Everyone in the world knows Disneyland. Most people in the US know Universal's. Coaster enthusiast know Six Flags Magic Mountain. Knott's Berry Farm is less well known than these other parks. That is why I like to think of it as the So Cal secret.Many of you know Disneyland claims to be the first theme park but Knott's claims to be America's first theme park. Knott's certainly did open before Disneyland. The only real question is if was an amusement park or a theme park then. It certainly had a wild west theme but is a single theme enough to qualify as a theme park. Actually I think it does since there are other parks that have one theme and call themselves theme parks. I think it would be better to say Disneyland is the first mute-themed theme park.Growing up in LA what I liked about Knott's was that it was in between Disneyland and Six Flags. When you get to be an older kid Disney loses some its of its magic. You gravitate toward the extreme thrills like you find at Six Flags. As you get older though you realize thrills and slower paced attractions have their place. Knott's offers a good mix of fun coasters and still offers some good old fashioned classic attractions.Since the Knott's family sold the park though the thrills part has been getting more and more emphasis. But they still have been giving love to some old classics like refurbishments of the Mine Train and Log Ride. They even put a new dark ride in place of Kingdom of the Dinosaurs.If Knott's is know for one thing outside of So Cal it is for Knott's Scary Farm. This is one time of the season that Knott's goes all in on the thrills. It is arguably the most popular and famous Halloween events in the country. It is so big it deserves its own article closer to Halloween.If Halloween is not your thing you may enjoy the Christmas season. The park is open to guests who are not going to the park but want a cheaper option to visit old town and see Santa. This is a So Cal tradition for many.The park has lost some of its charm over the years. There are many who are not happy with the direction it went after the Knott's family sold it. The park still holds up though. It still is a middle ground for thrills and simple fun.The older classics like the Mine Train and the Log Flume you still have to ride when you get in. Newer classics like Bigfoot and Montezuma's Revenge are also must rides. Even some of the newer roller coasters like Ghost Rider are becoming perennial favorites.The rides and events are not the only thing to bring you to the park. The food is great. The most famous being the chicken dinner and the berry juice.If you are not from So Cal I suggest you visit Knott's if you are visiting the area. It will give you a look into how the locals do theme parks on our own away from the international crowds. It also will be a fun time no matter what your age or ride interests.