Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buena Park, California and Culver City, California
Buena Park, California – A fun-packed city, located in the northwestern part of Orange County, California. It's well-known for being home to the famous theme park, Knott's Berry Farm, and other family-friendly destinations. Culver City, California – A small, pedestrian-friendly city in Los Angeles County with a vibrant downtown area teeming with historical landmarks, art galleries, and eateries. Between these two cities lies the Paramount city, CA, one of the highlights of this road trip. If you're looking for the best things to do on a road trip from Buena Park to Culver City, keep reading!
Best Things to Do
1. Knott's Berry Farm
Looking for a fun-filled day with the family? Look no further than Knott's Berry Farm! Spanning over 160 acres, this amusement park offers thrilling roller coasters, shows, and attractions for all ages. What started as a humble berry stand in the 1920s grew into a world-renowned park visited by millions of people each year. Don't forget to try Mrs. Knott's famous fried chicken while you're there!
Interesting fact: Knott's Berry Farm's oldest roller coaster, GhostRider, was constructed using entirely wooden materials.
2. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is a stunning art museum located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Visitors can enjoy a vast collection of art, architecture, gardens, and breathtaking views of LA. Its iconic architecture, with its white marble buildings and fountains, is a feast for the eyes. The museum is free to enter, but parking fees apply.
Interesting fact: The Getty Center's Central Garden has a maze-like design and is filled with over 500 varieties of plants.
3. The Queen Mary
Take a step back in time and explore the legendary Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned hotel that sailed the seas from 1936 to 1967. Visitors can take guided tours of the ship, dine in its restaurants, or even stay overnight in one of its themed staterooms. The Queen Mary is moored in Long Beach and provides stunning views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean.
Interesting fact: During World War II, the Queen Mary was re-purposed as a troop transport, with the ability to transport 16,683 troops at a time.
4. The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is a mecca for book lovers located in the heart of downtown LA. This indie bookstore features two stories of new and used books, vinyl, and artwork. Its dazzling architectural features, such as soaring columns and an enchanting book labyrinth made of old bookcases, make it a perfect spot for photoshoots. You can easily lose hours exploring the store's nooks and crannies.
Interesting fact: The Last Bookstore first opened its doors in 2005 in a downtown LA's abandoned bank building, known as the Crocker Bank Building.
5. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a bohemian community known for its lively boardwalk, street performers, and funky beach vibe. It is home to Muscle Beach, where weightlifting legends have trained since the 1950s. Visitors can rent bikes, scooters, or skateboards to explore the picturesque canals created over a century ago to resemble Venice, Italy. Don't forget to grab a street taco or churro from the beachside vendors!
Interesting fact: The Venice Canal Historic District consists of 16 canal-lined blocks designed by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905.
Conclusion
This road trip offers a combination of adventure, history, and culture. From a day spent screaming your lungs out at Knott's Berry Farm to exploring the awe-inspiring central garden at The Getty Center, this trip guarantees excitement and memories that will last a lifetime. Other notable stops along the way include Fullerton Arboretum, Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, and Universal Studios Hollywood. The distance between Buena Park and Culver City is roughly 38 miles, with the halfway point being located at Paramount City, CA. The trip can take anywhere from 45 min to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Plan ahead, pack snacks and enjoy the ride to these dynamic and interesting cities!