Knott's Berry Farm Travel Guide | California Travel Tips

California travel journalist Veronica Hill offers a Knott's Berry Farm travel guide in this episode of "California Travel Tips."

Located on Beach Boulevard — just about 7 miles west of Disneyland — Knott's Berry Farm grew from its humble beginnings as a roadside berry stand into 160 acres of thrill rides and Old West adventures.

The theme park was built to entertain guests who were waiting for Mrs. Knott's Famous Fried Chicken. Since 1934, more than 20 million meals have been served at the Knott's Berry Farm restaurant.

There are 41 Knott's Berry Farm rides to choose from, including 9 different roller coasters. Brave the 75-degree descent on Perilous Plunge — the world's tallest and steepest water coaster — or spiral at 55 miles per hour on Silver Bullet — the longest inverted roller coaster on the West coast. On Xcelerator, you'll launch from 0 -- 82 mph in 2.3 seconds!

There are nine different lands in the park, each with its own unique theme. On a busy day, consider the Knott's Berry Farm Fast Lane upgrade, which allows you to bypass the regular lines on 10 popular Knott's Berry Farm attractions.

Go head over heels on Riptide, brave six inversions on Boomerang, or accelerate from 0-38 in the Pony Express moto-coaster.

In Fiesta Village, you can rotate 360 degrees on La Revolucion, swing 25 stories above the ground on Wind Seeker, or go from 0-55 in seven seconds on the thrilling Montezuma's Revenge. Jaguar is an Aztec-inspired steel coaster that's perfect for families.

For Knott's Berry Farm discounts, come after 4 p.m. You can get Knott's Berry Farm coupons from services like CityPass and the Entertainment book, and from Costco. Admission is free with the 45-minute shopping pass.

On The Boardwalk, you can try your hand at several carnival-style games, including Barnyard Basketball. Kids ages 3-5 will enjoy Camp Snoopy, which has 14 Peanuts-related attractions, ranging from Lucy's Tugboat to the Red Baron.

During the heat of summer, head to Wild Water Wilderness. You can cool off with a whitewater adventure on Bigfoot Rapids, or hop aboard the Timber Mountain Log Ride for splash-filled journey through 2,100 feet of rivers and waterfalls.

Don't miss the West Coast's longest wooden coaster, Ghost Rider, followed by a rickety adventure aboard the Calico Mine Train.

The Knott's Berry Farm Ghost Town was created from real Old West buildings in 1940. The attraction was inspired by Walt's childhood working in the Mojave Desert's real Calico silver mines, which he purchased in 1951.

Highlights include the 1868 Old Trails Hotel from Prescott, Death Valley's Old Betsy Borax Train, and an 1870s school house. You'll find several more Ghost Town artifacts inside the Western Trails Museum.

Old West touches abound, from the 1948 Bottle House, to the working blacksmith shop. Be sure to pop in to Goldie's Place before visiting the Town Jail, where Sad-Eye Joe has been entertaining visitors since 1940.

When you're passing through Ghost Town, be sure to pick up one of their famous funnel cakes. The boysenberry topping is a signature item, and one Knott's funnel cake will easily feed a family of four.

Be sure to hitch a ride on the Butterfield Stagecoach, then grab a sarsaparilla and enjoy the show at Calico Saloon. In the 1950s, actor Steve Martin started his banjo career here in the Bird Cage Theater at Calico Square.

The area is still a showcase for live entertainment, including Native American dancing and crafts.

Just don't leave without riding the historic Calico Railroad. This 1881 steam locomotive, purchased from the Denver and Rio Grande, was America's last operating narrow-gauge train.

Knott's Berry Farm discounts are available to AAA members, or you can take advantage of their Twilight Tickets after 4 p.m. We suggest getting the season pass. For roughly $18 more, you can go for the entire year!

Tip: For the least crowds, come after 4 p.m. (when admission fees drop) or visit on a Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The months of May, June and September have the fewest crowds.

Music by Digital Juice, Jason Shaw at http://www.AudioNautix.com and Kevin McLeod at http://www.Incompetech.com

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