Knott's Soak City Water Park

Located in the heart of Buena Park, California, just steps from the famous Knott's Berry Farm amusement park, Knott's Soak City Water Park spans approximately 15 acres (approximately 6 hectares) and offers a refreshing aquatic escape for the whole family. This water park, steeped in a relaxed atmosphere inspired by the Southern California beach towns of the 1950s, is the ideal place to escape the summer heat and indulge in hours of aquatic fun. Whether you're looking for thrills on dizzying slides or prefer to relax in a lazy river, Knott's Soak City promises a memorable day.

History and Development: From Soak City U.S.A. to the Current Oasis

The history of Knott's Soak City in Buena Park began on June 17, 2000, when it opened as Soak City U.S.A. Designed as a summer complement to its neighbor, Knott's Berry Farm theme park, it quickly found its place among the popular aquatic destinations in the region. Managed by Cedar Fair Entertainment Corporation, the park has undergone several phases of expansion and renovation to continue to offer new and exciting experiences. Notably, in 2017, the park benefited from a major transformation with the addition of two new slide towers, Shore Break and The Wedge, significantly enriching its offering of thrill rides. Although there were other Soak City parks in Southern California (Palm Springs and Chula Vista), these have since been sold or renamed, making the Buena Park site the main heir to the Knott's Soak City brand, continuing to embody the playful and sunny spirit of California.

A Range of Attractions for All Tastes

Knott's Soak City prides itself on offering more than 23 varied water slides, ranging from high-speed descents to more leisurely float rides, as well as several interactive water play areas. Among the must-sees, Shore Break stands out with its seven-story tower offering six different gliding experiences, including four capsule slides where the floor gives way under your feet for a thrilling vertical start. For a group adventure, The Wedge is a family raft slide that takes you on surprising turns and drops. Wave enthusiasts will head to Tidal Wave Bay, a huge wave pool with over 2.8 million liters, while those looking for relaxation can float on the Sunset River, one of the longest lazy rivers in the region. Younger guests are not left out with Gremmie Lagoon, a water play area specially designed for them. Other popular attractions include Banzai Falls, where you can race on mats, Old Man Falls for fast descents, and the three-level interactive play structure Beach House, equipped with water cannons and a huge bucket that pours hundreds of liters of water on visitors.

Tips for a Successful Visit to Knott's Soak City

To make the most of your day at Knott's Soak City, here are some helpful tips. First, be aware that the park is open seasonally, generally from mid-May to early September; always check the official calendar before your visit. Admission to Soak City is separate from that of Knott's Berry Farm and requires a separate ticket. To avoid crowds, opt for a visit in the middle of the week (Tuesday to Thursday) and preferably arrive as soon as it opens. Prepare your bag with the essentials: swimsuit, towel, high protection sunscreen, and water shoes to protect your feet from the heat of the ground (although they are not allowed on some slides). Consider bringing a reusable water bottle that you can refill at the park's fountains. For a more comfortable experience, especially on busy days, renting a private cabana can be an interesting option, offering shade, lounge chairs and sometimes food service. Familiarize yourself with the height and weight restrictions for each attraction to avoid disappointment. Finally, remember to hydrate regularly and take breaks in the shade to fully enjoy your day under the California sun.