Knott’s Soak City
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is a 15-acre water adventure park that is separate from Knott’s Berry Farm. Shore Break, which features six different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge; the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wavepool; a one-thirdmile Sunset River; and the threestory Beach House, which features 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers, and other interactive surprises. Soak City is open from mid-May to early September.
History
Knott’s Berry Farm has been attracting visitors from all over the world for nearly a century. Mrs. Knott’s iconic fried chicken dinners, boysenberries, and an Old West Ghost Town helped turn what began as a tiny family farm into a world recognized destination. The once-small family farm has now developed into today’s 160-acre family entertainment destination. At Knott’s Berry Farm, fun is always in season! Knott’s has something for everyone with dozens of rides, shows, and attractions spread throughout four themed sections. Splash down the Timber Mountain Log Ride, which has been updated with new scenery, thrills, and special effects. The new Boardwalk area features rides and activities suitable for the entire family. Stroll around the streets of the Old West Ghost Town® and meet its numerous people – but beware of bandits! The PEANUTS Gang’s Camp Snoopy will round out your day with pint-sized adventures in a high sierra environment.
The Knott’s Soak City name was previously used for two additional Southern California water parks, which were later sold to SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and CNL Lifestyle Properties.
On June 17, 2000, the chain’s first water park, Soak City U.S.A., opened in Buena Park under the moniker Soak City. It is 13 acres (5.3 hectares) in size and is located east of Knott’s Berry Farm, between the Knott’s main parking lot and the Independence Hall replica.
Locations of former Knott’s Soak City
San Diego
Chula Vista was home to the chain’s third water park. It first opened in 1997 as White Water Canyon. Cedar Fair announced the sale of its San Diego Soak City park to SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment on November 20, 2012. On June 1, 2013, the park reopened as Aquatica San Diego.
It was revealed in late 2019 that the park would be re-themed as Sesame Place San Diego for the 2021 season. Aquatica San Diego will close for the final time on September 12, 2021, with Sesame Place San Diego debuting in March 2022.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs hosted the chain’s second water park. It began in 1986 as Oasis Water Park; it was purchased by Cedar Fair and operated as Knott’s Berry Farm from 2002 to 2013. Cedar Fair announced the sale of Palm Springs Soak City to CNL Lifestyle Properties on August 14, 2013. The park was permitted to continue operating under the Soak City moniker until the end of the 2013 season. The park was run by CNL Lifestyle Properties as Wet’n’Wild Palm Springs until 2018, when it was sold again to Pono Acquisition Partners I, LLC. The park was closed in 2019 and demolition began for the Palm Springs Surf Club, which was supposed to open in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
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