Knott's Berry Farm is located in Buena Park, south of downtown Los Angeles. Six Flags Magic Mountain is north of Los Angeles, in Valencia. Knott's Berry Farm is slightly closer to the city center. However, vacationers can make either park an accessory to a Los Angeles vacation.
Knott's Berry Farm is owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment, a company that runs 11 amusement parks and six water parks, at the time of publication. Its history dates back to 1920, when 20 acres of what is now park land was first farmed by Walter and Cordelia Knott. Walter is known for popularizing the boysenberry, a cross of a loganberry, a red raspberry and a blackberry. The theme park was originally developed in 1940 as an old West-themed attraction tied to Cordelia's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. The park gradually added more themed areas and rides over time. It was family-owned until 1997.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corp., a company that runs 19 amusement parks within the United States, Canada and Mexico. Its history dates back to 1961 when founder Angus Wynne opened Six Flags Over Texas. Six Flags has a licensing agreement with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, so visitors to Six Flags see costumes, rides and other park amusements in the theme of their characters, superheroes and stories. Six Flags Magic Mountain opened in 1971.
Knott's Berry Farm has nine roller coasters. Six Flags Magic Mountain has 15 roller coasters. Knott's Berry Farm has five additional thrill rides, including giant swings and rides that drop and flip its riders. Six Flags Magic Mountain has one additional thrill ride called Dive Devil, described as sky diving without a parachute. Overall, Knott's Berry Farm has 39 rides and Six Flags has 41 rides, at the time of publication. Both parks have rides suitable for both small children and adults, but Knott's Berry Farm has more rides targeted to families. Six Flags Magic Mountain has more roller coasters for brave teenagers and adults.
Knott's Berry Farm is also a product name for jellies and other goods originating from the family company. These goods can be purchased at the park or online. Knott's Berry Farm is associated with its resort hotel, adjacent to the park. The Knott's name is also applied to three area parks: Knott's Soak City Orange County, San Diego and Palm Springs.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is also not alone. Also within range of Los Angeles is Six Flags Hurricane Habor, a water park with a total of 13 wet rides, slides and pools.
