, the 15-acre water theme park, was closed. 

But, if you’re visiting from May through early-September, you may want to incorporate a day into your Buena Park vacation, cooling down on their speed, tube, and body slides, or in their Tidal Wave Pool, and relaxing on a Sunset River float. For the little kids, you’ll find Gremmie Lagoon, a hands-on water playground with a miniature submarine and interactive octopus. We also hear the cafeteria serves delicious boysenberry pie, so be sure to check it out if you happen to visit in the summer.

Soak City is across the road from Knott’s Berry Farm and requires a separate ticket. Open mid-May until early September

Learn at Knott’s Independence Hall 

In front of Soak City is Buena Park’s very own Independence Hall. It’s the only place in the country to have an exact brick-by-brick replica of the place where Americans signed their Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. So, if you can’t make it to Philadelphia to see the real thing, this is your next best option. Inside is also a replica of the Liberty Bell.

There is a small room that has recreated what the signing of the Declaration of Independence experience would have been like, with recorded voice reenactments of the forefathers debating over the document and plans for independence from Great Britain.

Where to eat at Knott’s Berry Farm

I was surprised by the variety of food options in Knott’s Berry. It’s probably one of the better ones that I’ve seen in a theme park. If you’re gluten-free like me, you’ll feel like you’re seen and cared for with several places having gluten-free options. Each dining place will indicate via the app if they do. The app will also indicate what meal plan tickets they accept.

You’ll find your typical fast-food type of establishments, plus a few others worth mentioning.

• Fireman’s BBQ: We enjoyed ribs for dinner and sat at some picnic tables while listening to bluegrass. I thought it was a great experience and the food was of decent size and quality. Just follow the smells into Ghost Town. There is also a boardwalk BBQ with your smokehouse favorites in The Boardwalk Land.
• Ghost Town Grill:  I especially loved the cute tables on the patio of this small table service restaurant. But you will have to get here early or be prepared to wait, as table turnover is slow and the space is small. They had a great menu with plenty of gluten-free options. As the line was long, we opted for Johnny Rocket’s for lunch instead.
• Calico Saloon only has snacks for eating. If you want the signature drinks of sarsaparilla, calico soda, or boysenberry punch, you won’t want to miss a drink and a show here.
• Calico Tater Bites: Pile those little potato gems high with all kinds of toppings.
• Johnny Rockets is an American classic diner serving burgers, fries, and shakes.
• Coasters Diner has a similar 50s diner vibe with burgers, dogs, and shakes.
• If you want fish & Chips, head to Longboard’s Grill! They have burgers, wraps, and hot dogs as well.
• Prop Shop Pizzeria. Savannah got a pretty decent pepperoni pizza from here. Sutter’s Pizza is another pizza place.
• Ghost Town Bakery has you covered with all things baked and sweet. They have a famous chili in a sourdough bread bowl.
• If you’re a coffee lover, I recommend getting one from Coffee Code across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm before you enter the theme park. Inside the park is expensive and not very good.

Some of the best things to eat in Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm does have a food bucket list with guests. These are the most popular items people love to eat. As we’re

• Funnel Cakes, so popular you’ll find them at many eateries in the park (and outside), topped with Boysenberry is the Knott’s Way
• Mrs. Kott’s famous Chicken Dinner. You’ll try the original recipe that got tongues wagging and people flocking.
• The Fun Bun is part cinnamon roll, part funnel cake, infused with boysenberry (only available during the Boysenberry festival)
• Calico Soda, which can be found in the Calico Saloon. Basically, it’s a boysenberry cream soda.
• Snoopy cookies for the devout fans who want to chomp on his head. They also sell the Polar Sarsaparilla soda.
• Boysenberry meatballs for those who want to try a savory version of the berry.
• Loaded tater tots from Calico tater bites. Top it with pulled pork, chili, mac & cheese, and more. Just ask them to hold the heart attack on the way out. I joke. I’m a fool for loaded tater tots.
• We’re putting the BBQ pork ribs on the Knott’s Berry Farm bucket list for you. I was impressed.
• Boysenberry soft serve or ice cream sandwiches. Speaks for itself. 

Top tips for visiting Knott’s Berry Farm

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most out of your visit to Knott’s Berry Theme Park and create lasting memories with your family and friends.

1. Purchase your ticket online before you go

Tickets are cheaper if you buy them online in advance. Plus, if you avoid purchasing at the gates, you can avoid starting your day in long lines.

2. Buy Fast Lane Tickets

If your budget allows for it, you may want to purchase Fast Lane tickets. On our visit, we didn’t see too many people using them, but I was envious of those who were. 

They were getting straight on all rides, while we were waiting for up to an hour for the popular thrill rides. The Fast Lane tickets are expensive, and so may be unreachable for some people, especially for large families.

Our longest wait time was 60 minutes for the Ghost Rider, possibly the Park’s most popular ride, so it wasn’t too bad. We did visit mid-week, though. On a weekend, this wait time could double.

3. Avoid weekends, if possible

Of course, weekends and school breaks are going to be the busy days in Knotts Berry Farm, so plan your visit outside of these if you can.

Also, check to see if there are any events or visiting groups planned for your dates. There was a cheerleading convention during our visit, so the park was busier with groups of cheerleaders having fun together – all dressed in their cheer outfits. Weekend prices are also slightly higher than weekdays.

4. Get to the park for opening hours

The park really starts to get busy by lunchtime, so the earlier you arrive, the less waiting time you’ll have in long lines. A 10am opening time means you still get to sleep in and have plenty of time for breakfast. Check our post on things to do in Buena Park for breakfast ideas and other attractions. 

5. Go to the slow-moving ride lines first

Enter at 10am and head straight for those lines that are slow moving. They’re usually slower because only one track runs with a small group of people on each ride. OR, they’re hugely popular. The slowest we encountered (with the rides that were open on our day) in order:

1. Pony Express
2. Ghost Rider
3. Sierra Sidewinder

Then you can go back and take your entrance photos, say G’day to the characters, see a show, and go on other thrill rides. By midday, the lines really start building. 

6. Use the Knott’s Berry Farm app

The Knott’s Berry Farm app is a great resource for helping you plan your day at Knott’s Berry Farm. It includes a map, live ride wait times, and information on shows, fun activities taking place, and dining options – and even allows you to see your Funpix snaps! Plus, it tells you the fastest route to get to each ride from where you are.

It was glitchy a few times for me, but it was better than most other theme park apps I’ve used. We found the ride wait times were quite out for most rides we went on. EG. It had the Ghost Rider rollercoaster at a 2-hour wait time all day, and we only waited for an hour. My guess is that these wait times are eered on the side of caution, but then we may have just been lucky.

It will also tell you if any rides close down due to any sort of issues, which happened a lot for the Silver Bullet, much to our dismay, as we wanted to ride it again.

7. Eat outside of main lunch and dinner hours

We regretted walking up to Johnny Rockets for lunch at 12:30pm with its long line! This was after standing in line for the Ghost Grill small table service restaurant for 15 minutes before realizing “this is not going to work.”  But, the line did move fairly quickly. Look at the menu while in the queue so you know what to order when it’s your turn. 

8. Plan where and when you’re going to eat

You cannot take food into Knotts Berry Farm, so you do need to buy food inside the park. As such, think about how much food you will consume in a day and what that may cost. You can leave the park to eat, and reenter on the same admission ticket for that day, however, you cannot leave and reenter the parking lot, so you will need to dine close by.

I’d recommend eating a large breakfast before entering to keep your tummy full and costs lower. For $35, you can buy an All-Day Dining Plan, which allows you an entry and a side at 16 of the restaurants in the park. It also means there’s only a 90-minute wait between meals.

It may be cost-effective for you, or if you want to indulge in all the delicious boysenberry treats. There is an upgrade to $49 for refills, and it also includes unlimited snacks and treats.

There is a $25 single meal deal, which allows you one entree, one side, and one regular drink at 16 restaurants in the park. The single meal ticket is good value, especially if you want to eat the BBQ Pork ribs that we did, which cost $20 normally.

9. Check the menu for food intolerances before lining up

If you have any food intolerances, be sure to check the menu before lining up. The app will note if restaurants have gluten-free options, but for two of those restaurants I went to, the servers had no idea what I was talking about. 

You may have to go to the front of the line to see the menu. Just be sure to let those standing in line know you’re not cutting, you just want to see the menu, so you don’t waste time. I think it would be a great feature of the app to include menus for the restaurant to avoid some of these issues for guests.

10. Chaperone your children

On Saturdays, it is required that all children 17 or younger must be accompanied by adults 21+ in order to enter the park. You must stay with them for the entire visit. The chaperone can take care of 4 youngsters!

11. Leave your cash at home

Knott’s Berry Farm is cashless!

12. Go on the rides at night

We recommend arriving early to reduce your wait time. We also recommend staying late to enjoy the thrill of a coaster at night. That was when I sent Craig to ride Hangtime with Kalyra! Many of the YouTube reviews Savannah watched said night riding was one of the best things to do at Buena Park.

13. Bring your own water bottle

You can take your own water bottles inside the park and just refill them, which is what I recommend. It’s best for your health, wallet, and the environment.

Parking at Knott’s Berry Farm

There is a huge parking lot across the road from Knott’s Berry Farm. Parking is $40 for single-day parking for standard cars. The parking lot opens about an hour before park opening. Don’t leave anything valuable in your car!

The California Marketplace at Knotts Berry Farm offers complimentary parking for up to one hour. We were grateful our hotel was within walking distance to the theme park, so we did not need a rental car while in Buena Park and did not have to worry about parking.

Knott’s Berry Farm Opening Hours

The opening hours for Knott’s Berry Farm change throughout the year and with special events. On a typical day, it’s open from:

• 10:00am – 10:00/11:00pm on weekends
• 10:00am – 10:00/11:00pm in April, the summer, and the Christmas Holidays
• 8:00am – 5:00pm in October, where it changes over to 7:00pm – 1:00am for Knott’s Scary Farm
• 10:00am – 8:00pm November
• 10:00am – 6:00pm all other months

Getting to Knott’s Berry Farm

Once in Buena Park, it’s easy to get to Knott’s Berry Farm, and hard to miss with its main street central location.

Buena Park is small, so it’s easy to walk to all attractions. The best way to get to Knott’s Berry Farm is by Uber or Lyft, or by walking from your hotel. This will allow you to save on expensive parking costs and hassle, or long shuttle bus lines (they won’t be bad like Disney, though).

Your hotel in Buena Park may have shuttles, not just to Knott’s, but also to Disney! That way, you can stay out of the Anaheim chaos and still have easy access to Mickey Mouse. There’s also a Metrolink Station with Orange County buses and trains.

Where to stay in Buena Park: DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park

We loved how our hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park, was within walking distance of all the Buena Park attractions. This meant we didn’t need to hire a car or worry about parking.

Knott’s Berry Farm was under a 20-minute walk, and we usually broke that up with a croissant from Porto Bakery along the way, or a pirate-themed dinner in the evening.

The hotel was everything you’d expect from a DoubleTree – warm cookies upon arrival, modern double queen rooms, a large, inviting foyer, heated swimming pool, fitness center, and free shuttles to both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm (you must book in advance). Knott’s Berry Farm also has its own hotel next door to the theme park.

Knotts Berry Farm FAQs

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting Knott’s Berry Farm…

Video: Watch us explore Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park

You can watch our adventures in Knotts Berry Farm in the following video:

More Southern California Travel Tips

While in Southern California, here are some other helpful guides that will help you plan your trip and things to do nearby:

• Things to do in Buena Park
• Things to do in Huntington Beach, CA
• Guide to the San Juan Capistrano Mission.
• Tips for Disney California Adventure Park,
• How to plan your dream Dream Disneyland Trip
• Guide to the Disneyland Halloween Party.
• Vacation rentals near Disney
• The best hotels near Disneyland.
• 10 Day Itinerary for Southern California 
• 10 Road Trip Ideas from Los Angeles
• Fun Things to do in LA
• Funky Things to do in Downtown LA
• Non-Touristy Things to do in LA
• Favorite things to do in San Diego 
• Things to do in California
• INCREDIBLE Places to Visit in California
• California National Parks not to miss

Downtown Vegas, also known as Old Vegas, is where it all began. It’s most famous for Fremont Street, where the first casinos, dive bars, and prohibition-era clubs were located.

In the 1940s, the Strip began to take shape, with iconic hotels like the Flamingo drawing visitors away from downtown, and the area began to decline, and it has struggled to pull back ever since.

Not anymore. Downtown Vegas is the place to go for an artsy, bohemian vibe, lower prices, and unique experiences. It’s a prime spot for vintage shopping, entertainment, and quirky charm.

There are tons of things to do in Downtown Vegas that make it a worthwhile stop on anyone’s trip to Sin City. In this guide, we share the most classic and exciting attractions…

Things to do in Old Vegas (Downtown Las Vegas)

While Old Town Las Vegas is famous for Fremont Street, there is so much more to offer. We will start with this street, as it’s the area you’ll wander in and out of the most. It’s the Las Vegas Strip of the downtown area.

We do recommend that if you are traveling with kids to get them off Fremont St in the evening hours, when Old Las Vegas turns into world-class crazy and gives a true insight as to why it’s called Sin City. During the day, they’ll enjoy the buskers and live music as they walk by.

1. Start with a Downtown Vegas Walking Tour

Why not start learning about Downtown Vegas on a guided walking tour? This was the tour that flipped me from thinking upon first stepping onto Fremont St, “Geez, I think we’d better get out of here. I’m not sure of this place”, to thinking…

“OMG. This place is so cool. I can’t wait to come back and explore more.“

This is why I travel. To be surprised, to have my perceptions changed, and my initial biases challenged – it’s how you discover hidden gems and secrets! We learned so much more about the stories of this gambling town than we ever would have just wandering around on our own. It made Vegas come alive for us. Even our girls loved it.

We learned about the birthplace of Vegas, which is near the Plaza Hotel at the beginning of Fremont St – the Old Vegas Strip, how and why the casinos go up and down so much. We learned the history behind its growth and allure, and the revitalization of Fremont St, the surrounding area, and the very cool local Downtown East.

Another reason to make this your first stop in DTLV is that your guide will point out the best places to return and explore more, and will give you a printout of his recommended places to eat and drink, and when you can find the low prices. This tour is on the Go City Las Vegas attraction pass.

2. Fly over Fremont St on the Slotzilla Zipline

Another great overview of Fremont St comes from above with the Slotzilla zip line. If you don’t want to take to the skies, you will enjoy looking up at the faces of joy and terror as people soar above you superhero-style! This is a fantastic family-friendly attraction in downtown Las Vegas.

The beginning of the zip line is true Vegas style, out of a 12-story (77 feet) slot machine, which is actually the world’s largest slot machine. Adventurous, but less tame than throwing yourself off The Stratosphere.

3. Take in the Fremont St Experience and Viva Vision Light Shows

The Fremont Street Experience is a free attraction and involves a light and music show (and lots of advertising) imagery on the roof, or Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen.

They often have live bands playing on one of the three stages on Fremont Street. Katy Perry and Imagine Dragons have been known to play this stage.

We’ve pretty much missed it every time we’ve been visiting downtown Las Vegas. The kids were either losing it because it was crazy people hour, or we’d had too many drinks to notice (when the kids weren’t with us). Viva Vision light shows last approximately six minutes and run every hour, usually starting at 6pm, depending on the season.

This tour of DTLV will take in the Fremont St lights, as well as happy hour drinks and a tour of the Arts District.

4. Find your Gold at the Golden Nugget Saloon

It doesn’t get more Old Vegas than the Golden Nugget Saloon. It’s on my list of places to stay in Vegas when we return. Even if you don’t stay here, it is an iconic Vegas casino to come and play the slot machines or check out the elaborate swimming pool.

The Golden Nugget pool has the Tank, a 200,000-gallon aquarium in middle with a water slide that goes through. It’s been named as one of the top 10 pools in the world by Travel & Leisure.

Non-hotel guests can swim in The Tank pool with a day pass, depending on the day of the week. If you want to save money in Vegas, perhaps looking is better!

My friend Rina and I had an evening out in Downtown Las Vegas and had a blast. We spent most of our time in the Golden Nugget saloon. Gambling really is not my thing, but the free drinks you get with it are!

You MUST have cash to gamble in the resort casinos. It’s against the law to use credit cards, so be sure you have plenty of cash – or don’t keep your bank balance safe. Most casinos have ATMs, though.

While here, be sure to check out the Hand of Faith, the largest gold nugget on public display in the world today, weighing in at 61 pounds, 11 ounces.

5. Take a food tour with a local

From award-winning BBQ to bubble waffles and tasty tacos, Vegas isn’t known for being a foodie destination, but this local is proving that downtown Vegas has a culinary scene well worth checking out.

We love taking a food tour because we can learn about where the locals eat, what food a city is known for, and where to find the best eats. Since we have dietary requirements, it’s great when we can find a tour that’s accommodating to our needs.

6. Taste Local Passion at Atomic Liquors

Tucked in between the flashing neon lights and kitschy vibe of Old Vegas is Atomic Liquors, a dive bar known for being Las Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar. It’s a chilled, dive bar with a storied past. It was founded by Joe Sobchik and his wife Stella during the Great Depression Era. After the two met in a laundry room, they married, opened a cafe, and turned it into a liquor store and bar, and were the first tavern to receive a Tavern License (#00001).

It began with a working-class clientele, and soon attracted big-name stars like Barbara Streisand and Clint Eastwood. It was open 24 hours a day and always had a crowd. Its name comes from the fact that they used to have atomic bomb viewing parties. Not much has changed since; it still draws a huge crowd!

7. Enjoy Happy Hour views in a Glass Dome at Oscar’s Steakhouse

Oscar’s Steakhouse, located in the Plaza Hotel’s iconic glass dome, has become a must-see attraction in Downtown Las Vegas due to its classic views of the lights of Fremont St., which has been featured in movies like Casino. It’s named in honor of former mayor and mob boss Oscar Goodman.

We started our downtown walking tour underneath this restaurant, and our guide told us happy hour from 5-7pm is where you’ll find great deals on drinks and oysters!

8. Go gangster at The Mob Museum

It’s important to learn about the stories behind destinations, and you know Vegas has a rich Mobster tale to tell. I’ve always had a weird kind of fascination and fear of the Mob. With the Godfather, Donnie Brasco, and Al Capone, how can you not be?

Whereas Chicago tries to hide their checkered Gangster past, Vegas is like, “hey, this was part of our growth and look at how we overcame it.”

Put aside a couple of hours at the Mob Museum. It was a quick whirlwind tour as we had our walking tour booked in. But the quick ended up being good for the girls.

They were okay with learning about the Mob until expectantly coming across some gruesome footage, and then we quickly escorted them out. So, perhaps it’s not the best place for your kids, but it might be a fun thing to do in Vegas with teens.

It definitely opened up a good conversation about organized crime. I think I can trust that neither of them will ever get mixed up in it. I think I made them promise me several times!

The museum is three floors of exhibits and stories, films and photos, and has a distillery and firearms display that’s interactive. One section will warn you of the gruesomeness to come.

The Mob Museum was also part of our Sightseeing Pass, which also included two special exhibits: The Crime Lab and the Use of Force. I was disappointed we ran out of time for the 30-minute crime lab.

Craig and I had to tag team, as there is an age limit. But the Use of Force was a quick and very interesting 15-minute insight into the stainless steel nerves and quick thinking of police officers. We were given guns (without bullets) and were taken through a few scenarios of crimes in action. As the police officer, we had to respond accordingly.

It did involve shooting a few of the criminals. I was shot first once and the second time I got the guy. No innocents were harmed in my scenario – Craig’s was a different story.

We even had a real-life drunk we had to encounter and disarm. I wouldn’t be a cop for anything!

9. Learn The Stories Behind the Neon at The Neon Museum

Well, we all know Las Vegas is the city of neon lights. The Neon Museum is a unique Vegas attraction.

Since 1996, the Neon Museum has been collecting and exhibiting Las Vegas neon signs for historical and cultural enrichment. It’s a cool way to preserve the stories and unique history of the city.

While we did not get time to visit this museum, we really wanted to and had many people recommend it as a Vegas beyond the Strip highlight.

10. Explore the family-friendly E Fremont St, East District

Fremont East District lies at the eastern edge of Fremont St and is the vision of Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos.

He launched this Downtown Project as a $350 million downtown Las Vegas initiative to redevelop a section of downtown from Fremont Street Experience to Maryland Parkway along the Fremont Street corridor.

He decided that he was going to bring 5,000 jobs to this region and revitalize it into a local’s neighborhood with cool restaurants, breweries, and places to hang out. He has certainly done this.

It started with him starting all the restaurants etc., himself and bringing the headquarters of Zappos to downtown, but hey, when you have vision, you find the solution.

We didn’t get to eat here, but apparently, there are some outstanding dining experiences to be had. Some recommendations were Le Thai, Therapy, and Carson Kitchen.

11. Eat and shop at the Funky Downtown Container Park

The Downtown Container Park is a wonderful open-air shopping center that’s family-friendly and full of locals hanging out in cafes, boutique stores, and craft whiskey cocktail bars. It was one of my favorite things we did in Old Vegas. It has an outdoor stage and a treehouse playground for the kids.

It features more than 40 repurposed shipping containers that house retail shops and restaurants. The center is intended to be a starting place for promising entrepreneurs who have longed to open a shop or restaurant.

The entrance is marked by a giant metal sculpture of a praying mantis, which shoots jets of fire from its antennae at night. It’s a Burning Man creation, so you can just imagine its creative flair.

Oak & Ivy, Bin 702, and The Perch are places to check out for drinks and food. 12. Get arty at the Free First Friday in the Las Vegas Arts District

On the first Friday of the month, Downtown Las Vegas has a First Friday art event just south of Fremont St at the Las Vegas Arts District.

Over 100 local artists display and sell their work on the streets, and there’s also live music and DJs, street performers, food carts, art installations, and art lessons for kids. You can continue the fun down on Fremont St for their First Friday block party – no kids allowed!

13. Find the Cheapest Happy Hour at Main Street Station

Another place we discovered, thanks to our walking tour, was Main Street Station. It showcases the splendor of the Victorian era with dozens of rare antiques and curiosities, award-winning restaurants, and even a slab of the Berlin Wall in the men’s restroom.

Check it out, play the machines, and stop in at Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery. You want to visit the on-site Triple 7 Restaurant & Microbrewery during happy hour. Probably the best happy hour deal in Vegas! We missed the happy hour prices, but enjoyed our meal! You can get free parking if you eat here, too!

14. Eat at Hash House a Go Go

For big, tasty meals at affordable prices, a great family-friendly restaurant is the Hash House a Go Go inside the Plaza Hotel. Our walking tour guide suggested this as a budget-friendly place to eat with a good menu selection for all ages, and so did many others in our online community!

15. Take a selfie with Vegas Vickie and Vegas Vic

Vegas Vickie and Vegas Vic are neon signs that are quintessentially Vegas. Vickie is a neon cowgirl that currently marks the entrance to the lobby cocktail lounge of the Circa Resort and Casino, and has been welcoming patrons since 1980.

She is the “neon wife” of Vegas Vic, a neon cowboy who welcomes you into The Pioneer Club in Las Vegas in 1951. The neon signs were “married” in 1994 during the construction of the Fremont Street Experience.

These two signs are considered the pioneers of the Old Vegas neon strip and historic landmarks.

16. Watch the game and swim at Stadium Swim

Also, the Circa Resort and Casino is one of the most unique venues to catch a sporting event. The Stadium Swim is a venue featuring six pools, overlooking a 40-foot HD screen which is often playing the top sporting events. There are also swim-up bars and lounge chairs, and it can accommodate 4,000 people.

Where to stay in Downtown Las Vegas

Golden Nugget Saloon

As mentioned above, this is one cool casino and hotel in Vegas. It was probably my favorite that I’ve been to for entertainment and facilities, but it also has lovely hotel rooms.

When you want to escape the casino vibes, head to the quiet rooftop terrace or enjoy a sports massage at the Spa at Golden Nugget. There’s also a shopping mall with designer stores, many onsite restaurants, and two cafes.

Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

Downtown Grand Hotel is not your typical Vegas-style casino and hotel. It’s a boutique hotel with an industrial-chic vibe. You’ll find a ground-floor casino, restaurants, including the famous and much-loved Pizza Rock, and a rooftop pool.

El Cortez Hotel & Casino

If you’re looking for nostalgia on your Vegas vacation, you’ll find it at Las Vegas’ oldest running casino (since 1941) – a pretty impressive feat once you learn how quickly these casinos crash and burn.

The infamous mobster, Bugsy Siegel, once owned this hotel, but the retro look from his era remains. This is a 21+ hotel, so you’ll have to leave your kids at home for this experience.

Golden Gate Hotel

The Golden Gate Hotel is also a century-old casino that has plenty of history and vintage decorations to check out, as well as their Prohibition Bar serving up cocktails out of coffee mugs. Got to be discreet about these things.

Getting to Downtown Las Vegas

If you are not staying in the Downtown Las Vegas area, your best option to get here is to catch an Uber. If you are driving, you can get free parking at some of the hotel casinos if you eat or play there.

You can also catch the Deuce, which is a double-decker bus that goes up and down the Las Vegas strip 24 hours a day.

Note that the bus takes a long time to go a short distance. You are probably better off getting an Uber. Our friends jumped in an Uber to meet us in Downtown from the New York, New York hotel after learning the bus would take two hours!!

Final Thoughts

Downtown Vegas is on the cusp of that greatness. Just remember, you heard it here first. Old Downtown Vegas, as it’s also known, was the original town site and gambling district and historic center of Vegas, as well as being the Central Business District – so why not make a stop there?

Visitors used to confine themselves to the boundaries of the covered Fremont St, but I hope this guide encourages you to look beyond Fremont to discover more.

If you want to visit Vegas on the cheap, then don’t miss downtown. As it’s so centralized, it has a more upbeat vibe than the sprawling Strip offers.

The slot machines here also have a higher payout percentage. Find an old machine in a dark corner somewhere – ding ding ding! Shh, don’t tell anyone!

More Las Vegas and Southwest USA tips

• Day trips from Vegas
• How to visit Las Vegas on a budget
• The thrilling Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour, Sedona
• Incredible things to do in the Death Valley National Park
• Epic adventures in the American Southwest not to miss
• Extraordinary Places to Visit on your Utah road trip
• Incredible Places to visit in California
• Best Things to do in Arizona for your bucket list
• Helpful Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon with kids
• Amazing things to do in Sedona with kids – one of our USA favorites
• The unique and extraordinary Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona

I’ve been to most of the best beaches in NSW, so coming up with a list of my favourite beaches is never easy. We are spoilt for choice on the east coast, and there is a beach for everyone, whether you are looking for a family-friendly beach or to go surfing, swimming, walking, fishing, snorkeling, diving, or even four-wheel driving.

So, if I had to recommend a list of my favourite beaches in NSW that I have personally set foot on, below are my top suggestions.

The Best Beaches in NSW

1. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay is famous. It’s been listed in The Guinness Book of Records for having the whitest sand in the world. I didn’t know you could get sand whiter than at Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, but the sand at Hyams is definitely up there! Not only that, but it’s fine, soft, and clean.

2. Red Rock Beach, Coffs Harbour

We have done the Sydney to Gold Coast road trip many times, but had always driven by Red Rock Beach until at last we made the trip – and boy, were we missing out! Red Rock is about a 30-minute drive north of Coffs Harbour and is one of those hidden gems that is tucked away 6 km off the Pacific Highway.

3. Palm Beach, Sydney

Palm Beach is Sydney’s northernmost beach and possibly our favourite beach in the Sydney area. Scenically, it’s incredibly beautiful with the golden sand stretching for 2 kilometres and the colours in the water move between spectacular shades of turquoise and aqua.

On one end is Barrenjoey Head, where you can take an easy 1 km bushwalk up to the old sandstone lighthouse for stunning views back over Palm Beach or across the Broken Bay region.

You don’t have the crowds you get at say Bondi or Manly Beach, and in winter it’s the perfect place to spot migrating humpback whales.

4. Greenfield Beach, Jervis Bay

Greenfield Beach is another pristine beach in the Jervis Bay region with that beautiful white powdery sand.

It’s another family-friendly beach perfect for swimming with clear aqua water and small waves, and it’s a top spot for a beachside BBQ.

5. Green Patch Beach, Jervis Bay

When I first set eyes on Green Patch Beach, I was blown away. I’d never heard of this beach or Booderee National Park, where it is located, and it was just as spectacular as Hyams in nearby Jervis Bay.

Are you getting the hint yet that the Jervis Bay region has some amazing beaches?! The water, whilst a little cool for swimming in September, was clean and clear, and the sand soft and beautiful to walk on.

6. Main Beach, Byron Bay

Located in the northern end of New South Wales is the legendary Byron Bay, which is famous for surfing and an alternative surfers’ lifestyle.

If you’re a surfer, Byron Bay has several great beaches to choose from, but it’s Main Beach that sees most of the visitors walking and swimming. and enjoying a beachside BBQ.

7. Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

Just around the corner from Byron Bay is beautiful Wategos Beach, one of the most northern beaches on this list and a paradise away from the big waves frequented by surfers in Byron.

This beach is protected by the headland, which makes it an awesome beach for swimming AND riding a longboard with the gentle waves and long rides.

There’s a BBQ area to enjoy or make yourself up a picnic and sit on the beach, admiring this picturesque location.

8. Pebbly Beach

Located in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast, Pebbly Beach is probably most famous as the place to see wild kangaroos hopping around on the sand. (Here are more places to see wild kangaroos in Australia)

They are used to human interaction, and there’s a chance you can get up close and personal. Our kids loved it, and the turn-off is about 10 kilometres south of Termeil.

9. Seal Rocks

If you are planning a Sydney to Brisbane road trip, I highly suggest a stop at Seal Rocks, a quiet fishing village offering clear bays for swimming, snorkelling, boating, and fishing.

This beach is just perfect, and much quieter than your usual East Coast beaches, and has a gentle sloping shoreline that makes it great for little ones to paddle in.

10. Bronte Beach, Sydney

There are many great beaches in Sydney, but another of our favourites would be Bronte Beach in the eastern suburbs. It’s a beautiful beach with a small main street giving it a great vibe.

We always stop at Bronte when we do the Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walk and just love it as a family beach.

11. Bondi Beach

I always hesitate to put Bondi Beach on any list because, as a beach, it’s not one of my favourites, but hey, it’s Bondi and one of Australia’s most famous beaches, and you should go there at least once! Actually, the more I go there lately, the more I appreciate it.

It’s the starting point to our much loved Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and I don’t think you could get any more Australian than learning to surf at Bondi.

12. Balmoral Beach, Sydney

Balmoral Beach is a picturesque coastal gem just outside Sydney and is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Its calm waters and golden sands make it an ideal spot for families who want relaxation.

13. Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

One of the best beaches in the South Coast NSW is Murray’s Beach, located in our favorite spot, Jervis Bay.

Murrays Beach is also nestled within the Booderee National Park, which, as I mentioned before, is one of my favorite places in Jervis Bay, and perhaps Murrays Beach will show you why.

It’s unspoiled and reasonably quiet, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet on the soft, pearly white sand.

It has gentle waves because it’s sheltered by Bowen Island, which means it’s great for families with small kids who love to paddle.

14. Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour

One of our friends who lives in Coffs Harbour recommended Diggers Beach as one of the top things to do in Coffs Harbour (located across from the Big Banana), and we’re glad we listened to them!

It’s a great family-friendly beach, being sheltered and wide, making it a nice place for our kids to swim and play on the sand.

15. Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven

When the tides are optimal, one thing you will find at any beach in Australia is surfers. Another popular surfing spot on the NSW coastline is Seven Mile Beach, located in a national park near Shoalhaven.

This long stretch of sand is famous for its surf, and you can always see people out on the waves from dawn until dusk. There may even be some playful dolphins swimming between the boards, too!

16. Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie

Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie is not only visually stunning, but it’s also a great place for whale and dolphin spotting. The beach is known for its excellent surf and expansive golden sandy beach. You can visit the historic lighthouse, go swimming, or enjoy camel rides on the beach.

To get there, take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which is one of the top things to do in Port Macquarie.

17. Jibbon Beach, Royal National Park

There are many beautiful beaches in Royal National Park, but none are as stunning as Jibbon Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and sparkling views.

There is a wonderful hike called the Jibbon Beach Loop Track, which takes you past an extensive network of Aboriginal rock engravings. It’s one of our favorite walks in the Royal National Park!

Map Of These NSW Beaches

To help you plan which beaches to visit, here is a detailed map showing their locations.

Tours in NSW

More NSW Travel Tips

Need More Tips for NSW? Check out these posts:

• Our favourite places to visit in NSW
• The Ultimate Guide to Sydney
• What to do in 48 hours in Sydney
• Things to do in Kiama, NSW
• Things to do in Wollongong

Pin To Save On Pinterest

It’s not often Caz and I get away alone and reconnect as a couple, so when we go for a romantic getaway, we like to make the most of it and pack lots of romantic activities into our days.

Whether you’re looking for walks in nature, long lunches, wine tastings, views of majestic mountain peaks, massages, spa baths, or just places to enjoy uninterrupted conversations and serenity, you’ll find plenty of romantic things to do on the Sunshine Coast. If you don’t believe me, here are some things we got up to…

Romantic things to do on The Sunshine Coast

1. Admire views of The Glass House Mountains

We headed straight for the Glass House Mountains with a quick pit stop at the Information Centre. Wherever we travel, we always make a point of visiting the info centre to chat with the locals in the know. After getting some insider tips, we headed to The Lookout, a short drive from town, where you’re treated to an incredible 180-degree panoramic view of the mountain peaks.

The Glass House Mountains are made up of 16 volcanic crags that rise up dramatically from the landscape. They’re said to be 20 million years old and a part of the Aboriginal ‘songlines’, navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way, and are a prominent feature of local Aboriginal legend.

2. Hike up Mount Ngungun

Whilst you might not see walking trails as a feature of your couple’s getaway, we personally love nature walks. Having the bonus of not having our kids present allowed us to move at an adult’s pace and enjoy a more challenging hike. When we reconnect as a couple, a walk in nature is high on our list – treating our bodies and relationship at the same time.

I recommend the Mt Ngungun walk. It’s an easy 2.8 km return walk up to the peak, and you’re rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of all four major peaks of the Glass House Mountains. It’s not too challenging or technical, but it traverses through a serene forested environment, which offers the perfect backdrop for intimate conversation and alone time together.

3. Have a picnic in Maleny Botanic Gardens

I had no expectations for the Maleny Botanic Gardens, and besides visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, I’m never one to get too excited about gardens. But wow, these gardens blew us away! Caz and I wandered around the 6 kilometres of walking paths for quite some time, checking out all the water features, colourful plants, and exquisite landscaping.

The highlight for me is their location, they’re surrounded by rainforest with uninterrupted views of the Glass House Mountains to the coastline.

Whilst there, check out the aviary tour. Caz got a good old laugh when I had a coloured macaw swoop down and perch on my shoulder, giving me a piercing squawk in my ear, the cheeky bugger! He was a lot calmer with her. 

Before leaving, be sure to indulge in the Devonshire Tea. The scones with jam and cream were tasty and the coffee good. And how about more of these views!

4. Go Boutique Shopping in Maleny or Montville

Caz was in her element with a spot of shopping in the charming country villages of Maleny and Montville. They’re famous for their thriving arts community and have many artisan shops, cafes, boutique clothes, crafts, and art galleries for you to peruse. 

In Montville, she grabbed a few bright scarves and jewellery for herself and the kids. Then we wandered in and out of the numerous galleries and shops along the main street, which is set in picturesque surroundings of a shady tree-lined street with views all the way down to the coast. What I most enjoyed was the architectural styles of the buildings, ranging from Tudor to Irish, Bavarian, and Swiss.

And the Flame Trees in Montville were in full bloom and mighty impressive!

5. Swim under waterfalls in Kondalilla National Park

Another walk we did was at Kondalilla Falls in Kondalilla National Park, through the ancient, lush rainforests. Depending on the time of year, take your swimmers for a refreshing dip in rock pools on the way. The walk is a relatively easy 4.4km return, but it can be a steep climb out if you go all the way to the bottom of the falls.

Unfortunately, there was no water flowing from the falls, but Kondalilla Falls is said to be spectacular and plunges 90 metres into the rainforest valley.

5. Watch a sunrise at Gerrards Lookout

Now you have to get up early for this, and I mean ridiculous o’clock at 4.30am, and you’re probably thinking, hey, I’m on a kid-free retreat, I’m sleeping in! I totally hear ya, and I did that on the other two mornings, but I’m glad I made the effort on one occasion to start my day with the sun rising up over the ocean and Caloundra on the coast.

Watching the sun rise with your favorite person is one of the most romantic activities you can do, and it doesn’t matter where you are; you’ll never forget the time you watched the sun rise together.

6. Eco safari on the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades are one of those hidden gems that often get missed out in favor of the Sunshine Coast beaches, but you shouldn’t miss this natural oasis to the North of the Sunshine Coast.

The Noosa Everglades are a series of protected waterways and a tropical wetland that connect the Northern Noosa River to the ocean. It sits on two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and is also often referred to as the River of Mirrors due to the amazing reflections in the water. 

For adventurers looking for something exciting to do together, an Eco Safari is the best way to explore this wetland. The purpose-built eco boats have wide open viewing windows, and some tours even come with wine or beer included. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this natural oasis without spoiling the environment. It’s one of the top things to do in Noosa!

7. Go whale watching

Another popular thing to do on the Sunshine Coast is to go whale watching. From July to Mid-October, humpback whales visit the shores here on their annual migration, and the best way to see them is from a whale watching cruise.

These cruises take you out to see whales in their natural habitat, but without being intrusive. It’s also common to see pods of dolphins playing in the waters, and other marine life and sea birds.

Watching whales breaching in the ocean is a memory you’ll never forget, especially if you witness it with your special someone. Some of the best places to take whale watching cruises from the Sunshine Coast are from Noosa and Mooloolaba Beach.

8. Hop on a craft beer tour

Caz and I love visiting local breweries and sampling craft beer – it’s something we’ve always done and have associated as a date activity since before children.

There is more than one incredible boutique brewery on the Sunshine Coast, so a craft beer tour is one of the best ways to discover the best of the best.

On a brewery tour, you’ll visit four of the best breweries: 10 Toes Brewing, Sunshine Coast Brewery, Moffat Beach Brewery, and Sunshine Brewery, and sample some of their award-winning beers. These tours also come with lunch included!

9. Check out Australia Zoo

Founded by the late and globally-loved animal conservationist, Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is Australia’s most famous zoo and an unmissable attraction on the Sunshine Coast.

We’ve visited Australia Zoo many times, and every time we come away with a deep sense of love for every animal on the planet. In fact, I used to work there when Kalyra was born and helped construct the African animal enclosures!

For animal lovers, or for those looking for a unique day out, Australia Zoo is the perfect place to go on a date day. Don’t miss the famous Wildlife Warrior bird and croc show held in the Crocoseum every day at 12 pm!

Don’t forget to visit the wildlife hospital to learn about all the great work they do in protecting our wildlife.

10. Take a cooking class

One of the best date ideas we’ve had together is to take a class together. When Caz and I are learning together, we’re also learning about each other.

Spirit House Cooking School in Yandina is a great place to learn how to cook Thai cuisine. And best of all, you get to eat what you’ve made after!

If you want to learn to cook healthy options, check out Mix Taste Eat: Cooking Workshops, which offers workshops on how to make healthier versions of dishes we know and love.

If you’re not sure what you want to make, Cooking on Witta Maleny has a wide range of classes, from Italian to Mediterranean to Middle Eastern cuisines.

You can also learn the art of tempering chocolates at Maleny Chocolate Co if you or your partner has a sweet tooth, or if you prefer drinks to food, this champagne and cider making class looks great!

11. Take surfing lessons

Queensland, and all of Australia, really, is well known for its surf culture. If you’ve never tried surfing before, there is no better way to spend a date day in the Sunshine Coast than taking a surf lesson together.

Cheer each other on as you tackle waves together, and laugh at each other as you fall off your boards (multiple times, it’s not as easy as it looks!).

Caloundra Surf School is one of the leading surf schools on the Sunshine Coast, and offers both private and group lessons. Surfing lessons take place from either Currimundi Beach, Dicky Beach, or Happy Valley.

If you’re already schooled in surfing, I recommend taking a board out by Alex Headland, just north of Mooloolaba Beach, which is a popular spot for surfers.

12. Shop for picnic supplies at Eumundi Markets

Eumundi in the Noosa hinterland is a quaint historical town that dates back to 1890-1930. It’s such a cute place, with tree-lined streets filled with art galleries, boutique wineries, and cafes.

The Eumundi Markets, which are held every Saturday and Wednesday, are one of the largest artisan markets in Australia. It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh produce to take on a picnic or pick up souvenirs from your trip. Browse the stalls filled with clay figurines, paintings, and jewellery, or grab a bite to eat and watch the buskers and didgeridoo players.

Afterwards, take your produce to Noosa and hike up to Noosa National Park to find a nice spot to throw down a picnic blanket and eat with some amazing coastal views.

13. Watch a sunset at Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Sunshine Coast, and for good reason.

It has pristine white sand, a relaxed atmosphere, and a grassy area where you can unpack a picnic and share a glass of bubbles whilst watching the sun dip below the horizon in the distance.

A great sunset viewing spot is the Mooloolaba Surf Club. It’s one of our favourite surf clubs in Australia – it has a relaxing atmosphere with large open windows, a gentle sea breeze blowing through, and some light acoustic music playing!

14. Relax in a day spa at Ikatan Spa

Ikatan Spa is a luxury day spa set in the tropical rainforest of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. If you’re looking for a relaxing spa weekend, this is the place to go for it.

This award-winning Balinese spa combines nature with relaxing treatments, allowing you to feel serenity and rejuvenation.

They offer packages by the hour, from 1-hour treatments all the way up to 8-hour treatments. Browse spa packages here!

15. Take a day trip (or longer) to Fraser Island (K’gari)

For the adventurous couple, head to Fraser Island. This is the world’s largest sand island and is famous for its beach highway, a 75-mile stretch of beach that serves as the main road around the island.

Drive a 4X4 along the beach, stop off to see the Maheno Shipwreck, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake MacKenzie, wade through Eli Creek, or watch whales swimming from the shores.

For a unique experience, either for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply because you can, take a scenic flight over the island and have your best chance of seeing whales! Here’s how to visit Fraser Island in a day.

Video: Fraser Island

Watch our video of our trip to Fraser Island here!

16. Go horseback riding in Beachmere

One of the things we discovered on our travels is horseback riding. We’ve been a few times in various parts of the world, and what we love about it is how connected you feel. It’s just you, your horse, and nature, and the people you love around you. There’s no commentary of information, there’s nothing to be done, just enjoy being present and in the moment.

This horseback riding tour takes you along Beachmere Beach where you can canter through the waves and trot through a coastal forest. It’s ideal for beginner riders, so don’t worry if you’ve never done it before.

Where To Eat & Drink In The Sunshine Coast

Relaxing over long lunches and eating out at fancy restaurants is made possible on a couple’s getaway. When do you get to do that with the kids around? I mean, we do, but if you’re a parent with young kids, you know it’s never really relaxing. Many of our lunchtime dining options provided us with incredible views over the Noosa Hinterland and out to the ocean.

The Lookout Cafe

Our visit to the info centre at the Glass House Mountains coincided with lunch, and the ladies recommended the Lookout Cafe. Great suggestion! I had this huge and delicious smoked salmon baguette and Caz enjoyed her chicken and mango salad.

And let’s not forget the views – they don’t call it the Lookout Cafe for nothing!

Poets Cafe

Also in Montville, Poets Cafe is a charming building that overlooks the valley and coastline and a relaxing spot for lunch. I had another smoked salmon baguette washed down with a local ginger beer from Buderim, a refreshing drop on what was a humid day, and Caz enjoyed the salmon fish special.

Secrets on the Lake

We didn’t even know there was a lake near Montville, and a great way to take in the views of Lake Baroon is by heading to Secrets on the Lake for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The cafe is situated in a hotel, with the rainforest right next to the lake providing panoramic views of the water, mountains, and rainforest.

My spaghetti didn’t disappoint, and we both topped up with my all-time favourite, sticky date pudding!

The Long Apron Restaurant

If you’re in need of some fine dining, put dinner at the famous Long Apron Restaurant, inside Spicers Clovelly Estate, on your itinerary. At this award winning restaurant – it’s ranked in the Top 100 Restaurants in Australia by The Australian Gourmet Traveller – our night started off with a pre-dinner drink and an edible tree, how cool is that?!

The night continued over good conversation, dimmed lights, lovely red wine and food that lived up to its reputation.

Flame Hill Vineyard

I’ve said it before, Queensland is full of surprises, and a visit to Flame Hill Vineyard proved to be another pleasant surprise and reinforced that Queensland has good wine!

After tasting a few wines at the cellar door we retreated with a bottle to a table offering picturesque views over the surrounding bmountain vistas.

It’s a lovely setting within a contemporary Queenslander, and I think our next trip back up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will include a lunch date at Flame Hill.

Montville Bar & Grill

For something a little more casual on our final night, we jumped on the courtesy bus to the Montville Bar & Grill. I love a good beer garden, and the ambience outside on a warm night was light, fun, and friendly. And my oysters and southern sticky lamb shank were sensational.

I can envision myself back here on a winter’s night, all cosy inside the black and white Tudor building, enjoying a hearty meal and a nice pint of Guinness on tap. Ahh, memories of the UK!

Where to stay in the Sunshine Coast: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville

I’m convinced we found the ideal couples retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, but I’ll let you be the judge! If the idea of swinging in a hammock on your private deck in the middle of the rainforest with king parrots swooping past to grab their afternoon snack from the bird feeder sounds like you, read on.

If freshly baked croissants or muffins delivered to your cottage of a morning, along with a gourmet breakfast hamper filled with local produce, appeals to your appetite, stay with me here.

If a BBQ dinner of delicious fresh salmon cooked in the Weber on your deck and either eaten outside or brought in to have a candlelit dinner with your favourite tunes playing appeals to your senses, continue on.

If a massage between activities to work away those tired and tense muscles from the comfort of your living room sounds too good to be true, this can be your reality too.

If a walk along a private nature trail with a glass of wine in hand – yes, they encourage this – that includes wifi so you can tease your friends online if you feel inclined, whilst you swing in your “other” hammock, raise your hand.

If a refreshing dip in a pool surrounded by rainforest is on your list, they’ve got you covered.

Have I convinced you yet? Then there’s only one thing left to do when you arrive: light the candles, grab a glass of champagne, and slink into the deep double spa bath with the rainforest as your backdrop.

I’m talking about staying at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville, an accommodation specially designed for couples. Our pavilion, one of only six, was surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest bordering Kondalilla National Park. It was hard leaving this property in Maleny and exploring the region each day, but we were that relaxed, and it proved to be the perfect base to come home to each afternoon and unwind.

Our couples retreat at Narrows Escape in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland wasn’t just about us reconnecting with each other, which we did a lot of, but about reconnecting to nature uninterrupted. What better gift can you give your children than to return home a better version of yourself with waiting arms to swoop up your kids with love and a high-five for nanny? I think we need to fly Nanny up from Sydney more often!

Video review of Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat

Pin To Save On Pinterest

We’ve explored every corner of Australia in all seasons, so we’re pretty certain we know where the best winter holiday destinations in Aus are! Australia has to be the luckiest country in the world when it comes to weather, as you can find both warm and cold winter destinations. Fancy a tropical getaway? You can get it. Fancy skiing? Yep, you can do that too!

To help you decide where to go this winter, here are our favorite winter destinations in Australia, divided into cold destinations and warm destinations.

The Best Cold Winter Holiday Destinations in Australia

This winter, pull out the snowboots, crackle the fire, pour yourself a glass of red wine, and do something different at these top destinations for an Australian winter getaway.

1. Go skiing or snowboarding, NSW & Victoria

If you’re contemplating a ski holiday in Australia, you won’t have too much decision angst over where to go. You’ve got two choices: the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales or the Victorian Alps in Victoria.

Each year, the debate rages as to whether NSW or Victoria has the better snow. Don’t waste your time wondering or caring; just hit the closest snowy slope you can and enjoy it. I love the Victorian High Country in the summer; I can only imagine how beautiful it looks after a snow dump.

Falls Creek in Victoria has some of Australia’s steepest expert terrain; Mt Buffalo has some great snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and gentle slopes for downhill skiing; Mt Buller has fun toboggan runs; and Mt Hotham is considered the powder capital of Australia.

The Snowy Mountains are the highest Australian mountain range and contain Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko.

Thredbo is possibly the most well-known and loved alpine village with plenty of runs for all skiers; Perisher is one of the most bustling ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains with four main skiing parks; Charlottes Pass receives some of the most consistent snowfalls and caters to all abilities, and Selwyn Snowfields is great for families.

The best time to enjoy skiing is from Mid-July until late August, sometimes into early September.

2. Bunya Mountains, Queensland

I bet you never expected a Queensland destination to make this list of cold winter holiday destinations in Australia!

The Bunya Mountains, located a 3-hour drive inland from the Sunshine Coast, have enough freeze to snap a twig or two, and on rare occasions, welcome in a little snowfall.

Settle into your chalet surrounded by curious wildlife (wallabies and kangaroos), and ancient bunya pines, recognisable by their rounded tops and large pineapple-shaped cones with 50-100 edible nuts.

The cafe amongst the chalets makes a delicious carrot and bunya nut cake, which you can enjoy by the fire at night with a glass of red wine. During the day, the temperatures are pleasant enough to enjoy the kilometres of Bunya Mountain walking tracks (from 500 metres to 10 kilometres long). 

The popular 4km return Scenic Circuit Walk takes you through rainforest, eucalypt forest, past Tim Shea Falls, onto natural grassland balds, giant strangler figs, and to Pine Gorge Lookout offering panoramic views.

Bunya Mountains National Park is situated between Kingaroy and Dalby and is a spectacular wilderness range overlooking the South Burnett region. You can even pop down into the valley for a bit of wine tasting!

3. Blue Mountains, NSW

The Blue Mountains are less than an hour’s drive out of Sydney, making it ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway. It’s a famous, verdant gorge covered with a lush forest, steep rock faces, and ravines. To understand its soul, you have to go down.

The Blue Mountains have a depth greater than the sandstone escarpments and the world-famous Three Sisters. We snapped our I was here photo and then went down, 900 steps into the valley below, into a forested fern bower.

We explored an emerald wonderland that belonged to us and the ancient trees. Towering sassafras and coachwood trees blocked off the sunlight, and the ferns stretched across the forest floor. They whispered their stories, and we heard every enchanting word.

There’s no rush to get out early to beat the summer heat. You can linger your early morning gaze over the rainforest-covered valleys and hit the trails later in the day. The crisp, cool mountain air is perfect for hiking. It’s also possible you may get a slight dusting of snow.

The Blue Mountains offer relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation, unbelievably good local produce, world-class cafes, cosy pubs, and fine dining.

4. Barossa Valley, South Australia

The Barossa in South Australia is known for its shiraz, and what goes better with that than a chill to the air, local artisan cheese, and a roaring fire? There aren’t as many people around and no big ticket attractions – it’s a great time to admire the vines, meet the winemakers, snap up some bargains and be among the first to taste some brand new releases.

Pindarie and Kellermeister are the wineries to watch the weather roll across the valley with a bottle of vino and a cheese platter. Pindarie is a working farm, so it offers kids plenty of space to explore and scramble over haystacks.

Yelland and Pappas tasting room, with their Chesterfields and open fire, will make you feel like sitting in the warm, cosy home of the winemakers, Susan and Michael.

Ever wondered what your birth year tasted like? A trip to Seppeltsfield will give you an insight. You can taste it through a vintage year Tawny Port. Or perhaps, you’re not so vintage?

If you don’t want to be responsible for getting around or finding the best spots in the Barossa, jump aboard the ‘Hop On & Hop Off’ bus – Barossa Explorer. This 20-seater coach picks up and drops off around the Barossa at stops including the Barossa Valley Brewery, Langmeil Winery, Maggie Beers Farm Shop, and Chateau Tanunda.

5. Hike the Overland Trek in Tasmania

I love the idea of this adventure, but not sure I could follow through with it. However, if you are daring, fit, and ready to embrace a winter challenge, completing the Overland Track in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area may be for you.

During winter, the high peaks along the Overland Track receive a generous dusting of snow, turning the Cradle Mountain National Park into a winter wonderland.

Highlights of walking the Overland Track in winter include fewer people, crisp winter air, frozen lakes, and frequent snowfalls, which change the vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

Walkers will also often meet wombats, echidnas, wallabies, and Tasmanian Devils along the way. We saw so many wild Australian animals, such as kangaroos, just walking around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain. I sure feel cold now! Let’s turn on the heat.

Best Warm Winter Holiday Destinations in Australia

In the winter, there’s only half the country that experiences the cold snap – the entire Top End of the country has its dry season in the winter, meaning the weather is warm and dry, offering you that desired winter escape.

So if you’re tired of frost on the car window and being wrapped up in a scarf and beanie, then you can still get the warmth you seek while technically still travelling in Australia during the winter!

Winter is the best time to explore the Australian Top End if you want warm weather. The rainy and cyclonic season is over; the warm sticky heat has gone, the stingers have disappeared, and you can enjoy swimming in the ocean. Perhaps. Be croc aware! Some places are no-swimming zones. Here are a few sun holiday destinations for your winter getaway!

6. Broome, Western Australia

The best place in Australia for a warm winter holiday, in our opinion, is Broome. Y’all know how much we love the vibe of this Outback coastal town. It’s possible the most remote region for your winter getaway, but that is part of its small-town, slow-paced charm.

Broome Town is an eclectic pot of grunge and bohemian with an edge of posh creeping in. You’ll find great shopping, cafes and restaurants, and the nightlife, which was much wilder when Broome was mostly a pearling town.

From sunrise to sunset, there is so much to love about a day on Cable Beach. Consistently ranked as one of Australia’s best, it’s 22km wide, flat sweeping beach is perfect for beach cricket, polo, long walks, meditation, building sandcastles, and just chillaxing. It’s also the spot for 5 pm sunset drinks.

And Broome is the gateway to the Kimberly region – one of Australia’s most diverse and stunning natural beauties. Think gorges, beautiful waterfalls, beaches, wilderness, stunning vistas, boabs, and rich Aboriginal culture.

7. Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin is eclectic, tropical, laid back, and is a hot destination to visit – literally and figuratively. With a dry-season average temperature of 30 °C, travellers are flying there by plane full!

There are thriving markets, a rich multicultural and indigenous vibe, an emerging food and bar scene, and some of the best sunsets in Australia. Don’t miss enjoying it with a beer and your bare feet at the Darwin Ski Club.

The huge drawcard of Darwin is that it’s close to some of Australia’s most unique, spiritual and beautiful natural experiences including the Tiwi Islands, Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park, Adelaide River, Mary River, Arnhem Land, and the Katherine Region.

Kakadu is one of my favourite places in Australia. Do not race in and out just to check it off your list. Stay awhile.

8. Hervey Bay and K’Gari (Fraser Island), Queensland

This region is one of the best places on the East Coast of Australia to see humpback whales, which love to visit during the winter. Humpbacks swim into Hervey Bay for a relaxing time in the calm waters with their babies before making their way back south. You can join a whale watching cruise from Hervey Bay, but don’t be surprised to see many breaching whales just offshore from 75 Mile Beach on K’Gari, also known as Fraser Island.

With more than 100 freshwater lakes, ancient rainforests, and long white beaches, Fraser enjoys daytime winter temperatures around the pleasant mid-20s. It still can get cold, so pack your beanie and scarf.

While Fraser Island is well known as one of the best places in the country for hard-core four-wheel driving enthusiasts, it offers so much more for kids, for families, for everyone.

Enjoy visiting swimming places such as Lake Mackenzie and the Champagne pools, watching wild dingoes from afar, driving down bumpy inland tracks, and dazzling sunsets from the Jetty Bar at Kingfisher Bay Island Resort.

9. Port Douglas, Queensland

It’s hard to beat Port Douglas as a warm winter, tropical destination in Australia. Just an hour’s drive up the coast from Cairns, it’s known for its warm climate all year round, perfect for a warm Aussie winter break.

The coastal town has a chilled-out vibe, inviting you to do nothing but relax, dine out, take long walks on Four Mile Beach, enjoy sunset wines on the marina, and perhaps do a bit of shopping.

Port Douglas is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge, and the iconic 140 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest. The Amazon ain’t got nothin on the Daintree!

A short walk through Mossman Gorge takes you to the Mossman River, and a swimming hole – the water here is said to be the second purest in the world.

Stand up paddle boarding is great to do on the Mossman River and we highly recommend that you take one of the Ngadiku Dreamtime walks into a private section of the forest to learn about Aboriginal customs, the food and medicinal properties of the plants, and to hear a few Dreamtime stories.

One of my favorite Australian experiences was spear fishing at Cooya Beach with an Indigenous guide. In the Daintree, explore the beaches, sample exotic Daintree ice cream, and adventure out with jungle zip lining, kayaking, or beach horse riding.

A trip to the Daintree Discovery Centre will guide you through the rainforest to learn about its twisting vines, strangler figs, epiphytes, and cycad trees that date back to prehistoric times. Don’t ignore the Daintree Valley either!

10. Uluru, Northern Territory

We visited Uluru in the Northern Territory during the summer and experienced intense heat and absurd flies. If you visit Uluru in the winter, you’ll escape that horror.

When you visit Uluru in the winter, you experience a warm and cold getaway all in one. The nights will be freezing, so rug up, and perhaps ditch the tent for a cosy apartment or hotel room, but the days will be warm and dry.

Uluru in the winter has the perfect temperature to walk or bike around the base of the rock, which is the best way to appreciate its spiritual essence. The hikes through Kata Tjuta are more intense, so you’ll be grateful for those cooler temperatures.

For those travelling with kids, the sun sets earlier and rises later, which means happier, well-rested children and a better experience. Stay awhile so you can appreciate Uluru during sunrise and sunset from many different vantage points.

More Australia Travel Tips

• Outstanding National Parks in Australia
• A Visit to Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia
• Things to do on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
• Why Rottnest Island should be on your bucket list
• Best Road Trips in Australia
• Stunning and Adventurous Things to do in Queensland
• Amazing Things to do in Western Australia
• Places to Put on Your Australian Bucket List
• Things to know before visiting Australia
• Natural Wonders of Australia
• Our Top Outdoor Activities in Australia
• Best Australia travel tips

Pin To Save It On Pinterest

From touring the State Capitol Building to exploring Old Town Sacramento and the more modern mural-laden Midtown, there is plenty to see in 24 hours or less in this vibrant city. 

I spent two nights in Sacramento and had one full day of sightseeing, and experienced what I felt was a well-rounded tour of the city. In this guide, I share my perfect one-day in Sacramento itinerary that will allow you to gain an appreciation of its rich history and modern eclectic culture that makes up its vibrant spirit today.

One Day in Sacramento Itinerary

Today will be a long day with a lot of walking. If you don’t want to walk, see below for how to get around Sacramento using public transport.

This itinerary assumes that you arrive the night before and have a full day starting the next day, but if you arrive mid-afternoon, just scroll down to the time below and work your way on from there.

If you have a bit more than 24 hours to kill, perhaps an additional morning, then I recommend adding on a bike ride along the American River Trail or Sacramento River Bike Trail as your last activity. It’s a great way to see the city and get some exercise in. You can hike the trail too.

8:00am: See the Johnny Cash Mural, Midtown

We’ll begin our itinerary in Midtown, walk across downtown, and finally end up in the Sacramento River Parkway State Parks. This is the heart of Sacramento and where all the top attractions are based.

Beginning with a photo op, over in Old Town Sacramento, the Johnny Cash Mural is a must-see for music fans. This vibrant mural pays tribute to the legendary singer and features images of his life and career.

The Johnny Cash Mural, which is 15 stories tall and was created by the same artist who produced the 2008 Obama Hope poster to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his Folsom Prison Blues album, attracts visitors from all around. The Johnny Cash Mural in Sacramento is located at the intersection of 16th and J streets.

8:30am: Grab a coffee and breakfast at Temple Coffee Roasters (Midtown)

For a great cup of coffee, our top recommendations are to head to Temple Coffee in Midtown Sacramento. This hip café offers a wide variety of coffees, as well as pastries and sandwiches for breakfast or lunch.

Pay attention to the 500,000 pennies that make up the café’s floor. I’m sure you’ll find good luck. Temple Coffee has various locations in the city. My research before visiting told me it’s some of the best coffee in Sacramento. It’s a double thumbs up from me!

9:00am: Explore Midtown and its murals

Midtown is the hip and trendy region of Sacramento, located mostly along the residential community with old homes and tree-lined streets. It’s also the center of Sacramento’s art, music, and cultural scene, filled with breweries, hip cafes, upscale dining and clubs, artisans, and vibrant murals. 

I loved wandering the streets of this neighborhood, soaking up the vibe, enjoying a coffee, shopping, and exploring all the colorful and fun murals.

Many of the art galleries participate in Second Saturdays and host free receptions on every second Saturday of the month from 6pm to 9pm.

Among locals, a popular event is the Midtown Farmers Market, which brings together more than 50 farmers and other vendors selling fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, and food products

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour. Explore the great art and food of Midtown Sacramento on a 3.5-hour walking tour. See colorful murals and hear about their history, stop into galleries, learn about the city’s architecture, and sample dishes at favorite eateries in this lively district.

Click to learn more and book your tour

10:00am: Coffee break in Placita MX

If you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience or in need of another coffee, head to Placita MX (K Street) in Midtown. 

You’ll find a little taste of Mexico inside a small building with artisan businesses bordering a gorgeous courtyard area. Items range from vintage finds, incredible artwork, clothes, and modern home décor.

You may even see artist John S. Huerta, at work in his studio. He is the artist behind some of Sacramento’s most famous murals. My favorite one is Frida Kahlo on the side of the Midtown MX building.

12:30pm: Lunch at Midtown’s Cantina Alley

Around the corner from Placita MX is Cantina Alley, where we stopped for some deliciously fresh and spicy Asada steak and Baja fish tacos.

Cantina Alley has Oaxaca and Mexico City-inspired à la carte street food; most known for their tacos. They’ve replaced the chips and salsa typically served in Mexican restaurants with chicharrons – fried pig rind.

I loved the ambiance of this restaurant, with its outdoor patio, huge mural, sculptures, and bar covered with photographic ceramic tiles. It definitely made me want to go to Mexico City!

1:30pm: Visit Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

Sutter’s Fort is a reconstructed fort from the early days of Sacramento and one of the most unmissable historic sites in the city.It was built in 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter, who received a land grant from the Mexican government.

He used the land to build an agricultural establishment and named it New Helvetia (New Switzerland). Almost a decade after it was established, miners coming to California for the Gold Rush overran Sutter’s land grant, and Sutter’s Fort is all that remains of New Helvetia.

Today, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open daily for self-guided tours, and Visitor Center has exhibits on John Sutter and the California Gold Rush. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk around the whole thing. We had a quick stop here on a short bus tour of the city just to look at the outside.

2:30pm: Visit the State Capitol Building and Grounds 

The California State Capitol is a must-see for any visitor to Sacramento, if only to look at the building. After the Gold Rush in 1854, Sacramento was designated as the new capital of California.

The Capitol building serves as both a museum and the state’s working seat of government. The building houses the chambers of the California State Legislature, made up of the Assembly and the Senate, along with the office of the governor of California

The California State Capitol Park and the World Peace Rose Garden on the Capitol grounds are popular places to relax amongst the lush gardens. It spreads across 40 acres and features trees from all around California, including Redwoods and over 650 different types of roses.

We only walked around the front area of the Capitol to enjoy the building and gardens, but you can do a guided tour, which lasts about 90 minutes. You can visit the gardens any time.

The California State Capitol Museum is open from Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 05:00pm, and closed on weekends. Guided tours run from 10:00am – 4:00pm, and are free, but reservations are recommended as they can only take 10-20 people on each tour (check the website on how to reserve tickets).

4:00pm: Explore Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Are you ready to step back into Gold Rush times? The Old Sacramento Waterfront has been preserved to maintain that 1850s feel with recreated or restored buildings. You’ll find wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, or maybe even a living history character or two.

On the way to Old Sacramento from the State Capitol, walk along N Street to admire the architecture of The Leland Stanford Mansion, a historic Victorian Mansion.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park covers eight blocks (28 acres) of historic buildings within the Gold Rush business district. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Old Town Sacramento is a fun and lively district in the heart of the city, full of charming shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as beautiful architecture.

As it’s one of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions, I was worried this region may be a little kitschy, but I loved it! The architecture of the buildings was stunning, and it was tastefully set out and designed, and it had such a fun, wild west vibe that felt authentic to that spirit, more than poorly fabricated!

The atmosphere at night was buzzing, and the perfect place to end our day of exploring in Sacramento.

Highlights of Old Sacramento State Historic Park:

• The California State Railroad Museum: The largest railroad museum west of the Mississippi is in Sacramento and houses numerous locomotives, rail cars – including dining and mail cars – a model train exhibit, and tells the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad as well as the role the railroad played in the history of California and the western states.
• The Eagle Theater: the first-ever theater built in California.
• The Wells Fargo History Museum: recreates what a 19th-century Wells Fargo office looked like in California and showcases how the company influenced Gold Rush era commerce 
• Pony Express Terminal: the western endpoint of the Pony Express and the first location of the California Supreme Court. For those of you who don’t know, the Pony Express was a US mail service in the 1860s that delivered letters and newspapers between Missouri and California by horseback.
• Pony Express Riders Statue, a nearly two-ton statue honoring the Pony Express riders
• Sacramento History Museum: fascinating look at the city’s past with the story of the California Gold Rush and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, which began in Sacramento.
• The Crocker Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Western United States and has an extensive collection of Californian art.

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR IDEA: RIVER CRUISE
The Sacramento River offers beautiful views of the city and its surroundings, and what better way to enjoy them than on a river cruise? This relaxing and informative tour takes passengers down the river, past landmarks like the State Capitol and Tower Bridge. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Sacramento. See prices and availability for the tour here.

7:00pm: Sunset on the Riverfront Promenade and Tower Bridge

With its views of the Sacramento River and the iconic bright yellow Tower Bridge, the Riverfront Promenade is perfect for a stroll at sunset. The Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a mile-long, 20-foot-wide, pedestrian and bicycle path extending from the existing promenade (Tower Bridge to O Street) to Miller Park.

Tower Bridge is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture and is well worth a visit. Constructed in 1935, the center section of this bridge lifts 100 feet above the Sacramento River. As the sun sets, the bridge and river are bathed in a warm orange glow, making for a truly stunning sight.

8:00pm: Dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack

As 80% of the food in the US is produced from the Central Valley region, where Sacramento is located, you can expect to find a flourishing farm-to-fork foodie scene in the city.

If you’re looking for a place to eat that offers delicious food and a relaxed feel, then Joe’s Crab Shack on the Sacramento River is the perfect spot. 

The open and airy warehouse-style structure is suited to its riverside location as it was constructed to resemble a 19th-century steamboat depot. Sunset overlooking the river and historic Tower Bridge is tranquil. 

9:00pm: Drink at Fanny Ann’s Saloon 

If you’re looking for a great place to drink in Sacramento, look no further than Fanny Ann’s Saloon. This historic bar is one of the oldest in the city and offers a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as cocktails and wine. 

It’s named after the steamboat that was used for transportation during the Gold Rush (and later helped the North in the Civil War!)

There are three levels of memorabilia, including an ancient firehose on wheels, posters, arcade games, and funky nooks and crannies. It has a Wild West, quirky feel. Some of the posters gave us a great laugh for days after!

If you’re looking for a casual dinner, Fanny Ann’s has been serving up burgers to rave about and beers since 1973! The peanut butter burger is the specialty!

Getting around Sacramento

If you don’t have your own car, getting around Sacramento is easy with the help of the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT). Choose from a variety of bus and light rail routes to get you where you need to go. Click here for rental car prices for Sacramento if you intend to explore further out and need one. 

If you are staying in downtown, the highlights in this itinerary can easily be enjoyed walking from point to point. The longest distance would be from Old Town Sacramento to Midtown, which is about a 30-minute walk. 

This will also allow you to see many wonderful murals along the way, as well as get a feel for the heartbeat of the city, and perhaps stumble upon a few hidden treasures. 

The city is laid out on a grid system with numbered streets running north to south and lettered streets running east to west, making getting around and seeing places in the area a breeze.

Otherwise, the SacRT light rail and bus lines are easy and convenient to use, and ride-share apps such as Lyft and Uber are also accessible.

Where to stay in Sacramento: Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Sacramento, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is a great option. 

The hotel is only a short walk to Old Sacramento Waterfront District and about 30 minutes to Midtown Sacramento. The suite rooms are spacious with a separate lounge area and desk for those who work as they travel.

They also have an evening social hour with free drinks and snacks! Look for their special cocktail of the day. Warning, it may be strong.

This hotel offers stunning views of the river and Tower Bridge from its rooms and suites, as well as free breakfast, WiFi, and parking. 

Best time to visit Sacramento

The best time to visit Sacramento is the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November), as they have mild temperatures and dry weather, as well as fewer crowds.

Summer is peak season, and it can get very hot, with highs often reaching into the 90s and sometimes even the 100s. 

The only reason I would visit Sacramento in the summer is for the California State Fair festival, which is held in July, but the extreme heat is not my vibe.

Sacramento in Spring is beautiful, with its blooming cherry blossoms and lively farmers’ markets, and October is also a great time to visit as Sacramento goes all out for Halloween!

Final Thoughts

Sacramento was never on my list of destinations to visit in California. I barely even knew it was the capital of California and assumed it would be a bland, capital city.

I love it when my travels show me I know nothing. As our number one on our travel manifesto says, “always travel with an open mind!”

Now I want to go back and explore more of this vibrant city (currently one of the fastest growing in California for affordability and lifestyle!)

But, I hope this guide to spending a day in Sacramento, CA has helped you plan how to spend at least 24 hours, and give you an idea of what it’s like.

There is so much to see and do in Sacramento, and it truly has something for everyone, from beautiful architecture and museums to great restaurants and bars. So get out and explore all that Sacramento has to offer!

Join our email community through the form below so you don’t miss them + gain access to lots of USA travel tips!

More Northern California Travel Tips

While you’re planning your visit to Northern California, these other guides may help!

• Incredible Places to Visit in California
• Amazing Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
• Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
• Mono Lake: The Dead Sea of California
• Things to do on the Russian River (tubing + beer + wine)
• Things to do in Napa Valley
• Lost Coast California Road Trip: From Black Sand Beaches to Giant Redwood Trees

Pin To Save On Pinterest

Are you planning on visiting Sacramento? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments.

This large group did mean we had to cruise through the top attractions at a slower pace, and even with so much time, we didn’t get everything done. At least we have an excuse to go back!

That being said, we did get to experience a lot, and decided to share with you some of our best things to do in Disneyland Anaheim, as well as our top tips for visiting.

Things to do in Disneyland Park Anaheim

Since Disneyland is separated by themed lands, we’ll be dividing this guide into what to do in each zone.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland has a futuristic space-aged theme with a mix of rides that relate to what life will be like in years to come. Which is pretty awesome! This is one of my favorite lands because it has my second-favorite ride in it, Space Mountain. It is also the zone that seems to have the most thrill rides.

The top rides in Tomorrowland are:

• Astro Orbitor: fly around and around in a rocket, and you can control how high you go.
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: shoot aliens to win points, and defeat Emperor Zurg!
• Autopia: ride in a car that goes along a track.
• Space Mountain: a pitch-black indoor roller coaster. It goes really fast, has sharp turns, and sudden drops. Definitely try to get up front for the best experience. When we were at Disneyland Park, the Halloween party was happening, so Space Mountain was Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy. It’s the same thing, but ghosts come after you.

There are Star Wars attractions like Jedi training and Star Wars: The Adventures Continue, but we didn’t do that stuff because we don’t like Star Wars. Also, the Disney Monorail (that you can get on at Downtown Disney® District) and the Disneyland Railroad stops off at Tomorrowland.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Formerly Critter Country)

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, formerly known as Critter Country, is the land of Brer Rabbit and his friends. This is my favorite land. Even though it is one of the smallest zones and only has two rides, it’s still really fun because Critter Country has Splash Mountain!

While you are at Critter Country, you have to go on Splash Mountain. It is my favorite ride in Disneyland! And if it’s a hot day, you can cool down by getting soaked!

If you’re unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, it’s a log ride, and it takes you through the adventures of Brer Rabbit.

It was Savannah’s first-ever log ride, and she loved it! The drop at the end is pretty steep, but don’t worry, there are a couple of smaller drops during the ride to get you warmed up. I think we got more wet on the little drops than the big ones!

Now, let’s talk about seating, so you are going to Splash Mountain all prepared. Obviously, you sit in logs, which fit seven people. We only had to take two logs to fit our group, instead of twenty!

At the back of each log, there is a bigger seat that can fit one child and an adult, or two kids. Also, you can choose to sit wherever you like on the log, so luckily I didn’t have to go to the front (where you get the most soaked).

Another ride in Critter Country, good for the little kids, is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. To me, this ride was pretty boring, but our little cousin and Savannah loved it. And, you guessed it, it takes you through the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh!

Definitely take the younger kids who aren’t ready to do the bigger rides yet, or anybody, since it’s a slow ride. The last attraction is Davy Crockett’s Explorer canoes.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do this experience, since we didn’t have time, but I’ve heard it’s cool because you paddle through The Rivers of America.

Also, for a snack, lunch, or the cheapest dinner packages for Fantasmic (more about that later on) go to the Hungry Bear Restaurant.

Critter Country was refurbished into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024 and opened in November 2024. Since the refurbishment, it has added Louis’ Critter Club, a merchandise shop.

New Orleans Square

This is another land we loved at Disneyland Park because:

1. You can eat Mickey-Shaped beignets!
2. You can say hello to the ghosts and ghouls in The Haunted Mansion!
3. And, you usually see Tiana here, walking around and doing meet-and-greets.

Yes, you heard me right. Mickey-Shaped beignets. It’s a thing. Whoop Whoop.

They aren’t as good as the originals in New Orleans, but they still are pretty good. Now you don’t have to wait to eat in New Orleans to try one, just have one at Disneyland! One of the top rides in this land is Haunted Mansion Holiday, a classic Haunted Mansion ride that’s Jack Skellington-themed.

It was pretty cool, especially the stretching room. The Haunted Mansion was done up for Halloween and Christmas while we were there.

It was re-themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas. We only did this experience once because we all thought it was a bit boring. We heard the original version is better.

Adventureland

This is a jungle-themed zone filled with exotic stories and wild rides! It’s definitely a zone that’s catered to all ages, although it’s not very big.

A highlight of Adventureland is the Adventureland Treehouse, which is a giant treehouse filled with quirky rooms and imaginative play areas.

Another attraction worth checking out is the Enchanted Tiki Room to see the audio animatronics, go on a Jungle Cruise to see “wildlife,” and enjoy the thrilling Indiana Jones Adventure ride.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland is the land where fairy tales of Disney princesses and princes come to life. It’s where you will find the iconic Disney Castle, see princesses come to life, and experience tamer rides catered to younger kids.

Our kids were too old for this land, so we just wandered through, but if you have kids below the age of 6, they’ll probably enjoy this zone.

Some of the top rides in this land are:

• Peter Pan’s Flight: a gentle, slow ride based on the classic Peter Pan story. On this ride, you sail through Neverland on a tall ship.
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish: a story ride where you follow Snow White as she tries to evade the evil Queen.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: ride in a flying elephant and get an aerial view of the park.
• Mr Toad’s Wild Ride: A go-kart track.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds: a fun rollercoaster with a mythical monster story.
• Storybook land canal boats: a gentle boat ride on a river.
• King Arthur Carrousel

Frontierland

While Tomorrowland takes you into the future, Frontierland takes you to the past. It has a Mark Twain theme and is designed to transport you back to turn-of-the-century America.

My favorite ride in this zone is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a rollercoaster that takes you around cavernous cliffs and steep boulders on a haunted runaway train!

In Frontierland, you can board the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and ride the Mark Twain Riverboat (a steamship), or sail on an 18th-century vessel.

It’s also where you can watch the stage show, Fantasmic! where Disney heroes and villains battle it out, starring Mickey Mouse!

Fantasmic! Light Show

This is what you have all been waiting for: the Fantasmic light show! You can get tickets for this show separately from your entry ticket. We went online and got one of the cheapest dinner deals, a 3-course meal package from Blue Bayou Restaurant. From $35, you get a tasty and healthy dinner and reserved seating for the show.

The seats were pretty good; we were close to the front. The show was awesome, and I definitely recommend it. The lights and special effects were really good too. My favorite part was Maleficent as the dragon. That’s all the spoilers I’m giving you.

Watch our Fantasmic highlights in our video at the bottom of this blog post!

There are two shows in the evening. I recommend the first show. You can then hang around to watch the Fireworks over the castle. They have a few light displays happening on the river at the same time.

Mickey’s Toontown

Toontown is an “animated land” where everything is made to look animated. It’s quite cool, as all your photos end up looking like cartoons!

Some of the top attractions in Toontown are Donald’s Duck Pond, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Chip N Dale’s GADGETcoaster, Goofy’s How-to Play Yard, and visiting Mickey and Minnie Mouse’s houses.

This zone is catered towards younger children and toddlers, and our girls are a bit old for this area now.

But we did want to see Mickey’s House. We waited about an hour to meet Mickey inside his house. It was worth it, though, because there was stuff you could interact with throughout the house.

And at the end, we got to meet the one and only, Mickey Mouse. Mum was happy we met Minnie Mouse at the character breakfast because there was no way she was waiting for over an hour for her at her house.

We also saw Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Minnie, and Pluto at Toontown. It is where they live after all!

Meeting the characters from your favorite Disney movie, book, or show around the park is something we all want to do. The characters are so true to life (I mean, fantasy life) and give you so much time and attention.

Even Mum was a bit smitten. (Be sure to speak to Gaston. He was hilarious – Caz).

Tips For Meeting Your Favorite Disney Character!

• Instead of just taking pictures with Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck, you can get their autograph! You can buy autograph books in many stores around the Disney parks, including Downtown Disney. All the kids in our group did it, and it made our Disneyland experience that much better.
• Get the Disneyland app so you can see where your favorite characters might be. You’ll find the characters in the land where their stories belong. E.G. Captain Jack Sparrow can be found in Adventureland/New Orleans near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
• Try a character breakfast, so you can see a lot of characters at once! And you don’t have to line up; you just wait for them to come to your table. We did the Minnie Mouse breakfast at Plaza Inn, and the buffet breakfast is good too.

• Look out for schedules, so you can get to the character you want to see before the lines get big.
• Go see the more popular characters first. You can’t get fast passes for them, so best to do them before the queue gets too big.

When we went to meet the princesses, we got all dressed up. I was Jasmine, Savannah was Belle, and our cousin Brooklyn, was Elena of Avalor.

It was fun to meet the princesses we were dressed up as! While our parents were waiting in line with our autograph books ready, we watched the Rapunzel show, so we weren’t bored waiting in line. That’s one good thing about The Royal Hall in Fantasyland. There is usually a show on.

Get Your Disney Merch!

An absolute must for your trip to Disneyland is to get Mouse ears. You just have to. It isn’t the same without rocking a pair of Minnie or Mickey ears.

Savannah and I got the Rose Gold ears. In my opinion, they are gorgeous. Anything Rose gold is gorgeous. Mom got the Millennial Pink ears. They are pretty too. Dad just got boring black Mickey Ears.

I had my eyes on the Rose Gold backpack for the entire two weeks. It’s sooo pretty. But mom didn’t let me get it because it was too expensive (like $80!!) She relied on the Rainbow Spirit Jerseys, which Savannah and I now wear all the time.

Two stores I would recommend for Disney Merch, ears, autograph books, and more are:

1. World of Disney (Located at Downtown Disney)
2. Elias & Co. ( Located at California Adventure Park)

Elias & Co. is my favorite store. It’s so big, and has lots of awesome stuff, including walls of Rose Gold bags that I didn’t want to let go of.

For those who love group Disney T-Shirts that make a statement, check out these ideas. 

Watch a Parade

There are always parades at Disneyland, and they are never the same every time we visit. When we visited, there was the Pixar Play Parade, and it was so much fun!

It was at Disneyland Park for Pixar Fest, and featured floats and characters from Pixar movies such as The Incredibles, Toy Story, and more. Another cool feature, the floats have jets that shoot water at you! We sat at the front and got pretty wet. There is also cool themed music!

The parades are usually themed, e.g., ghoulish ones for Halloween and Christmas ones over the Holiday season. Click here to see what parades are happening when you visit!

Finish your day with the Disneyland Fireworks

We watched the fireworks show called: Remember…Dreams come true!

This is an awesome firework show that goes for 16 minutes. Watch Tinkerbell fly over the castle, popular Disney characters share their “wishes”, and amazing fireworks.

But sadly, Daddy didn’t get any good photos worth sharing. The music and fireworks are amazing, and I definitely recommend it. The show takes place on select nights only.

Ride the Disneyland Railroad

I recommend the first thing you do is to go on the Disneyland Railroad (an authentic steam-powered train) that takes 18-minutes to go around the entire park, stopping at different lands along the way.

Instead of walking everywhere, you can just take the train! It wasn’t just a boring old train ride. On the train, you go through tunnels that have displays in them. One was even the Grand Canyon! Another one was dinosaurs.

We did a full loop around the park and then stopped off at New Orleans Square. We wanted to do a full loop first, so we could see all the lands and get excited about what we’d experience at Disneyland.

When you first walk into the park, make sure to look out for the Fire Dept. When you find it, look up to the second level. In the window, there is a light – that was Walt Disney’s Apartment.

While the park was being built, he wanted to stay and watch over the construction. When the park opened, he watched his guests pour into the park. The light is always left on to keep his spirit within the park.

Tips for visiting Disneyland Park, Anaheim

Get the Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket

In case you’re wondering, “10 days in Disneyland! That’s crazy!” Well, the reason for this is that you can get a 10-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket, which allows you to go around all the parks inside the Disneyland Resort – not just Disneyland Park.

Honestly, it’s great. If you have a big group like us and we still haven’t gotten everything done in all parks, you might need it.

You can go to Disneyland Park in the morning one day, go somewhere else, and come back at night to watch the fireworks or Paint the Night Parade, and you can have rest days. Then you won’t be rushing and exhausted the whole trip.

Get Disneyland Lightning Lane Passes

I love the Lightning Pass in Disney because they save you a ton of time queuing, for only a small additional cost. You can also get the paid add-on to your ticket called Genie+, which is available on the Disney App, Genie.

You can buy a Lightning Pass for one ride (single pass), or you can get a multipass, which allows you to skip the line once on each attraction.

You do need to book your slot on the ride, though, which can take the spontaneity out of your day, but if you’re short on time, this is a huge time saver. You also get deals on ride photos.

Join the single rider line

Another way to skip the lines is to line up in the single rider line; this means you can fill a seat by not sitting with your family.

We wanted to stay together, so we didn’t do this, but we can see how it would be a good ride system if you’re on a budget and don’t want to fork out for the Lightning Pass.

Disneyland Accommodation: The Disneyland Hotel

We stayed at the Disneyland® Hotel for one night as guests of the hotel.

We spent the day hanging out at the pool and going on all the water slides, which was pretty fun. Except for one part when a kid peed in the main pool.. yummy… not. That’s one thing they don’t tell you about the happiest place on Earth, right?

The coolest thing about our hotel room was that on a wall on top of the beds was the Castle, and if you flick a switch, the lights come on and music plays. That part was cool. It was also fun to see characters in the lobby, out the front of the hotel, and around the pool area.

We danced with Goofy out the front of the hotel, and played with young kids around the pool. We also walked around the lobby with Chip and Dale, and met Minnie at her kitchen.

Accommodation near Disneyland, Anaheim

Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel can be a very expensive way to experience Disneyland. To reduce your Disneyland costs, consider staying at a hotel near Disneyland. You can find hotels within walking distance or shuttle bus distance.

We also recommend renting a Disneyland vacation home. We rented one that slept 9 people and was only a 10-minute walk from Downtown Disney.

It was awesome and the best way to experience Disneyland with comfort, space, and a lower price. Here are a few of our Disneyland accommodation posts to help you decide:

• Best hotels near Disneyland California
• Hyatt Regency Orange County: A Disney Good Neighbor Hotel
• Why You Should Consider a Disneyland Vacation Rental vs. Hotel
• Check out these Disneyland accommodation and ticket packages
• Check out vacation rentals near Disneyland CA here

Final Thoughts

So as you can see, there are a lot of lands, which means lots of rides and entertainment! And don’t forget the parades and shows. Also, you meet characters, and have to visit all the stores. You just have to.

So yeah, there is LOTS to do, and most of us have little time, so we hope this guide helped you to plan your visit and pick out some of your top things to do.

My favorite lands are Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, FantasyLand, and Critter Country. What’s yours? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Disneyland California Video

Press play below and discover the Disneyland magic at Disneyland California and California Adventure Park!

More Southern California Travel Tips

• 10 Day Itinerary – Best Places to Visit in Southern California (beyond Disneyland)
• Fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids 
• Exciting Things to do in San Diego With Kids (This Place Is Me!)
• Tips for flying to Disneyland
• Things to do in Knott’s Berry Farm – a great alternative, or addition to, Disneyland.

Pin To Save It On Pinterest

When it comes to finding something to do in Chattanooga, you don’t have to look too far. It quickly jumped up to one of my favorite destinations in the Southeast USA. It checked off all the boxes: outstanding natural beauty, vibrant city life, thrilling adventures, and memories we’ll continue to laugh at forever.

Its beauty is mesmerizing, with the Tennessee River and its high jungled banks snaking through the city and the surrounding mountains covered in lush green foliage, with endless viewpoints to admire it all from.

If you’re visiting Chattanooga with kids and need inspiration for things to do, here’s what my daughter, Savannah, and I got up to on a 3-day trip!

1. Visit Lookout Mountain

Rising 2,000 feet above sea level and overlooking Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain, the star feature of a visit to this region for its extraordinary natural beauty, and only 6-miles out of the city center.

Lookout Mountain is where you’ll find outstanding views and Chattanooga’s top attractions: Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. In fact, the word Chattanooga is derived from a Creek word for Lookout Mountain, meaning “rock rising to a point.”

As well as admiring views from the viewpoints, Lookout Mountain is a popular hang gliding spot, if you’re looking to add more adventure to your trip. Check out the guys at Lookout Mountain Flight Park for tandem flight experiences. Some other things to do at Lookout Mountain are…

Ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Why drive up the mountain when you can take the most thrilling ride to the top on the Incline Railway with expansive views over the Tennessee Valley through the carriage’s glass windows? It’s also included in your entrance fee to Lookout Mountain, so you might as well, right?

We’ll forever talk about that moment halfway up “America’s most amazing mile” when we looked back and saw how we were about to incline up the steepest part of the world’s steepest railway, giggled in fear, and said, “Oh, this is a little scary.” Savannah said this was her favorite attraction.

If you are too busy closing your eyes and clutching your seat with fear over its 72.7% grade steepness, there is an observation deck with unobstructed views at your destination. It was just as thrilling as your favorite roller coaster ride and is not to be missed. See more here.

Tour the Underground Ruby Falls

I love experiences that help me tap into awe and wonder. Ruby Falls was that for me. We walked through the caverns, 260 feet deep inside the mountain, to follow the path its discoverer, Leo Lambert, took in 1928.

He crawled for 17 hours in the dark, most of the time alone in cramped tunnels. Until he came upon a totally unexpected jewel, which he named after his beloved wife: Ruby Falls. We walked and enjoyed the colorful lights illuminating the stalagmites and unusual and beautiful rock formations.

Ruby Falls lies at the end of the trail, made even more beautiful by the colored light display surrounding it. It is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the USA

How many other mountains around the world have waterfalls hidden in them? And would you crawl through tiny spaces in the dark to find them?

The guided tour lasts for about 90 minutes. You can see our IG Reel of the tour here. Kids will also love the glass elevator ride into the cavern and admire the rock walls on either side!

I enjoyed the introductory video, taking us back to 1928, sharing Leos’ expeditions and motivations for doing so. It helped me reconnect to the importance of persevering with a dream and traveling the lesser-known (harder) path.

Ruby Falls was the first attraction in the USA to receive the international Green Globe certification for its sustainability practices, which include LED lighting, solar panels, and recycling.

When you have finished with your underground tour, there is an observation deck on top of the Ruby Falls Tower (built from the excavated rocks) with yet another gorgeous view over the valley and river.

Adventurers will also want to dedicate time to the 700 feet of ziplines at the High Point Zip Adventure. We have put that down on our list of things to do on our next visit to Scenic City.

Wander Rock City Gardens and Lover’s Leap Falls

Not your average view, right? Even better is the enchanting trail you follow to get here, meandering around giant rock boulders, through gardens and narrow canyons, alongside babbling brooks, into caves, and across swinging bridges.

I dare you to try and find your way around this 4,100-foot trail – I was lost after a few footsteps as it curved up and down and around. Just follow the signs as it takes you through this natural wonderland of over 400 species of plants, trees, and butterflies.

Rock City Gardens in Chattanooga is so unique and totally worth it for these views of the 100 ft. Lover’s Leap Waterfall cascading down the mountain.

This waterfall is said to be named after a Cherokee woman named Nacoochee, who jumped from the falls after seeing her lover thrown from the top. Although the story behind the name is sad, the scenic viewpoint is beautiful.

You can also see Seven States from high on top of the mountain: Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Both Ruby Falls and Lovers Leap Falls were featured in our Best Waterfalls in the US list.

Don’t miss the Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, which have scenes (sculptures) from some of the world’s most beloved fairytale creatures (including the famous Rock City gnomes). See more here.

Hike the Glen Falls Trails

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hike on Lookout Mountain, Glen Falls Trail is a short out-and-back walk through the forest to a small waterfall.

Be sure to walk a little further up the rock steps and through a rock tunnel to the riverbed above the pool. It’s a great spot for the kids to play.

The trail took us about 10 minutes to walk either way. We were the only ones on the trail, so we enjoyed the quiet serenity with each other.

Another hike on Lookout Mountain that came recommended was from Cravens House to Point Park for a view of the horseshoe bend in the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.

2. Relive History at Battles for Chattanooga + Point Park

Time for a little Civil War history with the narrated 3-D map and footage of the famous “Battle above the Clouds” in the Battles for Chattanooga theater.

You’ll learn about the Confederates’ defense of Lookout Mountain and Sherman’s final victorious assault at Missionary Ridge before his victorious March to the Sea. It was a turning point in the Civil War – the Death Knell for the Confederacy.

I recommend watching the short 30-minute production before crossing the street to Point Park, which is part of the National Park Service’s Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

As it looks over the Chattanooga Valley, you can easily picture in your mind how this battle took place. It’s a small, tranquil park that again, offers stunning views over the horseshoe-shaped Moccasin Bend in the Tennessee River.

3. Eat at Tap House, St Elmo Neighborhood

The Tap House is a great lunch choice at the foot of Lookout Mountain in the nearby historic town of St Elmo. The front porch has great views of Lookout Mountain, and the menu features Southern favorites like mac & cheese, chili, and pimento cheese. Try the Exotic burger – a mix of bison, boar, elk, and wagyu.

To refresh your thirst, the tap house has 30 taps with rotating brews and local beers. I loved my alcohol-free CBD cider. A very unique flavor and mellow refresh.

4. Wander around Downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River

Downtown Chattanooga is a bustling place. It’s walkable and vibrant, with different neighborhoods to explore, great museums, and lots of restaurants. It’s also incredibly green, with electric buses taking you from place to place, and pedestrian bridges crossing the Tennessee River.

While in downtown, be sure to walk along the 8-mile greenway trail section in Tennessee River Park, next to the spectacular Tennessee River.

It extends from downtown to Amincola Marsh and meanders through the lush mountains that surround the city. It’s a great walk and makes you realise just how green this city is – a city that makes you sit up and pay attention.

5. Kayak the Tennessee River

We love to go beyond your typical museums when we visit a destination to really experience what makes it unique. Kayaking the Tennessee River was our perfect introduction to Chattanooga and an awesome way to appreciate the natural beauty of this city.

We rented kayaks for an hour from L2 Outside, located in Coolidge Park (they also rent out paddleboards). The wind was low and the current gentle, so it was an easy paddle for us north to a nearby island in the river.

If time permits, you can alight from the kayaks to explore the island. We decided to paddle past, enjoying the birds flying overhead and the turtles sunning on logs.

Coming back around the other side of the island, we then paddled over the huge cliff faces to peek into small caves and kayak under the overhanging vines with beautiful views of the bridges and rivers.

6. Explore the Bluff View Arts District

Ready to be transported to Europe? Perched high on the riverside is the Bluff View Arts District, a two-block region that resembles a village in Europe – buildings and alleyways look like they belong in France and Italy. Grab a coffee, cake, and homemade chocolate from Rembrandt’s Coffee House and enjoy it in their garden area.

Then, take a walk through the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, a 2-acre outdoor art exhibit overlooking the Tennessee River.

You’ll also find the impressive Hunter Museum of American Art with a prime position on the very edge of the bluffs. The architecture, made of a melted steel and glass edifice, is possibly the most striking piece of modern architecture in the state.

Tony’s Pasta Shop and Trattoria is the place to go for delicious Sicilian dishes and Italian wine. Get there early and aim for a table on the deck with a view of the Tennessee River. When we dined here by 6pm, the parking lot was filled with waiting groups of diners.

My low-country linguine with sautéed crawfish and Cajun alfredo sauce was delicious. Savannah loved her pizza. They have an extensive gluten-free menu.

7. Walk the Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge connects downtown Chattanooga with the historic North Shore District, including Coolidge Park. Built in 1891, it’s known as one of the longest bridges in the world and the oldest surviving Truss Bridge of its size in the South.

It offers beautiful views, and you can get your birds-eye view of the island and the cliffs you kayaked to.

8. Picnic and Play at Coolidge Park

If you need a rest break, a picnic spot, or a place for the kids to run around in an open green space, head to Coolidge Park on the North Shore banks of the river. Find a grassy spot and soak up the scenic views, or ride the antique carousel.

You are close to a couple of restaurants and breweries here as well. During the warmer months, the interactive water fountains and splash pads offer a refreshing way for kids to cool off.

9. Dance the Waltz and the Cha Cha

One of the coolest things we discovered in Chattanooga is this unique attraction that encourages you to dance on the streets! On the sidewalks in the North Shore District, you’ll see embedded footprints – male feet and female feet facing each other.

Each footprint is numbered, so you know what order to move your feet in. Put your feet on the placeholders, grab your partner’s hand, and 1,2,3,4 dance the Waltz, the Cha Cha, and the Salsa.

They were the only ones we tried. Let us know what other ones you discover in Chattanooga!

10. Walk or Bike the Tennessee River Park

Find a section of the 16.1 miles of paved trails along the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam through downtown and to the foot of Lookout Mountain to bike or walk.

You’ll find sculptures, parks, picnic areas, and gorgeous views. We walked a small section of the trail at Blue Goose Hollow, which is a short and easy section for families.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can grab a rental from Bike Chattanooga, although there is an age limit of 16, so not the best option for families.

There are numerous stations around the city where you can swipe and go. Day passes are available for unlimited 60-minute rides. Chattanooga would be a fantastic city to explore on a bike. It’s pretty flat on the valley floor.

11. Hike to a Downtown View at Stringers Ridge

For a postcard-worthy ridgetop view of downtown Chattanooga, walk the short Cherokee Trail at Stringer’s Ridge, a 92-acre urban wilderness in Chattanooga’s North Shore. It’s an easy, family-friendly activity if you want to stretch your legs in the forest. Mountain bikers will also love riding a few of the trails through the forest here.

12. Ride a Vintage Train, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Vintage train lovers will enjoy an hour train journey on the restored vintage trains at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, located east of Chattanooga.

We took the Missionary Ridge trip from Grand Junction Station along 3 miles of the original railroad lines in Chattanooga.

Commentary is given along the way to learn about the history of the railroad, and at the turning point, you get to see a demonstration of the locomotive turn table, one of the few remaining in the world.

Savannah really enjoyed this family-friendly Chattanooga attraction – especially her bucket of popcorn to enjoy it with.

12. Explore Chattanooga’s Southside District

Over the past 20 years, the Southside District of Chattanooga has transformed from abandoned warehouses and run-down buildings to a vibrantly fresh, artistic entertainment, dining, and nightlife district. I love this revitalized area that offers so much Southern charm and modern fun.

The area stretches from 11^th to 20^th streets, with Main and Market Street being the main places to hang out. Our hotel was within walking distance of this area, and we loved exploring the murals and alleyways on our way to breakfast and dinner.

In the Southside District, there is a 33-acre public park filled with over 40 one-of-a-kind huge sculptures from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists.

We did not get time to visit, but be sure to put Sculpture Fields at Montague Park on your list of things to do in Chattanooga – especially for the art-minded families.

13. Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The famous Chattanooga Choo Choo has been transformed into a cool entertainment space. It reminded me of Huntsville and the way they revitalized places like the Lumber yard into a fun district to hang out.

I’m sure you all know the famous Glen Miller song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” which I recommend you sing as you walk around this area that was once Chattanooga’s train station.

The terminal station now serves as a lobby to the hotel and retains its 1909 historic grandeur. Out the back, you’ll find carriages converted into draft houses, escape rooms, and hotel sleeping quarters. There are also beautiful gardens, bocce games, restaurants, distilleries, shops, and a pedestrian alleyway with live music venues.

14. Go rock climbing at High Point Climbing

High Point Climbing is an indoor rock climbing park with two locations, one in downtown and one in Riverside. It has bouldering and lead climbing walls, a Kid Zone, and an outdoor climbing wall. It has a 45ft rope wall, 100+ boulder problems of all grades, and the highlight is the blue outdoor wall. See more info here.

15. Take toddlers to the Creative Discovery Museum

If you’re visiting with young kids or toddlers and looking for hands-on children’s museums, the Creative Discovery Museum is the place to go. It has exhibits designed to educate, from STEM education to Art and Nature play zones, and encourages kids to touch, build, and explore.

Some of the exhibits, ahem, RiverPlay, encourage kids to play in water, so you might want to pack a change of clothes and a towel!

16. See animals at the Tennessee Aquarium or the Chattanooga Zoo

We’re not ones to add a zoo to our itinerary, because we feel like a zoo is just a zoo, but if you do enjoy zoos and wildlife centers, then there are two in Chattanooga to check out.

Chattanooga Zoo is two miles from downtown and has a zoological park spanning 13 acres. It features animals from around the world, such as leopards, giraffes, chimps, camels, and more.

Tennessee Aquarium is one of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums. It’s unique in that you have two sections: Ocean Journey and River Journey.

Ocean Journey is an indoor venue where featuring sea creatures from around the globe, whereas River Journey is another indoor venue with a focus on river creatures. There are 10,000 animals here, including stingrays, sharks, otters, and even penguins. Expect crowds on the weekend.

17. Admire the art at Sculpture Fields at Montague Park

This 33-acre park is home to a wide variety of art installations and sculptures. It has 50 large-scale sculptures by various artists, accessed by winding trails through this green space. With a backdrop of Lookout Mountain, it’s the perfect place to admire nature and art all in one place.

Places to eat in the Southside District

This area is known to have the highest concentration of locally owned restaurants in the city. Whatever you crave, you’ll find it at a reasonable price and exceptional quality.

For delicious burgers, head to Urban Stack for creative and delicious handcrafted burgers – my choice was the Hamburguesa Mamacita with chorizo, pickled jalapeno, avocado, chipotle aioli, and pepper jack cheese.

Book ahead for the patio seating at State of Confusion, a Peruvian–New Orleans–Low–Country fusion restaurant with ample ceviche options, tacos, and handcrafted cocktails. Vegetarians will love the stuffed sweet potato.

Mean Mug has light fare and good hand-roasted coffee, and Bluegrass Grill will be your perfect sit-down Southern breakfast option. They have a ton of gluten-free options, which I greatly appreciated.

Clumpies Ice Cream Co is the place to stop for your kid’s ice cream treat.

Where to stay: The Chattanoogan Hotel

We loved our stay at the Hilton Curio Collection, The Chattanoogan Hotel. Located in the Southside District, it gave us easy access to all places of interest in Chattanooga.

We loved the ability to walk around the Southside area – our favorite – and downtown is also an easy 15-20 min walk away or a quick drive down Broad Street.

The Chattanoogan Hotel is also a block away from the city’s electric shuttle, which provides complimentary transportation in downtown Chattanooga.

The hotel was perfect for families with upscale amenities and modern rooms for an affordable price. We had beautiful views outside our window over the rooftop bar and the surrounding mountains. Sunset from our room was a winner. The hotel has three restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop bar.

Cocktails at the High Rail Roof Top Bar

Even if you aren’t staying at the Chattanoogan Hotel, you’ll want to visit the classy High Rail Rooftop Bar. Kids will love the smores brownie (shareable). While they devour that, kick back with your favorite cocktail (spicy margarita for me) and rest after a hard day exploring the beautiful city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Final thoughts

Chattanooga is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure-loving families.

Its energy and vibe reminded me of Raleigh, and I noted Chattanooga down as the place we’ll move to if, for some reason, we ever have to leave our beloved city.

On this family trip, it was the beginning of Spring, the weather was warm and sunny, and the flowers were in bloom, so we were able to fully appreciate this sophisticated and eclectic Scenic City. What do you think? Have I convinced you to go yet?

More Tennessee Travel Tips

• Best things to do in Nashville with Kids
• Fun Things to do in Knoxville Tennessee
• Insanely cool things to do in Memphis
• Places to visit on a Tennessee Road Trip
• Captivating things to do in in Franklin, TN on a day trip

And don’t miss these places close to Chattanooga in Georgia and North Carolina

• Amicalola Falls State Park
• Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls
• Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa
• Bryson City, North Carolina

Pin To Save On Pinterest

Comment: What are you most excited to do in Chattanooga with kids? Let us know in the comments.

I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, so you can imagine how excited I was to be visiting Orlando and getting to see the entire Universal Orlando theme park. I didn’t know much about Universal’s waterpark, Volcano Bay, until we got to Orlando. But what a surprise it turned out to be!

Volcano Bay is an epic water theme park in Orlando and one of my new favorite places to visit in Florida.

It’s a huge park and can take a couple of days to see it all, and there are some ways you can skip the queues and make the most of your experience. To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve shared my favorite rides at Universal Volcano Bay, and I’ve shared my tips for visiting!

About Volcano Bay Orlando

Volcano Bay opened in May 2017 and spans approximately 53 acres. It’s a huge theme park that was estimated to have cost around US$600 million to build.

The idea behind Volcano Bay is a tribute to Polynesian mythology, and many of the rides and attractions have a backstory that involves the arrival of the Waturi people and their enchanting encounters with deities and heroes.

The park used to be called Wet ‘n Wild, before it was turned into Universal Orlando Resort’s premier water theme park.

I recommend this water park for all ages, even the little kids.

The good news is that Volcano Bay is easy to get around and navigate since it’s divided into sections to suit different interests. Each section is targeted at specific ages and has particular water slides to match the area. The sections in Universal’s Volcano Bay are:

• Krakatau Volcano
• Wave Village
• River Village
• Rainforest Village

Most of the thrill-seeking rides are in the Rainforest Village, which is the largest village in the park. River Village is more relaxing with pools for toddlers and babies and a lazy river, whereas Wave Village has more dining areas and some relaxing pools.

How many days do you need at Universal Volcano Bay?

We visited Volcano Bay water park on day one of our three days at Universal Orlando Resort. It was the day with the best weather, so make sure you check that before you plan your schedule, because you know water parks! Get your tickets here with Undercover Tourist.

If you are spending a few days at Universal Studios in Orlando, I recommend you visit Volcano Bay as a day of rest in between the other parks, or on the last day, so you can relax more.

Although Mum did say she thought it was good to go on the first day to gently ease into the craziness of intense theme park days. I thought it was epic fun, not intense!

We visited all three parks, Universal Studios, Volcano Bay, and Islands of Adventure, with our 3 day park-to-park ticket, which allows you to visit all three parks throughout the duration of your ticket length.

I recommend you spend one full day at Volcano Bay at least, but if you have time to spend two days there, then you’ll find plenty of things to do.

The Best Volcano Bay Rides

Pack your swimmers, and a fun attitude, because there are a lot of rides to experience! I recommend you get there as early as you can to make the most of your day.

Krakatau Volcano

Krakatau is the focal point of Universal Studios Volcano Bay. Beautiful waterfalls stream down its sides (with slides hidden within and at night it lights up in a fiery glow), and the different sections of the park encircle the volcano.

It is the starting point for four different water slides – the most thrilling of this water park. Let’s look at the rides and different areas at Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef

Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef are awesome sections for the little kids with slides that go on for ages, water squirters, and lots of fun.

But if they are too scared to do the slides, they also have smaller slides, which are great for babies. I have to admit, the slides looked fun, so I tried to go on them, but you have to be under 48”.

Lazy Rivers and Wave Pools

There are two rivers called: Kopiko Wai, winding river, and the not so lazy TeAwa the Fearless River.

Big waves = Big fun! Get ready for the massive wave at the end! Another fun attraction is the Waturi Beach, which is the wave pool next to the Volcano.

I recommend wearing a life vest like Savannah did, even if you’re an adult. Then you can relax while you swim to the back, where the big waves are.

In Kopiko Wai winding river, you go through the river village to an awesome crystal cave, and there is no height restriction So as you can see, there is a lot to see and explore. And lots of fun memories to be made!

Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides

This is a fun, family-friendly ride where up to six people sit in a round raft and travel down a slide. You end up in a large pool at the bottom. Height requirement: 42” with supervision, 48” without.

My Favorite Slides at Volcano Bay

There are many different water slides at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Instead of telling you about all of them, I’ll share the most epic ones. Don’t miss these. The other slides are fun to go on while you wait to plunge out on the big ones!

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster ride is AMAZING. In my opinion, it’s the BEST ride in the park.

How could it not be when it’s a rollercoaster and water slide COMBINED!!

You go down steep drops and up steep hills through the magnificent volcano. All while sitting on four-person canoes that look like an inflatable banana/hotdog-shaped tube thing (the Krakatau Aqua Coaster seats four riders). It’s the ultimate raft ride. And, wait – I won’t tell you the end part, you have to discover that for yourself.

Ohyah and Ohno drop slides

These two side by side water slides are so fun, noth have a big drop down into a deep pool.

The Ohno (purple slide) was the bigger drop at 6 feet. The Ohyah is a 4 foot drop!

Make sure you are a strong swimmer because you get pushed to the bottom of the pool. Some crazy lady went down before us who couldn’t swim. Who does that?

(height restriction: 48”)

Puka Uli Lagoon

If you have toddlers or babies, you can take them to Puka Uli Lagoon, which is a splash zone for little ones. We didn’t go here because we’re too old, but we thought it looked quite cool. It has a nice sandy beach on which little kids can play and build sandcastles.

Taniwah Tubes

You’ll get dizzy turning in circles! A couple of different rides to choose from, but they are all the same. Height restriction: 42” between 42” and 48” to be with an adult.

TeAwa the Fearless River

Again, big waves and big fun. As mentioned above, the Fearless River is a fun one to go around and around on. You can even relax on this one if you want, just paddle yourself to the side of the big wave. Height: 42” kids. Wear a life vest and be with an adult.

Ko’kiri body plunge, Kala & Tui Nui Serpentine Body Slides

I’ll let Mum tell you about this ride, as she was the only one brave enough to go on it. Not really, I was just having too much fun on the Krakatau to join her. That’s my story anyway!

Ok, mum here. I suggest you take the plunge from Florida’s highest peak. But be warned, the stairs up to the top of the 200-foot Krakatau Volcano will have you gasping for breath and your legs shaking. Or is that just the fear?

My philosophy is to do what scares you the most first. So while dad and the kids were lazy river floating, I raced up to do Volcano Bay’s most thrilling rides. I knew if I didn’t do it first thing, it wouldn’t happen.

I was so glad I did because the rest of the day was just fun and relaxing – no thrills necessary. I did the Kala & Tui Nui Serpentine body slides first, which starts with a big drop and then launch you into a twisting slide.

I wasn’t expecting the speed and power of it. I found it super intense, and although I liked it, I almost chickened out of the Ko’kiri body plunge.

It is hard to psych yourself up for scary rides when you have no companion for support. But, since there were no lines, I knew I would regret it if I didn’t do it now, so I trudged up those stairs again.

I’m so glad I did. The Ko’kiri may have a scary start, standing waiting for the floor beneath your feet to disappear, but once it does, you shoot on down 125 feet and torpedo out the bottom.

The ride is over in about 5 seconds. It was thrilling fun. Not as intense as the Kala and Tui Nui serpentine slide. I’d recommend doing that one first. Eat the Frog.

Watch our Volcano Bay video for more inspiration (and subscribe to our YouTube channel):

How to make the most of your experience

Stay at one of the Universal Hotels

We stayed at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Staying at an on-site hotel gives you early access to the park. This means first dibs on lounge chairs in a GOOD spot, and you can ride all of the slides before the park gets busy (same with other parks). It’s SOOOO worth it.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a Universal property (some call it the Volcano Bay hotel). I loved the retro 50’s vibe here. It was super colorful and vibrant. Cabana Bay is the closest Universal hotel to Volcano Bay.

Actually, it is a two-minute walk to Universal Orlando Bay, so if you plan to spend a lot of time here at this water theme park on your three-day pass, it’s best to stay at Cabana Bay. It will also be the cheapest of the four on-site hotels.

The facilities are great, with two swimming pools and a lazy river. They also have outdoor movies and indoor bowling lanes, an Orlando Sentinel newspaper, a gift shop, a cafeteria, and different restaurants.

The wings at the Galaxy Bowl Restaurant were delicious and reasonably priced.

Other Universal Orlando Resort Accommodation:

• Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Read reviews and what past guests loved about it here. 
• Hard Rock Cafe – Read reviews and what past guests loved about it here
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – Read reviews and what pasts guests loved about it here.
• See Airbnbs near Orlando Universal here

As a reminder, if you stay on-site, you can take advantage of Early Admission, which means getting on the park’s rides and attractions an hour before the park opens.

Do the popular rides first

As soon as you enter the park, go to the most popular rides (Krakatau aqua coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, and Honu of the Honu ika Moana.

Find a spot and stay there

We planted ourselves at the pristine sandy Hammerhead Beach for the day. It was awesome. We were right near the funnest rides in the park, and it wasn’t busy (we visited in early November, just after the Halloween craziness), so it felt like we had the space to ourselves. While mum would have loved to sit down for a while and read her book, we kids had other ideas!!!

Hire lockers

You can hire lockers for your bags to keep your valuables in if no one is going to stay and watch your things. We didn’t. Not sure if that was wise or not, but nothing went missing, and I have a very trusting attitude!

Stay until closing time

Most people disappear, so you can have the gorgeous Volcano Bay and Waturi Beach all to yourself. It’s super pretty at sunset, especially with the volcano lighting up in rainbow colors.

Grab a cocktail from the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar, let the kid swim, and you relax with the views. Some of the rides will still be open, which is fun for the kids to ride at night or just float along the lazy river and enjoy the gentle rapids.

Bring your own water bottle

There are places to fill them up inside Volcano Bay. Those slides are thirsty work

Bring your own food (if you have diet issues)

If you are gluten-free or have other food allergies, you can bring your own food into the park. Those allergies are so common these days!

Bring sun protection

The sun in Orlando can be incredibly hot, and because you’re out splashing around in the water all day, you don’t realize it.

Make sure to reapply sunscreen regularly and wear sunglasses when you’re lounging by the pool. Don’t take them on the rides as you’ll lose them!

Useful info for Visiting Volcano Bay Orlando

• One day Universal Volcano Bay tickets start from $80 for adults and $75 for kids.
• All 3-Park Multi-Day tickets offer guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure AND Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Options available from 2 to 5 days in duration Starting at $92 per day (3-day ticket) If you plan on visiting all three parks, get this pass. You’ll definitely need the three days.
• A Volcano Bay annual pass is for Florida residents.
• You can rent cabanas at Volcano Bay starting at $159 per day. There are also premium seating to rent starting at $29.99. We weren’t sitting around long enough to justify the cost. Unless you plan to do that, I think the free chairs are good enough.
• You can’t take GoPro’s or cameras on any of the water slides (apart from the lazy rivers)
• Life vests are provided for anyone who needs them.
• Don’t forget your sun protection!
• You can rent towels, but bring your own and save money.

Parking & Transportation at Volcano Bay, Orlando

Volcano Bay doesn’t have its own parking lot. Guests are invited to park at Universal CityWalk parking garage. From there, you can hop on the free shuttle, which will transport you to Volcano Bay. It’s only about a 5-minute ride away.

If you are staying at any of the other Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, such as the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, the Aventura Hotel, or Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, you can enjoy complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the park.

If you are not staying on-site, get to the park before it opens so that you can immediately enter and get to the fun.

Restaurants & Dining at Universal Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay Orlando has four restaurants, all with a Hawaiian Pacific island vibe. They are Whakawaiwai Eats, Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, Bambu, and The Feasting Frog.

There are also two bars for mom and dad: the Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and the Kunuku Boat Bar. You can also find pizza, burgers, fried chicken, tacos, and nachos, and some of your traditional fried favorites. It wasn’t too bad for a theme park.

The menus looked good, but mum was disappointed as per usual, at a theme park, there are just not enough delicious options for those with gluten-free needs.

If you have an allergy, bring your own food; if you don’t, then enjoy food such as poke bowls, tangy BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, Coconut crusted friend chicken, and Quinoa Edamame Burgers.

There is a Universal Dining Plan, which starts at $34.99 per person, and has various inclusions such as meals, snacks, and unlimited Coke refills.

Be sure to have an ice cream. They are epic and unique to Universal’s water park. I had the Waturi Fusion. It has Banana, Blue Raspberry, Orange, and Strawberry. And Savannah had chocolate with sprinkles.

Also, you can get a topping, I got whipped cream. The Vol’s Fire Punch cocktail looked great. Mum loved the elderberry cider. It tasted just like a snake bite!

Final Thoughts

Universal’s Volcano Bay had the perfect combination of thrills and relaxation, which makes it fun for all the family.

While we kids ran around and enjoyed all the rides and slides, mom was able to put her feet up and enjoy her book next to the calming sounds of the river.

It’s a park that appeals to all ages and tastes, whether you seek the rush of adrenaline-pumping slides or gentle winding rivers, Volcano Bay is for everyone!

I hope this guide helped you plan your visit and gave you some inspiration for what rides to go on!

Orlando Resort Video

Watch more videos from Universal Orlando Resort on our Youtube Channel:

More Orlando Florida Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for visiting Orlando, Florida, and the theme parks? Here are some other helpful guides!

• Tips for Universal Orlando so you have the best time ever
• Best Florida vacation spots
• Tips for visiting Islands of Adventure and the best rides!
• Fun Things to Do in Central Florida (Besides Disney)
• Tips For Visiting Universal Studios Orlando with Kids

Pin This To Share On Pinterest

Got any questions about Universal Volcano Bay? Ask us in the comments. Or have you already been to this Universal water park? Share your tips!