The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Buena Park to Hemet
Are you planning a road trip from Buena Park to Hemet, California? There are many options to keep you entertained along the way, including amusement parks, museums and scenic routes. One of the highlights of the trip is reaching the halfway point, Riverside, CA, where you will find a bustling city with plenty of things to do. Here are the top five places you should visit on your trip:
Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)
If you want a taste of history along with your thrill rides, head to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. This amusement park dates back to 1920 when Walter Knott began selling berries and pies from a roadside stand. Today, it boasts over 165 rides, including roller coasters, water rides and themed attractions. Visitors can also explore the onsite Ghost Town, filled with historic buildings and period actors. If you're looking for some serious thrills, try the park's newest addition, HangTime, the first and only dive coaster in California.
Interesting Fact: Knott's Berry Farm is home to the oldest major wooden roller coaster in operation, the GhostRider, which opened in 1998.
March Field Air Museum (Riverside, CA)
History buffs shouldn't miss the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, CA, which houses an extensive collection of military aircraft and artifacts, dating back to the early days of aviation. Visitors can see everything from vintage biplanes to modern jets, including a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell and a F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. The museum also features exhibits on the Tuskegee Airmen, the role of women in aviation and the development of space technology.
Interesting Fact: The March Field Air Museum is named after March Field, which was originally established in 1918 as a training facility for pilots during World War I.
Idyllwild Nature Center (Idyllwild, CA)
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Idyllwild Nature Center in Idyllwild, CA, is the perfect place to unwind. Visitors can explore over 25 miles of hiking trails, including access to the San Jacinto Wilderness, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range. The nature center also features exhibits on the local wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions and bobcats.
Interesting Fact: The Idyllwild Nature Center was originally established in 1946 as a camp for underprivileged children before it was turned into a nature center in the 1970s.
Cabazon Dinosaurs (Cabazon, CA)
Jurassic Park fans won't want to miss the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon, CA, which features two massive dinosaur sculptures visible from miles away. Visitors can climb inside and explore the 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex or visit the smaller Brontosaurus. The Cabazon Dinosaurs also feature a gift shop and a museum dedicated to creationism.
Interesting Fact: The larger of the two Cabazon Dinosaur sculptures, the T-Rex, was featured in the opening sequence of the film "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Hemet Maze Stone (Hemet, CA)
The Hemet Maze Stone in Hemet, CA, is a mysterious rock carving dating back over 500 years. The maze-like design features 72 turns and has been the subject of much debate and speculation among archaeologists and historians. Visitors can check out the carving and the surrounding area, which is also home to several ancient petroglyphs.
Interesting Fact: The Hemet Maze Stone is known to be one of the most complex examples of rock art in the world.
After visiting these top five attractions, you will feel like you've had an adventure of a lifetime. The road trip from Buena Park to Hemet takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic. One thing is for sure, you won't be bored along the way. So, pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable journey!