Buena Park, CA (March 2025) – The City of Buena Park has been named one of just 40 finalists in Parade's nationwide search for America's Favorite Small Town, a prestigious recognition highlighting the charm, culture, and community spirit of destinations across the United States. Notably, Buena Park is one of only three cities in California to earn a spot on this year's finalist list.

After months of nationwide participation and hundreds of thousands of votes, Parade—one of the country's most iconic national media brands for over 85 years—alongside Steller, announced the finalists as part of a campaign celebrating communities with populations under 250,000. Finalists represent a diverse cross-section of the country—from coastal gems to historic towns—and were selected based on compelling storytelling, community pride, and strong public support.

A Story Rooted in Flavor, Family, and Fun
Buena Park's story is as sweet as the berry that made it famous. From Walter and Cordelia Knott's humble roadside farm and the invention of the boysenberry to the creation of Knott's Berry Farm theme park, the city has grown into a destination packed with family fun. Today, visitors can savor boysenberry-inspired treats, splash around at Knott's Soak City, enjoy three interactive dinners shows, explore Koreatown and award-winning dining, create a custom perfume, dig for fossils and step back in time in the Historic District—all in one playful city.

National Spotlight and What's Next
Each finalist will be featured in Parade's upcoming “Favorite Small Towns in America” special print issue, as well as across digital and social platforms. Regional winners will be announced on June 1, 2026, with the national winner crowned on June 12, 2026. To view the full list of finalists, visit: https://americasfavoritesmalltowns.parade.com/

ABOUT VISIT BUENA PARK
Buena Park —where the boysenberry was born and fun took root—is Southern California's most playful destination. Just minutes from Los Angeles, Disneyland Parks, sporting venues and beaches, Buena Park blends its rich history with world-class experiences, from Knott's Berry Farm theme park and Knott's Soak City water park to immersive dinner shows like Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Pirates Dinner Adventure and Beach Boulevard Club. A rising culinary destination, the city features a vibrant Koreatown, award-winning dining including Porto's Bakery & Cafe, Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner, The Cauldron and Michelin-recognized ramen. Visit Buena Park is the official destination marketing organization, inspiring visitors with the city's signature mix of flavor, fun, and over a dozen cozy wallet-friendly hotels. Learn more about SoCal's Fun City at www.visitbuenapark.com.