Located in sunny Orange County just south of Los Angeles, the city of Anaheim offers world-class theme park attractions, sports stadiums, concert venues, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Known as the home of Disneyland Resort, Anaheim also contains a fascinating mix of cultural museums, performing arts centers, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation.
| Attraction Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Disneyland Resort | Two world-famous theme parks with over 60 rides and attractions for all ages. |
| Angel Stadium | Home to the Los Angeles Angels, offering baseball games, family-friendly atmosphere. |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | Features world-class rollercoasters, family rides, and seasonal events for all ages. |
| Oak Canyon and Irvine Regional Parks | Nearby natural parks with hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and outdoor activities. |
| Chef-Driven Restaurants | A growing food scene with artisanal food vendors and diverse culinary experiences. |
| Anaheim Museum Trail | Cultural stops with fine art exhibitions, historical displays, and local insights. |
| Honda Center | Hosts concerts, NHL games, and entertainment events in a superior acoustics arena. |
| Fly High Trampoline Park | Indoor playground with trampolines, aerial obstacles, and fun for kids and parents. |
| Outlets at Orange | Shopping plaza with premium brands, fashion, home furnishings, and dining options. |
| Adventure Landing Family Fun Center | Family-friendly fun center with arcade games, thrill rides, and attractions. |
With its close proximity to major Southern California destinations, Anaheim makes an excellent home base with plenty of family-friendly lodging options. Its sunny climate delivers ideal weather year-round to enjoy all that “The Heart of Orange County” has to offer visitors. Whether you’re a Mickey Mouse fan, sports enthusiast, thrill seeker, foodie, or art lover, Anaheim’s diverse collection of attractions guarantee memorable adventures.
Here are the 12 top attractions to see on a visit to Anaheim:
Experience the Magic of Disneyland Resort
Name and Location: Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, California, is a world-renowned theme park and resort complex.
History and Significance: Opened in 1955 by Walt Disney himself, Disneyland is often referred to as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” It was the first Disney theme park and has since become a cultural icon.
What to Expect: Visitors can expect a magical experience with themed areas like Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The resort includes Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney.
Visitor Information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the park. It’s advisable to check the website for opening hours, as they vary seasonally. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options.
No trip to Anaheim is complete without a visit to Disneyland Resort, featuring two world-famous theme parks surrounded by three hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Disneyland Park provides magical immersion with over 60 rides and attractions across fanciful themed lands like Adventureland and Fantasyland. Meanwhile, neighboring Disney California Adventure celebrates the Golden State with lands devoted to Hollywood movies or boardwalk amusement parks. Popular rides like Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Radiator Springs Racers exemplify Disney imagination and ingenuity that has captivated families worldwide since 1955.
Watch Your Favorite Baseball Team at Angel Stadium
Name and Location: Angel Stadium, located in Anaheim, California, is the home of the Los Angeles Angels Major League Baseball team.
History and Significance: Opened in 1966, Angel Stadium is the fourth oldest active MLB stadium. It has hosted several All-Star Games and World Series.
What to Expect: Expect an electrifying atmosphere during baseball games, with state-of-the-art facilities, fan shops, and a variety of food and beverage options.
Visitor Information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the stadium. Guided tours are available on non-game days. Parking is ample, but it’s recommended to arrive early on game days.
Home to the Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium hosts 81 major league baseball games every season from April through September. This 45,000 seat stadium features a family-friendly atmosphere with amusement activities for kids at the Build-A-Bear Workshop and designated breastfeeding suites for nursing mothers. Fans flock for cheap concession deals like helmet sundaes and $4 craft beers. With fireworks shows, giveaways and special events scheduled often, Angel Stadium viewing delivers all-American entertainment under the shining Anaheim sun.
Find Your Adrenaline Rush at Knott’s Berry Farm
Name and Location: Knott’s Berry Farm is located in Buena Park, California, and is one of the most popular theme parks in the United States.
History and Significance: Originally a berry farm and roadside attraction, it evolved into a theme park in the 1940s. It’s known for its family-friendly attractions and thrilling roller coasters.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, from high-speed roller coasters to historical recreations in Ghost Town. The park also features water rides, shows, and seasonal events.
Visitor Information: Open year-round with varying hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Accommodations are available nearby, and parking is plentiful.
Knott’s Berry Farm offers world-class rollercoasters, family rides and live entertainment options spread across 160 acres. Their highlight attraction includesGhostRider, one of the longest and tallest wooden rollercoasters offering daring drops, banked turns, and airtime thrills on its elevated orange track. Younger kids love roaming the Peanuts Trail to meet Snoopy characters. With seasonal events from a Summer Nights street party to creepy Knott’s Scary Farm at Halloween, this historic theme park provides affordable fun all year.
Explore Nature at Oak Canyon and Irvine Regional Parks
Name and Location: Oak Canyon and Irvine Regional Parks are located in Orange County, California, offering natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
History and Significance: These parks are part of the Orange County Parks system, established to preserve the natural beauty of the region and provide recreational spaces for the community.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing. Irvine Park is also home to the Orange County Zoo and a scenic train ride.
Visitor Information: Both parks are open daily. There may be a parking fee, and some activities could require additional fees. Check the parks’ websites for specific information on hours and amenities.
Just minutes from Anaheim are several scenic parks offering family fun outdoor activities to balance theme park excitement. Oak Canyon Nature Center’s six miles of trails traverse a wild canyon with 60-foot waterfalls, an emerald swimming hole, and habitat for bobcats, coyotes, mule deer and 190 species of birds. Irvine Regional Park contains fishing lakes, paddleboat rentals, a petting zoo, historic railroad, and bike rentals inside its 475 acres of grassy picnic grounds framed by scenic woodlands and hills. Enjoy a picnic while watching a youth soccer game or rent a kayak with relaxing lake paddling options as well.
Dine at Chef-Driven Restaurants
Name and Location: Chef-driven restaurants are located throughout the major cities in Orange County, including Anaheim, Irvine, and Newport Beach.
History and Significance: These restaurants reflect the culinary evolution of the area, showcasing innovative dishes by renowned chefs. They often emphasize local ingredients and creative cuisine.
What to Expect: Expect a diverse range of cuisines, from contemporary American to fusion and international. These restaurants often offer a unique dining experience with personalized menus and exceptional service.
Visitor Information: Reservations are recommended, especially for high-end restaurants. Check individual restaurant websites for hours, dress codes, and menu options.
Complementing its high-profile resorts and attractions, Anaheim contains an exploding foodie scene with new chef-driven restaurants multiplying rapidly. Visit the Anaheim Packing District featuring over 20 artisanal food vendors inside a converted three-story former citrus packing house. Brewery X offers fine craft beers plus an innovative menu of pub fare created by Michelin-starred Chef Gabriela Cámara. And Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill delivers the celebrity chef’s contemporary cuisine using fresh regional ingredients in a sleek modern downtown setting. Anaheim’s culinary diversity today rivals leading food destinations in flavor and creativity.
Appreciate Local Art and History
Name and Location: Art and history museums are scattered across Orange County, including the Bowers Museum, the Orange County Museum of Art, and local galleries.
History and Significance: These cultural institutions play a crucial role in preserving the region’s artistic heritage and promoting contemporary artists.
What to Expect: Visitors can expect collections ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art, along with temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events.
Visitor Information: Most museums and galleries charge an admission fee, with free days or discounted rates available. Check their websites for hours, current exhibitions, and event schedules.
Beyond tourist attractions, Anaheim Museum Trail links cultural stops revealing treasures of the city and California history itself. The expansive Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center complex contains rotating fine art exhibitions alongside Ansel Adams photography displays and a 1930s main street recreation. Just up the road lies the Carnegie Museum dedicated to local school memorabilia within a century-old library. Get insight into Anaheim’s agricultural roots at Founder’s Park historic orange grove and 19th century German cottages inside its Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preserve.
See Concerts at Honda Center
Name and Location: The Honda Center is located in Anaheim, California, and is a premier venue for concerts, sports events, and entertainment.
History and Significance: Opened in 1993, it is home to the Anaheim Ducks NHL team and hosts numerous high-profile events, from concerts to ice shows.
What to Expect: Expect a state-of-the-art arena with a seating capacity of over 17,000, offering a wide array of entertainment options, including top music artists, family shows, and sporting events.
Visitor Information: Tickets for events can be purchased online or at the box office. Parking is available on-site, and there are numerous dining options within and around the arena.
From Taylor Swift and Elton John to professional bull riding events, the 19,000 seat capacity Honda Center arena packs superstar concerts, NHL hockey games, and headline entertainment regularly. Designed with superior acoustics and comfortable seating even in the rafters, Honda Center makes every show an immersive experience. Their lively L.A. LIVE District containing dozens of bars and restaurants stays active on event nights with music and dancing for Victoria’s Secret fashion shows, Disney on Ice performances or UFC championships broadcast on their outdoor viewing screens. Every guest finds an electrifying experience worth remembering at Anaheim’s state-of-the-art arena.
Fly High Trampoline Park
Name and Location: Fly High Trampoline Park is located in Orange County, California, offering an indoor, high-energy trampoline experience.
History and Significance: Trampoline parks have gained popularity as family entertainment centers offering a fun and active way to exercise. Fly High is part of this growing trend, known for its quality facilities and safety standards.
What to Expect: Visitors can expect a variety of trampoline activities including open jump areas, dodgeball, basketball dunking lanes, and foam pits. The park is suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Visitor Information: Open daily with specific hours for different age groups. Waivers are required for all participants. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. Check their website for pricing and special event information.
For kids bouncing off the walls with energy, Fly High Trampoline Park lets them literally bounce off trampoline surfaces dunking balls and climbing aerial obstacles across connected parkour courses up to 10,000 square feet. Kids under six have their own dedicated courts for safety while older participants play trampoline dodgeball tournaments or experiment with trick moves into foam pits. For parents, comfortable couches line the courts for watching aerial acrobatics unfold across a sea of trampolines. Burning boundless energy has never been more fun than a day spent leaping wildly at this inventive indoor playground.
Relax at the Outlets at Orange
Name and Location: The Outlets at Orange is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex located in Orange, California.
History and Significance: As a major shopping destination in Orange County, the Outlets at Orange offers a unique shopping experience with a mix of retail stores, dining, and entertainment options.
What to Expect: Shoppers can expect a wide array of stores ranging from high-end brands to discount outlets. The complex also features a movie theater, bowling alley, and numerous dining options.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Parking is extensive and free. It’s a popular destination, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly. Check their website for store listings, hours, and special events.
When you need some retail therapy after theme park exploring, The Outlets at Orange retail plaza features premium brands at discounted prices that shoppers adore. With stores like Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Burberry, Restoration Hardware, and H&M, this open-air shopping destination tempts with diverse fashion, home furnishings, and accessory outlets sure to inspire. Refuel with a coffee break along the central green space or enjoy casual dining options from gourmet food trucks, Mexican cantinas, or gastropubs with refreshing craft brews. One visit usually stretches for hours once the shopping momentum kicks in.
Adventure Landing Family Fun Center
Name and Location: Adventure Landing Family Fun Center is a popular amusement center located in Orange County, known for its family-friendly attractions.
History and Significance: Adventure Landing has been a staple in family entertainment for many years, offering a range of activities that cater to both children and adults.
What to Expect: The center features mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, batting cages, and an arcade. It’s a perfect place for family outings, birthday parties, and group events.
Visitor Information: Open daily with varying hours based on the season. Pricing varies by activity, with package deals available. Check their website for detailed information and any height or age restrictions.
Treat the kids to unlimited video arcade games and thrill rides galore at Adventure Landing family fun center conveniently located across Harbor Boulevard from Disneyland Resort. Race your family on three-level go-kart tracks, putt-putt through explorers’ caves, and challenge laser tag opponents with tactical indoor play. Beyond thrilling attractions like rock climbing walls, Adventure Landing’s arcade overflows with the latest immersive multiplayer virtual reality games and classic ticket redemption machines loved for their prize selection. Fun for all ages persists long after the sun dips below the horizon on warm Anaheim evenings.
Conclusion
With blockbuster attractions operated by Disney and major sports franchises coupled with emerging chef-driven dining and local museums, Anaheim tops the list of California’s can’t-miss destinations. Sharing the endless sunshine with Los Angeles beaches yet away from big-city bustle, Anaheim’s laidback vibe offers the best of Southern California flourishes from orange groves surrounding Angel Stadium to rosé wine paired with farm-to-fork cuisine. Boasting over 150 family-friendly lodging options, Anaheim invites lingering inside its immigrant heritage and treasures just waiting to be uncovered across this diverse city.