Knott's Berry Farm

History: In 1920, Walter and Cordelia Knott arrived in Buena Park and rented a small acreage of farmland. From a roadside stand on the property, they popularized the boysenberry, propagated by Anaheim's "Rudy" Boysen. From these berry fields evolved the nation's oldest theme park.

Today: Knott's has grown and changed throughout the years, most recently adding GhostRider, billed as the tallest, longest wooden roller coaster in the western U.S. And for those who enjoy making their nightmares come true, there's Supreme Scream, which propels riders up 30 stories and then blasts them down at more than 50 miles per hour.

Knott's aims to offer something for everyone, dividing the park into a number of themed areas. Ghost Town offers a taste of the Wild West. There's the Spanish-themed Fiesta Village, with mariachis, games and food. The Boardwalk is jam-packed with amusements, games and shows such as "Snoopy on Ice". Wild Water Wilderness features Bigfoot Rapids and the "Mystery Lodge" show. Indian Trails celebrates the cultures and traditions of Native Americans. And there's Camp Snoopy, designed with rides and entertainment especially for younger children.