10 Things To Do In Anaheim

Anaheim—A Playground for Beaches, Hidden Gems, Thrills, And Adventure-Packed Rides!

Anaheim: a sunny Southern California city, just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of Orange County and the busy streets of Los Angeles. It’s a city where dreams come true, adventures never end and yes, there’s more to do than just Disneyland (but let’s be real, we all know that’s a big one). Whether you’re a thrill seeker, foodie, or just here for good old-fashioned fun in the sun, Anaheim has something for everyone. But how do you even begin to tackle all the awesomeness this city offers? Fear not! We’ve got you covered with the ultimate list of 10 things to do in Anaheim—and we promise, it’s not all about Mickey Mouse.  You can enjoy everything, from the magical kingdom of Disneyland Resort to the mind-blowing rides at Knott’s Berry Farm and some tasty bites at the Anaheim Packing District. So, pack your sunscreen and your sense of adventure—Anaheim is waiting!

Every child's heart races at the mere mention of Disneyland, where dreams sparkle to life among enchanting attractions and magical adventures await at every turn. Disneyland constructed in the mid-19^th century by Walt Disney is home to eight distinct themed zones that are packed with live music, costumed characters, thrilling amusement rides, and lively street parades. Adrenaline junkies may enjoy the exciting rides at the Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, or Space Mountain while young children can explore the magic of Sleeping Beauty Castle and meet their beloved Disney princesses! An entire day of adventure and magic may foster an appetite. Worry not as Disneyland features approximately 40 dining and snacking options. Visit Carnation Café for a serving of Mickey-themed waffles, and savor a Dole whip or sundae at Tiki Room or Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor for a cool treat!

Oak Canyon Nature Center is a beautiful destination for family bonding and outdoor adventures! It is a 234,700-square-meter wildlife sanctuary that features expansive trails and three grand canyons that are appropriate for both jogging and hiking. The sanctuary houses a selection of plants, comprising California live oak, California buckwheat, and western poison oak. During summers, families can participate in the Discover Nature Family Program, a 60-minute-long weekend trekking program through the Oak Canyon Nature Center. The cost-effective family tickets allow you to witness live animal displays by the Park’s wildlife expert. Other activities include archery, geocaching, and nature tours.

Universal Studios Hollywood: a theme park and movie magic factory in the San Fernando Valley. Lights camera fun! It all started in 1964 when the first Universal Studios theme park was constructed on 415 acres of land featuring endless attractions and rides. Today, the park welcomes around 9 million visitors every year! At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can enjoy movie-inspired attractions like the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster, enthused by Harry Potter. Don’t miss the studio tour, a 45-60 minute tram ride that takes you through the back-camera scenes and filming region and demonstrates how Hollywood magic is made. Hungry? No problem! The park has many themed restaurants from Despicable Delights Restaurant serving Despicable Me snacks to Duff Brewery Beer Garden serving great drinks, the dining scene has something for every type of foodie!

Founded in 1993 by The Walt Disney Company, The Anaheim Ducks is the country's ice hockey squad formed after the success of The Mighty Ducks; a film released in 1992. Head to East Katella or Honda Center and witness an enthralling hockey match! Get ready to jump out of your seat and join the crowd roaring with excitement! The NHL season runs between October and April, with the team's games drawing up to 17,000 fans to its amphitheater-themed arena.

Adventure City, situated on the famous South Beach Boulevard, is known to be among the most notable theme parks in Anaheim. Spanning back to the late 19^th century, the park is home to live shows, 15 motif-based rides, and endless activities for tourists of all age types. The main highlight of the park is a classic carousel featuring 20 wood-made benches and horses. Young kids aged 4 or above can ascend the 7-meter-high rock tower, while toddlers or animal lovers can play with chickens, sheep, and rabbits at the animal farm.

With over 150 stores, Desert Hills Premium Outlets on Seminole Drive features an assortment of jewelry, clothing, cosmetics, sportswear, and bags/purses from top designers and brands. Since everything is off-season, you’ll get amazing deals on luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Kate Spade; don’t miss them! Desert Hills Premium Outlets is an open-air mall with amazing mountain views.

Throughout the year, the City National Grove of Anaheim, a cozy 1,700-seat venue, has welcomed a diverse range of performances, conferences, expos, elegant galas, and comedy shows. The City National Grove of Anaheim provides a 3-course meal and entertainment package for some specific concerts, however, the package comes with an additional fee! Another option is the City National Bank Crystal Package which comes with VIP parking, Tier 1 elite seats, and admission to an opulent lounge.

One of the best Anaheim attractions is Huntington Beach! Huntington Beach is an easy day trip from Anaheim, 21 miles south. Surfers frequently visit the beach, but you can also snorkel, swim, and sunbathe on the sand. The highlight of the beach is the 563-foot pier, which offers beautiful views of the ocean and is perfect for a stroll and Instagram-worthy photos. Located 30 minutes from downtown Anaheim, it’s a great place to chill and take in some sun’s warmth. Surfers can check out an International Surfing Museum to learn about the sport’s history and famous surfers. The beach is close to restaurants like Watertable and Pacific Hideaway, so you can savor a great meal while lounging near the shores!

Anaheim boasts an incredible craft beer culture that caters to all tastes, whether you prefer a deep stout or a light lager. While it's tough to choose just one standout brewery, a few truly shine.

Brewheim is celebrated for its commitment to crafting premium beers with fruity notes, making them perfect for summer sipping. For a unique experience, Unsung Brewing Company embraces a thrilling superhero theme, offering a distinguished and intimate selection of IPAs, hybrids, and lagers. Meanwhile, Brewery X not only delivers a diverse range of beer styles but also fosters community engagement through live music, yoga classes, movie nights, and even blood drives.

No matter what your preference is, Anaheim’s craft beer scene promises something exceptional for everyone.

In addition to a farmer's park, the Anaheim Packing District has 3 buildings with a range of eateries, cafés, brewing facilities, and wine bars. The Anaheim Packing House is located here; it was originally a two-story citrus packing facility in 1925. Even while the structure still exists as a reminder of its past, it is now an elegant food hall featuring 20 different cuisines, including French, Italian, Vietnamese, and Indian. On weekends, the place features lively musical performances from which music lovers can get entertained!

In a nutshell, from world-class theme parks to vibrant local attractions, Anaheim is packed with excitement for all ages. Discover the fun things to do in Anaheim and make your visit truly memorable!