Anaheim is one of those rare places where it’s almost impossible to keep from grinning from dawn ‘til dusk. With two Disney Theme Parks – Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park – and an energetic entertainment, dining and shopping district, Anaheim is one of the favourite holiday destinations on the West Coast.
For a taste of Americana, be sure to take in a baseball or hockey game, but be warned, even here the happiness is infectious – where else but Anaheim could an ice hockey team called the Mighty Ducks be taken seriously!? If sports aren’t your thing, get lost at the outlets at Orange – a giant shopping and entertainment complex that’s guaranteed to keep that smile in place a little longer or cruise out to Huntington, Newport and Laguna Beaches for that Californian beach vibe.
Whatever your adventure, your holiday is a guaranteed success with our top things to do in Anaheim, California.
Pick n’ mix of fabulous flavours
Because taste buds aren’t content with anything less than exceptional, Anaheim has upped the ante with Anaheim Packing District. This once abandoned warehouse is now a multi-storey food emporium, packed with low-key food stalls, swanky establishments and the artisanal BXCR wine bar. Our favourite eateries include soul food at Georgia’s, Japanese crepe stuffed with Fruity Pebbles at The Kroft and Adya Indian street food. Followed by (or preceded by) a tasty tipple at Anaheim Brewery, located inside the Packard Building just next door.
Image credit: Visit Anaheim
You look like you need a beer
There's nothing better than an ice-cold beer, and with almost two dozen craft breweries freckling the city, the sip of elixir is never far away. The Tasting Room at Legends Craft Brewery is open daily, with handcrafted, all-natural sodas for those abstaining. Anaheim Brewery has a large, sun-drenched beer garden, and OC Brewhouse pours its signature -1.6°C blend from a specialised Blizzard Beer System. But that’s just the beginning. In Anaheim, there’s always someone ready to pour you a cold one.
Image credit: Visit Anaheim
Life’s a beach
Anaheim’s beaches are everything you’d expect from Orange County – long stretches of golden sand, surfers, volleyball and roller skaters. Newport has a strong community vibe and plenty of delicious seafood restaurants: white fish tacos come as standard, as do the surfers straight out of the sea. Huntington is super laid-back but chic too, while Laguna’s Atlantic-thrashed sands are framed by dramatic cliffside. Perfect for revitalising beach walks.
Shop a little, shop a lot
Retail therapy is an Anaheim speciality, so save some space in your suitcase. Bargain hunters enjoy The Outlets at Orange, home to more than 120 discount stores, as well as cinemas, casual dining and a Vans Skate Park for non-shopaholics. Daytrips to the Citadel Outlets will save shoppers up to 70% on top brand-names, while those after high-end designers enjoy South Coast Plaza. New Gucci handbag here we come!
Disneyland Resort in California. Where magic makes memories.
A must is the Pixar Pier featuring four Pixar themed neighbourhoods. To help with excitable kids, the Disney FASTPASS Service reduces wait times at major attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! This epic ride boasts six different randomised adventures on its ascent and is one of our favourites. Don’t miss World of Color, a 25-minute show featuring unforgettable Disney scenes, it’s streamed at night across an enormous water screen. You’re guaranteed a magical Disney experience.
Image credit: Visit Anaheim
Big smiles for small faces
If you have children of various ages, a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm will suit everyone. With fun rides of different intensities, roller coasters and water rides, it’s suitable for toddlers through to teens. Kids also love the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament at Buena Park. Six knights compete in sword fights and jousting, aiming to please both the 1000-strong audience, and the resident King and Queen. There’s also a four-course banquet, but be prepared to use your fingers – cutlery isn’t permitted when you’re dining medieval-style.
Catch on the American sports
In Anaheim you’ll find a passion for both Angels Baseball® and Anaheim Ducks®, the resident ice-hockey team. You cannot beat the excitement of watching either team play, but we always recommend catching a game at the Angel’s home ground, the historic Angel Stadium of Anaheim. You can even take a 75-minute tour, for behind-the-scenes insight into this all-American game.
